Booker Teliaferro Gaulden Jr.

Booker was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia to Ella Mae (Swain) and Booker T. Gaulden, Sr. He married Phyllis Gaulden (Barnhart) on November 16, 1968, while both were attending college. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1969. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Tuskegee University in Alabama. He was employed for several years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan and in his later years at Cristo Rey Community Center and Lansing Community College.

Booker lived in the East Lansing/Lansing area since 1970. More than anything he loved a good conversation, especially about sports (college football) or politics. His eternal optimism and willingness to take a chance allowed him to come from the segregated South to reach his educational goals.

Booker is survived by his wife Phyllis and daughters Carolyn Gaulden and Kristin (Richard) Pike and granddaughters Hailey and Hannah Pike. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Mike (Carol) Barnhart and Ethel Gaulden as well as nieces and nephews William Jr. (Katrina) Gaulden, Patrick Gaulden, Patrice (David) Faust, Zandra Bullock, Sara Barnhart (John), and Michael Barnhart, Jr.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers William Gaulden, Sr, David Gaulden and sister-in-law Marjorie Gaulden.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at The Peoples Church, 200 West Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Gorsline Runciman of East Lansing, MI is handling the funeral arrangements.

Suggested memorial donations in memory of Booker Gaulden can be made to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, PO Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901 (517-908-3688) or Habitat For Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543, (1-800-422-4828).