Mother Johnnie Mae Burt

With hearts filled with gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Mother Johnnie Mae Burt announced her transition surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Johnnie Mae Calhoun was born in Thompson Alabama, on July 6, 1928, to the late James Henry and Effie B. Calhoun. The daughter of a Deacon, and Church Mother, Johnnie Mae’s hands were filled as a youngster as she helped to raise 7 younger brothers and 1 sister. She attended school at the Thompson/Carver School system in Union Springs Alabama, where she graduated from high school. Mother Burt relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in the early 1950’s to be with 2 of her brothers, the late Samuel Calhoun, and the late Pastor Nathaniel Calhoun. She joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and was a member for many years serving in the Missionary Department. She later became a member of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Philadelphia, PA, Bishop Kenneth “Omega” Shelton, Pastor and General Overseer. Mother Burt served faithfully until her transition. She was the Women’s Supervisor for the Saginaw Church for over 30 years, and the chairlady for the “Little Flock”, teaching the little ones to learn bible verses, recite the books of the bible, teaching them songs of praise, how to testify, and the importance of financially giving to the Lord. Most importantly she taught them about salvation & accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Post Pandemic she served wherever needed. Mother Burt attended Delta College, receiving her Liberal Arts Degree in 1977. She went on to attend Saginaw Valley State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981, majoring in social work and a minor in Sociology. Mother Burt was recognized as the Business Art Theatre Sociology awardee (BATS). At the age of 95, she was still passionately a Cardinal, very proud of her SVSU alumni status and had a strong Cardinal social work spirit of loving and caring about those around her. In 2003 during her 75th Birthday Celebration, Mayor Wilmer Ham McZee proclaimed July 6, as Mother Johnnie Mae Burt Day and presented her with the keys to the city of Saginaw. To carry on her legacy and to cherish her memory, Mother Burt is survived by six daughters, Barbara Williams-Sane, Gwendolyn Sims, Carolyn Hulett, Janice Baldridge (Ralph Donald), Delores (Roy) Walker, of Saginaw, Michigan; J. Mae (Ted) Bullock of Greensboro, NC; 2 sons, Nathan Burt, Flint, Michigan, David (Debbie) Burt Sr., of Saginaw, Michigan; 18 grandchildren, Marquita Williams, Andrae Williams, Stavette ((Damain) Lineberger, Kaila Bullock, Ted Bullock, Jr., Shawanda Sims, Antwoyne Burt, Sr., Arkeasha Burt, Terrence Burt, Morsharee Burt, Lula Pearl Burt, Jo’nathan Burt, Erica Burt, Octavia (Christopher) Ray, LaToya (George) Cannon, Tremaine (Drena L.) Jones, David Burt, Jr., Jalajc’a Walker, J’Ahni Walker, Jhi-Khina Walker; 38 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren; one sister, and 2 brothers, Effie Jean Lyons, of Union Springs, Alabama; Johnnie Lee Calhoun, of Chicago, IL, and Minister Melvin Calhoun, of Saginaw, Michigan; 3 special sisters in-laws, Mattie L. Calhoun, Diana Calhoun, Lisa Calhoun, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted daughter, Mattie Johnson, Shirley Chisolm, sons-in-love, Andrew (Mary) Williams, Steve (Karen) Coleman, and Larry Sims; special friends, Ms. Earlie Mae Gipson, and Mrs. Hazel Roberts. Mother Burt was preceded in death by her parents, James and Effie B. Calhoun; 5 brothers, James E., Samuel J, Pastor Nathaniel Calhoun, Morris L, and Major L. Calhoun; one sister, Bessie Surles; daughter-in-love, Gerriann Burt; and sons-in-love, Jessie Baldridge, Emzie Hulett, Robert Sane, and Windsor Welch. Special thanks to Dr. Harpal Singh, Dr. Mohammad Khan, Heartland Hospice Care, All Valley Home Health and Valley Hospice Care and their affiliates, Sister Sharon Gallagher, and granddaughter-in-love, Diane White, for your care. To Bishop Omega and the saints of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Pastor Chris & Lady Kenyatta Pryor, Mother Ruth C. Pryor and the Victorious Believers Church Family (VBM) for your prayers, calls and messages. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Victorious Believers Ministries, 624 South Outer Dr., Saginaw, Michigan 48601, with funeral services commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Christopher V. Pryor will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Mother Johnnie Mae Burt

July 6, 1928 - March 28, 2024