Mr. Julius Boarden

Mr. Julius McArthur Boarden graced heaven with his smile on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the age of 82 years. He was born June 13, 1942 in Wesson, Mississippi to the late Rev. Loxey and Janie L. Boarden. As a youth, he accepted Christ as his savior into his membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces Specialist 5th Class and being Honorably Discharged in 1969. He was united in holy matrimony to Rosetta Boarden, December 23, 1972 and enjoyed over 52 years of loving memories. In 1973, they later joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the late Pastor Harold C. Huggins where he served faithfully in many capacities. They became the proud parents of two children: Julius M. Boarden Jr. and Ashanta T. Boarden. He received his early education at St. John and Friendship School and graduating from Eva Harris High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Determined and hard-working, Julius received his B.S. Degree from Jackson State University and his MS Administration Degree from Central Michigan University. Julius was a family man who exemplified great moral strength, character and personal integrity every day of his life. A humble man with a great sense of humor came from spending time with his family and friends. He inspired all he touched to not be afraid to encounter risks; it’s by taking chances that we learn how to be brave and strong in any situation. In recognition of his extensive commitments to his community involvements were Bethel A.M.E. Church Usher Board #2, Doorkeeper, Retired Educator, U.S. Armed Forces Veteran (Specialist 5th Class), Circle of Love, Buena Vista School Board for 28 years, Buena Vista “DAD” Organization, Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), National Alliance of Black School Educators, Buena Vista Township Code Enforcement Officer, Self-Owner/Contractor of J & B Builders, American Legion Post 213, V.F.W. Life Member Post 9931, United Way, National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a proud lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (lota Chi Lambda Chapter) Saginaw, Michigan. Special honors and awards from Warrior International Outreach Ministries, Michigan National School Board Association, Buena Vista School District Board Awards, Alpha Phi Alpha Service Award (lota Chi Lambda 2017) leaving a Godly legacy. Julius favorite pastimes included traveling, JSU sports fan, contracting projects, fishing, working on vehicles, landscaper, swimming, shooting pool, golfing, music lover and a great cook of spaghetti, fried catfish to top it all with blackberry cobbler and coconut pie with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. He enjoyed special and quiet time reading the bible. His favorite scriptures were “All things good cometh from the Lord and Don’t let nothing separate you from the Lord”. Last, but not least, his favorite songs were by Mahalia Jackson-“Old Ship of Zion”, Al Green-“Love and Happiness” & “Let’s Get Married Today”, and the O’Jays-“You are my Sunshine”. Julius most favorite poem is “If” by Rudyard Kipling and “House of Alpha”-by Bro. Sidney P. Brown. Julius enjoyed family and friends with his humorous jokes. He presented himself with an open heart. If you met him, you’d remembered him. If you knew him, you will miss him. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Rosetta Boarden of Saginaw, MI; his children, Julius M. Boarden, Jr. of Nashville, TN and Ashanta T. Boarden of Glen Allen, VA; sister, Loretta Bingham of Flint, MI; three sisters-in-law, Roseana Boarden, Ruth Huddleston, both of Jackson, MS and Virginia A. Moore of Burtonsville, MD; two brothers-in-law, Richard Moore of Jackson, MS and Rudolph (Sarah) Moore of Montgomery, AL; nephews, Charles Boarden Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Darrell (Shanda) Boarden of Ridgeland, MS and Dwayne Huddleston, of Jackson, MS. Most memorable and special people, Tony Christmas of Byram, MS, George (Marilyn) Adams of Saginaw, MI and James (Melissa) Howard of Traverse City, MI; Hazel Milam of Saginaw, MI, and many special brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Julius was proceeded in death by his parents, Rev. Loxey and Janie L. Boarden; brother, Charles Boarden; sister, Mattie L. Washington and many other relative and friends. Family hour will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay St., Saginaw, MI 48601 with the funeral commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Dennis Laffoon will officiate with interment in Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4220 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. Visitation will take place on Thursday at the funeral home 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Julius Boarden

June 13, 1942 - January 7, 2025