Pastor Nathaniel Calhoun

Nathaniel Calhoun entered this world in humble surroundings on November 20, 1933 and transitioned into his heavenly rest on Monday, January 5, 2015. Age 81 years. He was blessed to be born into the God-fearing family of James and Effie B. Calhoun. He was the fourth of nine children.
He developed love for God and Gods people at an early age. This relationship and passion continued throughout his lifetime. His secular education began at the Thompson/Carver School system in Union Springs, Alabama. Upon completion of high school, he moved to Saginaw, Michigan. He was hired by General Motors Corporation. After working a few months, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was honorably discharged two years later. When he returned to Saginaw, he began his baccalaureate career at the Saginaw Business Institute, (presently Davenport University). Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at Saginaw Valley State University. He did graduate work at University of Michigan. He worked in the Saginaw Public School System as a Substitute teacher and an Adult Basic Education teacher.
Nathaniel began his religious education at an early age at Second Baptist Church, Union Springs Alabama. Upon his arrival to Saginaw Michigan in 1953, he joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the tutelage of Pastor G. F. Moore. In 1959, under the late Pastor R. B. Austin, Nathaniel answered his call into the ministry. While working at General Motors, he attended Toledo Bible College; United Bible Theological Seminary, Flint, Michigan; Trinity Theological Seminary, Newberg, Indiana; Billy Graham School of Evangelism; Flint Bible Institute; Saginaw Valley University; Studied and became proficient in Koine Greek at Trinity Theological Seminary and Owosso Bible College, Owosso, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Theology from American Baptist College, Nashville, Tennessee, a ThM from Tennessee, Religious School, a D. Min from Urban Bible College, Detroit, Michigan. In 1975, he brought the American Bible College Extension Unit to Saginaw. He served as Dean of and teacher in that school for 31 years. He also brought the Urban Bible Extension to Saginaw in which he taught in that Unit for five years. He was currently Dean of the Saginaw Valley District Congress of Christian Education for over ten years.
Nathaniel was a fifty year member of the YMCA and a fourteen year Board member. He was also a Free International Masonic Order member for fifty-six years, a lifetime member of NAACP and AMVET member Post John 316. He was a member of American Legion and also served as the president and secretary of the Northeast Ministerial Alliance.
Pastor Calhoun was married for 55 years and had the pleasure of rearing three fine, talented, Christian children who are currently with the Lord. He faithfully served as Gods Undershepherd for 57 years until the Lord called him to his heavenly home. He was the Pastor of Greater Renaissance Missionary Baptist Church, which he organized in 1985.
He leaves to treasure his delightful memory his wife, Mattie L. Calhoun; two daughters, Lillian Hill and Cheryl Moore of Saginaw, Michigan; one son, Ricky Calhoun of Shreveport, Louisiana; his special son,Yong Chow Calhoun; four grandchildren, Minister Donetrus G. Hill, Corey (Zekevya) Moore of Dallas, Texas, Sheila D. Gaines of Indianapolis, Indiana and Cameron Sullivan of Ann Arbor, Michigan; two great grandchildren, Cameron Moore and Roman J. Hill; two sisters and four brothers, Johnnie Mae Burt and Minister Melvin (Yvonne) Calhoun of Saginaw, Michigan, Johnnie (Fannie) Calhoun of Harvey, Illinois; Minister James (Nettie) Calhoun, Morris (Diane) Calhoun and Effie Jean Lyons all of Union Springs, Alabama; five sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Bernice (George) Dorsey, Judith and Janie Moore all of Saginaw, Michigan, Joseph (Betty) Moore and Sara K. Moore both of Detroit, Michigan; five special daughters, April Nickleberry, Audrey Parker, Hannake Hall, Gwendolyn McMillon and Donna Sullivan; eight godchildren, Valarie Robinson, Maureen Calhoun, LaKeisha Calhoun, Tiffany Nickleberry, Leroy Davis, Deborah Copes, Angela and Eddie Mitchell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his parents James and Effie B., two sons, Nathaniel Calhoun, Jr., and Jeffrey Scott Calhoun; one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah (Gary) Montoute, two brothers, Major L. and Samuel J. Calhoun; one sister, Bessie Surles.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the emergency and neuro intensive care unit staff St. Marys of Michigan Medical Center, Dr. Naman Salibi, MD and neurosurgery staff; friends of the family, Wolverine State Headquarters, Saginaw Valley District, Concerned Pastors of Saginaw and special friends, Dr. Harpal Singh, MD Internal Medicine, Laura Lyn Ivy and Gwendolyn Nickleberry.
Drive-Thru Viewing: Thursday, January 15, 2015
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Visitation: Friday, January 16, 2015 - 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Family Hour 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 17, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Wolverine Baptist State Headquarters
615 South Jefferson Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48607
(989)755-3745
Officiating: Reverend Dr. Nathan Johnson
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church - Detroit, Michigan
Interment: Great Lakes National Cemetery - Holly, Michigan
(Monday, January 19, 2015)