Mr. Robert Lee Elsberry, Sr.

Mr. Robert Lee Elsberry Sr. was the eldest of seven siblings, born on May 21, 1914 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late George and Sarah Elsberry. Robert Elsberry Sr. accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age. He attended Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church, initially under the pastoral guidance of Rev. R.D. Brown, and later under the guidance of Levert Shell. Mr. Elsberry was very active in the ministry, serving as a trustee and member of the choir. Mr. Elsberry was one of the founding members of Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church in 1966, where he served as a member for 47 years. He also spent an abundance of time doing repairs and janitorial work around the church during his off time. Growing up, Mr. Robert Elsberry Sr. was an entrepreneur who worked very hard to support his grandmother and his six siblings after the loss of their mother at an early age. Mr. Robert Elsberry Sr. was a very sharp and well-mannered Christian man who brought joy to all who knew him. He was a very stylish dresser who loved fine automobiles, but Mr. Elsberry was also a very frugal man who managed his personal affairs wisely. While working hard to provide for his wife and children, Mr. Elsberry still managed to attend the Detroit Public Schools system at night to further his education. From 1926 through 1932, Mr. Elsberry lived in Montgomery, Alabama, where he worked in farming, as a caddy, at lumber mills and as a chauffeur. In 1932, Mr. Elsberry moved to Detroit, Michigan leaving his family behind while he searched for work. He began working at the Packard Plant on E. Grand Boulevard in 1932, and continued working there through 1952. While at the Packard Plant, Mr. Elsberry initially built cars, and later built airplanes in support of the United States and its allies in World War II. In 1952, Mr. Elsberry began working at the Ford Plane Dealership, where he repaired and detailed automobiles until 1959. In 1959, Mr. Elsberry began working for the Burroughs Corporation, and he retired from Burroughs on June 4, 1979 as a janitorial supervisor. On March 4, 1933, Mr. Elsberry was joined in holy matrimony with the late Annie Mae Williams-Elsberry, and their marriage endured for 46 years. To their union four children were born. Mr. Elsberry married the late Jerene Dale Lee in 1985, and their marriage of 11 years ended with the late Mrs. Jerene Lee-Elsberry passing on February 8, 1996. Mr. Elsberry’s favorite sports were golfing and baseball. He enjoyed golfing most of all, and won several tournaments. Mr. Elsberry also enjoyed hobbies such as fishing and bike riding. Mr. Elsberry Sr. departed this world on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Robert Lee Elsberry, Sr.

May 21, 1914 - November 14, 2013