Mr. John Emerson Redding of South Bend, Indiana was born on October 10, 1951, to the union of John Henry Redding and Leila Augusta “Emerson” Redding. On Saturday, February 19, 2022, he was called home by the Lord.  John graduated from Central High School of South Bend. He was united in marriage to Sheila L. Redding in South Bend on August 5, 1989. He retired from IUSB in 2013 after 20 plus years of service.

John’s most prized possession was his children. To him, family was the most important thing in the world. He never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them, how proud he was of them, and how all we had was each other.  His favorite pastime was talking; it really didn’t matter to whom either. He never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone at any time: of the day or night; on the phone or in person. He enjoyed telling countless stories about his childhood and giving his version of advice.

John was a verbal competitor especially when it came to bowling, shooting pool, and playing cards. He was a crap talker, (which he passed down to many of his children).  He loved watching movies, listening to music, and being the DJ, but most importantly spending time with friends and family. He had exemplary style. When he dressed, he looked like he was ready for the Red Carpet or the cover of   GQ Magazine. He loved to dress and shop online.

John had a very personal relationship with God and more times than not his teachable moments with his children always circled back to that relationship. He inspired and encouraged many to be the best version of them self. He had a strong vision in the goals he had for his family and the bond they shared.  He would always say, “We can get through anything together.”

John leaves to cherish his loving memory, seven daughters; Carla Redding-Sciba (Jeffrey Sciba) of South Bend; Aliscia Jennings of GA, Taneshia Redding (Kanisha) of GA, Tanika Redding of NC, Jahanna Redding of  NC, Wilma Redding of NC, & Yolanda Redding of NC; three sons, Tommy (Melissa) Plump of NC, TyAntwon Redding Sr. of South Bend and Mijell (Chastity) Redding of South Bend; 21 grandchildren;  Tyreka Redding of NC, Dartangian Taylor of GA, Tiara Redding of GA,  TyAntwon Redding Jr. of South Bend,  Camari Redding of South Bend, Bre’Asiah Redding of South Bend, Charell Hunt of Indianapolis, Davion Corruthers of Indianapolis, La'Terriyah Smith of Indianapolis, Dairius Redding of South Bend, Kavin Howard of NC, TyTyanna Redding of  NC, Briana Proctor of GA, Isaiah Seward of South Bend, Diondra Martin of NC, Natheniel Redding of South Bend, Emanuel Herron of South Bend, Winter Felix of NC, Robert Redding of NC, Summer Redding of NC and Adriana Sciba of Mishawaka; 16 great grandchildren; a sister JoAnne Redding of South Bend; a sister-in-law Tracy Winston of South Bend; a brother-in-law Anthony Winston of OK; 12 nephews, Guillermo (Melanie) Adkins of South Bend, Joel Williams of South Bend, Torrell Winston, Maurice Sylvester of South Bend, Jamilos Holloway of South Bend, Jesse Bloch Jr. of CA, Andre Winston of OH, Chester Burt, Marques Williams of OK, Braelyn Smart of OK; eight nieces; Quanika Wardlow of South Bend, Aisha Winston of South Bend,  Natasha Winston of South Bend, Tiffany Winston of South Bend, A’Jayla Jones of South Bend, Tyana Black of GA, Tenii Washington of South Bend, Tetra Winston of GA, and Parys Johnson of OK; a special cousin-son, Thomas Capers along with a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, his father and mother, brother-in-law, William Winston Jr., two sisters-in-law, Trina Winston and Cecelia Jenkins, one son, Torrell Redding, two grandsons, Kam’Ron Redding, and Sayvon Redding and a nephew, Tiras Johnson.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us, an eternal glory that far outweighs them all; so, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

you did not go alone, for part of use went with you

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide.

01/24/2023 JFC