Eula Thigpen

THIGPEN, Mrs. Eula M. - Age 91, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011 at her residence. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday October 22, 2011 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, G-5443 N. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Min. Adelaide Evans, officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Mrs. Thigpen will lie in state at the church and may be viewed Saturday during family hour only. Paying homage to the hand that rocked our cradle. Her life story: Mrs. Eula Marcelle Lewis-Thigpen was born December 18, 1919 in Meridian, Mississippi to Estelle Wilson-Lewis and Rev. William Henry Lewis. She was the second of three children. At the tender age of three, she and her siblings lost their mother. Their father remarried. His new bride was Margaret Collins. Eula inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character, music and leadership from her parent's example. Her father was a founding member of SCLC in the state of Mississippi. He also was the first black owner of a radio station in Mississippi – reaching millions through affiliations with ABC, NBC and CBS stations. This is the stock from which she came. Eula committed herself to getting an education. She completed her early education in Meridian, MS and graduated from Harris High School in Meridian, where her mother Margaret taught. Eula earned a degree in education from Talledega College in Alabama. She taught English in Meridian, MS. Eula’s strong devotion to Christ was instilled in her from her father. Under his pastoral leadership in the Church of God community, she became a devoted follower of Christ. She was a faithful member of Church of God until her marriage to Justus Thigpen. At that time she adopted the Baptist faith. In February 1942, Eula was united in Holy Matrimony with Justus Thigpen during a ceremony officiated by her father, Pastor William Henry Lewis. From this union, two children were born: Margaret Thigpen and Justus H. Thigpen. The Thigpen family relocated to Flint, Michigan in 1952 and united with Macedonia Baptist Church on Hickory Street. As the church relocated, so did the Thigpen family, to its current location. She was a faithful and devoted member for 59 years – serving in various positions until her health failed. Over the years, she served as Youth Director, Sunday school teacher, member of the Missionary Society, choir pianist, and choir directress for the senior choir – just to name a few. Eula was willing to serve whenever and however she could. She loved church. Along the way, she earned awards and acknowledgements for her accomplishments. She earned an award for 40 years of dedicated service as financial secretary for the parent body of Great Lakes Baptist District Association under Dr. A.J. Pointer, moderator – awarded to her November 13, 1998. She was awarded for 15 years of dedicated service as youth director at Macedonia Baptist Church on May 19, 1974. Eula leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: two loving and devoted children, Margaret Thigpen of Milawaukee, WI and Justus H. Thigpen, Sr., of Flint; 3 grandchildren, Reba (Eric) Thigpen-Cooper of Flint, Justus (LaChelle) Thigpen, Jr. of Columbus, OH and Quentin Joiner (Crystal) of Milwaukee, WI; 8 great-grandchildren, Kavona, Kashonda, Juwann, all of Flint, Quentin Jr., Alexis and Jordan, all of Milwaukee, WI, Alexis and Jadyn, both of Columbus, OH; great-great-grandson, Jamari of Flint; a host of other relatives and friends to numerous to name. Mrs. Thigpen will be welcomed into heaven by those who preceded her: her loving husband, Rev. Justus Thigpen; mother, Estelle; father, Pastor William Henry Lewis; stepmother, Margaret; brother, Joe Lewis; sister, Johnnie Annie Bell Lewis-Wilson; brothers-in-law, Marvin Wilson and Glaston Thigpen; and sister-in, law, Ann Thigpen. The family of Eula Thigpen has been overwhelmed by the many acts of kindness and love shown us during our time of bereavement. We will always remember your love, phone calls, prayers, cards and concern. We would like to express special thanks to Grace Hospice, nurse Roseanne Swartz, Chaplain Jowanne Carrigan, Dr. Tom Belford, Dr. Syed Sattar, Vickie Jones, caregivers: Dorianne Jones and Armilda “Chic” Clark. Special thanks to granddaughter, Rebe Thigpen-Cooper. God Bless you all.

Eula Thigpen

December 18, 1919 - October 16, 2011