Lightfoot, Rev. Dr. Albert J. Lightfoot Jr.

Lightfoot, Rev. Dr. Albert J. Lightfoot Jr.
Ann Arbor, Ml

In Birmingham, Alabama on July 2, 1926 in Jefferson County Albert and Odessa Lightfoot became the proud parents of a baby boy, whom they name Albert James Lightfoot, Jr. He was educated in the Birmingham School System. He also attended Winona Trade School where he became a Professional Tailor. He attended University of Michigan, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, and Union Theological Seminary in Birmingham, Alabama. His degrees are Bachelor of Art, Bachelor of Theology, and Doctoral of Divinity. He gave his life to God at an early age. He served in almost every capacity of the church: General Superintendent of Sunday Schools at his home church New Bethel Baptist in Birmingham at age 16, Trustee Board Clerk. After moving to Ypsilanti, MI. and joining up with Second Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Dr. Anthony Robinson, he was Superintendent of their Sunday Schools and a Deacon. God then called him to work in his vineyard as a Preacher of the Gospel. In 1965 he organized with God’s blessing upon him The New Hope Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan and pastured 41 years. He was a futuristic Pastor, Preacher builder, and he led the church into purchasing property for the future growth of the church. As pastor of New Hope Baptist Church he was a community pastor. He allowed New Hope to become a launching pad for all kinds of people from every walk of life. He opened the doors to the community, city, state, and nation to be used by graduates, civil rights meetings, political and social rights causes, weddings, funerals, etc. Dr. Lightfoot was a lover of people, seniors, especially children and young people. He was a dedicated Minister. He not only ministered to his parishioners, but to everyone seeking help. He encouraged his church members as well as the community that “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Young ministers in the gospel flocked to him for guidance and strength, for he was known to take time with them and nurture them, because of his genuine love and concern. His sons in the ministry knew him as a “man of wisdom”. His charisma, commitment, dedication, service and giving spirit, have permeated the lives of thousands. This number included students from the University of Michigan who have carried his love and compassion to almost every state in the United States as well as abroad. He was an active Moderator of the The Huron Valley Baptist District Association and was appointed Moderator of the Association in 1996. Third Vice President of the Wolverine State Convention and a member of The National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. He was a former President of The Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor and Vicinity Ministerial Alliance. C.D.B.G. participant person (October 2, 1998); Human Rights Commission (April 21, 1986); recognized in the Who’s Who in Executive and Professionals Year 2000; Who’s Who in the World Book Year 2000; Who’s Who Marquise World Book, Year 2004 and 2005. On Sunday, November 26,2006, Dr. Albert J. Lightfoot heard the wonderful voice of the master saying come home thy good and faithful servant, well done, well done, well done take your rest in my arms. On January 17, 1947 he married his childhood sweetheart Mary Catherine Kidd-Lightfoot, they were parents of seven children, of which four sons preceded him in death, Ronald, Reginald, Cornelius, and Calvin. Dr. Lightfoot’s parents preceded him in death, as well as his brother Thomas Adolph Lightfoot, and his sister Ernestine Robinson Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memories and to carry on his legacy, his wife Mary Catherine of 59 years, two daughters, Nedra Lightfoot, Phyllis (Dale) Newman; one son, Phillip (Simone) Lightfoot all of Ann Arbor, MI.; three sisters, Mrs. Dorothy L. Welch of Birmingham, AL., Mrs. Maxine (Neale) Hall of Marina Valley, CA., Mrs. Faye D. (Edward) Burton of Ann Arbor, MI.; one brother, Oliver Leon (Carol Ann) Robinson of Pleasantville, NY.; a special life long friend who was also considered a sister, Mrs. Samantha Shephard; ten grandchildren, Elanda Garrison of Romulus, MI., Rodney Miller of Atlanta, Ga., Tamara Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Christian Newman, Autumn Carter, Jordan Newman, Bethany Newman, Jaydaka Lightfoot, and Jaydan Lightfoot all of Ann Arbor, MI.; one great grandson of Atlanta, GA; one aunt; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends and parishioners. To sum it up, he did as he said. He lived to live again. Anyone who follows his example will most definitely live to see him again. His favorite songs were “My Task, I’m Going Through, and He Will Remember Me”. His favorite meditation is, “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth their strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31. The public visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2006 from 4pm until 7 p.m. with the family hour to follow from 7 p. m. until 8 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 218 Chapin, Ann Arbor, MI. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. also at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. A. P Williams officiating. The burial will follow at United Memorial Gardens, Plymouth, MI. Arrangements entrusted to C&H Community Home for Funerals, Lucille’s Memorial Chapel.