Johnny Lovey Scarber Jr.

In Loving Memory Of Johnny Lovey Scarber, Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 26, 1942 to the union of Lovey and Coreane Scarber, and was the oldest of seven children: Patricia, Priscella, Jesse, Gerald, Pamela, and Jerome. Johnny was educated in the Detroit Public School System, and graduated from Northwestern High School, where he earned his diploma in 1961. Johnny had a very joyous, ambitious loving spirit, and as the eldest of his siblings, he became a trusted mentor to them. It is at Northwestern High School where Johnny met Willie Horton, Richard Mack and 11 more of his LIFELONG BEST FRIENDS “THE NORTHWESTERN JOCKS” of 67 years since 1957. Johnny enjoyed having monthly breakfasts with his best friends, and the many gatherings and events hosted by Richard Mack and Willie Horton. Willie’s determination continues to keep their bond strong even till this day. Johnny met and fell in love with Dolores Johnson and they were united in holy matrimony at the tender age of 18. To this union four children were born and reared: Sonia, Sandra, Johnny, and Sarena. Affectionately known as "LOVEY", Johnny had many talents. He was an "All-City and All-State" Running Back on the Varsity Football Team. Additionally, Johnny was an "Exceptional ShortStop Player" on the Varsity Baseball Team and they won the All City Baseball Championship in 1959. In 1968, Johnny was recruited and also completed tryouts for the Detroit Tigers Baseball Team. Johnny was a member of World Wide Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where both he, his loving wife Dolores, and four children were baptized. Johnny also attended the Men's Fellowship Ministry with his grandson Brandon at Pentecostal Temple Baptist Church from 2009-2013. After graduating high school, Johnny was employed at General Motors Cadillac Assembly Plant in Detroit, MI. Johnny later capitalized on a great opportunity transferring to the General Motors Powertrain Plant in Warren Michigan, and this move to Warren helped Johnny find his lifetime career with General Motors, retiring after 45+ years of service. Johnny loved his family and would always boast about their frequent family trips traveling the highway with his wife, children, parents, siblings, and cousins to visit with his Uncle Herbert and Uncle Tommy’s families in Chicago Illinois. Johnny always thrived on spending time with his family and friends at family reunions, birthday parties, bowling leagues, bid whist card games and other social gatherings. He loved listening to Jazz and Motown music, singing, watching good movies, and football, basketball, golf tournaments with his family. Johnny would host many backyard barbeques and show off his home-grown tomatoes, greens and other fresh vegetables in his garden. Johnny was kind-hearted and a very giving person. He was handsome, charming, and had a bright contagious smile that would light up any room he walked into. Johnny had the type of infectious personality that made you feel his authenticity of love and welcoming sunny disposition. Although Johnny had four biological children, he also had the respect of their friends as well, and was affectionately known as “POPS” throughout the neighborhood on Cruse St. He was also a mentor to many and was affectionately called "Uncle Lovey" by all his nieces and nephews. On the weekends, Johnny would take his grandsons Justin, Brandon and great-nephews Kamal, Lil Mel, to an open gym in downtown Detroit at the Church of Christ Elmwood Park where his late friend Wag attended. Wag was one of the original basketball players on the Harlem GlobeTrotters basketball team. Johnny's friend Herbert, would also bring his grandson Damon and together Johnny, Wag and Herbert would mentor and coach the children in basketball, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and the proper way to tie their shoes. After retirement, Johnny took up the sport of golf. He introduced and taught this sport to his cousin Shirley and one of his best friends Richard Mack. They are thankful to Johnny for sharing his wonderful gift and mentorship with them, and are both still active golf players today. Johnny always met new friends along his journey and just enjoyed life to its fullest! He would often say I'm in the 4th quarter and I’m going to spend my 4th quarter on what makes me happy! So after retirement, Johnny excelled in his favorite sport, playing baccarat and poker at the casino. He would also travel to Atlantic City and participate in various casino tournaments. Johnny made his transition to be with his heavenly father on Friday, August 23, 2024. His parents and five siblings preceded him in death. Johnny leaves to cherish his loving memory, his beautiful wife Dolores, one son: Johnny (Tonya), three daughters: Sonia, Sandra and Sarena, six grandchildren: Justin, Dolores, Angela, Jonathan, Brandon and Brandi, eight great-grandchildren: DeAngel, Aniyah, Jeremiah, Ariah, Amaya, Nailah, Oria and Niara, one brother: Jesse, one brother-in-law: Spaniel Bennett, Sr., one sister-in-law: Beverly (Sherman), 23 nieces and nephews, 61 great-nieces and nephews, 69 great-great-nieces and nephews; 5 Cousins: Clarence, Lonnie and Sabrina, Shirley, Ronnie, and a host of other family and friends.

Johnny Lovey Scarber Jr.

November 26, 1942 - August 23, 2024