Obituary of Dr. Della Ann Spurlock-Redding

Della Ann Spurlock-Redding

Sunrise: May 21, 1938 - Sunset: January 25, 2023

“I had some good days. I had some hills to climb. I had some weary days and some lonely nights. But when I looked around and thought things over, somehow all of my good days outweighed my bad days, and I didn’t complain!”

Dr. Elder Della Ann Spurlock-Redding was born May 21, 1938 in Kilbourne, Louisiana. She was the third of eight children in theloving marriage of James and Artelia Watson. The family later

moved to Eudora, Arkansas, and in 1956, Della moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where she graduated high school. She married Jimmie Spurlock, Sr. in Kalamazoo and started a journey of raising nine children that would shape her life and the lives of her family, for generations to come. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, were her pride and joy.

Della led a very active life in sharing her skills and service to the Kalamazoo community in many ways. She owned and operated, House of Beauty, a beauty salon for several years. Initially located downtown, until the building was demolished to make room for the Kalamazoo Center. The salon was moved to the corner of N. Burdick Street & Patterson Street. Throughout the years, she competed in the annual Bronner Brothers (hair style) Beauty Contest, held annually in Chicago, Ill. She received first place trophies many times, with the beautiful new and different hairstyles she created. She also became a Cosmetologist Instructor for several years at the Kalamazoo Beauty College. When she developed allergies to hair product chemicals, she decided to attend Western Michigan University to pursue a career in education. This led her to complete a bachelor’s degree in Communication Art and Science from Western Michigan University and obtain a master’s degree in Education Administration at Michigan State University a couple of years later. She also received certification in leadership education; from Michigan State University and earned a second master’s degree in Secondary Administration; from Purdue University. She also completed all coursework needed for a PH. D in Higher Education, from Indiana University. She dedicated over 35 years as an English teacher in the Kalamazoo Public Schools and the Gary Community School Corporation combined. Her passion for the arts and education led her to conduct school plays, musical performances and eventually write a book with a matching workbook for student’s use in high school English.

Della thoroughly enjoyed her membership and participation in The Young Matron’s Club at Allen Chapel A.M.E. church for many years. The monthly meetings traveled to a different member’s home each month, which gave her an opportunity to be very active in the community. She also served as a supportive presence with the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP and The Northside Ministerial Alliance of Kalamazoo. After retirement, Della became a member of MARSP (Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel), where when time permitted, she enjoyed the monthly luncheons with fellow colleagues.

Della founded Nu-Way Inspiration Outreach Ministry, where she presented messages in various forms, including the radio and online for over 20 years.  The ministry included songs, Bible teachings and prayer. Della is a graduate of the Evangelical Bible Institute of Southwestern Michigan and was confirmed by the Evangelical Training Association to teach all church ministry courses in the local church or other training ministries.

The Universal Life Church International of Modesto, Calif., awarded Della with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Religion for her ministry. Della later became a Co-Pastor at Allen Chapel A.M.E Church. She has received several ordinations in ministry which include Pastor, Missionary and Evangelist, local Deacon and local Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As an ordained Elder, she was also the first woman of clergy to sit on the pulpit at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. 

Della was known for her ability to give a word of wisdom in season, with a strong and loving voice. With fervent conviction, she preached the unadulterated and uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ. Her sermons made you laugh, praise God and ultimately pour out your heart to God, all in one service. She was known to quote her personal philosophy that included her words, “In recognition of the things that I have done, it still isn't more to me than the word of God. He is the one who blessed me with all of this. I believe that it is my duty as a Christian to pray for others at no charge. So, if someone blesses me with a donation, I will turn back around and go to a local McDonalds and pay for someone's meal. I do this because I believe that God gives us 100-fold what we do for others.”

Della was a living example of - Proverbs 31, “A Virtuous Woman “–Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done so virtuously, but thou excellest them all”.

She was preceded in passing by her first husband, Jimmie Spurlock, Sr. of Kalamazoo, Michigan and second husband, Bob E. Redding, of Gary, Indiana; Daughters: Mary J. Spurlock-Ware, Barbara J. Spurlock and Gaynela R. Spurlock and Sons: Orlando U. Spurlock and Clarence E. Spurlock, Sr. Stepsons: Jimmie Spurlock Jr. and Roosevelt Spurlock, Special granddaughter: Tatisha T. Spurlock; Special great-granddaughter: Rain A. Vanterpool.

Those left to celebrate her life, mourn her passing, cherish her memory and rejoice in a life well lived, are her children: Donald R. (Ruth M.) Watson (Kalamazoo, MI); Dorothy A. Spurlock (Canton, MI); Artelia L. Spurlock (Kalamazoo, MI), Crystal F. Spurlock-Beeks (Merrillville, IN); Stepdaughter: Bessie M. Spurlock-Palmer (Kalamazoo, MI); 17 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters and two brothers: Sarah Zeno, New Orleans, LA; Clemmie (Shirley) Watson, Forney, TX; Dollie Bartley, Villa Rica, GA; Henry (Diane) Watson Kalamazoo, MI. Two sisters-in-law: Naomi Braziel and Tassie Winn, both of Sacramento, CA., and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Our loving memory and appreciation of “momma” will continue to live forever.