Obituaries

Doristeen Wright

Doristeen Wright

August 16, 2025

Ms. Doristeen Wright passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67 years.

Mark Anthony Robinson

Mark Anthony Robinson

August 16, 2025



Mr. Mark Anthony Robinson was born August 17, 1966, in Caruthersville, Missouri. The son of Erma J. Robinson and Henry Driver, Jr., passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 58 years.

Mark Anthony Robinson resided in Saginaw, Michigan, for most of his life, though he expanded his horizons by moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, in search of better...

Ronald Barnett Christian

Ronald Barnett Christian

August 15, 2025

Mr. Ronald Barnett Christian (better known as “KoKo”), was born on November 6th, 1975, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Ronald Doxie and Debra Christian. KoKo transitioned suddenly on Friday, August 15, 2025, in Coldwater, Michigan. Age 49 years.

Ronald was a family-oriented individual, believing a strong family unit formed the foundation of all success. He was an exceptionally creative person, having penned...

Raymond Box

Raymond Box

August 15, 2025

Mr. Raymond Box, a well-respected man and our beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2025. Age 75 years. He was born November 16, 1949, in Camden, AK, to the late Tommie Lee Box and Eartha Mae Johnson-Jones. He will be greatly missed by many. To...

Maggie Louise (Lawrence) Ross

Maggie Louise (Lawrence) Ross

August 14, 2025

Maggie Louise Ross, daughter of the late Eddie “Jaybird” Lawrence (1976) and Willie Bell Lawrence (1987), was born on March 8, 1933, in Lowndes County, Alabama. On August 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 92, Maggie completed her earthly journey in Arlington, Texas, and claimed her heavenly reward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Ross (2002);...

Derike Lamont Murrell "Punkin"

Derike Lamont Murrell "Punkin"

August 13, 2025

Our beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Derike “Big Deer” Murrell Sr. passed away at his residence, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Age 53 years. He was born on Friday, May 5, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Willie and Vera Murrell.

During his childhood, Derike picked up many talents like cooking, drawing, swimming,...

Timmeth Lee Grays "Tim"

Timmeth Lee Grays "Tim"

August 12, 2025

Mr. Timmeth Lee Grays "Tim" passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Covenant HealthCare Cooper in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 63 years. He was born to Glenzo Moore and Maggie Lee Grays on February 4, 1962, in Saginaw, Michigan.

Tim was a resident of Saginaw, Michigan, where he attended Saginaw Public Schools and graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1980....

James Bafford

James Bafford

August 12, 2025

Mr. James David Bafford “JB” took his final trip destination heaven bound on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on Thursday, January 3, 1974, in Memphis Tennessee, the son of Raymond and Peggy Brown.

At the ripe age of 6 years old, James and his family moved to Lansing, Michigan. He was educated in the Lansing School...

Carla Henry

Carla Henry

August 12, 2025

Carla Henry was born on Monday, February 22, 1965, in Lansing, Michigan. She was the only daughter of Leo and Joeline Shane. She transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Carla Henry was born in Lansing, Michigan and attended Tabernacle of David Church. She attended the Lansing Public Schools and graduated from J. W. Sexton...

Marilyn Brefka

Marilyn Brefka

August 9, 2025

Marilyn Jean (Newcomb) Brefka went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2025, at the age of 81.

She is survived by her three children, Gerald Brefka, Anne Marie (Billy) Cotner, and Robert (Tikini) Brefka; five grandchildren, Nick (Jenna) Cotner, Cody (Kari) Cotner, Summer Cotner, Alexis Brefka, and Joey Brefka; and one great-granddaughter, Daisy.

She was preceded in death by her...

Samuel Eugene King

Samuel Eugene King

August 8, 2025

Mr. Samuel Eugene King passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan, at MyMichigan Medical Center. Age 44 years. He was born July 3, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Yolanda Santos and Audrain King, Margaret King (stepmother).

Samuel King “Sam” was a lifelong resident of Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated with the Class of 2000. Samuel was a very caring,...

Shirley Cobos

Shirley Cobos

August 8, 2025

Ms. Shirley Cobos passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67 years. 

Carolyn Wade

Carolyn Wade

August 7, 2025

Ms. Carolyn Rebecca “Becky” Wade went from labor to reward on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 81 years old. She was born Saturday, April 8, 1944, in Brantley, Alabama, the daughter of Willie James Wade and Nina Bell Wade.

Carolyn was baptized on Monday, March 9, 1981, and recommitted her life to Jesus Christ on...

Baby Boy Jo'Sani MyKing Maurice Franklin

Baby Boy Jo'Sani MyKing Maurice Franklin

August 7, 2025

Baby Boy Jo'Sani MyKing Maurice Franklin passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Covenant Harrison Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 20 weeks.

Percy Lee Gilyard

Percy Lee Gilyard

August 5, 2025

Mr. Percy Lee Gilyard, 87, left us peacefully on August 5 at his home, surrounded by family and his caregiver. Percy was born on May 14, 1938, in Round Pond, Arkansas, to James and Pashion Gilyard. Percy was the fourth youngest of thirteen brothers and sisters.

Percy was a quiet and obedient child. He loved his papa and adored his mama....

Eric Summerville

Eric Summerville

August 4, 2025

Mr. Eric Summerville Passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 42 years. 

Bonnie Speed

Bonnie Speed

August 4, 2025

Mr. Bonnie Speed passed away Monday, August 4, 2025. Age 48 years.

Baby Boy Alonzo Mallett, III

Baby Boy Alonzo Mallett, III

August 4, 2025

Baby Boy Alonzo Mallett III received his wings at the age of 1 year and 10 months on Monday, August 4, 2025. Baby Alonzo was born September 16, 2023, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Shavell Conerly and Alonzo Mallett Jr.

Baby Alonzo was so mature for his age. He was smart, and he observed everything that was happening around him. Even though...

Dr. Patricia Ann Caldwell (h.c.)

Dr. Patricia Ann Caldwell (h.c.)

August 2, 2025

Patricia Ann Caldwell, a devoted educator, inspirational speaker, and lifelong servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 81 years old.

Born on October 9, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Patricia was the cherished daughter of the late Esther Mae Campbell and Alexander G. Campbell, Sr. She was a proud sister to Barbara Ann Campbell...

James A. Leggions, Jr.

James A. Leggions, Jr.

August 2, 2025

Mr. James Leggions, Jr. peacefully departed this life on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 78 years. He was born on March 21, 1947, in Decatur, Illinois, the beloved son of Gladola Harris and James Leggions, Sr.

During his early years, James developed a strong work ethic and a love for working with his hands—qualities that shaped the course...