Pastor Rawls

RAWLS, Pastor Robert W. – Age 84, went to be with the Lord Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10AM Friday, December 5, 2008 at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church, 5802 Dupont St., with funeral service commencing at 11AM, Pastor Ernest J. Garrison officiating. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10AM Friday. Pastor Rawls will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12Noon-3PM Thursday, afterwhich Pastor Rawls will be taken to his church, Bethel A.M.E. Church, 773 E. Gillespie St., and may be viewed from 6-6:30PM with Memorial Service from 6-8PM. Pastor Robert W. Rawls began his journey of life December 3, 1923 in Flint, MI, the son of Johnnie & Corrie Rawls. He grew up here in Flint and attended Flint Public Schools, graduating from Northern High School. Pastor Rawls later served in the U.S. Army and after an honorable discharge, he began a boxing career, starting with the City and State Championships in the Golden Gloves. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Services for 20 years, then began his career as a Real Estate Broker. During the 60’s, Pastor Rawls was among the leaders in the fight for Open Occupancy in Flint. Being born of Christian parents, he accepted Christ at an early age, and thus began his Christian Journey. Pastor Rawls served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church. He founded and built Bethel A.M.E. Church after accepting his call to the preaching ministry. Many lives were touched by this evangelistic, visitation and jail ministries. Pastor Robert W. Rawls leaves to cherish his memory: wife of 63 years, Estelle; 3 sons, Robert A. of Flint, MI, Dennis R. of Pleasanton, CA and Keith Rawls of Atlanta, GA; 3 daughters, Anita Aikins of Flint, MI, Sylvia K. Lester of Alpharetta, GA and Judith Rawls of Duluth, GA; 7 grandchildren, Dennis, Jr. (Melanie), Corey (Valarie), Courtney Rae, Jaysa Pearson, Brandon, Joshua Carpenter and Chelsi Lester; 5 great-grandchildren, JaQuavas, Isaiah, Desiree, Immanuel, Tamaree; sister, Lillian (James) Bell; sister-in-law, Della Rawls; special cousins, Dr. James Curtis of Albion, MI and Winona Rawls of Detroit, MI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pastor Rawls was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; sister; and grandson. The family would like to express special thanks to Pastor Ernest J. Garrison and the Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church family, Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., and the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family.

Pastor Rawls

December 3, 1923 - November 29, 2008