Deacon Eugene Moten Jr.

Deacon Eugene Moten Jr. our dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend entered into the presence of the Lord on May 7, 2025, at the age of 85 years.
Eugene Jr., affectionately known as "Sonny" was born on October 13,1939 to Eugene and Ernestine T. (Williams) Moten Sr. in Frairs Point, Mississippi. After securing work with General Motors, Eugene Sr. (FA) relocated his family to Saginaw in 1946.
Eugene Jr. was an ambitious and industrious young man beginning his early employment working at Smitty's grocery store, a bowling alley and as a gas station service attendant.
Deacon Moten began his employment at General Motors Saginaw Parts Plant. He was recognized for consistently meeting production standards. He was an exemplary worker with a great work ethic, including attendance and timeliness. He was promoted to salaried Production Supervisor in 1971. Eugene Jr. transferred to GM Truck and Bus Flint after the parts plant closed in the early 80's, later he transferred back to Saginaw Steering Gear. Eugene Jr. "Sonny" retired from General Motors Corporation in 1992 with 36.5 years of service. In 1996, he was called to return to General Motors as an interim supervisor at Bay City and Saginaw sites staying until 2004.
Deacon Moten was a devoted family man. He was married to the love of his life Arie Jackson Moten for 50 years. To this blessed union, three sons were born, Charles "Monte", Curtis and Brian. Deacon Moten was the very proud dad of" his one and only daughter" Renee, sons Eugene III "Lil Sonny" and Craig. Deacon Moten enjoyed family time. He especially enjoyed family reunions' the last reunion was held in 2024. He was looking forward to our next 2026 reunion.
He enjoyed coaching his son's basketball teams when they were younger. He kept up with their pursuits. He enjoyed watching sports. He was an avid reader; especially on keeping up with current events and news.
Eugene Jr. "Sonny" grew up in the Mennonite Church. It was there that he learned to diligently read and study the Bible. He enjoyed spending time at Mennonite farms in northern Michigan during the summer. Eugene Jr. joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Thomas J. London. He was a joyful and active member participating in various ministries including the deacon board. Pastor London left in 2013. Deacon Moten took responsibility for keeping the pulpit filled with guest ministers and pastors for four years. Rev. Blake D. Strozier was installed as our new pastor in March of 2017.
Deacon Moten was a joyful and active member participating in various ministries including the deacon board. He was currently serving his 18th year as chairman of the Deacon Board. President of the Laymen, assistant Treasurer, served on the Finance committee, faithfully attended Worship services, Bible Study, Weekly Prayer Services. He was a supporter of the Total church.
Leaving a Legacy of Love, Deacon Moten leaves to cherish sweet and precious memories his loving wife of 50 years, Arie Moten; five loving and caring children, daughter Katherine Renee Curry, sons Craig A. (Amy) Moten, Charles "Monte" Moten, Curtis Eugene Moten and Brian Christopher Moten; 35 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Lottie B. Bonds, Thelma (Bobby) Kelley and Dorothy A. Haire; brother, Oscar Sr. "Buddy" (Evelyn) Moten; a very special niece, Ivy L. Whitehead of Los Angeles, CA; sisters-in-law Cathey (Alvaster) Fowlkes and Moncia Primm of TN; brothers-in-law Kenneth and Ben Jackson of Nashville, TN; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were all very special to him. Pastor Blake Strozier and 1st Lady Ashley Strozier blessed and favored Deacon Moten. He cared deeply for the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church family, Deacon and Christian friends..
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Eugene and Mrs. Ernestine Moten; son Eugene Moten III; grandson, Equayvis Moten; great-great grandson, Idrease Moten; sisters, Adell Moten (infant), Florida B. McGowan and Katie L. Moten; brothers, Ernest (Dwandra) Moten Sr. and John Q. Moten; uncle, Deacon Andrew (Pearline) Williams; niece, Ernestine L. Whitehead; nephews, Derrick Hamilton, Gregory Moten, Jeffrey McGowan, Garlan Moten and Demond Moten; son-in-law, James Curry; father & mother-in-law, Pastor Charles & Arie Jackson; brothers-in-law Rev. George Bonds, James, Gary and Charles Jackson Jr.
Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 810 Cathay St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Blake Strozier will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place on Friday at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.