Joseph
LaForture (September 27, 1952 - September 29, 2006)f
Joseph
LaFortune was born on September 27, 1952 in Morugar, Trinidad and
Tobago to the union of Poland and Scilla (nee Louison) LaFortune.
“Joe” was raised in Morugar and attended the LaLune RC School
there. During his time in Trinidad, Joe held a variety of jobs
which included that of a Sergeant on the local police force. In the mid 1980’s,
Joe moved to Cleveland, Ohio in order to be near his mother who he
fondly called “Olms”. While here, he graduated from Wooster College
where he studied law enforcement. He utilized this training as a
security officer at the McGregor and Amasa Stone Nursing Care
Facility. For the last ten years, Joe was employed in a customer
service capacity at Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers. Joe was a very funny
and extremely outgoing person who really enjoyed life. He loved the
lake and enjoyed many a day fishing. He also loved his reggae music
and dancing! On Friday, September
29, 2006, Joe departed this life at his home. He is preceded in
death by his father; by one child; by one sister, Alberta Alexander;
and by two brothers, Michael LaFortune and Leslie LaFortune. Those left to mourn
and to cherish his memory include his wife, Annie Riggins LaFortune
of Cleveland, OH; his mother, Scilla LaFortune of Cleveland, OH; a
daughter, Scillan LaFortune of Trinidad; one sister, Margry
LaFortune of Trinidad; brothers Hollis Alexander, Owen LaFortune,
Louis LaFortune and Edwin LaFortune, all of Trinidad, and brother
James LaFortune of Cleveland, OH; as well as a host of uncles,
aunts, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. We all love you and
you will be greatly missed!
Anna Maria
Lambert
(September 26, 1943
-
November 15, 2005)
Anna Maria
Lambert was promoted from earth to Glory on Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
Her loved ones were at her bedside as she exchanged her cross for a
crown.
She was born on September 26, 1943 in
Annapolis, Maryland to the late Juanita V. Hebron Garner and Clarence
Garner. Anna was the youngest of nine siblings.
Her parents moved to Cleveland while she was a small child. She
married Woodrow Raglin in 1959. Out of that union three children
were born. Darnell Raglin, Darneice Grant and Jeannine Banks. Anna Lambert was a very educated woman.
She worked at Mt. Sinai hospital for 30 years as an Account
Representative/Administrative Assistant until the closing of the
hospital. She also worked as Eligibility Specialist at Cuyahoga
Metropolitan Housing Authority. Anna was a member of The Davis Temple Church
of God in Christ family. She served on the Mother's Board
faithfully. She was preceded in death by her parents
Juanita V. Hebron Garner, Clarence Garner, Woodrow Raglin, six brothers
and one sister Juanita (Sugar). Anna leaves to cherish her memory, her
children Darnell (Joanne) Raglin, Darneice (Rev. Clarence) Grant, of
Akron, and Jeannine Banks of Painesville; sisters Catherine Samuels
(Sammy), and Betty Urgelles of Annapolis, Maryland, nine grandchildren,
4 great-grandchildren, a host of other relatives and extended family.
Thomas Eugene
Langford (July 6, 1926 - October 27,2006)
Thomas Eugene Langford, beloved son of Smith and Ethel
Langford, was born July 6, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom, as he was affectionately called, matriculated
through the Cleveland Public School system. He was a scholar in his
own wise way. He loved life and family and engaged everyone he
touched in conversation. Tom was easy to love. Tom confessed his love for Jesus Christ at an early
age. He knew the Lord and showed his faith through his walk and his
talk. Tom demonstrated his love for God when he joined Greater
Tabernacle Church in 1982 under the leadership of Pastor Willie J.
McCreary. It was not a secret that he was committed to his church
and shared a profound and unshakable love for his Pastor. Tom was a stalwart and active member of Greater
Tabernacle and gave of himself unselfishly to promote the good works
of the church. Born through the marriage union of Tom and Maxine
Langford-Blakley were Duane Langford and Chinita Langford. A
daughter Paulette Harris preceded him in death. Tom and Agnes Smith-Langford were united in marriage
December 1988. Through this union, Tom became a loving, caring, and
devoted father to five children, James, Christine, Enoch, Dwayne,
and Rodney, who were brought to this marriage by his union with
Agnes Smith. Tom also lived a full and rich life. He served in the
United States of America Armed Forces and was honorably discharged.
He worked for many years as a productive citizen within his
community. Tom had a “Sweet tooth” that was always satisfied by
his loving sister, Mildred, whom he loved deeply. Mildred would
prepare one of Tom’s favorite foods, “bread pudding.” Tom loved her
bread pudding. Tom was also a Scout Master for the Boys Scouts of
America. A little known fact is that Tom was also a Golden Gloves
boxer. In 2005, Tom became ill and his decline was gradual.
Tom remained dedicated to his family and devoted to his Pastor and
church. Tom’s devotion and
love for his Pastor and church was shown through so many ways. Tom
was Pastor McCreary’s personal security; he served as an Usher and
Trustee of the church. Tom’s faith was
always strong and he never let go of God’s unchanging hand. Through it all, Tom
never lost his smile or his wonderful sense of humor. Tom knew how
to turn lemons into lemonade. Tom’s last words to
his beloved and cherished wife Agnes were “I love you, but, I have
to leave you”. On Friday, October
27th, God called Tom home to take his rest, following his
gallant battle as a soldier in His army. As Christians often say,
“Tom fought the good fight. Additional family members who have
preceded him include a niece Marilyn Langford and a nephew Kenneth
Langford. Tom leaves to
treasure his memory a loving and devoted wife Agnes Smith-Langford;
two children, Duane Langford, and Chinita Langford, Cleveland,
Ohio; Smith Langford Jr., (Brother); Mildred Langford (Sister),
Cleveland, Ohio; five loving and devoted children, James Smith
(Minister), Christine Scott (Dave), Enoch Smith, Dwayne Smith, and
Rodney Smith, Cleveland, Ohio; Grandchildren, William (Derrick),
Sir Robert, Manate (Black Girl), Janine (Pretty Girl), Dana, Denitra,
Tierra, Robyn, Cheyenne, Chanya; 11 Great-Grandchildren; 1
Great-Great-Grandchild; Pastor Willie J. McCreary (Devoted
Friend); a multitudinous of family and friends. Tom will be missed
by all he touched and knew of his warm, caring, and loving spirit.
John Daniel Larkin-Bey
(February 12, 1930
-
September 19,
2005)
John Daniel Larkin Bey was born on
February 12, 1930 in
Kewanee, Mississippi to Richard and Katie Larkin.
He was baptized at a very young age and as a young boy he
attended classes in
Mississippi
called Kelly, Greenhill and then Stevenson School.
John decided he had enough of the South and decided to move
to Cleveland,
Ohio to seek employment in the early 1950's. He found a job and decided
to go back South to find his bride to be. That was when a young lady
named Irene Carlisle caught his eye. They became married in December
1951. To this union, six children were born. John and his wife lived
on Pennsylvania Avenue for some time, until moving to Ladema Court.
They then moved to 91st Street where he left his earthly body and put on
his spiritual body on September 19, 2005.
John had an opportunity to experience different religious
groups. He joined
Beulah Baptist Church
in Cleveland, Ohio many years ago and was part of the Usher Board. He
later joined the Muslims, which is how he attained his last name Bey.
He decided this was not for him.
John had an accident in 1971, in which he cut the ligaments
in his left wrist. But he continued to work. He retired from the Yoder
Company after approximately thirty years of faithful service. During his employment, John decided to go into business with
a friend named Tommy Washington. They purchased what is now called
Larkin's Lounge. When John was able, he traveled extensively. He enjoyed our
family reunions. This gave him an opportunity to see his family.
Nothing stopped him. Not even his first three strokes. John continued
to live a fruitful life. Even during his illness, he never hesitated to
help those in need. He was a very kindhearted man who loved his family,
especially all of his children. A fourth stroke disabled his right hand
as well as right leg. While this slowed him down, he never gave up. He is survived by six sons: John (Leah) Larkin Jr., Charlie
(Jacqueline) Larkin, Angelo Larkin, all of Cleveland, OH, Willie
(Lucinda) Campbell of Ann Arbor, MI, Tommy (Gerri) McNeal of Florida and
James Keyes of Cleveland, OH; seven daughters: Marilyn "Lynn"
(Richard) Dobson of Beckley, WV, Debbie Larkin, Gail Jennings, both of
Cleveland, OH, Mildred (Benny) McShan of Syracuse, NY, Carolyn (Cornell)
Williams of Cleveland, OH, Margaret (Clarence) Hills of Florida, Valarie
Dubose of Akron, OH; thirty-two grandchildren; thirty
great-grandchildren; twelve brothers: Monroe (Thelma) Larkin, Lucious
(Lillie) Larkin, Roosevelt (Ruby) Larkin, all of Cleveland, OH, Charles
Larkin, Ray (Sheila) Larkin, Aaron (Angie) Larkin, Wesley (Kathy)
Larkin, all of Meridian, MS, Roy (Liz) Larkin of Savannah, GA, Alfonso
(Georgia) Lard of San Bernardino, CA, Isaiah (Patricia) Lard of San
Antonio, TX, Eddie (Sallie) Lard of Birmingham, AL; five sisters:
Hattie Lee Thompson, Leona Gates, both of Cleveland, OH, Minnie Lee
Edwards of Tuscaloosa, AL, Mary Helen Landrum of Kewanee, MS, Katie
(Jerry) Alford of Meridian, MS; three aunts: Tillie Ulmer of South
Bend, IN, Gussie (John) Wallace of Cincinnati, OH, Maggie Evans of
Ellisville, MS; and a host of nephews, nieces, other loving relatives
and friends.
Monroe Larkin
(December 24, 1926 - April 27, 2006)
Monroe Larkin was
born December 24, 1926 in Kewanee, Mississippi to Richard and Katie
Larkin. Monroe received
Christ at an early age and was educated at Springhill School in
Mississippi. In 1944, Monroe
moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He joined the Morningstar Baptist Church
under the pastorage of the late Rev. Cole where he served as an usher.
In 1946, he married Jessie P. Larkin, and to this union, six beautiful
children were born: Lottie, Jessie, Monroe, Jr., Richard, Velda and
Audrey. Monroe was a laid
back, quiet person who loved and enjoyed his life. He was enthused by
western movies, traveling, cars, and just being in the company of his
family. He never missed a family reunion. When he was younger, he used
to hunt and fish. If there was a need, Monroe would go out of his way
to help. In the autumn of his
life, Monroe was gifted with a loving union he shared with Thelma
Williams for 26 years. She was his devoted soul mate in sickness as
well as health, and together they had one son, Samuel Larkin. As a
family, they faced the highs and lows of life with love, care and
compassion for each other. After enduring a
lengthy illness, Monroe passed away surrounded by those he loved and
cherished. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Willie
Larkin, Carl Larkin, Richard Larkin and John “JD” Larkin, and sister,
Ada Ward. Those left to
cherish his memory are his spouse, Thelma; daughters, Mary McMillan of
Des Moines, Iowa, Lottie Larkin, Jessie Larkin, Velda (James) Walker,
and Audrey Jackson, all of Cleveland, Ohio; sons, Monroe Larkin, Jr.,
Richard C. Larkin, Samuel Larkin, and Avory Williams, all of Cleveland,
Ohio; 31 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great
grandchild; brothers, Lucious (Lillie) Larkin, Roosevelt (Ruby) Larkin,
all of Cleveland, OH, Charles Larkin, Ray (Sheila) Larkin, Aaron (Angie)
Larkin, Wesley (Kathy) Larkin, all of Meridian, MS, Roy (Liz) Larkin of
Savannah, GA, Alfonso (Georgia) Lard of San Bernardino, CA, Isaiah
(Patricia) Lard of San Antonio, TX, Eddie (Sallie) Lard of Birmingham,
AL; sisters, Hattie Lee Thompson, Leona Gates, both of Cleveland, OH,
Minnie Lee Edwards of Tuscaloosa, AL, Mary Helen Landrum of Kewanee, MS,
Katie (Jerry) Alford of Meridian, MS; aunts, Tillie Ulmer of South Bend,
IN, Gussie (John) Wallace of Cincinnati, OH, Maggie Evans of Ellisville,
MS, Mattie Lake of Cleveland, OH, and Mildred Lard of Chattanooga, TN;
and a host of nephews, nieces, other loving relatives and friends.
Maude Trawick Lawrence
(January 31, 1920 - December 20, 2007)
Maude Trawick
Lawrence was born to the union of George Illinois and Carrie Otelia
(nee Kitchen) Trawick on their second anniversary, January 31, 1920,
in Sparta (Hancock County), Georgia. At a young age, Maude accepted
Christ as her Lord and Savior. She attended Spring Hill Baptist
Church and received her educaton at Spring Hill School. In the late
1940’s, Maude moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she married James
Lawrence, Sr. Life’s circumstances resulted in her raising her
children as a single parent on Shipherd Court in Cleveland, Ohio.
Maude was employed by the Cleveland Public School District for close
to twenty years and she took pleasure in working two days a year for
the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for forty-eight years. Maude enjoyed
crocheting, playing games of chance, and calling her grandchildren
after school to make sure they got home safely each day. She had a
wonderful sense of humor that was sometimes overlooked by her more
serious side. One of her famous sayings was “Sho Nuff” and her
children loved her caramel (brown sugar) cakes and dinner rolls that
she made over the years. Maude was called
“Mommie” by her children and grandchildren from the beginning.
Grandma never seemed to fit. Some grandchildren affectionately
called her “runt” because of her size. On December 20,
2007, Maude Lawrence departed this life. She is preceded in death
by her parents as well as by one brother, Isaac Trawick. Those left to
mourn and to cherish her memories include her children, Pearl T.
Solomon of Macon, GA, James Lawrence, Jr. and Sarah Jordan, both of
Cleveland, OH, Linda Lawrence of South Euclid, OH, Shirley Collier
of Euclid, OH and Dolores Lawrence of Bedford Heights, OH; siblings
Ann Harper of New York, Georgia Trawick, Richard Trawick, Laura
Trawick and Mary Ingram, all of Milledgeville, GA; twenty-nine
grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; other loving relatives and friends. Maude “Mommie”
Trawick Lawrence, your children will always celebrate your life.
The love and adoration we have for you will never fade.
J'Vontay Johnell
Lawson
(September 11,
2004 - November 13, 2004)
J'Vontay
Johnell Lawson was born on September 11, 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio to
loving mother Shaquita Lawson and father Jason Hatten. Baby J'Vontay
is warmly remembered as a bundle of joy who was a fighter that beat all
of the odds! He showed early signs of being a mischievous little boy
and because of his "9-1-1" birth date was affectionately called the
family's little terrorist! On November 13, 2004, this little lamb was
called home to be with the Lord. Little
J'Vontay leaves to mourn and to cherish his memories, his parents,
Shaquita Lawson and Jason Hatten; grandparents, Renia Lawson, Artie
Acoff, Jewell Jackson and John Hatten; great grandparents, Eula Lawson,
Lela Acoff, Margaret Jackson and Berniece Hatten; uncles, Lee Lawson,
LaRon Jackson, John Hatten, Jr.; aunts, Arteshia Lawson, Siquia Whitley
and Clara Wilson; godmother, Ashlee Griggs, Dominique Abercrombie and
Sonya Branch; godfather, Lawrence Porter; and a host of other loving
relatives and friends.
Marie Gloria Lee
Marie Gloria Lee was born January 6,
1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Theodore Fitzgerald and Fannie
Pierce. Marie (also known as Chick, Mommy and GG)
married Walter Lee Jr. in Petersburg, Virginia on July 5, 1947 and
to this union they had seven wonderful children. Marie and
Walter lived in Germany for several years before returning to the
United States. She was a homemaker and she loved to entertain
friends and relatives. Marie never met a stranger, she would
feed everyone in the neighborhood who could not feed themselves. Marie was also a spiritual person.
She loved to talk about the Lord and to teach the word of God.
Marie loved life and was always full of life. Marie is survived by her sister
Katherine (Ella) Jackson; children Beverly Lee, Lottie Collins
(Alfred), Walter Lee III (Daisy), Joyce Harris (Bernard), Frankie
Lee (Josie), Freddie Lee (Jackie) and Maurice Lee (Bonita);
grandchildren Deangelo, Robin, Angie, Rose, Darnell, Corthaniel,
Dexter, Morrall, Tamar, Eric, Jeremy, Bernard and Olivia; ten
great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four
nieces and five nephews. Marie also leaves her special friend
Mamie (Tina) and loving caregiver Lona Westclark. Her sisters Mary and Martha Jackson
precede her in death.
Rosie Hines Lee
(August 12, 1927 - October 31, 2004)
Mrs. Rose Hines Lee,
who was born on August 12, 1927 in Coatopa, Alabama, was the seventh
of eight children of Mr. Ross Hines and Mrs. Sarah White Hines. In
her youth, she attended Bether Hill and Zion Hill schools in Coatopa,
Alabama. On March 15, 1946,
Rose and Fred Taylor were united in Holy Matrimony in Oakland,
California. Two daughters, Freddie and Myrtle Dean, were born to
this union. Years later, Rose
united in marriage to Raymous Lee who has preceded her in death. Rose was a former
member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church until she returned to Cleveland
in 2001. She loved to fish on
private ponds in Alabama and was in the newspaper when she caught a
22 1/2" and 4 1/2 lbs. bass on the pond of her late sister, Alice
Jackson. According to Rose, "I tried 3 days to wear him down." Rose loved to cook
and was employed at National Acme. She made 7-Up cakes all the time
just to be baking. We'll miss that because we can't bake. On Sunday October
31, 2004 God called Rose and she took his hands and left it all -
she's free. She leaves to
cherish and celebrate her life, two daughters, Freddie (Craig)
Powell and Myrtle Dean (Willie) Worwell; three grandchildren,
Nichelle Powell, Darius Powell and Marlon Worwell; six
great-grandchildren, Branden Devon English, Gregory Alan Powell,
Amber Doniece Powell, Destinee Rose Powell, Shanetta Sade Cole and
Tyler James Powell; one sister, Annie Hines May (Iverson) of
Coatopa, Alabama and one brother, Bennett Hines of Mobile, Alabama;
and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Bonita G.
Shepard-Lemon
(Click Here)
Frankie Leonard
Jr. (January 2, 1948 - December 2, 2007)
Frankie
Leonard Jr. was born on January 2, 1948 and departed this life on
December 2, 2007. Frankie was the oldest son of seven children of
the late Frankie, Sr. and Mamie Leonard. Both parents preceded him
in death. He was a
graduate of East Technical High School. He attended Cooper School
of Art. Frankie Leonard
accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and attended various Churches. Frankie served
his country in Vietnam, proudly enlisting in the United States Air
force. Frankie began
his employment as a US Postal Worker during his senior year of high
school and continued after military enlistment. Family remember
Frankie as a quiet, humorous, artistic individual who enjoyed music. He leaves to
cherish his memories, his daughter Dr. Shelana Gibbs-McElvy (Jason);
his son Dondi Jones; grandchildren Jaya and Joshua; four sisters
Delores Rawls, Florine Jones, Laverne Leonard and Christine Fowler
(Keith); two brothers Larry Leonard (Iris) and Paul Leonard;
brother-in-law George Jones and a host of nephews, nieces, aunts,
cousins ant other relatives.
Aaron Lewis Jr.
(May 3, 1949 - August 21, 2007)
Aaron
“Duck” Lewis, Jr. was born on May 3, 1949 to the union of Aaron, Sr.
and Susie Lewis in Cleveland, Ohio.
Aaron attended Cleveland Public Schools and later in life received
his GED. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He was a Food
Service Worker at the Salvation Army Harborlight Center.
Duck was a quiet man who would express his opinion when necessary.
He was an excellent cook and passed his skills onto his nephews.
According to his sisters, he was “a man of many trades”. He had the
gift of watching someone repair something one time and he knew how
to do it with little to no instruction. Aaron was a licensed
electrician, carpenter, painter and an inspiration to his nephews.
Duck lived his life and did what he wanted to do with keeping it all
to himself. Whenever you would see him he always had a beautiful
smile to greet you with.
At 1:05am on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Aaron departed this life at
the Hospice of the Western Reserve. He is preceded in death by his
parents; three brothers: Henry Lewis, Larry Lewis and Scotty Lewis;
two sisters: Sandra Lewis and Margaret Clark; and two
brothers-in-law: Richard Moore and Marcus Lane.
Aaron leaves to cherish his memories while mourning his passing, one
son Aaron; three sisters: Janette (William) Hubb, Ernestine Moore
and Essie Lane; one brother Milton (Ann) Lewis; one Aunt Ophelia
(Nathaniel) Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Gloria Lewis
(May 6, 1953 - November 9, 2007)
Gloria Lewis was born
on May 6, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of Thomas and Zenobia
Seawright. At an early age, Gloria accepted Christ into her life
and then later attended St. Peters Baptist Church. She graduated
from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio and went on to
further her education at Dyke Business College and Cuyahoga
Community College. Gloria and Reginald
Lewis were joined in holy matrimony and to their union two daughters
were born, Laketa and Lakenya. She was a hard worker and exhibited
a strong work ethic as a Credit Specialist at Premiere Farnell
Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. Gloria later continued her customer
service career at OfficeMax as a Call Center Representative. Gloria was a
no-nonsense type of person. She had an outgoing personality that
allowed her to make many friends. She found deep enjoyment in being
around family and especially treasured going on trips and events
with her grandchildren. Gloria loved dancing and cooking for family
and friends. Her spontaneous gatherings featuring fried fish and
chicken wings will surely be missed. On Friday, November
9, 2007, Gloria departed this life. She is preceded in death by her
father; Thomas Seawright. Those left to cherish
her memories include two daughters, Laketa and Lakenya; mother,
Zenobia Seawright; two sisters, Shirley and Diane; five brothers,
Charles, David, Sam, Jerry and Thomas, Jr.; four grandchildren,
Shakira, Nadonte, Aaron, and Elijah; as well as a host of other
relatives and friends.
Joe Lewis
(April 10, 1938 - December 23, 2006)
Orion "Roscoe" Lewis
(May 18, 1938 -
September 22, 2005)
Bennie Lee Ligon
(March 2, 1935 – June 4, 2005)
Bennie Lee Ligon was born on March
2, 1935 in Tuskegee, Alabama. His parents, Dave and Georgia Ligon
preceded him in death. Bennie accepted Christ at a very early age. He
attended Tuskegee Institute High School. Bennie worked for several years and
retired as a Carpet Layer Specialist. He joined Sacrificial Baptist
Church in
1956 and left but returned and was ordained as a Deacon. Deacon Ligon
held several positions during his membership. He was given recognition
for appreciation for years of service on May 2004.
He also sang with the Osborn Singers Gospel Group for several years.
Ten siblings preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn two daughters,
Constance Labret Ligon of North Augusta, South Carolina, Gail Benita
Ligon of Cleveland, Ohio. Two sons, Sherman Leon Ligon and David Ligon
of Cleveland, Ohio. Five grandchildren, Shawna, Joseph, LaRay, James,
Dominque. One great-grand; Deajah. Six sisters, Evelyn Brown, Cleveland,
Ohio, Luvenia Whitlow, Detroit, Michigan, Maeola Robinson, Cleveland,
Ohio, Rosa Ivory (Robert), Birmingham, Alabama, Erma Braney of Castic,
California and Minnie Ezell, Cleveland, Ohio; and a host of nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
Nathaniel Little
(December 17, 1935 - May 22, 2007)
Nathaniel Little was born on December 17, 1935 in Halifax,
North Carolina to the loving relationship of Raymond Perry and
Beatrice Little. Nathaniel was educated in North Carolina and
graduated from high school there. As a young man, he moved to Norfolk, Virginia with his
family. Later, he moved to Waterbury, Connecticut where he met the
former Dorothy Young. The couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1976
and were married on July 10, 1978. To their union, one child,
Gayle, was born. Rev. Little loved the Lord and affiliated himself with
Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church here in Cleveland. He was an active
member of the male chorus and, in later years, he very much enjoyed
ministering to the sick and shut-in. He was an outgoing man who
loved his family and was always helpful to others. Rev. Little retired as an East Cleveland Police Officer after
thirty-five years of service and he also worked at the Cleveland
Stadium. After retirement, he worked in Environmental Services at
Huron Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a private policeman and
private investigator and held memberships in Local IBEW 38 and Local
880 AFL-CIO. On Tuesday, May 22, 2007, he departed this life. He leaves
to mourn and to cherish his loving memories his wife, Dorothy Little
of Cleveland, OH; parents, Beatrice Jones of Brooklyn, NY, and
Raymond Perry of Washington, DC; three daughters, Gayle Brown of
Cleveland, OH, Saundra Lee Johnson of Norfolk, VA, and Shirley Ann
London of Norfolk, VA; two sons, Raymond Little of Baltimore, MD;
and Nathaniel Darnell Little of Denver CO; four stepsons, Thomas
Sinclair, Myron Sinclair, Rubin Sinclair and B’Ester Sinclair, all
of Cleveland, OH; one sister, Catherine Lynn of Brooklyn, NY;
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other loving relatives and
friends.
Tareia Taray Tate-Long
(September 25, 1967
-
December 29, 2005)
Tareia Taray
Tate-Long departed this life on Thursday, December 29, 2005 unexpectedly
in her home.
Tareia was born on September 25, 1967 in
Cleveland, Ohio (Collinwood area) to Marion and Ralph Tate. She
was the only child born to this union. Tareia was christened and grew up at Greater
Bethel A.M.E. Church. She later accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior as an adult and continued to reform her life as such. Tareia attended Collinwood High School and
went on to work in the retail, food and hospitality service industries.
In 2000, she received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration
from Urbana University in Ohio. She graduated with honors and
remained on the Dean's list throughout her studies. Tareia was a very caring and giving person.
She had a nurturing spirit that expressed itself in her love for
animals. She raised and cared for many dogs and cats over her
lifetime. Tareia was also married to Guy Long.
To this union no children were born. Tareia has joined her grandparents, David
and Virginia Dawson, and Jesse and Josephine Tate, and two loving aunts,
Donna Jean Coggins and Virginia McLin. She leaves to cherish her
memory a mother, Marion (Dawson) Berry, and a father, Ralph Tate;
stepfather, Roy Bowers; brothers, Mario Tate, Maurice Tate and
Marcus Tate; godmothers, Sandra Black and Carolynda Russell;
her two best friends, Free (dog) and Kitty (cat); two life friends,
Donna and Nancy; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other
loving relatives and friends.
William Love
(November 14, 1911 - April 20, 2004)
William Love, "Tucka",
was born on November 14, 1911 to Wash and Estelle Love in
Montgomery, Alabama where he attended the Cedar School System. He
was the youngest of twelve (12) children born to this union. On November 24, 1936
he married the late Mary Ellen and to this union four (4) daughters
were born, three of which preceded him in death. In 1945 he moved his
family to Cleveland, Ohio from Montgomery, Alabama and started
working at The Forest City Foundry were he later retired in January
of 1975. Tucka,
who lived with and was being cared for by Catherine and Isadore
Fisher, loved sports - especially baseball. In addition, he loved
his scratch-off lottery tickets and his pipe while sitting on his
front porch. He departed this
life on Tuesday April 20, 2004 to be with his other half, Mary
Ellen, and leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Catherine (Isadore)
Fisher of Cleveland; one brother-in-law, Charles Wheeler; fourteen
(14) grandchildren; eighteen (18) great- grandchildren; and nine (9)
great-great-grandchildren and a host of other nephews, nieces and
friends.
Ethel Mae Simmons Lowe
(November 23,
1911 - June 6, 2005)
Ethel Mae Simmons Lowe
was born November 23, 1911 to Karl C. Simmons and Tadea B. Davis
Simmons. She was the second child of four born of that union. She attended the
Montgomery, Alabama public schools. After graduation, she worked as a
seamstress and practical nurse and took some college courses until she
married Theodore E. Lowe, Sr. Of this union, four children were born. She became active in
religious activities at an early age as her mother played piano for many
church activities. She joined Holt Street Baptist Church, attending
there until she came to Cleveland, Ohio in 1963. Joining Greater
Abyssinia Baptist Church, she attended until ill health made it
impossible to continue. She is preceded in death
by her parents; siblings, Henrietta B. Richardson, Karl C. Simmons, and
Tadea Jemison; and one child, Theodora E. Lowe. Those left to cherish
her memories include children, Rosemond J. Hazzard, Ethel Marie Lowe and
Theodore E. (Mary) Lowe, Jr.; grandchildren, Walter Oliver (Linda) Hazzard,
Timothy M. (Germaine) Callahan, William V. Lowe, Theodore E. Lowe, III,
Mark D. (Venus) Lowe, and Keesha S. Lowe; great-grandchildren, Travis
Callahan, Tenazia Olivia Callahan, Markeesha G. Lowe, George A. Rivera
Lowe, and Kyle Christopher Hazzard; as well as fifteen great-nieces and
nephews.
Ethel Marion Lucky
(August 13, 1926 –
February 28, 2005)
Ethel Marion was the eldest of five children of the late
Alonza and Marion Ballard. Two siblings, Rev. Clifton Ballard and
Blanche Ballard and one brother-in-law, Roger Pinnix, also preceded her
in death. Ethel Marion was a graduate of Brawley High School in
Scotland Neck, N.C. Ethel continued her pursuit in education and
received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Elementary Education from the
historic Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C. in 1948.
Between school vacations, Ethel traveled to New York City and held
summer jobs in Atlantic City, N.J. In 1951, she moved to Cleveland, OH
and became a resident of the Phyllis Wheatley Association and obtained
employment in wholesale jewelry. Ethel Marion met the love of her life in 1952. On April
25, 1953, she married the late Swift B. Lucky Jr. To this union, three
children were born, Roslyn Lorena, Ronald Sherwood and Swift Bernard.
Seven in-laws preceded her in death: Emma Hicks, Mable Starks, Wilma
L. Flowers, Rev. Paul R. Lucky, Marie Dawkins, Alvin F. Lucky and
Margaret L. Smith. Ethel Marion accepted Christ and was baptized at an early
age. Ethel was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Scotland Neck,
N.C. where she served on several auxiliaries. While residing in
Cleveland, Ethel joined the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church under the
pastorate of Rev. Henry Payden. Ethel Marion joined the Mount Olive
Missionary Baptist Church in 1966 under the pastorate of the late Rev.
Leroy Kelley. During her Christian walk, Ethel was a very active member
in her church as a Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Society member,
Deaconess and Senior Choir member (later named Chancel Choir). She
regularly attended Christian Education classes under the late Rev. R. L.
Sims. In later years, her activities became limited due to the
condition of her health, however, she would push herself despite of her
extreme physical discomfort to attend church and Bible Study as well as
Prayer Meetings under the instruction of Pastor Larry L. Harris Sr. Ethel Marion was a devoted wife, mother and a true
humanitarian, always willing to help others. Ethel began her career as
a stay-at-home mom, devoted to the care and education of her young
children. Once her youngest son began kindergarten, Ethel obtained
employment as a substitute elementary school teacher for the Cleveland
Public School System in 1968, retiring in 1990. She received
certification as an educator in the State of Ohio by completing classes
at St. John Cathedral College in downtown Cleveland. Ethel accepted the
position as a substitute teacher because she enjoyed variety and the
flexibility of being available to care for the needs of her family. In
her leisure time, Ethel enjoyed reading, sewing, collecting recipes,
crossword puzzles, and art. In her early years, she enjoyed cooking and
baking for her family. Ethel never knew a stranger and enjoyed
conversation and being around people. She leaves to cherish her memory, devoted daughter Roslyn
Lucky-Sudberry (Reginald) of Cleveland, OH; devoted sons, Ronald
(Josephine) of Cleveland Hts., OH and Swift (Elizabeth) of Bedford, OH;
one sister, Venis B. Pinnix of High Point, NC; one brother, Thurman A.
Ballard (Yvonne) of Omaha, NE; sisters-in-law, Charlene J. Greer of
Southfield, MI, Lynne T. Mason (Robert) of Cleveland, OH, Charlotte F.
Hudson of Canton, MI, Lena M. Ballard of Scotland Neck, NC and Donna
Lucky of Cleveland Hts., OH; brothers-in-law, John Q. Lucky (Carolyn) of
Cleveland Hts., OH, Joseph L. Lucky of Euclid, OH, Curtis R. Lucky of
Massillon, OH and Frank Flowers of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Ava
T. Lucky, Davidd R. C. Sudberry (Siobhan), Aaron R. Lucky, Swift Darius
Lucky and Brandon B. Lucky; one great-grandson, Cameron J. Lucky; and a
host of other relatives and friends.
Anthony Lyles
(October 11, 1969
- September 23,
2005)
Anthony Lyles was born on
October 11, 1969 In Cleveland, Ohio to the union of Thomas and Rose Lee
(nee Stewart) Lyles. Anthony was educated in
the Cleveland Public School system and, at an early age, accepted Christ
into his life. During his employment years, he worked as an independent
truck driver. Anthony was a kind and
loving man who was very much committed to his family. He was also
fun-loving and generous - always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and
help out wherever he could. Anthony was also known as a procrastinator
and would "put a person on hold in a minute!" On September 23, 2005 he
departed this life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and
Rose Lee Lyles; a sister, Valerie Stewart; two brothers, Richard Johnson
and Bobby Johnson. Those left to mourn and
to cherish his memory include a loving soul mate, Debora Kidd; a dear
daughter, Erica Lyles; cherished sisters and brothers, Sandra Stewart,
Brenda Johnson, Carol Johnson, Claudia Johnson, Patricia Williams,
Jennifer Williams, Thaddeus Stewart, Rick (Pamela) Stewart, Zachery
(Annette) Stewart, Thomas Coleman, James Johnson, Kenny Johnson and
Raymond Calhoun; an aunt, Catherine Williams; a special niece, Ashley
Stewart; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.
