Pervin Sales Sr.

Pervin Sales was born September 5, 1934, in Coaldale, West Virginia. He is the son of the late Percy & Lillie Sales. Preceding his passing were his 5 siblings: Robert, Garfield (Betty), Lonnie (Pat), Lilly Bell (Edward) and Roberta. Pervin Sales was the fourth of the six children and the last living sibling before passing comfortably at his home surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 90 years old. He graduated from Tazewell County High School in Bluefield, and shortly thereafter he relocated to Dayton, OH. Two years later, he moved to Columbus, OH.

In Columbus Pervin was joined in Holy matrimony to Shirley Ann Callaway. From this union there were born 3 children: Pervin Recardo (PriScillia) Sales, Malcolm Eugene (Brenda) Sales, and Marinda Ann (James) Clayton. In Columbus, he joined the Refuge Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. RF Hairston, Sr. and shortly thereafter, he accepted his call into the Ministry. He was licensed, ordained and served as an associate minister at Refuge Baptist Church for many years. He attended an extension of Simmons University in Columbus, OH for two years. In 1969 he enrolled at Mount Vernon Nazarene Bible College and was the 1st Black to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During this time, he also served as a visiting minister to the various nursing homes throughout Columbus. Rev. Sales was a member of several of the Pastoral Associations and Alliances in Columbus.

Reverend Sales was blessed by God to organize and founded the New Genesis Baptist Church on May 3, 1978, at 1309 South James Road. The congregation eventually moved to the permanent location at 2128 Leonard Avenue, Columbus, OH in December 1995. With the blessings and help of 1st lady Shirley Sales, they grew and nurtured this church membership while raising their family. Pervin & Shirley Sales were married for 43 years until the untimely tragedy of her death on August 1, 2000.

During their marriage, Pervin & Shirley Sales were foster parents for many years to several young girls in need of a loving & supportive Christian home. Not only were they a blessing to the foster children, the foster children were a blessing to The Sales family.

Pervin was the proud Paw-Paw, to his grandchildren: Marcus & Marseania Sales, Malik, Khalil, Nehemiah & Ellis Clayton. He was a great grandfather to Ayanna and Maverick Sales. Pervin was also a bonus grandfather to Jeffrey (Taja) Haygood. He truly cherished his many nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family and friends.

Reverend Sales not only worked diligently in the church, but also maintained several civilian jobs. He worked in the maintenance department for the city of Dayton, OH. He worked at Buckeye Steel Castings in Columbus for several years. He also worked for the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Division. He retired from American Zinc Oxide, located on the North side of Columbus, after 27 years of service.

He loved competitive basketball and played for several years in the Industrial basketball leagues in the city. He loved to bowl, watch western movies, television shows, and listen to gospel music. He was probably the best cleaner of a car that you have probably ever seen. He hated dirty vehicles.

Pervin was able to travel extensively overseas as part of evangelical travels. He was in awe of being able to travel to Jerusalem with other pastors. He was a big cruise fan and wanted everyone to know that the Alaskan cruise was the best cruise ever.

Reverend Sales was a very dapper dresser, not so much for loud colors, but he was sharply conservative, loved suits, hats, and Stacy Adams dress shoes, matching tie & pocket squares had to be on point for him as well. He would lay out his church clothes 2 days in advance before church.

Pervin remarried Janette Thomas in July 2001. To this union she brought 5 bonus children: Willette (Nate) Crawford, Dana (Chris) Trower, Isaac, Ava (John) and Lena (Keith) Dodley, whom they called Pops along with her grandchildren. They enjoyed a loving life together for 20 years until her passing in 2021.

Reverend Pervin Sales was a great pastor, loving spouse & father, he was loved and respected by many people. He married people, baptized babies, counseled couples, and conducted funeral services for people while on earth. His goal was always to try to save souls and bring people to Jesus Christ. He was greatly loved and will be truly missed.

Reverend Pervin Sales departed this life on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the age of 90 what a blessing to his children. Services will take place on September 11, 2025 at 12 pm. Dr. Robert L. James-pastor of New Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ will be presiding. The family will receive friends from 11am to 12 pm until the time of service. Interment will be at Glen Rest Memorial Estate. Arrangements entrusted to Diel Whittaker Funeral Services.

To leave a message of condolence please visit his Guest Book.