Pastor Johnnie Barefield

Pastor Johnnie Barefield passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2015 surrounded by his family at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. He was born on July 24, 1922 in Victoria, Texas to John Barefield and Ollie Gaye fields Barefield, the third of ten children.
Johnnie was married to Annie Lee Cunningham for 20 years from which two children from that union were born, Norma Jean Barefield and Annie Barefield Dugan. They later moved to Saginaw, Michigan where he began employment at General Motors Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry. He retired in 1983 after 30 years of service. He was a member of the UAW local 668.
He later married Charity Marie Danley. Two daughters from that union were born, Jennifer Haymon and Marsha Wilson. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, fishing with friends and spending time with his family, especially on holidays and birthdays because he was outgoing with a great sense of humor.
Johnnie Barefield accepted Christ in his late 20s and became a member of Harris Temple Church of God In Christ, Saginaw, Michigan. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord for over 60 years. During that time he first served as a Deacon and later was called to the ministry. He was appointed Pastor of Harris Temple in October of 1984 and was appointed Chairman of Peace District in January 1985. He received the Unity in Diversity and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award of Excellence presented by Mayor Wilma Ham McZee. He also served as member of the Ministerial Alliance of Northeast Michigan and remained Pastor until the Lord called him home.
He was so committed to his personal relationship with the Lord that everywhere he went he shared his favorite scriptures even with strangers. He had a way of sharing with others in a spirit of humility that was magnetic and left a person with a smile on their face. Johnnie Barefield was a man among men, a man of true integrity, humble, a protector, a provider, a pillar of independence (never asked anybody for anything), and most importantly a true man of God. As an old school COGIC pastor he lived unwaveringly by the Word of God. While he will be missed, we are grateful that he is now in the place that he has been working to get to for over 60 years; with the Lord. We miss him, but we are so happy and we rejoice knowing that he is finally where he wants to be.
He leaves to cherish his memories five daughters, Norma J. Barefield of Austin, Texas, Annie Dugan, Jennifer (Joe) Haymon, Marsha Wilson and Adrienne (Jerry) Williams, all of Saginaw, Michigan; three sons, Wardell Danley, Darnell (Sheila) Danley and Leonard (Etta Smith) Anderson all of Saginaw, Michigan; as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and other extended family and friends; three sisters, Charlotte (Elvin) Girdy, Irene Barefield and Mary Mumphord, all of Victoria, Texas.
Pastor Barefield was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Charity Marie Barefield; three sisters, Louise Williams, Myrtle Buckner, Lenora Kitchen; three brothers; Morris Smith, Albert Cunningham and L.J. Barefield, all of Victoria, Texas.
One of Pastor Barefields favorite scriptures is engraved on his headstone: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is layed up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. King James Version.
Visitation: Sunday, January 18, 2015 - 2:00pm - 8:00pm (Family hour 6:00pm)
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Drive Thru Viewing: Sunday, January 18, 2015 - 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Celebration of Life Service: Monday, January 19, 2015 - 10:30am
The World Outreach Campus Church
2405 Bay Road
Saginaw, Michigan
866-539-0591
Officiating: Bishop P.A. Brooks, Supt. H.J. Coleman, Host Pastor
Interment: Eastlawn Memorial Gardens