Burnice Cormier, Preacher Who Founded United Pentecostal Church in Bristol, Virginia, Dies at 87

Rev. Burnice Cormier, 87, of Blountville, died September 8, 2022, after a brief stay in the hospital. He was born December 2, 1934, in Lake Arthur, Louisiana, to the late Zepherin (ZN) and Rosa Cormier. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked as a roofer and ran Cormier & Sons Roofing in the Tri-Cities area.

His obituary describes him first as an Apostolic Pentecostal preacher. He was ordained with the United Pentecostal Church and was a charter member of the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship for many years. Early in his ministry he pastored briefly in Doucette, Texas, and he served in several churches over the years, including under Rev. Murray Burr in Port Arthur, Texas, and Rev. C. W. Shew in Oakdale, Louisiana.

In 1967 he moved from Texas to the Bristol area, where he founded a home-missions United Pentecostal Church in Bristol, Virginia, named Oneness Pentecostal Church of the Apostolic Faith. After retiring from active ministry, he became a member of Apostolic Faith Tabernacle in Bristol, Tennessee, where he served as an honorary trustee until his death. His family and congregation now remember a minister who served his church for decades, a picture of honoring those who led in the faith (Hebrews 13:7).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann Lassiter-Cormier, and by a son, grandson, brothers and a sister. He is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, a brother, three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at East Lawn Funeral Home, with a graveside service at 3 p.m. led by Pastor Tim D. Cormier. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park the same day. A memorial homegoing service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, 2143 Hwy 126, Bristol, Tennessee. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eastlawnkingsport.com.

Source: Read the original report