Arnell Everett

Celebration of Life of Arnell Everett 11/23/1930 - 11/12/2021

Everett (affectionately known as “Nels” or “Fats” to his siblings) was born to Calvin Everett and Aszlee Burns Everett on November 23, 1930, in Ashland, Mississippi (Benton County). He attended Old Salem High School. Arnell enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1951 where he met Reasther Jenkins while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They fell in love and married on July 20, 1953. The young couple rented a room in order to save for their own home and start a family. The home was owned by Lloyd and Jeannie Peterson (Pete and June) on Baldwin St. on the Eastside of Detroit. Pete would often lovingly refer to Arnell as “Laddie”.

Arnell studied and earned his barber and cosmetology license in 1960, which was one of the many talents he possessed to support his family. In 1955, 

Arnell and Reasther purchased a new home in the now Historic District of Annapolis Park, a subdivision built for African American veterans in the late 1950’s. Arnell and Reasther resided in their home until death they did part. This loving union lasted 68 years until the passing of his doting wife Reasther Jenkins Everett on October 17 2021.

Arnell was the patriarch of eleven siblings, five sisters and six brothers. Calvin Everett, Sr. (Barbara), Everlyn Everett Boga (Leroy), Roger Everett, Alverna Everett Boga (James), Pearl Everett Meyers (D), Oscar Lee Everett (D) (Willis Jean), Johnny B. Everett (D) (Barbara), Francis Everett Baird (Teaster), Willie A. Everett (Bertha), Helen Everett Lynch-Gardener (James), MacArthur Everett (Margo), and Veloria Harris (D). Special cousin-Sister Earline Everett Goodwin

Arnell was a true patriarch, husband, father, grandfather, great and great-great. However, to us, he was a DAD. The difference between a father and our dad is simple. A father provides the necessi- ties of life; and our dad was a provider, the best teacher, protector, friend, mentor, advisor, a source of trust and encouragement and to some a bank. Our dad is half of us, so he knew us better than we might even know ourselves. We relied on his wisdom in life.

Everyone who’s had the pleasure to interact with Arnell knew he had an infectious smile (with one dimple on his right cheek). His strong, yet calming voice saying, “Hi Sweetie”. He had such a zeal for life. Arnell was a God fearing man, and served actively at St. James United Methodist Church for over thirty years. He energetically served on many ministries, President of the Usher Board, Trustee Board and Chairperson to Outreach committee, just to name a few. Some of his life pleasures were in his award winning landscaping and gardening, international traveling, fishing, shopping, jazz music and concerts, working out, photography, dancing and most of all working with his hands. He would often take his family on family vacations, usually to Mississippi, Memphis, North Carolina and New York. We all remember some of his colorful language during our road trips. Arnell never rejected a good party invitation or the opportunity to just get “Dressed-Up and Go”.

Arnell demonstrated his excellent leadership skills and many talents as a mentor to “Lamplighters Boot Camp”, Vacation Bible School and anyone that came across his path. He contributed and served his community by volunteering for Focus Hope and R.S.V.P. food distribution programs. He was most at peace when he was outdoors in the fresh air. He was a hard working strong black man that was able to obtain the American dream. A beautiful and smart wife, a new home, career, cars, vacations, children, and grands,. He kept God in his life.

 Family & Friends Visitation NOV 26. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET) Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home-Westland 4670 S. Inkster Rd. Westland, MI 48186 mcclaryfh@yahoo.com https://www.chapelchimes.com/ Loading map Family Hour NOV 27. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) St. James United Methodist Church 30055 Annapolis Rd Westland, MI Loading map Celebration of Life NOV 27. 11:00 AM (ET) St. James United Methodist Church 30055 Annapolis Rd Westland, MI Loading map

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