Brister Gilchrist

Brister Gilchrist was born in Lowndes County, Alabama on May 9, 1930 to the union of the late Deacon Peter and Isabelle (Chappell) Gilchrist.  Brister was the seventh of eleven children.  He was educated in Lowndes County at Spann High School.

Brister’s older brother Isaac sent for him and he relocated to Detroit.  He initially found employment with Ford Motor Company but only for a short period of time.  Brister eventually found his way to the Chrysler Corporation where he earned the reputation for being a great spot welder.  He retired from Chrysler Corporation after 30 years of steadfast service.

Brister met and married Lizzie Manning in Detroit.  As a result of this union they raised three children; Stephanie, Wendell, and Keith.

Brister was a well-loved and established figure in his community. Not only did his neighborhood appreciate his contributions and sacrifices.  Brister’s local police precinct also recognized him for the compassion he had for his neighbors. They consistently identified him as “The Charity Man”, because Brister would help the sick and the hungry without fail.  He would also provide transportation to his neighbors when they needed to get to their doctor’s appointment, grocery stores and of course to church. Brister would always lend a helping hand in the neighborhood.  Knowing, believing, and trusting in the Lord (as his protector) he even provided shelter for the homeless in one of the four-unit apartments he owned.

Brister was a member of Burnette Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. Roland Caldwell. 

Brister leaves to cherish his memory, two sons Wendell Gilchrist (Southgate, MI), Keith Vincent Gilchrist (Atlanta, GA); two sisters, Earnestine Johnson (Montgomery, AL), Octavia Martin (Cleveland, OH), Alice Gilchrist (Sister-in-law).  He is preceded in death by his daughter Stephanie Manning; brothers, John Frank, George, Issac, Fred; sisters, Julia, Mary Griffin, Georgia Ann Bracy and Mary Davis.  He is also loved and remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Brister, in his last two and a half years was a resident of the Rivergate Terrace Community in Riverview, MI.  He received excellent care at Rivergate.   Special Thanks to the entire Blue Court Staff.