God placed Gregory Body on this earth January 4, 1964 and gave him a heavenly transition to be with the ancestors on September 21, 2021.
After 57 years of service towards his family, friends, and community, Greg was accepted into a place of eternal peace. He lived a quiet life of humility with a humble spirit that was evident in every aspect of his life. Greg worked out his soul salvation as a devoted member of New Horizon International Church, and he served God and his fellow man through participation in worship and giving of his time and service to his community.
Greg Body made his parents John Melvin and Bernice Body proud by always caring for them and working to be self-sufficient. He obtained a high school diploma from his beloved Lanier High School (The 833 Class of 1982) and studied at ITT Technical Institute and Jackson State University. He was a member of the Sonic Boom of the South and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. After college, he joined the US Navy and retired from the US Postal Service.
Greg’s Masonic journey began in the Spring of 2008 at the J.I. Martin #701, P.H.A. of M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge in 2013. He became a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of Rissah Temple #130 A.E.A.N.O.M.S. and became an Associate Patron for Queen Makeda Chapter # 699.
Socially, Greg admired Corvette cars, and he and Anjanise George co-founded the S.H.I.E.L.D. Corvette Club of Mississippi in February 2020. They enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow automobile enthusiasts for several years. Greg and Anjanise served as treasurer and secretary within the S.H.I.E.L.D. Corvette Club of Mississippi, respectively. This duo hit the ground running with several community service projects partnering with Minister Nancy Gaynor and “Grandparents Do Matter.” According to George, “Greg had a passion for serving, and he exhibited his passion with a commitment to helping those who were less fortunate, especially the homeless and “Mississippi Move” where he helped with fundraising along with Mr. Mack Epps. Greg’s first thought was always to put others first and to give back with a selfless attitude.”
Greg was a board member of the Mississippi/Tennessee Corvette Traveling Club. Additionally, he loved to dance and was a member of the First-Class Steppers of Mississippi.
On January 26, 2020, God gave Greg the desire of his heart in the form of the lovely Carla M. Thomas who became his wife and help meet. This union was the highpoint of his adult life, Greg told everyone that Carla made his life worthwhile and complete. Greg’s father-in-law Matthew Thomas said, “Greg and I developed a good relationship within a short period of time. We learned how to be good in-laws. He was very respectable, and I enjoyed his company because we understood Carla was his wife and my daughter. We had a good understanding. Greg was good for my daughter, and it brings me joy to know that he expressed to others that he loved her. We will miss him.”
A Celebration of Life was held at the New Horizon International Church on Saturday, September 25, 2021. There, Body’s parents, wife Carla, sons, grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends proclaimed his homegoing. Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Sr. officiated the funeral services and offered the eulogy. Military honors were presented by members of the US Navy.
The Lakeover Memorial Funeral Home of Jackson, Mississippi was entrusted with the professional services. A donation to the Lupus Foundation of America is appreciated by the family of Gregory Body. For more information, visit https://www.lupus.org/.
