Thurmond, Carlese

Ypsilanti, MI

Age 84, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Trinity Health Hospital – Ann Arbor. He was born March 4, 1941 in Kilgore, TX, the son of Carrenza and Aron (Rossum) Thurmond.

Carlese had a successful 30-year career at the General Motors Powertrain Plant, retiring in 2002. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors whether it was fishing, boating, gardening and planting flowers, riding his bike and motorcycle, or car racing. An avid sports fan, he loved rooting for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. He was also a faithful reader of God's word, visiting the sick and praying for them.

Carlese is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dolly Thurmond, children Keenan (Sadrina) Thurmond, LaDessia (Herbert) Thurmond-Jones, Tiffany (Cordell) Walton and Sandra (Roy) Hundley; siblings Floyda Thurmond-Myrick and Carrenza Thurmond Jr.; 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Kevin Thurmond, siblings Phyllis Boyd, Maurice Thurmond, Ann Chism and Glenda Fay Wesley; as well as his parents.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Whitehead Cathedral Church of God in Christ (2069 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti) with Elder Pastor Avery Brown officiating. Family hour will begin at 10 am. The family will receive friends at the church 4-7 pm Monday, June 23, 2025. Carlese will be laid to rest in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton Township.