Deacon Leon Pritchett, Sr.

Mr. Leon Pritchett, Sr. was born in Elmore County, Wetumpka, Alabama to John Tyler Riley and Viola Foster. He passed away on November 27, 2024 at the age of 75 years. Leon Pritchett, Sr. was a proud graduate of W.B. Doby High School, Class of 1968 where he was a popular student. He excelled in athletics, playing basketball and was the star of the Tigers Football Team. Leon married Brenda Crenshaw, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life in 1970. Together they built a loving family and cherished 54 years of marriage. Leon was employed at General Motors Grey Iron Foundry for 43 years. As a dedicated member of UAW Local 668, he served as a Committeeman for 19 years before retiring in 2006. Known affectionately to many as “Big 40”, Leon made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Deacon Pritchett was a devoted member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully in numerous capacities, including as a deacon, member of the Male Chorus and Adult Choir, Sunday School Superintendent and member of the Finance Committee. His dedication extended to the Saginaw Valley District. In his leisure time, Leon loved golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing and playing cards; especially partnering with his daughter De’Lon, where they were a formidable team. Going head-to-head playing dominoes with his baby boy, Tyler “ The Rebel” vs. “The Yankees”, busting heads at the dominoe table. He also enjoyed gardening and the Pritchett family home earned an award for having the best-kept yard on the north side of the city. But his FAVORITE pass time was sitting around the kitchen table cracking jokes with his children. Leon played semi-professional football with the Flint Sabers and later coached the Local 668 football team. He was also an active parent, chaperoning many school trips went in the Saginaw Public School System . Leon was a natural entertainer who loved hosting parties, singing, dancing and posing for pictures while dressed to the nines. His charismatic personality made him the life of the party and he even appeared in a local “Stretch-A-Buck Rock” commercial. A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, Leon also enjoyed traveling to Alabama to spend time with his “Bama Boys” from the Alabama Power Company proudly shouting, “Roll Tide!” To cherish his memory, Deacon Pritchett leaves “The Love of His Life”, his devoted wife, Brenda Pritchett; three beautiful children, Edward Carl (Joanne) Pettaway, Yvette De’Lon (Michael) Burzynski and Leon Pritchett, Jr.; grandchildren, Ka’Cii Brenda Pritchett, Leon Pritchett III, (“Papa’s Baby”), Jai Ra’Elle Jackson, Emily Burzynski and Delaney (Zachary) Burzynski; three siblings, Eula Pollard, Don Wayne Colquitt and Barbra Sue Colquitt; four sisters-in-law, Hannah Foster, Janie Colquitt, Sandra Casey and Cheryl Tillman; godchildren, Shante Foster, Kayla Trice, John Jenkins, Birdie Brooks, Rodney Sears and Michael Rankin; special daughters, Kim Lockhart and Antoria Fleming; a dear cousin, Annie Mae Babers; close friends, Terry Triplett and Charlie Goss; and a host of other relatives and friends. Mr. Leon Pritchett Sr. was preceded in death by a daughter, Kayla Sha’Lon Pritchett; parents, John T. Riley and Viola Foster; brothers, Charlie and Andrew (Marjorie) Foster and a sister, Sarah Wright. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Shirley Presley, Glendora Harris and Faye McKinnie and a big thanks to all for the calls, texts, meals and more. The family also extends a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Travis Buckley and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church family and the Deacon Board for their unwavering support. Special thanks to the medical professionals who provided exceptional care, Dr. L. Byrne and B. Malott; the staff of Saginaw Valley Family Care, Dr. Mirza Hussain; Covenant Nurses, Lisa McBride, Tracy and Courtney; the Select staff, Jackie, Kristy, Julie, Kendra and Alicia and nurses, Shelley, Christine, Mariah and Lena. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, December 6, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 1210 N. 8th St., Saginaw, MI 48601, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Travis Buckley, officiating. Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Deacon Leon Pritchett, Sr.

July 6, 1949 - November 27, 2024