Dr. John J. Scrivens, Jr., a highly esteemed figure in healthcare, academia, and pharmacy advocacy, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026. A visionary leader and tireless champion for diversity, Dr. Scrivens leaves behind a profound legacy of health equity and community empowerment. He was born in December 1945 to John Sr. and Ethel Scrivens. John graduated from Middleton High School ('62) and served in the U.S. Air Force until 1967. He married his beloved wife, Molbert Robinson, in September 1968. Their 52-year marriage was blessed with two sons and a daughter.

Following his service in the Air Force, he studied pharmaceutical sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU). He later earned a master’s from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. From 1995 until his retirement in 2016, Dr. Scrivens served with distinction as an Associate Professor and Director of the Tampa Bay Center Pharmacy Practice Division at FAMU. His groundbreaking research on urban healthcare and prostate cancer in African American men significantly advanced the fight against health disparities. A monumental force for diversity, he founded the Association of Black Hospital Pharmacists (ABHP) and co-founded the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). Of his many professional achievements—including the prestigious 2014 ASHP and ABHP Leadership Award—he was most proud of leading the successful campaign to have Tampa General Hospital name a wing after Clara Frye, one of the area's first Black nurses. Beyond his distinguished career, John was a true social butterfly who loved the local scene. He brought warmth and vibrant energy to the American Legion, the Section 8 Cigar Club, "The Corner" bar group, and he was always at the center of social gatherings for any FAMU event. He was happiest cooking and eating crabs, playing a competitive game of Bid Whist, and relaxing with a premium cigar surrounded by friends and family.

He now joins his beloved wife, Molbert; parents, John Sr. and Ethel Scrivens; sisters, Beverly Jane Cook (Frank) and Janet Scrivens-Woods (Eddie). Cherishing his memory, Dr. Scrivens leaves his loving children, John Scrivens III (Shaun), Jevin Scrivens (Diane), and Janelle Scrivens-Ferguson (Reginald); cherished grandchildren, Jevin Elliott Scrivens, John Scrivens IV, Justin Scrivens, Atelier Ferguson, and Avier Ferguson; his dear siblings, Wilma E. Scrivens and Jacquelyn V. Sample (Paul); his nieces and nephews, Nichelle Alvaro (Philip), Jeff Cook, Joseph White (Rhonda), Kobie Woods, Eric Cook (Chartiva), Rodney White (Laci) and his great-nieces and great-nephews: Naomi Alvaro, Alexis Alvaro, Jacqueline Alvaro, Amariah Alvaro, Alaina Cook, Brianna Cook, Ceri Cook, Kayel Cook, Jaiden White-Webb (Donnell), Sophia White and a host of extended family, former students, colleagues, and lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the requested organization.

Dr. John Scrivens, Jr. Virtual Program