" For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people ".  Hebrews 6:10

Reginald Bernard Dabney, affectionally known as Bernard, was born on Thursday, April 27, 1950 to Howard and Carrie Dabney in the quaint town of Lansing, Michigan.

Under the leadership of Rev. Charles J. Patterson, Bernard was baptized and united with Union Missionary Baptist Church of Lansing, Michigan.  Bernard believed that by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved.  " For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:10

Bernard received his education from the Lansing School District and Lansing Community College.  He was first a West Junior Cowboy and then went on to become a J. W. Sexton Big Red. During the high school days at Sexton, "Abadab" was the dancing Indian Mascot.  What a treat he was during halftime.

Mr. Dabney was a dedicated employee in several capacities. He first began his career as co-owner of Dabney Boutique along with his brother Gary.  He was employed with the Lansing School District as a security officer.  After which, he was hired by the Ingham County Sheriff's Department and made history by becoming the first Black man in Ingham County to run for Sheriff.  This was one of his and the Lansing community's proudest moment.  Bernard retired from the Sheriff's Department and Holt School District, where he was a Conflict Resolution Officer. After employment, Bernard became Proprietor of American Diversified Mortgage Services. " Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving" .  Colossians 3:23,24

In Bernard's leisure time, he loved to dance, play and watch sports of all kind, showing his culinary skills with "Abadab's" secret barbeque sauce, landscaping beautiful sceneries, and decorating for the holidays.  His lifelong devotion to his family was absolute and was demonstrated every day he lived.  As a man of honor, he gave of himself not for recognition, but because of the love that filled his heart.  Bernard was a loving, supportive and caring father, an exceptional and interactive grandfather, and a brilliant sibling and friend.

On the evening of Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Mr. Reginald Bernard Dabney departed from this world to rejoice in the presence of God. He was preceded in his homegoing by: his parents, Howard and Carrie Dabney, and his siblings, Norma (Floyd) Crider and William Dabney.

Many precious memories will be cherished by: his children, Nicole James, Reginald Smith, Carrie Dabney, Teresa Robinson, Sumyia Dabney, Erika (Malcolm) Dickson, and Anastasia Cole; grandchildren,  Makesisha, Danielle, Rashad, Jalen, Ricci, Diamond, Destiny, Diego, Dallas, Bria, Elijah, and Malia; fourteen great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Myrtis) Dabney, Joyce (George) Huggins, Carol (Walter) Richards, Linda Willis,  and Camilla (Jeffrey) Howard; a host of relatives and friends; and life partner and soul mate, Penny Dabney.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com