Mr. Otis Major Vann Sr.

Otis Major Vannm Sr., 91, joined his Heavenly Father' peacefully on Feb. 20, 2019 with his family by his side. Otis was born on Feb 28, 1927 in Selma, Alabama to Stanton Augusta-Evangelistic and Virginia Gunn. Otis' strong work ethic began early in life with him working side by side his grandparents, Major L. Gunn and Rhodie Gunn on their family farm. After the death Of his beloved grandparents, Otis moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he was cared for by his loving aunts, uncles, and cousins before settling in Birmingham with his Uncle Junior, (Mark Gunn, Jr.) and Aunt, Evelyn Gunn. He attended grade school in Birmingham where he met the love of his life, Marga L. Vann at the tender age of 12. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1945, where he served as an Aviator Engineer for the Tuskegee Airmen. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. On September 11, 1948, upon returning to Birmingham, Otis married Marga. and from their blessed union five children were born. Like many African Americans in search of better.opportunities, the couple migrated North. In the early 1950's, the family moved to Toledo, Ohio, where Otis owned a shoe repair shop. The family settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Otis continued shoe repair, working at Gimbels & Schuster's department store as well as Grabels and Brouwer shoe stores. Otis also began a long career as a senior Foreman at Johnston's Chocolate Cookie Company alongside good friends, Johnny, Betty, Warren, and John, where he retired in 1988. A Jack Of All Trades, Otis then managed his and, Marga's rental. properties, where he took advantage of his wealth of home-repair skills. He and his beloved wife traveled across-the country where they enjoyed. visiting relatives and friends. The couple spent nearly 60 years in wedded bliss until his beloved wife went home to be with the Lord. . Otis.was a faithfui member' of St. Matthews CME Church. After service he would join his "play son" Robert Pearson in rounds of darts. He reigned as champ at darts and pool almost to the end. Otis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Otis Major Varin, Sr. was pteceeded in death by his wife, Marga L. Vann; parents, Stanton Augusta-Evangelistic and Virginia Gunn.brother, Webster Gunn, sister, Beatrice Bryant, and brother, Willie James. Otis leaves to cherish his loving memory.and continue his legacy daughter, Cynthia (Greg Stanford) Henry, four sons, Otis Jr. Vann, Richard Vann, Michael Vann, Kevin Vann Sr., grandchildren; Dana Patillo, Dwayne Henry, Keith Vann, Kevina. Vann, Kevin Vann II, Ketrina Vann, and Mikalah Vann, grear-grandchildren, Ayzha Ternoir, Alyssa Deal, Jahmarri Deal, Sarah Kaul, .Shekila Vann, Keith Vann Jr., Gwendolyn Vann, Kevin Vann Ill, Dwanye Jackson, Jarvis Toney, and Khalia Toney and one.great-great-grandchild, Boston Cox; daughters-in-love, Wanda Vann and Maria Jackson. Otis was a favorite uncle to many beloved family members in Birmingham, Chicago and Detroit including his special cousin, Roberta Grace.

Mr. Otis Major Vann Sr.

February 28, 1927 - February 20, 2019