Ms. Wilmer Jones Ham

The Profound Life of Seasons of the Honorable Wilmer Jones-Ham “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 Seasons of Life The Honorable Wilmer Jones-Ham was born on January 9, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, during the winter season. She was the first child of Wilson and Evalena Jones. Her life took a significant turn on March 1, 1980, when she married the love of her life, Howard Ham. For 75 years, 908 months, and 27,616 days, the divine presence of God shone through Honorable Ham, illuminating her path. On Monday, September 8, 2025, at MyMichigan Health in Saginaw, she peacefully transitioned from this life to eternal life, surrounded by God's love, at the age of 75. Her wintry nights thus gave way to sunny days, free from pain. Seasons of Education Honorable Ham's purposeful journey commenced with her dedication to personal education, attending Saginaw Public School District and graduating from Saginaw High School's class of 1968. She continued her academic pursuits at Delta Community College, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts, before transferring to Saginaw Valley State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Ultimately, she completed her master's program, graduating with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Administration and Supervision, class of 1988. Additionally, she was a graduate of the Leadership Institute Saginaw. Seasons of Making History & Service Her family's spiritual heritage led her to accept Christ at a young age, and she was baptized, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her faith throughout her life. She served as the minister of music at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for fifty years, attending services faithfully. She was licensed as an Evangelist on November 11, 2012, and later became a devoted member of Word of Faith International Ministries under Pastor Dr. Bryon (Chestermae) Hayes' leadership. Honorable Ham remained steadfast in her faith, even during challenging times, and continued to attend services until the end. Her passion for education and children led her to pursue a teaching career with Saginaw Public Schools, from which she retired in 2007 after 27 years of service. Honorable Ham was appointed to the City of Saginaw Council in 1994 and served diligently until 2001, when she became the first woman to serve as Saginaw's mayor, a position she held until 2005, followed by her tenure as mayor pro tem. Her term concluded on Monday, November 5, 2007, after fourteen years of service, during which she attended many engagements as a National Motivational Speaker, soloist at funerals, meetings, community, state, and national events, while also serving as the community liaison person for the City of Saginaw. Honorable Ham served with distinction on numerous committees and boards throughout her tenure, with a breadth of involvement too extensive to enumerate. Additionally, she established several organizations, including the Saginaw Soul Children, the Mayor’s Ball and Scholarship Foundation, The Saginaw Interdenominational Ministry, Saginaw International Mahogany Models (SIMS), Women and Men in Praise, and the 100 Voice Boys Choir. This list represents only a few of the many organizations she has been a part of throughout her lifetime. Honorable Ham has secured over a million dollars in funding for educational pursuits, events honoring community leaders, and civilians throughout her lifetime. Her affiliations include membership in the NAACP since 1957, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. since 1988, and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority since August 31, 2009. Finally, she embarked on her recording career by releasing her debut project on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Seasons of Family She leaves to cherish her profound life and legacy her daughter, DeToya Ham; sons, DeRonnie (Yolanda) Turner and Darvin (Deneitra) Ham; grandchildren, Darvin (Champagne) Ham, Jr., Jevon (Shannon) Moon, DaRhonda Turner, Donovan Ham, Alexis Turner, and Dominic Ham; great-grandchildren; sister, Wendy Jones; brother, Wilson Jones; sisters in-law, Zackrie and Sarah Ham Hicks; bonus children, Ashley (Vandy) Griffith, Patrick Price, Rev. Sterling Brooks, Pastor Benjamin Smith, James Pearson, and Santana Dottery; godmothers, Elizabeth Taylor and Mommy Draine; numerous godchildren including, Thomasine Nickleberry, Rose Murchison and Renee Canty; numerous cousins including, Harriett Johnson, Jacquelyn Hudson and Margariete Blakey, numerous friends including, Annie Fields, Audrey McKandes, Jamerson Johnson, Eugene Johnson, Jerry Hall, Debra Sawyer, Diane Barnett, Evangelist Jeanette Byers, Jay W. Callahan, Jewel Bradley-Humphrey, Marva Gordon, John Norwood, Dr. Georgia Conic, and Honorable Gary Loster. Honorable Ham met no strangers, as everybody was her Suga, Sweetie, SugaPie, or babies, taking full ownership of the love, she had for family, friends, and her community, which she loved deeply. The numerous loved ones not mentioned knew the role they played in her life, and she forever cherished them all. Seasons of Those Gone Before Her Honorable Ham was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Evalena Jones; grandmother, Stella Jackson; husband, Howard Ham; close friends, Janie Williams and Minister Doris Murray; godfather, Deacon Andrew Williams; godson, Morris Stuckey and host of other loving family and friends. The Honorable Ham demonstrated unwavering perseverance through numerous challenges. As a highly sought-after individual, she excelled in various roles, including Mistress of Ceremony, Soloist, Motivational Speaker, and Public Official, taking pride in being readily accessible. With over 100,000 hours of community service logged locally, statewide, and nationally, she remained committed to her work despite personal struggles. Wilmer Jones-Ham embodied the principles of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Whatever she undertook, she saw it through to completion. As a testament to her faith, it is remembered that "Everything Good that happens to You, God Did It." It is a profound truth that God Has made everything beautiful in His time! Our esteemed leader, the Honorable Evangelist Wilmer Jones-Ham, M.Ed., is now Resting in Paradise, basking in a perpetual season of peace and tranquility Funeral service for the First Black Female Mayor of Saginaw will take place at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025 at The Dow Event Center in the Heritage Theatre, 303 Johnson Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. Dr. Byron C. Hayes will officiate with entombment in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 950 North Center Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48638. Visitation will take place at Word of Faith International Ministries, 500 North Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607 on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter will conduct a Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. at Word of Faith International Ministries on Thursday. In Lieu of Floral arrangements and Food Please Consider: Wilmer Jones-Ham Everlasting Scholarship Fund Make Contributions Payable to Sims P.O. Box 5211 Saginaw, MI 48603

Ms. Wilmer Jones Ham

January 9, 1950 - September 8, 2025