Louis Skipper

Louis James Skipper was born on August 29, 1943, to Louis and Onnie Bell Anderson Skipper. He was the youngest of three children, joining his older sisters, Alena and Pearlena. From an early age, Louis was grounded in faith, family, and community—values that guided him throughout his life.

Louis graduated in 1963 from Wisner-Gilbert High School in Wisner, Louisiana. He was a lifelong and devoted member of Holly Grove Baptist Church in Wisner, Louisiana. He was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., embracing the fraternity’s principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.

Following high school, Louis attended Grambling State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. He later obtained his master’s degree in education. After completing his studies, Louis relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where he joined his older sisters and began what would become a remarkable 32-year career with Saginaw Public Schools.

Louis began his professional journey as an elementary school teacher, dedicating himself to nurturing and educating young minds. Through hard work, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, he later became a principal within the Saginaw Public Schools system. His career in education was marked by integrity, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of learning to transform lives. Louis retired in 1991 after more than three decades of faithful service.

Upon retirement, Louis and his beloved wife, Lennie, returned to their roots in Louisiana, where they resided for many years before relocating to Lansing in 2021.

Louis leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Lennie Lynch Skipper; his children, Gregory (Phyllis) Skipper of Lansing, Michigan, and Kimberly (Christopher) Davis of Little Elm, Texas; his sister, Dr. Pearlena Wallace of West Palm Beach, Florida; and his granddaughter, Arianna Lanise Lee of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He also leaves special “grandchildren”: Simone Lynch of Dallas, Texas; Terry Lynch II of Seminole, Oklahoma; Trinity Lynch of Chicago, Illinois; Carey Gill, Jr. and Jada Lynch of Saginaw, Michigan. He is lovingly remembered by his nephews, David Neal, Jr. of Arlington, Texas and Andre Craft of Monroe, Louisiana; ShyEllis DeJuan Cooper of Phoenix, Arizona; Jeremiah Lewis of New York, New York, and Alan Cooper of Lexington, Kentucky; nieces Sharon King of West Palm Beach, Florida; Angela Neal of Carrollton, Texas; Alysa (Darrell) Rickman of Flower Mound, Texas; Betty Head of Bastrop, Louisiana; Monica Neal of Smyrna, Georgia; LaTanya Comier of Saginaw, Michigan; as well as the extended families of the Carradines, Lynches, Adams, Tolivers. The absence of your name in no way diminishes the love and respect Louis had for you.

Louis is also survived by cousins who were more like brothers: Eurdis (Gloria) Adams of Winnsboro, Louisiana; Calvin (Ellen) Adams of Sicily Island, Louisiana; and Melvin (Luretha) Adams of Mt. Morris, Michigan. He shared cherished friendships with special friends and fraternity brothers Michael McKinley of Saginaw, Michigan, and John Miles of Columbia, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Onnie Bell Skipper; sister, Alena Neal; daughter, Karen; grandson, Zachary Ryan Abby; and cousins Felton Toliver, Corey Tolliver and Jocarey Adams.

Louis will be remembered for his dedication to education, his unwavering faith, his quiet strength, and his deep love for family. His legacy lives on in the many students he mentored, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched.

A special thanks to Calvin and Beverly Simpson for the excellent care and attention they gave.