Mr. Dwight Lee Eddings

His Journey: Dwight Lee Eddings was born March 6, 1952 to Harvey William and Lucile Elizabeth Eddings, the sixth of nine children. He accepted Christ at an early age. Dwight's early education (Elementary and Jr. High School) was completed in the Memphis, Tennessee School System. When Dwight's family relocated to Detroit, Michigan, he enrolled at Northeastern High School. After graduating he attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. During his summer breaks he went to San Francisco, to visit his sisters and had a summer job as a swim instructor and lifeguard to save money for college. In his spare time he also taught his young nephew to swim, which he still appreciates even in adulthood. Dwight loved karate advancing to the level of Black belt. In 1976, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Commercial Arts. Dwight was an exceptional artist with a variety of talents! Dwight could write in calligraphy and was ambidextrous (right and left handed) allowing him to master pen, pencil and charcoal drawings. He also created abstract oil canvas and still life paintings. He made sculptures in all genres: wood, plaster and ceramics. Dwight was especially gifted in designing and making jewelry, also in creating macramé wall pieces and plant hangers. He loved gardening, often assisting his cousins with their flower gardens, and growing so many vegetables, that he would give away most of his crops. He had such a green thumb he'd even plant vegetables he didn't eat if someone put in a request. In addition, Dwight loved building and constructing things (although the desired results weren’t always achieved). Dwight also loved to visit and spend time with his family often. Dwight was employed by the Detroit Public School system as a substitute teacher for fifteen years. If he was not creating art, then Dwight was happiest teaching students to appreciate and create art. Art was so deeply rooted in his soul that it was a powerful means of encouraging others along their life's journey. His love of teaching combined with his God-given talents pertaining to the arts influenced several of his nieces and nephews in the pursuit of their career choices. Eventually, Dwight became disillusioned with the Detroit Public School system, when he found himself teaching art less and less, so he reinvented himself by attending and completing truck driving school, earning a commercial driver's license. He drove semi-trucks for a year and a half. Even though he loved touring the countryside and seeing beauty in the ever changing scenery of nature's bounty, he didn't like the long absences away from home, family and friends. Dwight then sought employment with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) System. Dwight loved driving the bus because even though he saw the same places on a daily basis, he often got to meet new people and make new friends, including one beautiful and very special lady who eventually became his wife - Alison Pryor. On September 11, 2004, Alison Lynne Pryor and Dwight Eddings were joined in holy matrimony. They were a great team and the best of companions, often traveling to various destinations. They shared a love of arts and crafts taking classes and creating ceramics together. Eventually they created a space in their home designated as a workshop for the both of them to pursue each of interests and talents. They spent many happy hours working together and enjoying each other's company. In 2006, Dwight was injured allowing him to retire in 2007 from SMART after 15 years of service. Alison remained a true and dedicated companion, staying faithfully by his side as his health deteriorated. Dwight Lee Eddings departed this life on March 7, 2016, with his wife by his side.

Mr. Dwight Lee Eddings

March 6, 1952 - March 7, 2016