Viewing Tuesday March 19, 2013 from 1PM until 8PM at the Stinson Northwest Chapel Located 16540 Meyers Road at the John Lodge Fwy. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday at 11AM in the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Family Hour is 10:30AM. Interment: Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Columbus J. Wakefield was born April 21, 1935, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the union of Abraham and Della Wakefield.

Columbus was raised in a Christian environment attending Mountain View Baptist Church with his siblings in South Carolina. He graduated from Sterling High School in South Carolina.

After graduating, Columbus met and married the late Mary Frances. Shortly after he joined the United States Army serving for two years receiving an honorable discharge.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, Columbus and Mary relocated to Detroit, Michigan, with his brother, James and sister-in-law, Lillie. He then went into the family business at Motor City Cleaners. Some years later, Michelle Francine "Tweety" was born.

Columbus later met and married Carla. To this union one son was born, Marlon. Together, they adoopted their nephew, Dwaynell.

Columbus enjoyed spending spending time and traveling to Canada with his family and godchildren. He was self taught artist. He did many paintings and drawings, and participated in many art shows around the City of Detroit. He loved watching sports; however, his favorite pastime was eating. When he was feeling well he would visit on holidays and weekends to spend time with the family. He loved his grandchildren, and he really enjoyed Marlon II, running behind him and feeding him plenty of snacks.

Columbus made his transition March 11, 2013, at a John D. Dingell VA Hospital (Hospice) where he was a patient for a month. He maintained his independence at home several months before being admitted. He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Michelle (Johnous, Jr.); son Marlon (Ebony); grandchildren, Dante' (Felicia), Shavon, Allante, Alicia, Johnell, and Marlon II; four great-grandchildren; brother, William (Kim) of San Diego, California; sister, Maggie of Greenville, South, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Lillie of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Everyone Columbus knew was special to him. He will truly be missed.

Columbus was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Della; four brothers, Willie, Jacob, James and Joseph; two sisters, Mary and Lois; and his lifelong best friend (brother), John Ingram.