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Obituaries I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 11 Timothy 4:7
Robert P. Heidelberg Jr. Friends, family, colleagues and countless beneficiaries of his medical skills and humanitarianism were among those celebrating the life of Robert Prentice Heidelberg Jr. at services held Saturday, March 23, at Westminister Presbyterian Church. Officiant was the Rev. Kevin Johnson, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church. Dr. Heidelberg, preeminent Detroit dermatologist, made his transition Saturday, March 16, at the age of 74. “An extraordinary man” his obituary proclaimed and the ensuing account of his life, along with personal testaments at the service, brought ample witness to that pronouncement. Spoken of was his lifelong love of music and voracious appetite for reading, his unrivaled clinical acumen, strong moral convictions and spirituality; his keen wit and willingness to engage in spirited discussion on any subject within his wide sphere of knowledge; his generosity and, above all, commitment to his family and profession. Born Aug. 12, 1938, in Laurel, Miss., he moved with his family to Detroit and was a gifted student at Northwestern High School. He attended Wayne State University with a music scholarship but after graduation from WSU, realizing that although music was his passion medicine was his calling, he opted for admission to Howard University College of Medicine where he continued to excel academically. Dr. Heidelberg began his internship at Detroit’s Grace Hospital but was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. After his discharge at the rank of captain, he returned to Wayne State for training in his specialty, dermatology. He opened his practice in 1971 and soon built a large clientele with his easy rapport and trust he instilled in his patients, most of whom affectionately called him “Dr. Bob.” During his 40 years as a physician, his practice serviced more than 1.5 million patients , all of whom received the same dignity and care despite the inability of some to afford specialized and extensive treatments. Dr. Heidelberg married the former Vera Currie and they had two daughters. Karen Heidelberg Barnwell followed her father in the medical profession, also specializing in dermatology, and joined his practice 15 years ago. Her sister, Tanya Heidelberg Yopp, is an attorney and businessperson. In addition to his wife of more than 50 years, Dr. Heidelberg is survived by two sons-in law Roger Yopp and Dr. John Barnwell; two granddaughters, Savannah Louise Yopp and Vera Ann-Marie Barnwell; his sister, Darnell Heidelberg Barton; brother-in-law, Sherman; cousin, Annette Johnson, and many other relatives. Entombment was in the Rosa Parks Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
Genevieve Springer Services for churchwoman Genevieve Pamela Springer were held Wednesday, April 3, at Solomon’s Temple. Officiant was Bishop David Maxwell and master of ceremonies was Elder Gary Gay. Ms. Springer, who devoted much of her life to working in various capacities at the churches she attended, made her transition Tuesday, March 26, at the age of 62. Her early Christian journey began at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church where she helped to orchestrate holiday programs. She served on the usher board at Rising Star Missionary Baptist, was baptized at Pentecostal House of God and later united with Greater Grace Temple of the Apostolic Faith, where spent nearly 21 years serving with various auxiliaries including her favorite, Usher Board #3. At Solomon Temple she was a member of the Missionary Department. During her marriage to Leon Johnson, she had two children, son Derrick Azariah, now a minister at Solomon’s Temple, and daughter Alese JeNal, a member of True Worship Church. Her spiritual walk with God also inspired some of her 10 siblings to become born-again believers. A gifted artistic individual, Ms. Springer was a heavily soughtafter designer and creator of fashion wardrobes. Her artistry really received recognition during her employment as production manager with the Michigan Chronicle when she became the first in that position to win three first-place awards in Best Layout and Design from the National Newspapers Publishers Association. Among the accolades she received for her extensive charitable and civic work was the Hampton Award for Volunteer of the Year from the Black United Fund, where she was an integral member of the Planning Committee, and honorable mention letters from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and former interim Detroit Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. At the time of her death she was a member of the administrative team at Children’s Hospital as a medical secretary and pediatric administrative assistant. Ms. Springer’s educational journey paralleled her spiritual journey. A product of the Detroit Public Schools system, she held an associate’s degree in business administration from the Detroit College of Business, bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport University, where she placed twice on the Dean’s List. And a master’s general administration from Central Michigan University. She also took liberal studies at Jordan College and calligraphy at the Center for Creative Studies. She is survived by her mother, Mary R. Springer; son Derrick, daughter, Alese, two grandchildren, Temar and Austin; goddaughter, Davina; ten siblings, Carole, Shirley, Jacqueline, Marion, Bernice, Willard Jr., Douglas, Cecil, Curtis Sr. and Rosalie, and many other relatives. Burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements were by O.H. Pye III Funeral Home.
Daniel Robinson Services for Daniel Robinson were held Friday, March 22, at Oakland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating was the Rev. Bernard Robinson. Mr. Robinson, a Detroit trailblazer in tool and die making, died Thursday, March 14, two weeks after his 87th birthday. Primarily reared in Detroit, he joined Church of Our Father at an early age. He loved learning and valued education, becoming an outstanding student Miller High School, where he excelled in mathematics. His scholarly achievements earned him a coveted opportunity to attend Henry Ford Trade School where he was the only African American student in his class. After earning a certificate in tool and die making in 1942, it took him five years to land a job at the Ford Motor Co. where he plied his trade until retiring in 1990. Mr. Robinson married Betty Mitchell and they had a son, Eric, who preceded him in death. He later Married Mary King and they reared eight children. A World War II Army veteran, he was an active member of the American Legion until his death and served as an assistant Boy Scout master. He enjoy reading science fiction , solving crossword puzzles, traveling and attending family picnics locally and reunions across the nation. Among Mr. Robinson’s survivors are two sisters, Luvie Carter and Pat Kellum; his children, Brenda, Bernard, Ramon, Gail, Robert, Gregory, Christopher and Pamela; 27 grandchildren, 19 great-children and many other relatives. Burial was at Detroit Memorial Park East in Warren. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
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Edith Brown Services for Edith Brown were held Saturday, March 23, at Faith Temple Baptist Church. Pastor Eddie J. Patterson officiated. Ms. Brown succumbed to an extended illness Sunday, March 17. She was 62. A native of Perry County, Ala., she was baptized at an early age and she received her formal education in the Gasden City Public Schools system. After moving to Detroit she united with New Greater Zion Hill Church. Affectionately called “Sis,” she was an outgoing, fun-loving and generous person who had a gift for fashion and flowers. She is survived by a daughter, Lakeshia Felton; sons, Christopher, Cornelius and Roddrell Brown; her mother, Martha Brown; sisters, Catherine Dobbins, Lucy Sears and Karen Carlisle; brothers, Jimmy, Johnny, Walter, Frank and Benny Brown; ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, an aunt, Annie Pearl; uncle, Dennis; special friend, Derrick Prince, and many other relatives. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements were by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
Doris S. Gray A celebration of the life of Doris Senola Gray was held Friday, March 22, at St. Stephen AME Church, with Pastor Michael L. Cousin officiating. Mrs. Gray, an active member of St. Stephen, made her transition Thursday, March 14, at the age of 80. Born Oct. 19, 1933, in Detroit, she was baptized at St. Stephen in 1935 and officially joined the church in 1945. Educated in the Detroit Public Schools system, she graduated from Northwestern High School in 1952.While working at Yob Engineering Co., she met and subsequently married James Arnold Gray Jr., a 56-year union in which they had and reared six children. At St. Stephen Mrs. Gray was a long-serving officer on the Board of Trustees and active member of the Historical Remembrance Committee, Pastor’s Aid Club, Bereavement Committee and the Spivey Redevelopment Organization. Mrs. Gray is survived by a sister, Bernice Bonner; her children, Carla Heath, Karen Sheffield, Leslie Fields, James A. III, and Jeffrey and Kelli Gray; three grandchildren, Justin Gray, Jordan Heath and Lauren Fields; three great-grandchildren, Justin, Joshua and Chloe Gray, and other relatives. Burial was at United Memorial Gardens. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
Carrie Jane George Friends, family and others paid tribute to Carrie Jane George at services held Wednesday, March 20, at Universal Liberty Christ Temple. Officiating was Pastor Naomi Gatlin. Mrs. George succumbed to an extended illness Wednesday, March 13, at the age of 70. A native Detroiter, she was born Dec. 31, 1942, and was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system. She attended Warren Avenue Baptist Church and later joined Universal Church where she sang with the choir including solos during the church’s Sunday night broadcasts. The mother of a one son, she married Henry George in 1968 and they lived in Japan for three years while he was on military assignment. After her retirement from Detroit Riverview Hospital, where she worked as a material management technician, Mrs. George devoted more of her time to the activities she loved, namely traveling, church activities, entertaining and dining out with friends. During her illness, Mrs. George was ably cared for by her companion of 30 years, Ruth Hunter, with whom she had three godchildren, and received exceptional service from Dorothy Young, one of her caregivers. In addition to her son, Tyrone, Mrs. George is survived by four sisters, Deloris Edwards-Bradley, Cecil Edwards-Mitchell, Delore Robinson and Thelma Daye; a grandchild, Dimetria Simpson; two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Asia Shipman; her companion, Ruth Hunter, and many other relatives. Final arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
George Calvin Hill A celebration of the life of Dr. George Calvin Hill was held at Plymouth United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood officiating. Delivering the eulogy was Dr. Hill’s daughter, the Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill. Dr. Hill, a prominent surgeon and occupational medicine physician, passed Tuesday, March 26, at the age of 87. Born Aug 29,1925, in Johnstown, Pa., he was an outstanding student throughout his scholastic career, graduating at age 16 from Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. He considered both medicine and the ministry as careers before commencing studies at Morehouse College. After only a year at Morehouse, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and while stationed in Moscow, Idaho, was able to continue his studies at the University of Idaho. Upon his discharge, he returned to Pennsylvania and complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1958he graduated from Meharry Medical College, an institution with which he maintained a close relationship throughout his life. In 1963 he was presented Meharry’s President’s Award in recognition of his service to mankind and the college and was later named a Meharry “Guardian of the Legacy.” Dr. Hill married the former Valentine Kay Johnson in 1959 and they had three daughters, Georgia Ann, Janet Marietta and Ellen Valentine. Dr. Hill opened his surgical practice in 1963, transitioning to occupational medicine in1983 and serving in various capacities at Ford Motor Co., Chrysler and General Motors Corps., the U.S. Postal Service and Detroit Edison. He was the author of more than 30 published articles and won several awards in surgical research. A member of the board of directors of numerous organizations and adjunct clinical instructor at Wayne State University School of Medicine for over two decades, he retired from the practice of medicine in 2011. A highlight of his life came during Desert Storm when he was deployed as a colonel in the Army Reserves to Fort Bliss, Tex., where he was assistant director of the Surgical Trauma Unit. In 1978 he joined Plymouth Church where he was later ordained a deacon and served as deacons chairman. He also served in other capacities including chairman of fundraising church renovation campaigns and member of the Outreach Ministry team. He and Mr. Hill became members of the church Pilot Club. An avid golfer and voracious reader, “Daddy Hill,” as he was fondly called, especially loved the Agatha Christie mysteries and playing bridge and checkers. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Valentine; daughters Georgia Hill, Janet Talbert and Ellen Zeringue; sons-in-law Aaron Talbert and Anthony Zeringue; brothers-in-law Ishmael Johnson Jr. and Barry Johnson, and many other relatives.
Renee Rawlings The homegoing service for Renee Rawlings was held Monday, March 18, at Greater Grace Temple with Bishop Charles Ellis officiating. Mrs. Rawlings made her transition Tuesday, March 12, following an extended illness. Born Renee Ferguson in Memphis, Tenn., she was a graduate of the Memphis Public Schools system and attended Memphis State University. After moving to Detroit, she joined Greater Grace and was a devoted member, serving on the Senior Usher Board until her health began to fail. Mrs. Rawlings is survived by her children, Cheryl and Jaclyn Walker, and Frederick and Katrina Rawlings; 11 grandchildren, Shara and Narre Walker, Keta, Gabrielle, ToKara, Seriah and Gibran Rawlings, Telia Hines, Christian Brown, Telawrence Hymes and Tylee Walker; 14 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Narda Johnson, Inda Griffin and Althea Williams, and many other relatives. Swanson Funeral Home Inc. handled arrangements.
April 17 - 23, 2013
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Geraldine Bates and Santangela Williams Services for Geraldine Bates and Santangela Williams were held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Kadesh Baptist Church. Delivering the eulogy was Bishop Donnell Foster. Mrs. Bates, 68, and Mrs. Williams, 49, mother and daughter respectively, died Friday, Feb. 15. Both were native Detroiters and both attended the Detroit Public Schools. Born Geraldine Golden Sept. 19, 1944, Mrs. Bates was baptized at House of God at an early age and later headed the church’s Mothers Board. She married the late Ricky Shine and they had three children. She worked at National Clearing until electing to devote full time to raising her family. She married James Bates and later had a daughter, Starlet. Mrs. Williams, born Santangela Deandra Shine May 18, 1963, received her GED in 1991. She attended Henry Ford Community College, earning associate degrees in science and nursing, and worked as a nurse at Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Affectionately known as “Pookie,” she was an outgoing personality. She married Anthoy Williams and they were the parents of three children. Mrs. Bates is survived by two daughters, Rickie “Keda” Shine and Quiana “Starlet” Jones (a son, Ricardo, preceded her in death); four grandchildren, Jerrell Sr., Dee, Jerray and Cara; three great-grandchildren, Amera, Ja’Velon and Jerrell Jr.; a brother, Charles, and other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, Anthony, Mrs. Williams’ survivors are three children, Jerrell Shine Sr., Jerray Rogers and Shantangela R. Williams; two grandchildren, Krystopher Frazier and Jerrell Shine Jr.; two sisters, Rickie Shine and Starlet Jones; two stepdaughters, Jasmine and Jermani Williams; stepson, Momar Wallace; five stepgrandchildren, Maxine, Lavar, Wynter, Miquel and Lecia. Interments were at Westland Cemetery in Wayne.Arrngements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.
Martinneze Moore A homegoing service for Martinneze Moore was held Monday, March 18, in the Eastside Chapel of Swanson Funeral Home Inc. The Rev Daniel Garfield officiated. Mr. Moore, a retired truck driver and more recently a medical administrator, died Monday, March 11, approximately a month after his 50th birthday. Born Feb. 9, 1963, in Detroit, he was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system and later earned degrees in broadcasting and culinary arts. After retiring as a truck driver for Ryder Co., he began a career as a medical administrator at Great Lakes Wellness and Home Health Inc. Mr. Moore married his wife, Barbara, in 1988 and they had two sons. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and working with seniors in maintaining their health. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Chisa Moore, Kyle Rushing, Etoshia Williams and Martinneze, Danell and JaVon Moore; 13 grandchildren, his mother, Jessie Clark; five brothers, four sisters and many other relatives. His father, Arlue Moore, and two sisters, Michelle and Shuron, preceded him in death. Burial was at Lincoln Memorial Park in Clinton Township.
Viola E. Mason A celebration of the life of Viola Elizabeth Mason was held Tuesday, March 19, at Solomon’s Temple, where Bishop William L. Bonner is pastor. Officiant was Bishop William Hall and master of ceremonies was Apostle Fred Rubin. Mrs. Mason, a retired General Motors seamstress, made her transition Monday, March 11, approximately a month before her 81st birthday. Born Viola Elizabeth Pate April 3, i932, in Bramwell, West Va., she was a product and graduate of the West Virginia Schools system. After moving to Detroit, she met and married the late Arthur Mason Jr. and they had six children. Mrs. Mason, affectionately known as “Sister” or “Pate,” grandchildren, Blair, Alshasang with the Goodwill Youth Ensemble. In 1959 she became a member of Solomon’s Temple and served with dedication for ore than 50 years. After her retirement from General Motors she devoted more time to her favorite pastimes, traveling, sewing, and socializing with her Progressive Mixers church club and family. She is survived by her children, Christina Williams Roberts, Arthur III, Mark, Bruce, Candy McGee and Wendy Matthews; grandchildren, Blair, Alisha, Kelly, Arthur IV, Ashleigh, Mark II, Tyrone, Nakiela, Tiffany, Reuben, Angel, Christian, Dwight, Ryan, Kiarron and Delilah; several great-grandchildren, sisters, Trudy, Goldie and Ida Mae; her caregiver, Laura, and many other relatives.
Bianca K. Upshaw A memorial service for Bianca Katerri Upshaw was held Saturday, March 16, in the Swanson Funeral Home Eastside Chapel. Delivering the eulogy was Pastor Walter Allen Steen. Miss Upshaw died Sunday, March 3, at the age of 43. Born Nov. 4, 1969, to the late Homer and Minnie Upshaw, she professed her faith in Christ at an early age and attended the Detroit public schools. Described as humble and giving, she always tried to help the less fortunate. In addition to her parents, Miss Upshaw was preceded in death by two brothers, Myron and Jackie, and a sister, Jeannette. She is survived by a daughter, Princess; son, Plas; three sisters, Sonya, Sandra Jones and Nedra; four brothers, Homer, Andre, Shawn and Demetrius, and other relatives.
Cevellia M. Wilder Services for Cevellia M. Wilder were held Friday, March 22, at Allen Temple AME Church with the Rev. Dr. Darren K. Penson officiating. Mrs. Wilder died Thursday, March 14, three weeks before her 89th birthday. Born Cevillia M. Starks April 4, 1924, she moved with her mother to Detroit at an early age. She attended the Detroit public schools and later beauty college while helping in her mother’s salon. In 1941 she married the late William B. Wilder and joined the “Rosie the Riveter” ranks, working in the auto industry while her husband fulfilled his military duty during World War II. She also worked for 20 years at Whaling Men’s Clothing Store, retiring as head cashier. At Allen Temple, Mrs. Wilder was a member of the Usher Board, served with other church auxiliaries and volunteered at soup kitchens throughout the city. A world traveler, she also enjoyed crosscountry driving trips, shopping, cooking and entertaining friends and family. She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Brown, grandchildren, Sylvia Davis, Jewel Denby and Anthony Brown; ten great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and other relatives. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements were by Swanson Funeral Home.