WISE, VA                                              OCTOBER 10, 2024

Michael Scott Weller, 64, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Michael was born in Durham, NC and raised in Norfolk, VA by his parents, Micky (Milton) Weller and Sarah Stancil Weller. He graduated from Norview High School in 1978 then earned a degree in Business Economics from Randolph-Macon College graduating in 1983.

Watching his young mother suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis prompted questions about a good God in a suffering world. At the advice of his pastor he took those questions to the suffering world, starting in Egypt where he served for two years through the Volunteer In Mission program of the Presbyterian Church, USA (PCUSA).

There he met his wife, Rachel Vandevort, who was serving in the same program.

Michael completed a Masters of Divinity from Union Seminary in Richmond in 1989 then pastored the Stone Memorial Presbyterian Church in Marion, VA for five years. In addition, he completed a Masters of Theology in Old Testament from Columbia Seminary in Atlanta in 2003.

In 1994 Michael and his family began long term service in Ethiopia in the town of Dembi Dollo through the Worldwide Mission Division of the PCUSA.  Michael served in many capacities in Ethiopia and in Sudan and South Sudan with the partner churches of the PCUSA until 2019 when he completed mission service. He returned to southwest VA in 2020 answering the call to pastor the Gladeville Presbyterian Church in Wise, VA where he remained until his recent illness prevented him from serving.

Michael was a gifted pastor, theologian, teacher, and servant of God. He was a mentor to many.

He was the husband of one wife, father of four children, and grandfather to six children.

He is deeply missed by his wife, Rachel, their children and Brian Weller (Sheila) of Southwick, MA, Amira Weller of Wise, VA, Thomas Weller (Lauren) of Bear, DE, and Lydia Weller of Norfolk, VA. The children who will miss their Papa are Brian's: Myles, Declan, Elijah, and Tobias; andThomas's: Louisa and Jonah. He is also survived by four siblings, Amanda Staples, Tami Weller, Debra (Dalton) Clark, and Gary (Sandy) Weller. His absence will be felt in many places around the world. There is rejoicing among the hosts of heaven because of his entrance into the Eternal Kingdom of God.

Michael was instrumental in re-establishing the Gidada Bible School in Dembi Dollo after its closure during the communist regime in Ethiopia. Michael encouraged the local leaders to dream about the future of the school. Through those dreams, the encouragement of Michael Weller, and funds for the library from Abingdon Presbytery of the PCUSA, that school has recently become the Gidada Theological College, training men and women for service in the Kingdom of God through the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Gidada Theological College. Give through First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, a long time supporting church of the Wellers and of schools in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia. Give online at  https://onrealm.org/fpcbristol/-/form/give/now. In the "Fund" box, scroll down to find the MichaelWeller/Gidada Theological College tab. Or send a check to First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, 701 Florida Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620. Please note Michael Weller Memorial on the memo line.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Michael Weller will be held in Wise, VA at the Camp Bethel Dining Room at 2:00 pm on Friday November 8, 2024

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.