Oscar Saulsberry

Oscar Saulsberry, the fourth of seven born to Rev. Thomas Lee Saulsberry and Clara Douglas Willis Saulsberry, was born on February 1, 1945. Five of his siblings, Henry, Thomas Lee Jr., Johnnie Benjamin, Carolyn Jean Boikai and Jacqueline Ann Jones have already journeyed to join the ancestors. He was raised in a Christian household where prayer prevailed, and faith was the foundation. At a young age, Oscar joined Greater Southern Missionary Baptist Church, where his father was the founding pastor. Oscar was affectionately called Kookie by many family members. Educated in the Detroit Public Schools, he graduated from Western High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University. Oscar was a perpetual student, who loved learning. He lived a life of discovery and adventure, was a voracious reader and travelled to many parts of the world including Europe and Morocco. A tour of duty in Korea gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in that culture even learning a bit of the language. He particularly loved the arts and was engaged in the world of dance through his friend Garth Fagan, Tony Award winning choreographer of the Lion King. He shared his love of learning with his family and friends, often suggesting a new book to read or sharing the content of a lecture or production that he had attended. He passed on this love of learning, adventure, and discovery to his family, especially his nieces and nephews who all call him a mentor and role model whose example helped direct the paths they took in life. Oscar was an educator and served as a teacher or educational support staff in several positions over the years in Detroit and Ithaca Public Schools Districts. He loved academia and his move to Ithaca, NY where he lived for the last years of his life proved to be especially fortuitus because he had access to the programs and activities offered at Cornell University. This was the life he loved! To his younger brother Douglas, he was a mentor, friend, confidante, and protector. They enjoyed long conversations and shared many good times. Oscar was a communicator who valued family and friends alike. He was the connector who remembered birthdays and special events and made sure others remembered also. He was also something of the family historian, often sharing facts about the Saulsberry family tree. He lived the Christian values that many just talk about showing loving concern, empathy and compassion for family and friends alike. Oscar is survived by his beloved brother, Douglas Roger (Dyrene Ouley), goddaughter, Rachel Felix, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Saulsberry, Gloria Saulsberry, Daisy Saulsberry, and brothers-in-law, Alfred Jones and Jerome Boikai. Oscar had an incredibly special relationship with his nieces and nephews who he treated like his very own children: Daniel (Janice), Stephanie, Leslie, Rodney (Helen), Thomas (Thelma), Teri (Steve), Delta, Javair (Tina), Alexander (Nicole), Jajuanna, Jacob, and numerous great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Oscar was a loyal and devoted friend to many, including special friends, Cheryl Woodruff, Drs. Benn & Kathleen Gilmore, Dr. Glenn Hatcher, Eulas Boyd and Sai Tedla, Garth Fagan, Barry Derfel, Millicent Clarke-Maynard, Meghan Austin (whom he often referred to as his angel), Hildebrando Madrigal, John & Joyce Muscat, Jim Campbell, Robert Rupert, Sal Zagari, Ziggy Gonzales, and army buddy Phil Garcia. All will dearly miss him.

Oscar Saulsberry

February 1, 1945 - December 7, 2024