Williamsburg - Dr. John David Broome, 90, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025. Born at home in Columbia, MS, on August 20, 1934, he was the son of the late Porter and Tressie Broom.

John met the love of his life, Mavis, at 4-H camp as a middle schooler. After graduating from high school, they enrolled at Pearl River Junior College and completed their degrees at Mississippi College in 1956. They soon married and he went on to earn his master's degree in history and his Th.D. in church history. He joined the faculty at Cumberland College (University of the Cumberlands) in 1966, where he spent his entire professional career as a professor of history and religion. He lived his life like a mighty oak tree with deep roots in his Christian faith and many branches that reached to others in love, encouragement, and support.

Affectionately referred to as "Doc", he believed you could change your life by expanding your mind. What he taught and believed, he faithfully practiced. Dr. Broome mentored, challenged, entertained and enlightened countless students in his 48 years as a professor. He will be remembered by his students for the many adventures he took them on. Only he and the Lord truly know how many field trips, student mission trips, pep club bus drives, etc., that he took part in.

In his more than four decades of service at the university he also served as an academic advisor to thousands of students. He modeled a faith in students and was known for his high expectations and his genuine interest in them. Dr. Broome will be remembered by alumni as an engaging faculty member who embodied the Cumberlands mission as he encouraged and inspired hundreds of students to stay the course and finish their degrees.

His many roles over the years at the college also included Athletic Eligibility Coordinator, Black Student Union advisor and Young Democrats sponsor. He enjoyed attending as many baseball, basketball and football games, lectures and music/theatre performances as he possibly could and loved to play intramurals until injuries and age caught up with him! In addition to being a passionate Cumberlands fan, he was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals and New Orleans Saints supporter.

Throughout his career, he was the recipient of several honors including the Distinguished Teaching Award, the SGA Honored Professor Award, and the 2018 Honorary Alumnus Award.

An avid reader with an incredible memory, Dr. Broome rarely forgot a student's name, even long after they graduated. He had a lifelong practice of reading his Bible, the newspaper, books, watching the news, and continuing the study of history and religion. His family and friends can all attest to discussions of current events and politics, particularly while having lunch once a week in the university dining hall with friends.

John was a member of First Baptist Church for close to 60 years where he served faithfully as a deacon (emeritus), a trustee, a Sunday School teacher, and on numerous committees.

Being a husband, father, and professor are what constituted his primary identity—after, of course, being a follower of Jesus Christ. He lived a long and happy life and his influence for good will continue through the lives and achievements of those who have received the benefits of his life's work through the church and Cumberlands.

John is survived by his daughters, Kim White (Fred), Erica Harris (John), and Shelleigh Moses (Ronnie); grandchildren, Tyler Harris (Hannah), Richard Moses, Erin White Wells (Phillip), Katelyn Harris, Jake Moses, Kelsey White Howard (Adam), Amanda Moses Kelly (Ethan) and Haley Harris Akins (Connor); great grandchildren, Reedy, Ramsey and Rawlings Harris, Luke and Samuel Wells, and Hudson and Baron Howard; a sister, Sarah White; several nieces and a nephew.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald Broom, his beloved wife, Mavis Farmer Broome, and an infant son, John David Broome, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24th, at First Baptist Church of Williamsburg from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by interment at Highland Cemetery in Williamsburg, KY. In thanksgiving for Dr. Broome's life and legacy, memorial gifts may be made to University of the Cumberlands or First Baptist Church Williamsburg.

Pallbearers are Tyler Harris, Richard Moses, Jake Moses, Phillip Wells, Adam Howard, Ethan Kelly, Connor Akins, and Chad Chrisman. Honorary pall bearers are the Gabhart Sunday School Class from First Baptist Church.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com

Ellison Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.