Lee Yancy

Yancy, Mr. Lee Otis Saginaw, Michigan. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2005 at the Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 S. Jefferson Ave. Pastor Johnny Goodman will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Browne's Mortuary, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. on Thursday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Lee Otis Yancy passed away on April 1, 2005 in Saginaw, Michigan at the age 57 years. He was born January 5, 1947 in Pineville, La., the son of Otis Yancy and Ora Brooks (stepfather, Jack) Thorne. Lee lived in Natchitoches, La. before moving to Saginaw, Mich. He was a 1965 graduate of Saginaw High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War and 27 years of inactive duty. He retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC) E-7, with honors. Lee was awarded the Purple Heart and President's Citation. In 1966, he returned to active duty in the Gulf War-Desert Storm as a drill sergeant in the Army Reserve. He was a member of the D.A.V. Lee retired from General Motors after more than 30 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 699. He loved traveling, barbequing and outdoor activities. Lee was a member of New Morning Star Church where the Reverend John Goodman is Pastor. Lee was formerly a member of New Life Baptist Church where he stewarded as an usher under the leadership of Reverend Rufus Bradley for 12 years. Lee's love was being a servant of the Lord. Lee contributed to various organizations, including the United Negro College Fund, NAACP, TCT Ministries, United Way, Delta Broadcasting, St. Jude Hospital, American Cancer Society, Lukemia Foundation, Boys & Girls Club and Feed the Children. He was a kind and generous person who touched many peoples lives and left a positive impact on all that knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory his companion and mother of his children, Ms. Brenda J. Baker of Saginaw, Mich.; one daughter and three sons, Damion DeMarco, Demeteus LaMar, Demetria LaVonne and Donovan Lee Yancy; two grandchildren, Karrington Myles Riggins and Kaleb Jeremiah Yancy, both of Saginaw, Mich.; four sisters, Patricia Johnson of Saginaw, Mich., Gloria Yancy of East St. Louis, Gloria (Al) Napier, Dottie (Alfred) Jarvis of Los Angeles, Calif.; two brothers, Robert (Eveline) Yancy and Jack Thorne (Beverly); one niece, Lucretia Hodges; five nephews, Robert Jr., Julius Jr., Javon, Brandon and Jermaine; seven aunts, Edith C. and Jackie Brooks, both of Saginaw, Mich., and Grace Brooks Wolfe of Glendale, Ariz., Louise Rankins, Maxine Gillespie, Rosie Thorne, Rosetta (William) Lee, all of Saginaw, Mich.; two uncles, Nathaniel (Margareta) Brooks and William Sowell, both of Natchitoches, La.; numerous cousins, including Belvin and Shirley Love Brooks; one brother-in-law, Julius Johnson; and many other relatives and friends, including special friends, Dorothy Gaines, Simmie Hall, Harold Hill, L.C. Townsend, Chuckie Bettis, his 14th Street and Prescott Street families, the Baker, Gaines and Jackson families and Ronnie Gibbs. Lee was preceded in death by his mom, Ora Brooks Thorne; stepfather, Jack Thorne; father, Otis Yancy; many uncles and aunts and his grandparents, Harvey Brooks and Christella Houston Brooks. The family would like to express special thanks to Saint Mary's 7th floor, the VA Nursing Home 2nd floor, Drs. John K. Bartnik, Lester E. Webb, and the Aleda E. Lutz V.A. Medical Center.

Lee Yancy

May 15, 1947 - April 1, 2005