Rev. McArthur Whitfield

Reverend McArthur “Mack” Whitfield passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at the Veterans Hospital at the age of 81. He was the third of thirteen children, born on September 16, 1944, to the late Charles Whitfield Jr. and Odessa Whitfield-Gabriel. Mack attended Frederick Douglass High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1962. After graduation, Mack enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963 during the Vietnam War, serving honorably until 1967. Following his service, he made his home in Saginaw, Michigan, where he worked for the City of Saginaw in the Streets and Maintenance Department—maintaining the roads in the summer and operating snow plows in the winter. Rev. Whitfield loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ at an early age at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas. Later in life, he answered God’s call to teach His word, giving his first sermon in May 1997. He was ordained as a minister in 2000 under the late Pastor T.J. London at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Saginaw, MI. He later joined Mt. Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Marvin T. Smith, where he faithfully served in various ministries—including Very Important Parent (VIP) ministry, transportation ministry, and laymen’s ministry. He was also heavily involved in the Saginaw Valley Baptist District where he served in Christian Education, Associate Ministers, and Laymen’s ministry until his health began to decline. In addition to ministry, Mack was known for his skill and dedication as a carpenter, a trade that reflected both his patience and craftsmanship. His handiwork can be found in many homes throughout Saginaw, a lasting testament to his talent, diligence, and love for his community. Everyone knew you could always call on “Rev. Whitfield” to get a job done. When he wasn’t on a job, you could almost always find him on the golf course, spending time with family, shopping for a new custom suit or sitting at the domino table surrounded by his beloved neighbors and friends. Rev. McArthur Whitfield is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Whitfield; children, Candace Whitfield (Casey Gonder) of Grand Blanc, MI; December Whitfield (Derrick Gibson) of Little Elm, TX, Kimberly Foster (Rodrick Thomas) of Dallas, TX, and stepson, Joshua Walton (Nikki Jones) of Saginaw, MI; grandchildren include Xavier Roberson, Markquavis Whitfield, Darren Barber, LaSalle Artis, Johnaphra Artis, and Alexandria Walton. He also leaves behind eight beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters—Gloria (Fred) Whitfield-Thompson of Sherman, TX, Ophelia (Claude) Whitfield-Bell of Sherman, TX and Juliette (Lloyd) Whitfield-Jones of Carson, CA; six brothers, Anthony (Mildred Faye) Whitfield of Houston, TX, Gary (Lisa) Whitfield of Roanoke, TX, Charles (Debra) Whitfield of Sherman, TX, Jerry (Victoria) Whitfield of Sherman, TX, Glenn Whitfield of Arlington, TX, and Nathaniel Whitfield of Dallas, TX. He also leaves behind a host of special nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory. Additional loved ones include his mother-in-love, Mary Mosley; sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn (Winkie) Whitfield and Gloria Mosley-Whitson; brothers-in-law, Randy, Dwight, and Willie Mosley; special friends, Silas Brazil, Mr. Joe Wyatt, and Von Robison, and neighbors, Frank & Regina Motley and Harold and Connie Hinton. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Charlie and Willie Whitfield and Robert and Odelia Hammond; stepfather, Lee Henry Gabriel; brothers, Charles Homer Whitfield and Walter James Whitfield; sister, Willie Jean Whitfield; stepdaughter, Melanie Ann Walton; special friend and golf partner, Minister Gregory Grady. His legacy of faith, love, craftsmanship, and style will live on—through the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the homes he helped build throughout Saginaw. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025 at Mt. Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, 1114 N. 6th St., Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor. Pastor Marcelle Smith will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery,3210 S. Washington, Saginaw MI 48601. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 2:00- 6:00 p.m.

Rev. McArthur Whitfield

September 16, 1944 - October 6, 2025