In Memoriam Vincent Sheffey
Vincent Sheffey aka Marduke Bel, age 71, entered into eternal rest at his Detroit family home after a bout with liver cancer on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fontaine Jacob Sheffey, Sr., nephew, Raphael Sheffey and former spouse attorney Althea Gilkey.
Vincent will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 23 years, Daisy Pringle - Sheffey; his children, Shavonne (David) Jackson of Detroit, MI, twins Shaunte & Stacey Sheffey of Las Vegas, NV, and David Vincent Sheffey of Detroit, MI; his grandchildren, Austin, Autumn & Aubrey Jackson of Detroit, MI.; his mother, Henrene Kilgore Sheffey of Grand Rapids, MI; his brothers, his twin, Gaylord (Lori) Sheffey of Plainfield, IL, and Fontaine J. Sheffey Jr. of Romulus, MI; his sister, Harriet (Percell) Singleton of Kentwood, MI and former spouse Betty Sheffey- Marshall of Las Vegas, NV.
Vincent was born and grew up in Grand Rapids, MI. He was baptized and attended St. Philip's Episcopal Church where he served as an altar boy. He attended Henry and St Mary's grade schools before graduating from Catholic Central HS in 1966.
After two years at GR Junior College (now GRCC) he received the inaugural Whitney Young Scholarship.
He used this award to attend and graduate from Eastern Michigan University in 1972 with a degree in Urban Planning.
He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity-made at Epsilon Eta Chapter.
He attended Detroit School of Law and it was interrupted after two years due to a substance addiction.
Vincent worked several professional jobs throughout his life including: Labor Relations Representative - Chrysler Corp; Admissions Director-Detroit Business Institute and District Sales Manager-J.Lewis Cooper Winery.
He left those careers to create his own company and manufactured handbags and other clothing items.
Black Fashions, Inc. / HVM International got its first big $100,000 plus contract with J.C. Penney. Vincent always had a vision for Black Enterprise and Black community wealth.
Vincent was the twin that learned to talk before the age of one. He was well - known for his gift of conversation.
He was a scholar and an intellectual as well as a griot who could always come up with a profound "one-liner."
Vincent was most proud of his recovery from substance addiction and frequently participated Narcotic's Anonymous sponsorships and national presentations. He did this so much so, that he helped create the Temple of Forbidden Knowledge.
He taught weekly classes at Fellowship Chapel Church pertaining to this "Knowledge".
This institute was designed to help the Black community in Detroit know about themselves and avoid the pitfalls of negative living.
In May of 2013, he co - organized the "First Recovery Convention" held in East Africa. He especially wanted to help our Black youth.
He co - hosted "Stepping into the Kingdom" Radio Program on WCHB from 12 noon to 1PM with Martha Jean the Queen in 1998.
His final message to our Black Youth: "Unless you are learning how to enhance your Black Culture through your education, then you are learning more and more about less and less."
In his passing he leaves to mourn his fellow members at Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, his frat brothers, a host of relatives, friends and Black youth in recovery.
As a result of COVID - 19 restrictions in Detroit, cremation has already occurred, Vincent's Memorial Service will take place at a much later date.
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