Compton Pastor Jerome Fisher Dead at 95

The City of Compton and surrounding communities has lost a iconic spiritual leader, Pastor Emeritus W. Jerome Fisher has died at 95.

Fisher served as the pastor for nearly 50 years growing it into one of the largest churches in the city of Compton. During his time ministering, he established several community outreach programs, expanded the campus, and became an advocate for social and racial justice.

In 1958 Fisher established Little Zion Baptist Church, after arriving in Compton following an exodus of white from the community. Fisher was the first African American to build his own church from the ground up in the city of Compton. Little Zion Church Family, started with just 13 members and revolutionized into what it is known today, Greater Zion Church Church Family. He was not afraid of spreading the gospel truth. Fisher traveled around the country and evangelized to international crowds in Seoul, Korea, Dominican Republic, while also sharing his musical talent.

“I first came here during the exodus of our so-called White brother preachers. They left here, leaving their buildings vacant,” says Fisher, which led him to building his church.

“I was young and angry and although I had an opportunity to buy, I decided to build a church myself..I wasn’t going to take a building these people left for me. I have been having hand-me-downs since I was born, so I felt great building this church…when I put the first shovel in the ground, I had $150 in the treasury and 13 members and half of them were children, so it was a challenge.” 

His son Pastor Dr. Michael J. Fisher took over the church in 2005, after his father retired. In a video message, Dr. Michael says, “To every single person who has texted me, called me or left a comment on my Facebook page or on Instagram, thank you very much for reaching out to me. Thank you for calling the church to check on my mom and the family. It’s going to take me a while to respond to everyone..please don’t take it personal, just right now, I’m trying to figure out what life is like without my Superman. We will inform everybody when the services are and until then, keep praying for me and mine. Love you, guys and love you, Daddy.”

He was twice named Evangelist of the Year. In 1988, he gave the opening invocation before the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC. In 2017, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Church of God in Christ.

Former Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Fisher to the Century Freeway Affirmative Action Committee which later led to him representing Compton in the commission to build the 105 freeway.

Fisher earned his Doctor of Theology degree at Yuin University in Compton and received two honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 28, at 7 p.m., at Greater Zion Church Family, 2408 N. Wilmington Ave., in Compton. 

The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m., at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 4269 S. Figueroa St., in Los Angeles. 

Fisher is survived by his wife Norma Fisher, ten children, a host of Grand/Great children, family and friends.