Calvin Whitley

Calvin Felton Whitley was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He attended Grand Rapids Public Schools. He was a fierce athlete and loved all sports, especially basketball; at South High, he competed on the wrestling team.

Calvin was baptized at True Light Baptist Church as a teenager, proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In his adult years he became a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a member of the Usher Ministry until his illness restricted his participation.

Calvin worked at General Motors in Grand Rapids until 1970 when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served a tour in Vietnam and was awarded several medals and badges for his service.  These included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 campaign stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, One Overseas Service Badge, Expert shooter Badge (M-50), Sharpshooter Badge (M-16) and Marksman Badge (M-16).

After leaving the military, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Aquinas College, while working at General Motors. Calvin retired from GM as a General Supervisor in 2008. Calvin also spent 28 years with the Kent County Juvenile Court system providing support and guidance to the city’s youth, who lovingly named him “C-Dub”. After retiring, he still felt the need to give back by working for KentCAP for 7 more years.

Calvin met the love of his life, Denise Embree, and on March 11, 1988, they were married. Their life together was always full of family, friends, and fun. Calvin loved to laugh, travel, and have a good time...no one threw a cookout like “C-Dub!”

He was preceded in death by his parents Buck Felton Whitley, Jr., and Nellie (Williams) Whitley and four siblings Barbara Jean Fisher, Valley McCoy-Bill, Charles Carter and Charles Ray Johnson. 

He leaves to cherish his memory:

his loving and devoted wife Denise; one son children Calvin Hill,  three daughters Joycelyn “Peach” Whitley, Tiffani Richardson (Anthony) and Steffani Whitley; his grandchildren Amoni Figures, Jhoni Richardson and Sa’Nyah Whitley; his great-grandchildren Journi and Shamon, his father R.T. Johnson; his siblings; Floria Arnold (Clarence), Vidella Whitley, Mary Cowan (Michael), Larry Whitley, Sr., (Leann), Eric Posey, Obie Johnson, Robert Dulany, Richard Johnson, Sabrina Jones, and Bridgett Johnson, 

his uncle; Sterling Whitley, his aunt; Alma Knighton and, his aunt; Bernice Whitley with whom he had a very loving and special relationship,

his in-laws; Jean Embree, Craig and Gina McCoy, Joe and Hawan Embree and Jamel and Angela “Gail” Embree,

his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and,

his godchildren; Fallon McMurray and LaKeya Payton; his bonus daughter; Shaniel Atkinson; his lifelong and dear friends Johnetta Perkins Posey, Symaria Sims, Calvin Payton, and Roland Hurt. 

A special thank you to Sandi Young and Verdia Hight for your love and support, and to Willie Knowling for your help with Calvin’s care. 

Finally, words can’t express our gratitude and thankfulness to “Sister” Dawn Anderson. Her continuous concern, kindness, and assistance on Calvin’s behalf during his illness went above and beyond.