Please use the following link to view Ms. Pruitt's service.

https://my.gather.app/ remember/eura-pruitt

Eura Annie-Lee Gibson (97) was born on May 19, 1923 to the late Smith Gibson Jr and Annie Gibson in Salem, Alabama. Her house was deep in the country at the end of a dirt road about a mile off the nearest two-lane highway. The only bathroom was an outhouse, and the water supply was a deep well. It was a popular meeting place for the locals due to its remote location.

She was educated in Salem Public Schools and graduated from Salem High School. "Mama Lee" as she is known, learned the value of hard work growing up. She knew how to pluck chickens, milk cows, slop the hogs, make cheese and became an excellent cook. Although, even as a country girl she had a deathly fear of snakes. That was understandable; however, as she also was afraid of earth worms, which was hilarious!

Eura met and married the late Victor Thomas in Salem. Soon after, they moved to Saginaw, MI as Victor began working for General Motors. To this union, one daughter, Barbara Thomas was born. While in Saginaw, Eura became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Tabernacle traveled to Lansing for an anniversary service at Union Baptist Church. Eura was so impressed with Union that she moved to Lansing and became a member under the leadership of Reverend Charles J. Patterson. It was not optional for her children to attend church. She insisted you at least went to Sunday school. Eura later moved her membership to the Pennsylvania Avenue Church of God under the pastorate of her son in-law, Elder Albert Kelley. She found favor in Lansing and was assisted by such people as the late Buddy and Bessie Jones, Reverend and Mrs. Arcellus Flanagan, and Reverend and Mrs. A J Husband.

Eura met the late Robert Johnson and this relationship produced one son, Carl A. Johnson. Eura's aunt Sarah Sharpe, who was more like a sister since they were close in age, and her husband Robert begged to adopt Carl, but Eura steadfastly refused. Eura, Barbara and Carl moved from living above Reverend Husband's flat on Riverview, to purchasing her first home on the corner of Middle and William Street in 1962.

Eura began doing domestic work in the Lansing area and was working for Stuart Dunnings who was Lansing's first black attorney. Eura later began employment at JW Knapp Department Store. Eura worked as an elevator operator. Her son Carl would often go and ride up and down with her. Carl would often wonder how his mother was so kind to everyone. During those days, the only jobs at Knapp's open to people of color, were elevator operators or janitorial positions. Stuart Dunnings led the charge to change those discriminatory practices. Eura worked at JW Knapp for over 10 years until the store went out of business. Eura then found employment at the Lansing General Motors Oldsmobile Assembly plant until her retirement. After retiring from GM, Eura worked for Eastminster Child Development Center in East Lansing. She loved working with the small children there.

Eura met and married John Wardell Pruitt on Sept 22, 1972. Barbara was living in California, so it was just her and Carl in the house. Overnight the house went from 2 to 6 people, which made for an interesting dynamic to say the least. John and Eura Pruitt were married for 35 years until his passing in 2008.

Mama Lee lived on Middle Street for 58 years until October 2020. After Mrs. Kennedy on Riverview Street passed at the age of 105, Mama Lee was known as the matriarch of the neighborhood. The corner of Middle and William will never be the same without Mama Lee. At the invitation of her son Carl, Pastors Bob and Beverly Jenkins came to minister to Mama Lee. Pastor Bob asked her if she wanted the Holy Ghost. Mama Lee's response was an emphatic "yes I do!" So, on October 10, 2020, Mama Lee spoke with other tongues as the spirit of God gave utterance at the age of 97, according to Acts 2:4. Glory to God!

Mama Lee was lovingly cared for by Rose Jackson who was an "angel" to her and the entire family. Rose went above and beyond the call of duty and would sometimes come to the house multiple times a day. Rose would even take Mama Lee to spend the night in her own home. Rose took care of Mama Lee until she became ill herself and was no longer able. Mama Lee moved to Detroit where she was cared for by her son Carl, daughter in-law Patsy Johnson and grandson Preston Johnson. Mama Lee took ill and was rushed to Henry Ford Hospital and after eight days was released to the Regency Rehab facility. Mama Lee was progressing well by all medical reports, but suddenly went home to be with Lord on Christmas Eve morning.

To say Mama Lee will be missed is a great understatement. Her passing has left a hole in all our hearts. Even though she lived a long life you never wanted to see her leave. Mama Lee was one of the kindest, gentlest souls you ever could meet. When she met you with that infectious smile, she could melt the hardest of hearts. We were thrilled to celebrate Mama Lee's 95th birthday with a party amongst family and friends. We gave her flowers while she could smell them. One of her favorite sayings was "bless you honey." God has now "blessed YOU honey." Instead of celebrating with us, Mama Lee celebrated Christmas in the arms of Jesus!

Mama Lee was preceded in death by: her husband John Pruitt; daughter, Barbara Kelley; brother, Smith Gibson Jr; sister, Lottie Lee; grandchildren, Charmaine and Terence Davis; stepdaughters, Carla and Renee Pruitt; aunt, Sarah Sharpe; and a special man in her life, James Aimery.

She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy: son, Carl (Patsy) Johnson; stepson, Wain (Teresa) Pruitt; son in-law, Pastor Albert Kelley; grandchildren, Carl (Maia) Johnson Jr MD/PHD, Pastor Robert (Demetria) Johnson, Preston Johnson, Robert Davis Jr, Kinte Kelley, Jermaine (Dawn) Kelley, Shawn (Leedon) Kelley, Tyree Pruitt, Taiwan Pruitt, Terry Pruitt, Jonathan Pruitt; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Nathan Johnson, Christa and Carl Johnson III, Breanna (Darquise) Hawkins, Khristian Kelley, Pauline Kelley, Jenesis Kelley, Priscilla Kelley, Jesyiah Kelley, Beyonce Hernandez, Athyliah Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Tazjah and Titus Pruitt; great-great-grandchildren, Darquise Hawkins Jr and Mateo Flores; special nephews, Russell and Marshall Thomas; cousin, Margaret (Robert) Washington; friend Vinece (Alabama) Jackson; caregiver, Rose Jackson; and many other family, friends, church family, and neighbors too numerous to mention.

Services for Mrs. Pruitt are as follows:

Masks and social distancing are mandatory at all services.

The Home going service will also be streamed on the Pennsylvania Ave Facebook page. Search for (PAOCOG Lansing) on Facebook.