Celebration of Life Live Stream:

Events

The Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026 starting 11:00AM EST at the Howard University School of Law Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St, NW Washington, D.C. 20008.  For those unable to attend the service in-person, you can participate remotely by viewing the live stream of the service (please scroll up to see the video).

Obituary

With grateful hearts for a life beautifully and fully lived, we announce the homegoing of our beloved patriarch, Dr. Rodwell O’Granville Buckley at the age of 94. A devoted husband to his cherished wife Lady Elva O. Buckley, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was the family he led with grace. For decades, he served the Lord faithfully as a Bishop, shepherding his congregation with a shepherd’s heart and unwavering wisdom. He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. We find comfort knowing he is now resting in the arms of the Master he served so well.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:21

Dr. Rodwell O. Buckley was a native of the West Indian island of Antigua, born on October 24, 1931, in the village of Newfield to Samuel “Edward” Buckley and Christiana Gardner. Raised in the village of Parham, he grew up in a Christian home under the guidance of a godly mother who ensured that he attended church and Sunday school from an early age. These formative experiences established the foundation for a lifetime devoted to faith, education, service, and improving the lives of others.

At the age of seventeen, on February 6, 1949, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized that same year. Five years later, he was called to the gospel ministry. On October 24, 1955, he began theological training at Wesleyan Holiness Seminary in Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies. Following his graduation in June 1958, he returned to Antigua to begin his active ministry. Throughout his life, he served in numerous pastoral and missionary capacities, including pastorates at Brown Hill, Nevis, West Indies, and Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In February 1979, he founded Faith Mission Temple, located at 102 Kennedy Street NW, Washington, DC, where he faithfully served as pastor and spiritual leader.

On August 7, 1958, he married Elva Ophelia Francis of Swetes Village, Antigua, beginning a remarkable partnership spanning more than 68 years. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, entrepreneurship, and service. Their journey took them from the Caribbean to the United States, where they raised their family, established businesses, and expanded their shared commitment to ministry and community development. Elva remained his cherished and devoted wife, whom he affectionately called “Dear,” and a steadfast partner in his life’s work.

In addition to his ministry, Dr. Buckley developed practical skills as a proficient stonemason, concrete finisher, bricklayer, and interior decorator. His commitment to lifelong learning led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Olivet Nazarene University in 1969, preparing him to teach at the high school level. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Social Work, specializing in administration, from Howard University in 1974; a Certificate in Social Service Management in 1982; and a doctorate in Social Work Administration from Howard University in 1994. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Catholic University, and Howard University.

From 1974 to 1985, Dr. Buckley worked at Washington Hospital Center as Chief Social Worker and Discharge Planner. Building upon his professional experience and entrepreneurial vision, he and his wife established several organizations and businesses throughout the Washington metropolitan area, including community-based services supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Among these were Comprehensive Care II (“CCII”) and Brookland Senior Daycare, reflecting his belief that institutions should create opportunities, strengthen communities, and serve generations beyond their founders. He was also a past president of FLOC (For Love of Children) and served on the board of Community of Hope, Inc. Throughout his career, Dr. Buckley generously shared his knowledge, mentored others, and sponsored numerous individuals in their pursuit of education, professional advancement, and upward mobility.

His missionary vision extended well beyond the United States. Through Faith Mission Temple, several churches were established in Liberia, West Africa, along with a Christian day school named in honor of his wife, Elva, supported by the Washington, DC congregation. Dr. Buckley also traveled to Guyana, Uganda, and Kenya, ministering through preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in partnership with Church Equipping Ministries International (CEMI). His commitment to spreading the gospel was inseparable from his desire to improve the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of the communities he served.

Dr. Buckley was a man of deep faith, extraordinary resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. He believed that knowledge was meant to be shared, opportunities were meant to be created, and accomplishments were never the end of one’s responsibility to others. He never truly retired, remaining curious, engaged, and committed to finding new ways to serve. Above all, he believed that God entrusted each person with gifts and talents to leave the world better than they found it and to mentor the next generation to carry that work even further. Through his family, ministry, institutions, and the countless lives he influenced that legacy continues.

Dr. Buckley is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elva O. Buckley; his son, Alfred O. Buckley (Helen); his daughter, Jacqueline E. Buckley-Rollins (Christopher); his grandchildren, Bryan O. Buckley (AnTanique) and Christina J. Buckley; and his great-grandchildren, Audric O. E. Buckley and Alwyn O. E. Buckley. His legacy also lives on through the extended Buckley and Gordon families, the Faith Mission Temple congregation, and the countless individuals whose lives were touched by his faith, generosity, mentorship, and service.

Doctrinal Statement
Dr. Rodwell O. Buckley believed in one God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and that the three expressions of the Godhead are co-equal, co-substantial, and co-eternal. He believed in the virgin birth and that Jesus Christ would save everyone who repented, confessed, and forsook their sins. He believed that the exercise of faith in Christ Jesus was the only way to salvation.