Deacon Leeward Madlock

Deacon Leeward “Lee” Madlock, our beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, was born April 13, 1974 in Saginaw, Michigan to Brenda Haynes and the late Pastor James E. Speed. Lee loved God as a child and at an early age he accepted Christ into his life. He was baptized at Greater Freewill Baptist Church by the late Dr. James L. Dorsey. He was a student of Saginaw Public Schools and graduated from Arthur Hill High School, “Class of 1992.” At Arthur Hill he was a member of the marching band which was fitting because he loved music.

Lee loved kids long before he had any of his own. He volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club. He was such a great mentor that he was eventually offered a position with the organization. While he grew in his faith, he was a member of The Garden of Eden Pentecostal Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Willie W. Smith, Jr. and later joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Albert Haynes, Jr. It was at Mount Zion that Lee achieved his proudest moment, being ordained a Deacon. He always loved people and had a compassionate heart. Caring for God’s people came natural to him and he thrived in this position. He took being a deacon serious, constantly studying his bible and attending Christian education classes provided by his church. Not only was he passionate about God’s people, he was passionate about basketball and food. He loved to cook fried chicken and tacos, and he enjoyed chili cheese dogs from Rally’s. More than anything, he loved his daughters, grandson and family. Lee was a family man. Spending time with them was most important to him, and he showed his love at all times. Going out to eat, reciting movies, attending church, and teasing his family were his acts of love towards them. Lee will be remembered as a warrior. Despite long battles with illness, he never let sickness stop him from anything. He was sick but he still showed up. Weak in body but he still served. His steps grew faint but his faith never faltered. Lee ran his race and finished his course on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 when God called him home. “Well done Deacon, you have been a good and faithful servant.”

Deacon Madlock was preceded in death by his fathers, Pastor James E. Speed and Joseph Davis; grandparents, Leroy and Rachel Madlock; aunt, Hattie Carlisle; uncle, Wallace Speed, Jr.; brother, Wendell Watson, Jr.

He leaves to celebrate his life parents Brenda (Pastor Albert) Haynes, Jr.; two daughters, Tierra and Monica Madlock; grandson, Adrian Madlock; sisters, Yolanda (Vincent) Madlock-Skelton, Evelena, Crystal, Diamond Davis, Shirley and Sheila Skipper, TuLisha Haynes, Kamesa (Johnny) Sanders, Sylverina Porter; brothers, David (Rosa) Davis, Joel Davis, James Holloway, Travelle (Temisha) Haynes, Albert Haynes, III; aunts, Deloris Staffney, Barbara Giles, Helen Haynes; uncles, Willie (Carol) Madlock, Reggie (Tayna) Madlock, Rawiegh (Dee) Madlock, Gerald (Patricia) Kariem; special cousins, Stacy Dawkins (his other sister), Tangie Madlock, Louis Speed; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special friend, Angie Robbins.