Mr. Jairus Floyd Powe

Dear Family and Friends: If you are reading this and my children have followed my instructions, you are seated at Metropolitan Baptist Church to celebrate my transition to be with the Lord. I am Jairus Floyd Powe. I was born to Maggie and Rufus Powe. My journey began in Silas, Alabama on February 26, 1928. I was the 19th child of 22 born to this union. Nineteen of my brothers and sisters preceded me in death (my sisters) Rosie lee Rowell, Connie Sledge, Esther Powe, Ruth Lang, Annie Head, Zipora Sumrall and Dora Riley (my brothers) Joseph, Fred, Elijah, Price, James, Cornelius, Booker, Woodrow, Matthew, Charlie and G. Esau and Samuel. In 1950, I served during the Korean War in the United States Army. I traveled the world to places like Spain, Korea, Brazil, Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro and Asia, just to name a few places around the globe. I have traveled during my service time and my retirement also. I served in the army for several years and was honorably discharged. When I returned to Detroit I started employment with General Motors. I worked for GM for 46 years as a skilled trade electrician. I met and married the only woman I ever truly loved Lucile Fields. After 32 years, we choose different paths and parted ways, but we remained the best of friends. I felt her love and dedication during my illness with the assistance of my care. Thank you Cile for helping me when I could not help myself. I know I did not always show it, but I truly did love you. We were blessed to have three great children that I call my precious jewels. My diamond is the eldest, Michael Keith married to Jackie and the father of Michael J., Alim and Erica; grandfather of Alim Jr., Liam, Mila, Tory and Nasir. He is my diamond because during my seven-year illness, he never left my side. He left his own home and family and moved in with me and became my 24-hour caregiver. I will forever be thankful to you son and your family for your love and sacrifice. I am at peace now. Please take your well deserved rest. My second born, Sheldon Dee preceded me in death and met me at the pearly gate, was married to Sheryl and the father of Donielle, Ian (Laura) and Justin; the grandfather of Richard and Aubrey. He is my ruby because he was a rare treasured humanitarian who left his mark on the world with not just making sure that his children were educated and ready for the world, but he also nurtured countless other children in the Detroit Public Schools system. My emerald, the baby and only girl, Kimberley Powe-Porter married to Keith and mother of Darnell and Brittney. She is my emerald because she is the enforcer and mouthpiece of the family. If there is business to be taken care of you can give it to her and it’s a done deal. During my illness, watching her deal with people and my many problems, I was glad that she was on my team. She has a kind heart, but she turns green as an emerald if your presentation is not correct. She is raising her little mini me Brittney to be the second-generation enforcer watch out world. Love you baby girl and Keith good luck with my spoiled child. Laughing out loud in heaven! My sapphires are my grandchildren and great-grandchildren who call me Big Daddy. I was blessed to see all of my grandchildren graduate or attend college and are now working in their professional careers. I have a lawyer (Donnie), an insurance administrator (Ian), a telecommunication administrator (Darnell), a hotel and hospitality administrator (Justin); still in college Michael and Brittney excuse me while I brag pop my collar I am so proud of them. I am sure that my great-grandchildren will travel this same path and keep up the legacy of what it means to have the last name Powe. My grand-seeds always remember to connect with the brilliance of your own spirit and know that obstacles in the path are not obstacles they are the path. I was a lifetime member at Metropolitan Baptist Church. I loved my church and served for over 50 years. I wore many hats during my time there. My first love was being a deacon and I was blessed to see my son Sheldon follow in my footsteps and also serve as a deacon. I served on the usher broad, sang in the men's choir, helped with the food ministry, the big brotherhood and organized the Sunday school church picnic for many years. I opened the doors to the church on Sunday morning and fixed whatever needed to be fixed in the building on Saturday. I hope my service to my church will be seen in the eyes of the Lord to be well done my good and faithful servant. I was blessed to have an awesome front row of people outside of my family to look out and help to take care of me. My life on earth is over and I am resting in the arms of Jesus. I am surrounded by the loved ones who have gone before me. Don’t grieve for me, be happy that after 87 years I have fought the good fight, ran the race and reached the finish line. I will be waiting for all of you in eternity. Love, Jairus

Mr. Jairus Floyd Powe

February 26, 1928 - May 18, 2015