Reverend Ernest Madison Obituary (1923 - 2015)

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God, it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Rev. Ernest Madison was born April 17, 1923 in Epes Alabama to the union of James and Hattie Madison. A a young man he met and was united in Holy Matrimony with the love of his life, Beatrice Hutchins. They were married January 4, 1947 and enjoyed 59 years of blissful marriage. To this union, they were blessed with six children. In his early years, he attended Sumter County School. While growing up in Epes, he attended Miller Hill Baptist Church. He and Beatrice moved to Detroit, MI in the late 40's joined Second Corinthian Baptist Church. Later, he became a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church where he served as a member of the deacon board. In 1980 he was called to preach and was ordained as a minister. In 1980 he became pastor of First Genesis Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit MI where he served faithfully until he felt obligated to dedicate his time and efforts to become the sole caregiver to his wife, Beatrice. Rev. Madison was a very hard working man who believed in strong moral values. Early on he worked in the automotive industry for Chrysler but later he became self- employed as a brick mason by day and operated a custodian service at night where he employed a number of young people from the neighborhood; and for over 60 years he never took a sick day. Rev. Madison was dedicated to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Hattie Madison, his loving wife Beatrice Madison, two brothers Eartha and Joe Madison, two sisters Annie Walker and Brookie Lee Madison, and one son Ernest Madison. He leaves to cherish his memories one sister Beatrice Little and James Madison, five children, Diane Shelton (B.J.) Chesterfield, VA, Guy Madison Detroit MI, Linda Key (Donald) Southfield, MI, Lisa Carroll Southfield MI and Gwendolyn Gibson, Oak Park MI, eighteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews family and friends. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home 1827 Hull St. Richmond Virginia 23224. The family will receive friends at the Swanson Funeral Home 14751 W. McNichols Detroit Michigan, on Friday July 10, 2015 from 5-8pm Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00AM Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the Mountain Top International Word Ministry 24061 Coolidge Hwy Detroit, Michigan 48237. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Detroit Michigan