Wilber Kelly Love, the youngest of three brothers, was born in Miami Florida on April 16, 1930, to the union of Joseph Love and Willie Mae Rogers. He was educated in the Miami public school system and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1947. As a teenager and young adult, he was a lead male vocalist with the Silvertones Junior Gospel Choir in Miami, where he met the love of his life, Areatha Boldin, who was a lead female vocalist with the Silver Tones. Wilber and Areatha gave their lives to Christ at an early age and were married in August of 1951. To their union were born 10 children (Wilber Jr., Fredrick, Patrick, Felicia, Anita, Anthony, Eric, Harold, Coulette, and Bruce). Wilber served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Benning, GA from 1952 -1954 during the Korean War and was restricted from deployment due to complications Areatha was having with the birth of Wilber Jr., which subsequently resulted in Wilber Jr.’s death as an infant. In 1958, Wilber reunited with his father Joseph Love, who had returned from deployment in Europe during World War II. Wilber followed his father to Michigan and planted roots in Detroit, where he began working as a sanitation worker and subsequently a bus driver for the Detroit Streets and Railroads (DSR), currently the Department of Transportation (DOT). He served the residents and commuters of Detroit driving the Woodward Ave, Dexter Ave, and Warren Ave routes from 1958 to 1988. Wilber and Areatha separated in 1982, but because of their care for the welfare of their children and each other, they never legally divorced. They remained friends and Wilber provided financial and moral support for Areatha as she battled complications from diabetes, which lead to her passing in 1997. Wilber made arrangements upon Areatha’s passing for their bodies to be laid to rest side by side in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. Wilber later developed a relationship with, Zorine Foster, who became his lady / sidekick / companion and made his house a home for over 20 years, before her passing in 2018. Wilber was an active member of the Metropolitan Lodge #962 for over 50 years and proudly held the title of esquire. He was also a lifelong fisherman and bowler. He never passed an opportunity to go fishing and was a competing member of the Detroit Retirees and Considine Seniors bowling teams until the age of 89. What he enjoyed most was spending time in the backyard or at a park for family cookouts, which always included lifelong friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Wilber was affectionately known as Love, Pops, Mr. Wilber, and Mr. Love by scores of friends, co-workers, and neighbors and he cherished the friendships he developed over his life-time. He was very generous with his time and possessions and loved by so many for his gentle / kind spirit and simply being a good man. He leaves to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy nine children: Frederick Love, Patrick (Karen Dani) Love, Felicia Love, Anita Love, Anthony Love, Eric (Ramona) Love, Harold (April) Love, Coulette (Rod Carter) Love, Bruce (Gina) Love; Brother-in-law: William (Jackie) Boldin; Two special women he loved as daughters: Karen Dani and Sharon Love, 21 Grandchildren: Wayne, Franchesca, Marlon, Eric Jr., LaToya, Martell, Ashley, Chanz, , Britney, Serykia, Cameron, Neveah, Sophia, Sherena, Miracle, Sidney, Destiny, Sheniqua, Ebony, India, Erika; and a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, friends, and other relatives. The Funeral Service will be webcast on Friday June 5 at 9 am est. Click this link to view the service https://livestream.com/jameshcole/love