All Obituaries

Elocie Mae Betts, 91, gracefully passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021, at Lutheran Life Villages surrounded by her family and other loved ones.

Jessie Lee Thomas, 76, found eternal rest and peace at his home on Saturday, October 9, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Memorial service will be Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc. 1338 Eliza St. Care entrusted to Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc

Arlene Weaver Shelton, 61, was called to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Service is Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Church of Jesus, 2601 Alma St., at 11:00 a.m. with calling one hour prior. Care entrusted to Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc.

Gerlena (Geri) Clark was born to Richard and Adlena Reed in Blytheville, Arkansas on December 31, 1933.   She grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and was baptized at a young age.  She graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School and in September 1952 entered Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where she majored in mathematics. It was there she met Benjamin and on December 25, 1955, they were married.  To this union, one daughter was born.    In August...

Bruce Jerome Woodson, 60, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021. Service is Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Come As You Are Community Church, 7910 S Anthony Blvd, at 11:00 a.m. with calling one hour prior. Care entrusted to Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc.

Shaira Monique Brooks was born on May 1, 1981, to Vivian (Dave) Walton and her adopted parents; the late Wodie Brooks and Lillie Brooks. Shaira always loved family gatherings and being with her close friends.   She leaves to cherish her unforgettable memory to her birth mother; Vivian (Dave) Walton, her adopted mother; Lillie Brooks, brothers; Wodie (Hattie) Brooks, Jerry (Suzanne) Brooks, and Charles Stroud, Sr., her sisters; Christine Smith, Sherell Smith, Ebony (Richard) Mayhoe,...

Larry Darnell Collins was born April 12, 1950, to Irlene and Charlie Collins, Sr. in Bessemer Alabama. He departed from this life on September 21, 2021.  Larry ”Slim” Collins, was the most calm-spirited person you could ever meet. His humor was very infectious and would draw attention in any crowd. It was a comfort to know that you could drive down Lillie Street any day of the week and witness his smile as he sat on the front porch overseeing the neighborhood. He was...

Terrance Demetrius Jackson was born on June 30, 1988, in Fort Wayne, IN to Sondra Jackson-Moore and Robert Moore. Terrance transitioned on Monday, September 20, 2021, at the age of 33. Terrance had a strong unwavering faith in God. With Psalm 23 being his favorite scripture. Terrance attended and graduated from Snider High School. Terrance was a cool, calm, and collected son, brother, uncle, and friend who treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated and never worried about what others...

  Erskine Swift was born on November 19, 1963, to the late Julia Swift and James Swift, Sr. (his biological father was the late Edward Jones, Sr.) He departed this life on September 22, 2021. Erskine attended Northrop High School and graduated in 1982. He accepted Christ at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Cornelius Walker. Erskine enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and “drinking Pepsi.” Erskine leaves to...

Maya L. Bledsoe, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 while on vacation in San Diego, CA. Maya was born in Morgantown, WV to the late Carl Smith, Sr., and Audrey Bledsoe. She later moved to Fort Wayne, IN as a child. She accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.  She graduated from Fort Wayne Christian High School in 2007 and worked as a medical assistant at Dr. Larry Bledsoe M.D. for many years....