Ridley Usherwood

Rev. Dr. Ridley Nortman Usherwood, 78, devoted husband of Beverly Sue Wood Usherwood, died peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2025. Born in Hanover Parish, Jamaica, he was the son of the late Lambert and Myrtle Campbell Usherwood. At an early age he and his family immigrated to England where he was raised up to adulthood.

Dr. Usherwood received his Bachelor’s Degree from Lee University, then went on to obtain his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. He was shaped by a life of global service. Dr. Usherwood served as an Ordained Bishop and a Missionary in the Church of God of Cleveland, TN, a Chaplain (Colonel) in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, a Hospice Counselor, and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Usherwood also served as a respected Professor who inspired students around the world. His journey spanned continents and touched thousands–from founding seminaries to leading congregations, from building bridges across cultures to shaping the next generation of leaders. From England to Germany, from Tennessee to South Korea, he taught, preached, and counseled with wisdom, humility, and grace.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are his son, Dorian A. Usherwood (Robbyn) of Cumming Ga.; daughters, Monica Renee Parris (William Brent), and Jessica Theresa Usherwood (James Hugh Lau Bach) all of Greenwood; grandchildren Elijah and Olivia Usherwood, Adriana Brooks, and Abigail Augustine; and two great grandchildren, Cameron and Ava Brooks. He was predeceased by siblings Ardley Usherwood and Faye Crooks; and great-granddaughter Adele Brooks.

He was a member of Grace Community Church of Greenwood.