Isadore Small

November 17, 1921 - August 28, 2016

Isadore Small, Jr. born November 17, 1921 in Hamtramck, Michigan, the first of ten children to Anna Cornes (Dennis) and Isadore Small, Sr. and made his transition on Sunday, August 28, 2016. His wife of 48 years, Evelyn (Brown) Small, preceded him in death. His parents and three sisters, Barbara Jean, Cornes Moore and Etta Mae Meeks, two brothers, Rufus Gilbert and John Arthur, and one grandson, Robert Alan Roseboro, U. S. Navy also preceded Isadore, Jr. in death. While married to his first wife, Cora E. (Williams), Isadore, Jr. fathered four children: Isadore, III, Anna Jamar, Verneal Yvonne, and Veronica Emerald. A graduate of Cass Technical High School (1940), Isadore served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1942-1945, with a tour of duty in Northern France as a motor vehicle mechanic. Upon his honorable discharge, he gained employment first at the U.S. Post Office, and then in 1948 with the automotive department of the U.S. Army Tank Command in Warren, Michigan. Isadore continued his education through on-the-job training programs, courses at Wolverine School and Wayne State University. He worked as a Systems Manager where he had full responsibility for planning, controlling, and managing wheeled vehicle assignments from concept through the entire life span of those vehicles. During his military and government services, he was entrusted with top secrets, which he'll take to his grave. In 1976, he retired, due to glaucoma related vision loss. For recreation, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Isadore became a Christian as a teen and worshipped regularly at Greater Detroit Church of God congregations using his gifts and passions in a number of ministry areas. During his adult years, he served as a volunteer on the Church of God of Michigan Men’s Ministry Board. Upon retirement, he volunteered as an advocate with a citizen’s group working with retarded adults. In 1979, he developed a series called “Lessons Learned” to train new program advocates. Until his health no longer permitted, Isadore attended Metropolitan Church of God. Yet he remained a consistent supporter of the kingdom through the church he called home. Isadore Small, Jr. departed this life in Detroit, Michigan while a resident at Oak Pointe Senior Care and Rehab Center. He is survived by his four children: Isadore III (Earline) Small; Anna J. (William Gerald) Roseboro; Verneal Y. Mitchell; and Veronica E. (Levoid Jr.) Vickers; nine grandchildren; Rosalyn Roseboro, MiChele Mitchell Basemore, Markus Mitchell, Michael (Tracie) Small, William Roseboro, II, Brian Small, Levoid Vickers III, Vanessa (Kenneth) Trapp and Vernice (Gregory) Laird; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two brothers: Herbert Charles Small, Leon (Loretta) Small and two sisters: Verlouis (Fred) Davis and Ruth Ann Small, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and his long time roommate, Mr. Willie Mack. Isadore Small, Jr. will be sorely missed.