We Will Miss You, Pops

Comedy legend, John Witherspoon, passed away yesterday in his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He star was 77 years old. Witherspoon has starred on the Tracy Morgan Show and made numerous appearances in other comedies like Black Jesus and Black-ish, but the African American community knows him best for his successful roles in the Friday movie franchise, the Wayans Bros. television series, and his voice work in the animated comedy The Boondocks.

Witherspoon was ‘laugh out loud’ hilarious and his talent had more to do with his being than his jokes. He wasn’t just a comedian, he was comedy. From the tacky outfits and white shoes, to his off beat way of speaking, everything about the man was funny.

Since the Wayans Bros. series in the 90s we all have affectionately called Mr. Witherspoon ‘Pops’ and he embodied the drunk, crazy, yet sweet uncle we all have in our own families.

Many celebrities who knew him personally have poured in tributes that boast on how kind and humble Witherspoon was. One of the most touching tributes comes from the comedian Marlon Wayans who worked with “Pops” for several years on the Wayans Bros. series.

The comedian shared on Instagram:

I am sad. Broken. Hurt.. yet extremely grateful to God that I got to spend 5 years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving man [sic] @johnnywitherspoon you were my tv [sic] dad and my mentor and my friend. I miss you already. Something don’t feel right. This is heavy on my heart. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love pops. You have a strong wife and great kids. What an amazing family. Your boys damn near grew up on the #WayansBros set they’ll always be like my little brothers and sons. I will pass on all the jewels that you bestowed on us. Thank you God for the many many many laughs that we shared on and off set. You got “all the keys” and I know you got one to heaven’s gate. Anytime I want to laugh or to see you I’m gonna put on a [sic] episode of wayans bros and laugh until I cry. I miss[sic] already … hope your [sic] dancing in heaven with ugly white shoes on. “Pops pops sugar pops”. #ripjohnwitherspoon #myseconndpops

Marlon we all agree with you. Rest with Jesus Mr. Witherspoon, you will be sorely missed. Heaven just got a little funnier. *Bang, Bang, Bang .

The Good Fight

By: Kristi Smedley

I have fought the good fight

My battle is won!

No, crying for me,

For I am with God’s only son.

These years of my life,

Were numbered with pain,

But now I am free,

From sadness, abstain.

Look out on my life,

And know my love was true,

But God saw that for now,

I must depart from you.

]This separation might hurt,

But it won’t be for long.

In only a little while,

We all will be home.

Home with our Savior,

On streets of gold!

Singing Hallelujah!

All troubles gone!

Weeping endurth

My friends for a night,

But one day in victory,

You and I will reunite.

So for now, keep up my mission;

And love one another.

Never forget,

Each man is your brother.

Smile on today!

Don’t cry for me!

John Witherspoon

Has been set free!