Rev. George W. Lipsey Jr.

George “G.W.” Willie Lipsey returned to his heavenly home on December 24, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan after a valiant battle. George’s firm belief in God and his devotion to his family strengthened him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. He was born July 22, 1938 to Mr. and Mrs. George Lipsy Sr., in Chickasaw, Mississippi. George gave his heart to the Lord at an early age at Wesley Chapel AME Church in Mississippi. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. In 1956, George graduated high school where he was valedictorian of his class. He was offered a full scholarship to Jackson State University. George moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1956 after completing high school where he lived out the rest of his life. George’s professional life allowed him to journey into employment at Deacons Moving and Storage and Johnson Control where he retired from in 1997. In 2001, he founded and opened the doors to Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where he offered salvation and hope until his health failed in 2010. In 2010, Pastor Lipsey returned to Second Baptist Church under the leadership of his Father in the Ministry, Rev. Dr. M.W. Wright. In the early 1980’s, he served as Sunday School Teacher, sang in the Male Chorus and Fellowship Choir. He also served as a Deacon, until the Lord saw fit to lift him into the servant life as a minister; where he faithfully served as one of the sons in ministry. Upon his return to Second Baptist, Pastor Lipsey also served an Assistant to the Pastor, Youth and Adult Sunday School Teacher and New Members Orientation Ministry Leader. He also served as Project Manager aka “Mr. Fix it”. George married Claire Lipsey, and to this union three children were born: Donnell, Shonyell and Melinda. Claire preceded George in death. In 1988 George married his best friend Dovie Janice Lipsey. George’s love for family showed in his blessing of a large family. He and his wife worked together in raising twelve children with patience, discipline and humility. His love for his children was shown in him spending time to teach his children how to read and write. He had a love for learning and experiencing new things, and he would often travel with his family, taking the time to see the natural beauty of every state in the South and the Midwest. From the beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged each of them to explore the beauty of the gospels. George’s favorite scripture is Psalm 121 in its entirety. George was preceded in death by his parents Mr.& Mrs. George Lipsey; his son, Craig Johnson, brothers, Willie, Thomas, John (JT), and Joe L. Lipsey; and one sister, Detra Lipsey. George was selfless at heart. He was kind, calm and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem no matter how great or small. George leaves to cherish his memories his wife Dovie; his children: Melinda, Donnell, Shonyell, Tara (Jamie) Padilla, Corey, Javonte, Jacorey, Jeremiah, Jaylen, Jakayla, Deborah and grandchildren; brothers, Andrew (Gail) Lipsey, Frank (Barbara) Lipsey and Charles Lipsey; sisters Odelia (Steve) Johnson, Hettie Head, Brenda Lipsey, Mary Lee Bloodworth and Linda Lipsey; one sister-in-law Avor (Jackie) Stewart; four brothers-in-law, William (Jannie) Alexander, Parnell (Eunice) Alexander, Ronald Alexander and Alton (Robin) Alexander; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

Rev. George W. Lipsey Jr.

July 22, 1938 - December 24, 2016