Wellbourne Jenkins Pogue Jr.

Wellbourne Pogue was born on January 4, 1943 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Wilburn and Ethel Hodges Pogue who moved to Washington D.C. in 1944. He was a member of the Cardozo High School track team and subsequently entered the United States Air Force. He attended the University of Colorado, University of Wisconsin and the Air University of Mississippi. He worked at the Washington Hospital Center as an inhalation therapist. He worked as an Aviation Crash Rescue Fire Fighter and Fire Inspector/Investigator for the General Services Agency. He became the first person of color to serve as a commercial building inspector in Prince Georges County. Over the years, he was promoted to Supervisor of Building Inspectors and Chief of the Vehicle Audit Branch. He retired as the Chief of the Housing Enforcement Branch in 2003. During his government service he received many awards, commendations and certifications. He has also been recognized by the Maryland General Assembly and the 202 Coalition. He served on the Board of Directors of the Keep Prince Georges County Clean Organization. The Pogue family became acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses around 1950. Eventually, his mother and siblings were all baptized. His grandmother and father were studying with Jehovah's Witnesses before they passed away. Wellbourne served as a Ministerial Servant, Elder, Regional Building Committee volunteer and Regular Pioneer over the years. In 1974, he married Janet V. Hines who preceded him in death. He leaves behind a loving wife and companion of forty-two years, Monica Pogue, daughter, Vania McBean (Paul), stepson Dennell Hines, Sr. (Karen), Denzel, Dennell, Jr., Tajon Hines; grandchildren Jeanette and Jonathan McBean. Brother James C. W. Pogue (Denise); sister Patricia Landers and her son Patrick. Brothers-in-law Thomas Washington (New Velvet) and Joseph Washington. Sisters-in-law Jeannette Asare, Frances Crus, Marion Pinkney, cousin Grace Solomon, his adopted nephew Dennis Rich, plus a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wellbourne Jenkins Pogue Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.