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Rev. Roy B. Yarber, Jr.

Rev. Roy B. Yarber, Jr., was born July 1, 1955, in Sikeston, Missouri, to US Army Veteran Roy B. Yarber, Sr. and entrepreneur/business owner Leona “Nonnie” Thompson Yarber. Born at a time and in a place where racism was encouraged, he learned from his mother that despite his circumstances, the Power of Christ would protect him and define his life.

In the early 1960s, as schools in the United States were being integrated, one of Roy's most profound lessons about racism was provided by his third-grade teacher. As a spirited boy with clear opinions and ideas, who was encouraged to express them at home, he was perplexed by expectations that he show deference to White people, even those his own age, at all times. He questioned and challenged his teacher, who advised him to be deferent. He explained why he thought the treatment of students who looked like him was unfair.

Roy was ridiculed by other students and adults alike for his views, and isolated from the rest of his classmates. But, rather than let the isolation convince him to do what was expected of him, the time alone became the gateway by which Power of God became the source of truth that defined Roy’s purpose in life. It was during this time that Nonnie taught her son to seek the Lord when he felt powerless, hurt, and isolated. Nonnie also taught her son about the Power of Christ and the significance of the Cross. Unbeknownst to young Roy, the stage was being set for what would become the foundation of his artistic expression: an affinity for craftsmanship using rustic materials like sticks and rope to create art that filled a void that had once only known pain. Guided by Nonnie, Roy learned how to fight on a spiritual level, and fought through challenges by fully surrendering to his faith. His devotion to serving the Lord was clear, and he wanted to share the good news with as many others as he could. As he thought about how to do that, he was already planting the seeds of what would become his ministry as Rev. Roy Yarber.

In the 1980s, Roy’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Pamela J. Curtis. In 1987, the two were joined in Holy Matrimony on Feb 1. Although Roy worked in corporate America, he later became a business owner with his wife, Pam. Occasionally, he preached in his hometown while visiting. These visits, along with his involvement and experience with a local church, continued to confirm that Roy was being called to the ministry. In 1985, certain that it was the anointed time to begin his ministry -- in a basement, with only four members – Roy continued to be obedient and committed to God’s Word, and eventually established the King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church, in Lynwood, Illinois, in 1996.

In 2010, Roy was diagnosed with prostate cancer and advised by doctors that he had five- to- seven years to live. Enduring the physical and mental challenges of cancer, his faith in Jesus Christ only grew. He remembered Nonnie’s teachings, and how the gift of craftsmanship was a tangible way to manifest his faith. So rather than focusing on the diagnosis, Roy began creating crosses and sculptures from visions he began to have. Many assumed the visions were caused by the cancer and accompanying treatments, but Roy knew differently. Although doctors set a time limit on Roy’s life, the weapon of cancer formed against him did not prosper. God had already determined Roy’s work was nowhere near complete.

Fourteen years after the cancer diagnosis, and a life-threatening battling COVID-19 in 2020, Roy has been blessed to continue blessing others through God’s words and works. In addition to his community involvement, philanthropic endeavors, commitment and love for his children and congregation, Roy has created hundreds of art pieces depicting the image of Jesus Christ, biblical characters, fallen heroes, community leaders, positive role models, historical incidents and yes, even one of his beautiful wife, Pamela Yarber.

It all began with his beloved mother, Nonnie – who transitioned to be with the Lord in 2020 – who encouraged her young son to use his artistic gift in to glorify God. And today, Rev. Roy Yarber has taken every lesson, every experience, every challenge, and turned them into tangible, artistic proof that through faith, all things are indeed possible. With the seed establishment of the Soul-to-Soul Artistry ministry, Rev. Yarber will now inspire others to utilize their God-given abilities to elevate Jesus Christ.

Rev. Roy B. Yarber, Jr.