NILEY ROSEMOND

Niley J. Rosemond-a teacher for hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, died July 14, 2021 at his home in Grand Blanc, Michigan, surrounded by his loving wife, two devoted daughters, and grandchildren at the age of 73.

Niley was born February 22, 1948, in Calvert, Texas, the son of John Quincy Rosemond and Silveree Rosemond-Brooks, educated at O.J. Thomas High School and Prairie View A&M University. While attending Prairie View A&M University, he participated in the first Naval ROTC program ever established at a historically black university. The 13 young, black men, that comprised that pioneering Naval ROTC Unit, the Golden 13, graduated May, 1970, as commission officers.

Niley was wise beyond his education, and people of all ages and stages in life sought his advice and benefited from his counsel. He was a mentor to the Big Brother/Big Sister organization, as well as both the Flint and Carmen Ainsworth School Districts. Niley also volunteered his service to the Tuskegee Airmen during Black History Month. Niley was a member of the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, where he served on the board for the Leonard Lamar Floyd Scholarship Committee.

Niley served in the United States Marine Corps. as a pilot from May 1970 to April 1976. He was then employed with AC Spark Plug (a division of General Motors), followed by a rewarding 31-year career as a commercial airline pilot with Northwest/Delta Airlines.

Niley was a true golf enthusiast and will be missed by many. Niley was always smiling , expressing some of his special sayings “You betcha!” and “Yeah buddy!” among many others.