Obituaries

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...

Morie Smith

Morie Smith

August 2, 2025

Mr. Morie Smith passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025, at his residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 67 years. Morie was born December 9, 1957, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Mattie Lee Smith and Ben B. Roberts.

Morie was a lifetime resident of Saginaw. He attended New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Saginaw High School. Morie retired after 22...

Diana Rockett

Diana Rockett

August 1, 2025

Diana Lynn Rockett passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, at her home in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 66 years. She was born May 23, 1959, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Shirley Williams and Louis Rockett Sr.

Diana, a proud Buena Vista High School graduate of the Class of 1977, was Homecoming Queen and a runner-up for prom Queen. She attended Western Michigan University...

Mrs. Lillie Ford

Mrs. Lillie Ford

July 31, 2025

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” John 14:27

“Let not your heart be troubled” John 14:1

Lillie Mae Jones was born on October 10, 1945, in Newellton, Louisiana, to Leroy and Lucille Jones. She passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 79 years.

Lillie excelled in school and loved performing in...

Dana Copsey

Dana Copsey

July 31, 2025

Mr. Dana Copsey passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 50 years.