All Obituaries

            Mr. Ernest L. Somerset, 74, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, entered eternal life on Monday, April 8, 2024 at UPMC in Farrell, PA.             Mr. Somerset was born December 20, 1949 in Sharon, PA, a son of Fred and Berthel Taylor Somerset.  He was a 1969 graduate of Farrell High School.  Ernest had worked at Sharon Steel, retiring after over 25 years of service.  He was a member of...

Mrs. Barbara J. Betters 98, departed this life on Thursday April 4, 2024 at Hospice House Poland, Ohio.  Barbara was born June 23, 1925 in Youngstown a daughter of Charles Sr. and Bertha Gibbs Benford.  She was a graduated from East High School in 1943.  She married the love of life, George Betters, April 27, 1955 and was a homemaker, and after 41 wonderful years, he passed away January 8, 1996.  She loved knitting and crocheting.  She was a faithful member of...

Mr. Pearce, affectionately known as “Injun Joe” by his closest friends, gained his heavenly wings March 22, 2024, at his home in North Lima, Ohio.  Joseph was born on March 9, 1950 in Spring Hill, North Carolina to Leonard H. Pearce Sr. and Lillian Teasley.  Joseph and his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio when he was 8 years old where he attended Youngstown Public Schools. Joseph was a Vietnam Army Veteran.  He loved basketball and was a faithful Cleveland Browns...

Mr. Burton (Burt) McGee, 56, departed this life Monday March 25, 2024 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Main Campus. Burt was born November 21, 1967 in Canton, OH, the son of Burt and Cynthia Brown McGee. He was a graduate of East High School in Youngstown. He had been employed at Safe House as a Group-leader. He loved being with family, Old School music, having yard picnics, watching the series Law and Order, and was an avid Dallas Cowboy football fan. He leaves to mourn his passing, his...

            Mrs. Robbie Lumpkin, 83 of Youngstown, departed this life on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Hospice House with her family at her side.             Mrs. Lumpkin was born January 3, 1941, in Camilla, Georgia, a daughter of Robert and Marie Moore Gaines.  Robbie was a member of the former Morning Star Baptist Church where she served in the choir, on the Nurses’ Guild and the usher...

  Paula (Jackie) Orr-Manigault, age 80, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, TX. She was born May 24, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Henry Paul Orr Sr. and Pearl Wright-McKinley (deceased). She married Ronald C. Manigault Sr. in 1960, and together, they owned/operated a successful waste disposal business, “R. C. Manigault & Son,” from 1962 to 1988. Jackie lived a full life. She loved spending...

Mrs. Deborah M. Ervin, 72, of Youngstown departed this life for life eternal with her Heavenly Father on March 17, 2024, while in Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Mrs. Ervin, was born June 5, 1951 in Youngstown, a daughter of Wilton O. and Bennela W. Dinwiddie Machen.  She was a graduate of East High School and attended Youngstown State University.  Deborah had worked for Delphi Packard Electric for 35 years, and as a caregiver for Iron & String Life Enhancement,...

Mr. Luther Alonzo Counts Jr. departed this life March 15, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side. Mr. Counts was born June 13, 1937, in Sharon, PA., the son of Luther Counts Sr. and Madelyn Jackson Counts. He attended John Carol University and was a United States Army Reservist for over six years. He worked for Sherwin-Williams prior to working over 35 years at General Motors Lordstown where he spent the majority of those years as a Security Officer. Mr. Counts was a former...

            Mrs. Cindy Ruth Ransaw, 66, of Youngstown transitioned to eternal rest and peace on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at her home with her loved ones by her side.             Mrs. Ransaw was born March 28, 1957 in Youngstown, a daughter of Brady T. Sr. and Irutha Lee Stewart.  She was a 1975 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and had been employed as a nurses aide at various nursing...

Evangelist Irene Elizabeth Grant 75, gained her wings to her Heavenly Mansion on March 16, 2024 at Dandridge Burgandy Manor.  She was born June 22, 1948 in Birmingham, AL., the daughter of Bennie and Rosetta Booker Scott. She had been a faithful member of Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in Birmingham before moving to Youngstown.  She loved cooking and caring for family.  She leaves to morn her passing her husband Ernest Grant of Birmingham; her son Johnny (Daphne) Scott of...

            Mrs. Olivia Major Ousley, 62, of Sharon, PA., transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at UPMC in New Castle, PA.             Mrs. Ousley, affectionately known as “Mo”, was born September 21, 1961 in Warren, Ohio, a daughter of William Jackson and Josephine Carr Major.  She was a 1980 graduate of Farrell High School and attended Penn State Nursing School...

Elder Alvin J. Ward Sr. 63, transitioned to his heavenly home March 11, 2024. Alvin was born December 6, 1960 in Pell City Alabama the son of Jessie Sr. and Joie Ward. He had been employed at RMI Titanium for over 20 years. He was a member of Nevel’s Temple where he was an Elder. He loved being with his family and watching Westerns and Law and Order on TV. He is survived by his wife Sharlene Ward; eight children; Terrell Ingram, Alvin Ward II, Andre Jessie Ward, Aaron Jordan Ward,...

Cleola Jones, departed this life on February 24, 2024 in Youngstown Ohio. She was born on December 22, 1951 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Mary Louise Jones and Cleophas Slade. A community pillar and graduate of Youngstown State University. She held her Associates Degree in Applied Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She participated in many community events and outreach programs. Cleo was known for being there for others. She was always encouraging others to live their...

           Mr. Stephen E. Brown, 40, of Girard, transitioned from his earthly labor to his eternal home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.             Mr. Brown, affectionately known as “Bo” & “Stebo”, was born January 31, 1984 in Youngstown, a son of Orrin L. Sr. and Denise D. Dade Brown.  Stephen was a 2002 graduate of Chaney...

            Mr. Ronald S. Thornton, 80, of Youngstown, entered eternal rest on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Park Center Health Care and Rehabilitation.             Mr. Thornton was born September 1, 1943 in Youngstown, a son of Percy Sr. and Alberta Lee Thornton.  He was a certified heavy equipment operator and was employed by Operating Engineers Local #66.  He also attended New Castle School of...

Ms. Barbara Jean Jefferson 79, transitioned to eternal peace at her daughters home on March 3, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born December 22, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York the daughter of Edward and Mattie Brisbane Alexander. She was a former employee at the Youngstown Vindicator. She loved being with family especially her grandchildren and great-grand-children. She enjoyed going to casinos and playing bingo. She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy; five children,...

Mrs. Juanita Sharper, 100, of Austintown transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Mrs. Sharper affectionately known as “Ma Sharper”, was born the fifth child of seven children of the late Walter and Velma Prude on August 6, 1923, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was a 1941 graduate of Druid High School in Alabama and had attended the school of cosmetology. Juanita married her husband of 55 years,...

Mr. Terrance Maurice Turnage Chatman, 54, of Youngstown, transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.             Mr. Chatman was born February 25, 1970 in Youngstown, a son of Randolph Chatman and Sandra Turnage.  He was a Team Lead Manager at the Boardman Applebees Bar and Grill for over 12 years.  He was a member of Word and Music Ministries where he served as a deacon, and various other positions in the...

Mrs. Margaret Folsome, 90, of Youngstown, transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.             Mrs. Folsome, was born January 11, 1934 in Youngstown, a daughter of Frank and Georgia Mitchell.  She was a 1952 graduate of East High School.  Margaret worked for over 20 years with the Youngstown Public Library – Main Branch, retiring in 1999.  She was a...

Ms. Joann Jackson, 74, of Youngstown, transitioned to eternal peace on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.             Ms. Jackson was born March 5, 1949 in Roanoke, VA, a daughter of Emmett and Willie Mae McGeorge Walker.  She was a 1968 graduate of South High School.  Joanne had been employed with St. Elizabeth Hospital in Nutritional Services, retiring November 11, 2011.  She attended New Bethel Baptist Church.  In her...

Mrs. Ruth N. Woodard. 86, of Youngstown, Ohio transitioned to eternal rest on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.             Mrs. Ruth N. Woodard was born June 10, 1937 in Carrolton, Georgia, a daughter of Clarence J.D. and Jessie Mae Powell North.  She was a 1955 graduate of South High School and after graduation joined the WACS (Women’s Army Corps) with an honorable discharge. Ruth had worked for over...

Mr. John Raymond David Faison, 67, of Youngstown, transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in the comfort of his home. Mr. Faison, lovingly known as “Buggie”, was born February 14, 1957 in Hubbard, a son of Robert and Gladys Lokey Faison. A distinguished graduate of Hubbard High School in 1975, John was not only recognized for his academic success but also for his athletic achievements. His commitment to service and education led him to receive his...

Ms. Ella York, 69, of Youngtown, transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Park Vista Nursing Home. Ms. York was born June 27, 1954 in Fairmont, West Virginia, a daughter of James Jr. and Jeanette Carter York. She was a 1973 graduate of South High School. She had been employed at Northside Hospital as a Ward Clerk for 20 years. She began her Career in Nursing in 1997 after graduating from Choffin Career Center for Practical Nursing working at Guardian Healthcare...

          Mr. Tyrone Jermaine Chatman Jr., 26, of Youngstown departed this life on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.            Tyrone affectionately known as “TY Da G” and “FHT 3X” was born November 15, 1997 in Youngstown, a son of Shelonda Glenn and Tyrone Chatman Sr. He was a 2015 graduate of Mahoning County High School. He was a former member of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. Tyrone loved...

Mrs. Mary Pearl Johnson Hodge, 92, of Youngstown peacefully departed this life February 14, 2024. Mrs. Hodge was born February 24, 1932 in Butler, Georgia. A daughter of Jack and Beatrice Smith Johnson, coming to the Youngstown area in 1952. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend. Mrs. Hodge married James Hodge in 1982. Mrs. Hodge was employed by various nursing homes in the area and retired after ten years from Sears Department store....

            Mr.  Ray Lewis, Jr., 74, of Youngstown, departed this life Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.             Mr. Lewis, affectionately known as “Sonny”, was born May 15, 1949 in Lynchburg, Virginia, a son of Ray Sr. and Joyce H. Beverley Lewis.  He was a 1967 graduate of East High School, attended Norfolk State University and received...

A very special lady to many, was born in Youngstown, on January 25, 1969, Tamara Lynn Brown, was born the daughter of Belinda Faye Brown and John Garett. She passed away at her home February 6, 2024. She was a Queen born with 2 sisters, Michelle (Theo) Holcomb, Davina Brown and a brother, James Brown from her mother, Belinda Faye Brown’s side; 4 sisters from her father, John Garrett’s side; Rhonda Richardson of Cleveland, Ashley, Taylor and Ryan Garrett, of Pittsburgh and a...

Ms. Ruby Lee Adams, 79, of Campbell, transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, February 2, 2024.             Ms. Adams was born June 28, 1944 in Selma, Alabama, a daughter of Leroy Sr. and Bernice Tipton Adams.  She was a 1962 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School.  She had worked as a waitress for Irish Bob’s for several years; and was a homemaker.  Ruby was a member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church where she...

Ms. Kathryn Walton 68, departed this life February 2, 2024 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital Youngstown, surrounded by her loved ones. Kathryn was born September 17, 1955 in Youngstown, a daughter of CD Sr. and Louise Snipes Walton. Kathryn was the youngest of nine children. She was a graduate of East High School and had attended Youngstown State University.  Kathryn retired from Sunrise Assisted Living where she was employed as a Care Manager for many years. Kathryn was a...

Rosetta Young, 97, peacefully returned to heaven on February 6, 2024, at 3 AM in Boardman, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 9, 1926, in Selma, Alabama, Rosetta migrated to Campbell, Ohio, at age 7, with her mother,  Mittie Jackson. Throughout her long and meaningful life, Rosetta dedicated herself to serving the Lord, and providing diligent care to her clientele as a domestic technician. Rosetta, the last surviving sibling of 7, embodied the roles of provider,...

            Ms. Carletta Jones, 67, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, transitioned to her eternal home on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at her home.                   Ms. Jones was born June 13, 1956 in Youngstown, a daughter of Leslie Harmon and Irene Clark.  She was a 1974 graduate of East High School and received her LPN license from Chofffin Career Center.  Carletta had been...

            Mr. Mark Anthony Campbell, 69, of Youngstown transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 6, 2024 and was greeted by the love of his life, his wife Terri.             Mark was born April 4, 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio a son of Pete and Debra Campbell.  Mark was a graduate of the Cleveland School System.  He had been employed with General Motors and presently with the L. E. Black,...

Mrs. Twintella Turner, 61, of Akron, transitioned to eternal life on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Akron General Hospital.             Mrs. Turner, lovingly known as “Twinkle”, was born December 20, 1962 in Jacksonville, Florida, a daughter of James Carter and Annie B. Bryant.  She was a 1981 graduate of South High School.  She had been employed at several venues, namely, Tot’s Haven Pre-School,...

Mr. Jawaylan T. Patterson, 30, of Youngstown transitioned from earth to be present with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2024, while working at his place of employment.             Jawaylan, lovingly known as “Way”, was born May 1, 1993 in Youngstown to the parents of Tineka Patterson and Joseph Allen Sr.  He attended East High School.  He knew and loved God, His Heavenly Father; and loved spending time with his...

Ms. Sharon L. Carter took her journey to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Beeghly Oaks in Boardman, OH, surrounded by loved ones. Ms. Carter, was born on April 11, 1952, in Donora, PA. She moved to Youngstown in 1958. She attended South High School. Sharon’s love for people led her to a career in healthcare. She worked at Shepard of the Valley Nursing Facility and Boardman Community Health Center for over 20 years. Sharon adored her family and friends and made sure...

Deon Parish was born in Youngstown, Ohio on May 4, 1989.  He completed his education at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio and then pursued a career in the food services industry driven by his passion for serving others.  Deon was a passionate supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes college football team and a devoted fan of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.  Left to cherish his memories are his parents, mother, Devonne White-Diggs (Grover); father, Demon...

Mrs. Patricia T. Traylor 78, transitioned peacefully into Eternal Life surrounded by family at Briarfield at Ashley Circle Nursing Home on January 7, 2024.  Patricia was born on May 4, 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio the daughter of Harry and Lena McClure Thomas.  Patricia was a graduate of South High School in 1964.  She was employed by General Electric/Ohio Lamp from 1964 until she retired in 2000.  She was the wife of Alvin Traylor from December 23, 1988 until his passing in...

Jeffery James (Bo) Reynolds passed away in Tampa, Florida, on December 15th, 2023. He was born to parents James C Reynolds and Marva Rupert on September 12, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio. When he was three, his stepmother, Mother Louise Reynolds, cared for him with love and devotion. Jeffrey enrolled at North High School and later pursued his education at Miami of Ohio University, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and achievement in football. In addition, he obtained a bachelor’s...

Mrs. Sandra Jean Harden, 76, departed this life on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Mrs. Harden, affectionately known as “Sandy”, was born February 16, 1947 in Youngstown, Ohio a daughter of the late Rev. Henry Jr. and Odessa Clinkscale.  She attended South High School and graduated from East High School in 1965.  She also attended Youngstown State University and graduated from Victor George School of Cosmetology in 1970 and became a licensed Cosmetologist on January 1,...

Mr. Randy Allen, 26, of El Paso, TX., formerly of Youngstown, OH., tragically loss his life due to a senseless act of violence, on December 30, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. Randy was born on September 30, 1997, in Youngstown, OH, to Reginald Allen, Jr and Lu-Cheer Y. Reynolds.  Randy was educated in the Youngstown School System. Graduating in 2016 from East High School.  Randy grew up in his grandfather’s Church, Early Morning C.O.G.I.C., where he was a member and played the drums...

Calvin Hill Sr. was born to the late John Hill, Sr., and Annie Calhoun-Hill, on March 21, 1931 in Youngstown. Calvin Sr. graduated from The Rayen School and dedicated his life serving his country in the United States Army, the Korean War, and the Air Force for 37 years. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Ms. Ulois Irby, and to this union, three lovely children, Joyce Ann, Calvin, Jr., and Michael were raised and nurtured. They were married for 38 wonderful years...

Toni Chapman gained her wings on January 3, 2024 in Stone Mountain, GA at the age of 57. Toni Suzette Chapman was born December 5, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert Lee Chapman and Jewel Chapman- McMullen. Toni was a daddy's girl and known to most in her younger years as “Top Cat”. Toni attended East High School in Youngstown Ohio. She was a member of Berean Christian Church of Stone Mountain in Georgia.  She was a school teacher for 18 plus years. However, she was...

Mr. George Lee Smith Jr., 93, passed away January 2, 2024 at Mercy Health Hospital Youngstown. He was born December 3, 1930 in Beatrice, Alabama, the son of George Lee Sr. and Johnny B. Cooper Smith. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Mr. Smith married Odessa Griggs Smith on June 9, 1951. After 63 years of marriage, Odessa passed away February 11, 2014. George Served in the Armed Forces and was honorably discharged with a United...

On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Rev. Will Edward Parker Sr. received his final call to his heavenly home. Rev. Parker affectionately known as “Big Dad”, was born October 1, 1931 in Birmingham, Alabama, the baby son of Walter and Mary Battles Parker.  He migrated to Youngstown, Ohio when he was a teen. Rev. Parker was a Senior Elder at Fresh Oil Christian Center in Columbus, OH.  He also served in the outreach ministry of The Church for All People in Columbus. He married...

            Mrs. Josephine Robinson, 73, of Hubbard, transitioned from her earthly labor to her heavenly reward on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Specialty Select Hospital.             Mrs. Robinson, lovingly called “Gigi” by her grandchildren was born August 9, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Jessie Lee Hardin Dandridge.  She was a 1968 graduate of Hubbard High...

          Mrs. Martha E. Blunt White, 98, of Youngstown, transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 17, 2023.           Mrs. White was born May 31, 1925 in Youngstown, a daughter of Calvin Sr. and Adell Cook Blunt.  She attended South High School, Kent State University and Youngstown College.  She had been employed at Ravenna Arsenal, Republic Steel, J. C. Penny’s in security, Pick Ohio Hotel as...

            Services for Mr. Wilson M. Foster will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 920 Dryden Avenue.             Mr. Foster, affectionately known as “Bill” and “Sonny”, transitioned from this earthly labor on Monday, December 25, 2023 at University Hospital in Willoughby, Ohio.  Wilson was born March 6, 1939 in Jackson,...

Ms. Phyllis James, 74, of Youngstown, OH, transitioned from this earthly home to her heavenly resting place December 26th, 2023 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 18, 1949 to the union of the late Rev. Thomas F. and Christine James. She was a proud graduate of The Rayen High School and obtained her Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Associates in Social Work from YSU. Ms. James worked as a probation officer for 26 years at Community...

Mr. Timothy James Catley 72, departed this life January 2, 2024.  Mr. Catley was born September 24, 1951 in Youngstown, Ohio a son of Lloyd David and Edna Louise Forrest Catley.  He was a 1969 graduate of South High School and also was a graduate of Youngstown University.  He had been employed for over 37 years as a Retail Advertising Manager for the Youngstown Vindicator.  He was an ardent supporter of all Cleveland sports teams, especially his beloved Browns.  He...

Mrs. Marion Elaine Leggett, 84, of Youngstown, transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.             Mrs. Leggett, affectionately known as “Mutt”, was born September 16, 1939 in Bladenberg, North Carolina, a daughter of Ezra A. and Fannie Lucille Powell Singletary.  She was a graduate of The Rayen School.  She and her husband, Octagen, whom she married in 1958, owned and operated the Leggett...