Obituaries

Donald Church

Donald Church

February 1, 2026

Mr. Donald Church passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 87 years. He is survived by his wife, 3 sons, and 1 daughter. 

Bertha Payne

Bertha Payne

February 1, 2026

Mrs. Bertha Payne transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the age of 91 blessed years. She was born on September 10, 1934, in Sunflower, Mississippi to Helen Williams and Buster (Maggie) Johnson.

With roots in Saginaw, Michigan dating back to the 1960s, Bertha built a life filled with purpose, meeting her soulmate Leon Payne along the way....

Delford Smith

Delford Smith

January 31, 2026

Mr. Delford Smith passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 81 years. 

Christina Marie Cox

Christina Marie Cox

January 30, 2026

Christina Marie Cox passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 47 years. She is the daughter of John Cox and Cindy Tangel.

Chistina was a resident of Flint, Michigan. She was a devoted Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) for many years and proudly served Stonegate Health Campus in Lapeer, Michigan, where her compassion and strong work ethic touched countless...

Lucille Bell

Lucille Bell

January 30, 2026

Ms. Lucille Bell went from labor to reward on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan. Age 88 years.

Mary Louise Jackson

Mary Louise Jackson

January 30, 2026

Ms. Mary Louise Jackson received her eternal wings on Friday, January 30, 2026. Mary was born February 25, 1930, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late James Chambers and Sarah Lilly Chambers. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, service, and deep love for family and community.

Mary later relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where she became a devoted and...

Craig Dennis Sr.

Craig Dennis Sr.

January 29, 2026

Mr. Craig Dennis Sr. passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 44 years.

Ramon Culbert

Ramon Culbert

January 29, 2026

Mr. Ramon Deon Culbert, 46, of Saginaw, Michigan, made his heavenly transition on January 29, 2026. A devoted Christian man, Ramon lived a life marked by love, service, and quiet strength, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

Ramon was born on January 26, 1980, to Kimberly Culbert. He was a proud graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Class...

Alan Jerome Butler, Jr., Esq.

Alan Jerome Butler, Jr., Esq.

January 29, 2026

Attorney Alan Jerome Butler, Jr., 43, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his residence in Saginaw, Michigan, with his loving wife, Monyata, by his side. 

Franklin Veto Smith, Jr.

Franklin Veto Smith, Jr.

January 28, 2026

Mr. Franklin Veto Smith, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at UofM Health - Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67.

Kenneth Ellenwood

Kenneth Ellenwood

January 27, 2026

Mr. Kenneth Ellenwood passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 74 years. 

JaJuan Keas

JaJuan Keas

January 26, 2026

JaJuan Dominique Keas was born on August 23, 1982, in Detroit, Michigan, bringing infinite joy to his parents and his entire family. While attending private school in Detroit, his humor, charm, and larger-than-life presence quickly made him the center of every room. He was truly the life of the party.

In 1994, JaJuan’s family relocated to East Lansing, Michigan, where JaJuan...

Governor Gray, Jr.

Governor Gray, Jr.

January 25, 2026

The Life of Our Governor!

Mr. Governor Gray Jr., affectionally known as Gov, G-Man, Daddy, Papa, and Uncle Jim, made his earthly transition on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the city of Duluth, State of Georgia. Ironically and lovingly, Governor transitioned on his wife’s 81st Heavenly birthday. Happy Heavenly birthday, momma, and goodnight, daddy - rest peacefully well.

During Governor’s 84 years...

Denise Lefler

Denise Lefler

January 25, 2026

Ms. Denise Lefler passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 62 years.

Tab Aaron Leonard

Tab Aaron Leonard

January 22, 2026

Tab Aaron Leonard, 68, of Lansing, Michigan, and his beloved dog, “Bobo”, tragically passed away January 22, 2026, following an auto collision. He was born on March 2, 1957, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Arthur Leonard and Louise (Smith) Marsh. He proudly made a career in the engineering field. His eye for detail made him a great fit in...

Elsie Guy

Elsie Guy

January 21, 2026

Elsie Paulette Guy passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 75 years. She was born on July 11, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan. The daughter of Aldine and Albertine Guy.

Elsie spent her childhood in Lansing, with frequents visits to her father’s hometown, Mecosta, Michigan. She graduated from Sexton High School and attended Lansing Community College and Michigan State...

Richard Williams

Richard Williams

January 21, 2026

Mr. Richard Williams passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Williamston, Michigan. Age 86 years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations please be made to an animal shelter.

Albert Taylor (Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan)

Albert Taylor (Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan)

January 21, 2026

Mr. Albert Earl Taylor passed away after a sudden illness on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 62 years.

Albert, affectionately known as Al, was born November 7, 1963, in Saginaw, Michigan. After graduating from Buena Vista High School, Class of 1981, Al went on to attend...

Alonza James Colvin

Alonza James Colvin

January 19, 2026

Mr. Alonza James Colvin passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 94 years.

Rev. Murray Fentress, Sr.

Rev. Murray Fentress, Sr.

January 18, 2026

Rev. Murray Fentress, Sr. passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 76 years. Murray was born on January 31, 1949, in Madison, Tennessee, to Sam and Lessie Fentress.

Murray married the love of his life, Bernie Hudson, and they relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in 1967. From this union five children were born.

Murray enjoyed spending time with his family,...