Charles Cummings

CUMMINGS, Mr. Charles William, age 79, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 28, 2010. Family hour at 11:30 a.m., Friday July 2, 2010, at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 424 E. Kennelworth Ave., Flint, MI, 48504, with Memorial service commencing at Noon, with Reverend Dr. Major A. Stewart officiating. Charles was born the third child to Foreman and Lillian Cummings in Mantachie, MS, on April 2, 1931. He was raised with his brothers Edsel Alyon Cummings, Excel James Cummings, and Elzie Mae Clemons, an aunt he considered a sister. Because his father died of tuberculosis prior to his birth, Charles and his siblings were reared by his mother and grandfather, Jim Cummings. In 1958, his mother succumbed to colon cancer. Charles graduated from high school in 1951. Soon after, he enlisted in the Air Force for four years (during the Korean War), where he was positioned as a cook. In September 1953, Charles wed his beloved wife Mildred L. Cummings, whom he affectionately called Boo. They had three daughters: Lou Jeanier Rawls, Lolita Cummings Carson, and Lillian Louise Cummings-Pulliams. Charles was a dedicated and hard worker. In November 1955, he moved to Flint for work at General Motors and remained there until he retired in 1991. While an employee of GM, Charles was offered many promotions, all of which he declined so he could spend time with his family and take care of his “girls.” Charles loved the Lord greatly and showed his dedication as he served as a Deacon for many years at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Even after becoming ill and losing most of his memories, he affectionately told strangers, friends, and family that he was a Deacon at Mt. Olive and that Reverend Roy I. Greer was his pastor. Only second to the Lord, Charles loved his family more than all else. He was a man of great principles and values, and he taught his girls the importance of self-respect, honesty and family. He spent his time visiting with relatives, hunting, fishing and gardening. On the weekends, if he wasn’t doing these things, he could be found in the driveway, washing everyone’s vehicles. It was often said that Charles had the patience of Job as he taught each of his daughters how to drive and fish. Charles lived by the Golden Rule. He had a love for people that knew no bounds. On many occasions he could be seen offering money to those in need, or making up the difference between what a person wanted to buy in a store, how much they actually had, and the actual cost of the items. Brother Charles William Cummings leaves to cherish his memory: a devoted wife of 56 years, Mildred; loving daughters, Lou J. Rawls of Davison, MI; Lolita (Lamar) Cummings Carson of Grand Blanc, MI; and Lillian L. (Christopher) Cummings-Pulliams of Kentwood, MI; brothers, Edsel (Delores) Cummings of Blue Mountain, MS; and James (Betty) Cummings of Grand Blanc, MI; grandchildren Jonathan Charles Rawls and Jared Alexander Rawls of Flint, MI; Briana Nicole Hendrix and Jerry Allen Hendrix II of Grand Blanc, MI; and Ahavia Charlea Robbi Pulliams of Kentwood, MI; great grandchildren, Ian David Rawls and Katilyn Skaggs; aunt, Jeffie Cummings; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his father, Foreman Cummings; mother, Lillian Cummings, and aunt/sister Elzie Mae Clemons and a host of other loving aunts and uncles.

Charles Cummings

April 21, 1931 - June 28, 2010