Obituary of John Calvin Beaty Jr.

ROCHESTER, NY – November 2, 2025 - US Air Force Veteran

With peaceful hearts and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Mr. John C. Beaty Jr., who entered eternal rest  at the age of ninety-four. 

Born March 21, 1931, in Union, South Carolina, John was the youngest of five children born to John Beaty Sr. and Rosa Smith Beaty. He came of age during a time when faith, education, and perseverance were the greatest inheritance a family could give. John rose through determination, becoming an example of excellence in an era that tested the strength and spirit of Black Americans striving to create a better way. 

John graduated from Sims High School in 1949 and went on to study science at South Carolina State College in Orangeburg. During his sophomore year, John answered the call to serve  and enlisted in the United States Air Force, training as a medic and overseeing health clinics for his fellow service members. John served in Japan and in Germany, and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was discharged in 1968, and for his honorable service, retired with distinction - recognized for his excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to duty.

While stationed in Japan, John met Toshiko Wada, and in 1959 they were joined in marriage. Their union was blessed with a son. When John was reassigned, his family was unable to leave Japan, and they were later divorced. Thankfully, John and his son, were reunited later in life.  

John was stationed in Alabama in 1961, where he met Julia Mae Williams—the woman who would become his lifelong partner. Following several years of companionship and growth, John and Julia married in Alabama in 1968. Their marriage resulted in a blended family of four sons and a daughter. Together, they built a love that would endure for more than six decades.

Seeking opportunity and community, John and Julia settled in Rochester, where they each built rewarding careers with the State of New York, working with disabled and mentally ill youth and adults. Together, they dedicated their lives to public service, all while remaining active in church and civic life. Their faith, diligence and integrity left lasting impressions on the community. Through it all, John reflected strength, steadfast faith, and an abiding sense of duty to country and family. 

John was a Mason, and believed that one’s work on earth was preparation for a greater home beyond, as promised in John 14: “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” His life testified to that truth—through his purpose, patience, wisdom, and service to others.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Preceded in passing by his beloved family, he now joins them in Glory: his devoted parents, John Beaty Sr. and Rosa Smith Beaty; his cherished sisters, Thelma Clyde Beaty-Anderson and Lottie Beaty; his brother, Jerry Beaty; his stepson, Jody Williams; and his grandson, Fidel Oliver.

John leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Julia Williams Beaty; his loving sisters, Mildred B. Smith and Ruby Beaty-Glenn; his children—John Norman Brown (formerly John C. Beaty III) and his wife Caroline, Renard C. Beaty and his wife Samantha, Robin R. Beaty, and Kelvin F. Curry and his wife Juanita.

He is also remembered with love by his grandchildren—Joshua Brown (wife Michelle), Aaron Brown, Lee Beaty, Drew Beaty, Fatimah Beaty-Williams (husband Devron), Joseph Dorsey, Renee Dorsey, Jacqueline Oliver, Jalisa Jones, Shmeika McFadden, and Darnell Murdock. He was blessed with 20 great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry his light forward through generations to come. John is also lovingly remembered by countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends from across the country and around the world.

A man of enduring faith and quiet service, John devoted his life to helping others through charitable causes and community organizations. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in his memory to the United Negro College Fund, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the American Cancer Society. 

John’s journey was one of confidence, focus and determination. He enjoyed telling tall tales with friends and appreciated the quiet of the day. John’s life was one well lived. His legacy is one of love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. 

Friends may call Friday, November 14 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Emmanual Missionary Baptist Church, 1772 Clifford Avenue, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow with Rev. Douglas Smith, officiating. Interment at the convenience of the family.