Mrs. Eula Mae Pressley

PRESSLEY, Mrs. Eula Mae - Age 91, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 20. 2025 at Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5802 Dupont St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Douglas Banks, Host Pastor. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy., Mt. Morris, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Tuesday. Mrs. Pressley will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed Monday, from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Funeral Service will be live streamed on Facebook at vernonchapelchurch.com. Mrs. Eula Mae Pressley, age 91, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at Tranquility House AFC, a family business owned and operated by her daughter. She was surrounded by her loving family and the long-time staff of Tranquility House AFC. Eula was born on November 1, 1933, in Tallulah, Louisiana, the eldest daughter of Willie Branch and Eran “Shang” Taylor. She graduated from Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1954 and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University in 1960. After relocating her family from Los Angeles, California, Eula began a fulfilling career with the Flint Board of Education. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to the classroom, where she uplifted students and colleagues alike with her quiet leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Her entrepreneurial journey began early, when she and Charles Sr. co-owned “Williams’ and Pressleys’ Furniture Company” with her sister’s family. A devoted resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Eula lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for her community. For over 50 years, she was a faithful member of Vernon Chapel AME Church, where she served in numerous roles with unwavering dedication and a heart full of grace. Her presence in the church was not only consistent but foundational, touching lives across generations with wisdom, kindness, and spiritual strength. Eula was married to Charles Pressley Sr. for 16 years before they divorced. From that union came three children: Charles Jr., Cassandra, and Christopher, as well as three cherished grandchildren from Cassandra: Natasha Redford, Ricardo Wilson, and Breanna Wilson, who were—and always remained—the pride and joy of her life. Her love for us was constant, unconditional, and deeply rooted in her belief in family. Outside the classroom and church, Eula was a woman of vision and enterprise. She was a proud member of the Flint NAACP and served under her sister’s administration for 15 years as a Chairwoman and Barbara McClendon and Dr. Douglas Wright serving as Co-Chairpersons. She remained actively engaged in civic life, campaigning for local political candidates and supporting causes that promoted justice and equality. Her creativity came to life through sewing and arts and crafts—each handmade piece a reflection of her care and unique flair. After 26 years and 91 days as an educator, Eula retired in 1995, her dedication to children continued. She opened and operated a daycare, creating a nurturing and loving space where the youngest members of her community could grow and thrive. Her entrepreneurial spirit was unmatched. Whether managing real estate, selling handmade merchandise, or running her beloved food truck—where she served General Motors employees and Flint residents—Eula approached every endeavor with purpose, integrity, and a deep sense of community. She had a rare gift for blending creativity, business, and service in everything she did. Her life was a vibrant testimony to faith in action, lifelong learning, and love without limits. She gave endlessly—to her family, her church, her students, and her community—and the impact of her legacy will be felt for generations to come. Eula Mae Pressley leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Charles Pressley Jr. and Christopher Pressley; daughter, Cassandra Pressley; granddaughters, Natasha Redford and Breanna Wilson; and grandson, Ricardo Wilson; cousins, Nehemiah Thomas, Rosevelt Taylor, Levell Taylor, Michael Taylor, Belinda Taylor, Jacquiline Taylor; sisters-in-law, Virgie Sampson, Darline (Theodis) Johnson, Christene Chaney, and Stephanie (Derrick) Pressley Cox; brothers-in-law, Jeffery Pressley, Roderick (Ruth Ann) Pressley, and Ronald (Satashia) Pressley; also remembered by honorary grandchildren, Erik (Rhonda) Jones, and great grandchildren Ayshia Thoune, Ericka Thoune, Jordan Thoune and A’Karie Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends including special friends, Ora Lee Jackson Clark, Maudine Matthews, Betty Atwater, Mignon Goins, Johnnie Green, Barabara Bracey; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Eula was preceded in death by by her mother, Earn Ross; father, Willie Branch; sister, Susie Williams; half-sisters, Jeanola and Madlyn Branch, brother-in-laws, Eugene Newton and James Pressley. The Family Would like To Express Special Thanks To: Tranquility House AFC staff; FNP, Lisa Lindsay; Absolute Home Health & Hospice, especially Rose, RN, and Iesha, SW; and the Vernon Chapel AME Family.

Mrs. Eula Mae Pressley

November 1, 1933 - May 12, 2025