Pastor Willie Huddleston

HUDDLESTON, Pastor Willie James - Age 79, departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at Gentiva Hospice of Flint, Michigan. Family hour 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Faith Temple Church Of God In Christ, 5802 Fleming Rd., with Homegoing service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor Eric Lewis officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Pastor Huddleston will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd, and may be viewed from 12 noon-4 p.m Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Afterwhich, Pastor Huddleston will be taken to Livingwater Ministries, 413 W. Russell St., for Memorial Service from 6-8 p.m. Superintendent Willie James Huddleston, was born on June 6, 1933 in Stratton Mississippi. He was the beloved husband of the late Missionary Naomi Thames-Huddleston. Superintendent Huddleston was the founder and senior pastor of Mt. Carmel Church of God In Christ of Flint, MI. The name was later changed to True Vine Fellowship Church of God In Christ of Flint, MI. He served for God in this capacity for 34 years and became Pastor Emeritus in 2006. He also served administratively as the Superintendent of the Headquarters District Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction No. 4., and Progressive District of Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction No 1. He graduated from C.H. Boler High School in Decatur, Mississippi, on January 16, 1953. Upon graduating he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, on July 16, 1953. He was released on July 18, 1956 with an Honorable Discharge with a National Defense Service Medal. He transferred from USMC to Marine Corp Reserve with obligated service until July 15, 1961. He united in Holy Matrimony to Naomi Thames November 19, 1955. They relocated to Flint, Michigan in 1956 where he began a long-lasting career with General Motors Corporation for 32 years and was a member of UAW Local 659. During his career with GM he volunteered his time with the United Way where he served as blood drive coordinator. He leaves to cherish his memory: seven daughters, Ruby Huddleston of Flint, MI, Rene (John) Brooks of Flint, MI, Sandra Huddleston of Flint, MI, Odie (Crawley) Anthony of Flint, MI, Dorthy Huddleston of Rochester Hills, MI, Jacqueline Herrell of Flint, MI, Rachel (Bobby) Jackson of Flint, MI; Three sons, Willie (Rhonda) Huddleston of Otisville, MI, George (Sharena) Huddleston of Flint, MI, Zeri Huddleston of Atlanta, GA; twenty-eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; father, Elbert Huddleston; six sisters, Lavern (Charlie) Wash, Mary Buckley, both of Decatur, MS, Annie Hodge of Union, MS, Cora Huddleston, Dorothy Brock and Lexane Huddleston all of Flint, MI,; four brothers, Elbert (Clementine) Huddleston, George (Betty) Huddleston, James (Gwen) Huddleston, all of Flint, MI., and Jesse (Gloria) Huddleston of Ann Arbor, MI; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Willie was also preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Huddleston; grandson, Quincey Loyd and granddaughter, Valynsia Jackson; mother, Virgie Mae York; father-in-law, Benjamin Thames, mother-in-law, Evie Thames; and son-in-law, Michael Herrell. The family would like to express special thanks to: Bishop Fred Lewis and Pastor Eric Lewis of Faith Temple COGIC of Flint, MI, and the Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction No. 4, Pastor Superintendent, Christopher Martin of Cathedral of Faith Ministries COGIC, of Flint, MI, Pastor Robert Simmons of Livingwater Ministries formerly known as True Vine Fellowship COGIC of Flint, MI. Caregivers: Angela Williams, Christina McClaine, Linda Cooke, Tammy Golidy RN, Cathy, Louis Roberson, Johnnie Pearson and Gentiva Hospice. The Huddleston Family would like to extend a special thanks to John Brooks Sr., Evie Rene Brooks, Manvel Brooks, Dericco Huddleston (Brooks), John Brooks II and Jessica Brooks.

Pastor Willie Huddleston

June 6, 1933 - May 2, 2013