Samuel Mbesi

Samuel Bazin Mbesi was born on June 17, 1957, in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo to Majors Pierre Suanda and Therese Ntumba Mbesi. He was the middle child in a family of nine siblings! He attended the Salvation Army Boarding School of Kingudi in his formative years before transferring to the Kasai Institute of the Salvation Army, where he graduated from in 1978. He enjoyed playing soccer and boxing recreationally. In 1985, Samuel made the move from Kinshasa to the United States. He went on to study in the field of Computer Information Systems at Davenport University. After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in that field, he continued to the University of Phoenix, completing his master's degree in computer information systems. Since then, he has held numerous jobs in computer and Linux-related fields. God was an important part of Samuel's life. He grew up attending the Central Hall and Matete Salvation Army Corps (church) in Kinshasa with his family. If God was the top priority, then music was second! He quickly took to the brass band tradition in the Salvation Army, starting his musical journey on the Eb Bass. He eventually became the Bandmaster of the Matete Corps Band. Under his leadership, the band grew from twelve to thirty members and enjoyed a strong season of influential ministry. After relocating to Michigan, he began attending the Salvation Army Corps in Royal Oak, MI, which would remain his church home for the rest of his life. He was an enthusiastic member of the Corps band, playing Baritone with pride for Jesus. Samuel met the love of his life, Eugenia Ndundu, at the Matete Corps, where she was a Timbrelist. They eventually were married at the Royal Oak Corps on June 22, 1990, and had three children: Ruth, Frederick, and Genesis. The family of five has lived in multiple cities in the metro Detroit area, including Detroit, Royal Oak, Southfield, and finally Troy. When not at work or church, Samuel could often be found in front of the TV watching his favorite team: the Detroit Pistons! Whether they were in their heyday or not, he was a forever fan of the local NBA team. Samuel was Promoted to Glory on July 10, 2023, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, three children, and siblings Collins, Gizela, Jacklyn, Beyatrice, and Madelene. The family wishes him to be remembered as a man of God willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of those he loves in Jesus' Name. A visitation for Samuel will be held on Saturday, July 22, from 9:00 am until time of funeral service at 10:30 am at the Salvation Army Royal Oak Citadel, 3015 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48073. Interment to follow at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak.

Samuel Mbesi

June 17, 1957 - July 10, 2023