Joseph Coney, Sr. was born on February 18, 1943 to Lucile Alma Sewins. He was the second of four brothers born in the state of Arkansas.
In 1965 he, along with his brothers moved from Winchester, Arkansas to make San Diego, California his home.
Joseph worked for many years as a supervisor or a janitorial service, working long hours, but not making long pay. One night, tired and ready to go home he said, “I’m doing all the work, and they’re getting all the pay!” It was then that Joseph put his plan in motion to start his own janitorial service. Over time he would open an Ice Cream Parlor/Game Arcade, and later a thrift store.
In 1984, Bishop Coney began his Ministry in San Diego to what is now prominently known as Holy Ghost Deliverance Church.
At one point and time in his life Bishop Coney found himself running from God’s calling. He had his faith, but he also had his doubts and for a while his doubts of being able to have a
a successful ministry was overpowering what God was calling him to do. As the Lord kept him in his view and got heavy on his heart and in his spirit Bishop Coney stopped running and began following what God was leading him to do. As Holy Ghost Deliverance Church thrived Bishop Coney had a broader vision of what he wanted for his ministry. Bishop loved to hear the word and no matter what your denomination, if you were preaching and teaching the truth about God you had his attention. In 1988 Bishop Coney created the IUM (Interfaith United Ministries, Incorporation). Bishop’s Coney vision was for all religions and denominations to fellowship and unite under one roof. This past July the IUM celebrated its thirty second anniversary.
Bishop Coney was a prominent, well respected and cherish member of the community and throughout San Diego. His love for Christ, peace, joy, and happiness lead him to lend a helping hand to countless people. Bishop Coney was ever so patient. Whether it was advice you were looking for or just a shoulder to lean on, he would be there for you. His words of encouragement was untouchable always ending with, “keep praying and leave it up to God”.
We like to say, “let go and let God, or let Bishop Coney”!
Bishop Joseph Coney, Sr. departed this life on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Bishop Coney was preceded in death by his mother Lucile Alma Sewins and his brother Wilster
(Buddy) McDowell. Bishop Joseph Coney leaves to cherish his memory his lovely wife of twenty-two years First Lady Evangelist Kevin Marie Coney; sons Henry Smith and Joseph Coney, Jr.; daughter’s Brenda Faith Coney-Comer, Karen Jean Comer, and Candrice Wright-Green; eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; two brothers Pastor Theatric Appleberry and Bishop John Jacquess; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, and dear friends.
