Obituary for James Lee Salters
James Lee Salters, 96 years, 5 months and 17 days, of Battle Creek, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. He was born on April 5, 1924, in Tupelo, MS, the son of Plummie Lee and Eula V. (Kimball) Salters.
In 1945, James met the love of his life, Lovie Mae Ewings, in Mississippi, they were soon married and started their family in Battle Creek. He was devoted to people and was a loyal dietetic supervisor at the Veterans Hospital for 25 years. He was a former member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, founding member of the Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church, and lastly a member since 2002 of Second Missionary Baptist Church until his passing.
James is survived by his Son, Archie (Patricia) Sorrell; Daughter, Denise Salters; Three Grandchildren, Archelle Sorrell, Aisha (Marcus) Willis, Jibri (Nina) Smith; Great-Grandchildren, Damiana, Branden, Skky, Hadara, Hoshia, Mahalah, Ayamie, Haden, Lucian, and Mia; Great Great-Grandson, Jaylen; Special Friend, Fred Artis, Special Nephew, O.D. (Mary Lou) Collins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Lovie Mae Salters; Daughter, Gail Salters (Sept. 8, 2020), Siblings, Alberta Agnew, Mammie Ransey, Charlene Collins. Annie Nora Hall, Lenora McBride, Elihu Salters, Paul Salters; Granddaughter, Candice Sorrell and Special Friend, Ruth Smith.
James had a passion for singing and the Gospel. He co-founded and sang with "Five Keys" through the 70's, he also sang with the "Resurrection Singers" and the "Holy Light Male Chorus" in the 80's and 90's. James belonged to a bowling league in his younger years and enjoyed taking his kids to see the excitement. He loved to dress snazzy and was known as one of the best dressed men in Battle Creek. He loved to cook, famous for his chicken and dressing! It was a tradition that he host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; He did this for over 55 years for his family. James was a man dedicated to the Lord, family and church, known for his Godliness, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, generosity, laughter, strength, and most of all his good conversation. As James would say, "the Lord knows best."
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Wednesday, September 30th, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm.
Live stream capabilities will be available for all those that are unable to attend the service.
In 1945, James met the love of his life, Lovie Mae Ewings, in Mississippi, they were soon married and started their family in Battle Creek. He was devoted to people and was a loyal dietetic supervisor at the Veterans Hospital for 25 years. He was a former member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, founding member of the Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church, and lastly a member since 2002 of Second Missionary Baptist Church until his passing.
James is survived by his Son, Archie (Patricia) Sorrell; Daughter, Denise Salters; Three Grandchildren, Archelle Sorrell, Aisha (Marcus) Willis, Jibri (Nina) Smith; Great-Grandchildren, Damiana, Branden, Skky, Hadara, Hoshia, Mahalah, Ayamie, Haden, Lucian, and Mia; Great Great-Grandson, Jaylen; Special Friend, Fred Artis, Special Nephew, O.D. (Mary Lou) Collins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Lovie Mae Salters; Daughter, Gail Salters (Sept. 8, 2020), Siblings, Alberta Agnew, Mammie Ransey, Charlene Collins. Annie Nora Hall, Lenora McBride, Elihu Salters, Paul Salters; Granddaughter, Candice Sorrell and Special Friend, Ruth Smith.
James had a passion for singing and the Gospel. He co-founded and sang with "Five Keys" through the 70's, he also sang with the "Resurrection Singers" and the "Holy Light Male Chorus" in the 80's and 90's. James belonged to a bowling league in his younger years and enjoyed taking his kids to see the excitement. He loved to dress snazzy and was known as one of the best dressed men in Battle Creek. He loved to cook, famous for his chicken and dressing! It was a tradition that he host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; He did this for over 55 years for his family. James was a man dedicated to the Lord, family and church, known for his Godliness, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, generosity, laughter, strength, and most of all his good conversation. As James would say, "the Lord knows best."
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Wednesday, September 30th, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm.
Live stream capabilities will be available for all those that are unable to attend the service.