Obituaries

“DJ Lonnie B” Mr. Lonnie B. Smith Sr. was born on December 4, 1968 to the late Velma Tucker and Ernest Wade in St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his grandfather; Johnny Smith, grandmother; Minnie Gates, sisters; Camille and Velma Lee, one brother; Willie and a niece; Bernice. Mr. Lonnie B. Smith completed his high school education...

The sun rose in the life of Keyshawn ZeAndrae Spraggins on Monday, June 9, 1997 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born to parents, Tammy Spraggins and Antoine Wallace. Keyshawn was the third of five siblings. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Pearlie Mae and Frank James Spraggins, Sr. Keyshawn started his elementary school education at Benjamin E....

Decarlos Stephon Jones was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 21, 1993 to the union of Carlos Jones and Hope Amelia Greenfield Jones. His beloved mother and aunt Stephanie Northington preceded him in death. “Los” as he was affectionately called by his friends and loved ones was an outgoing family orientated young man. He confessed his sin at an...

Diane Letrece Washington was born on July 31, 1969. She was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis, IL. She was the first born to Betty Jo Cooper and Elmer Futrell. She attended East St Louis District #189 completed the 12th grade at Lincoln Senior High in 1987. She received her Bachelor in early Speech Pathology and Audiology...

Mr. Leonne Pettigrew was born March 11, 1977 to the Union of Danny and Donnetta Pettigrew. He was the youngest of twin boys. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother; Lula Williams. Mr. Leonne Pettigrew was educated in District 189 and he graduated from East Side High School in 1996. He was united in Holy Matrimony in 2007...

Denise Darcel Hayes, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece and special friend was born on February 4, 1969 to John and Vasheel Shepherd in East St. Louis, IL. Denise departed this earthly life for her eternal resting place on April 25, 2017 in St. Louis, MO. Denise received her formal education through the East St. Louis public school system,...

Mr. Robert E. Hymer, Sr. was born in Beaumont, Texas, October 29, 1926. Shortly thereafter, his parents, George Hymer and Rose Bryant Hymer moved to Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School at 16 years old and attended UCLA majoring in Mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II for 17 months, subsequently receiving...

Mrs. Dorothy Dean Smith-Slaughter was born January 9, 1938 in the City of Florence, and the state of Alabama. Dorothy fondly called “Marcie” was the oldest of seven children, born to the union of Nathan and Delores Smith. Her husband, Robert Slaughter, daughter, Robin Slaughter-Goliday, parents, Nathan and Delores Smith, sisters Mattie Lockett, Lois Ann Byrd, Nancy Jones, Mary Smith...

Bettye Jean Pepper was born the second of seven children on the spectacular day of January 23, 1936 to Charlie and Barbara Pepper. She departed this earthly realm on April 13, 2017. She was a loving and devoted mother, sister, and aunt. She was raised in Bedford County, Tennessee before moving to Nashville, TN. In 1952, Bettye graduated from Pearl...

Mr. Kevin Brooks, Sr was born on July 30, 1963 to the union of Howard Brooks Jr and Mary Grafton Brooks in Centerville, Illinois. Kevin received his education from the East St Louis, IL School District 189, attending Dunbar Elementary School, King Junior High, and graduating from East St. Louis Sr High School in 1981. He received his BA in...

Charlesetta Owens was born to Ruffus and Vessie Lee Hoskins on April 5, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the third of five children. Her mother Vessie preceded her in death on April 10, 2000. Charlesetta attended St. Louis County public schools and graduated from University City High School in May 1974. She continued her education at Fontbonne University...

Tommy James Roberts (Hightower-Hamilton) was born March 12, 1945 in Houlka, Mississippi to Artis Hightower and Katherine Hamilton. He was the eldest child of Katherine; and the second born, eldest son of Artis. Tommy remained in Houlka, MS with his grandparents, Lula Bell and Harvey Lee Hamilton while growing up with 3 special cousins, Johnny Wayne, Magdeline “Puddin” and Jonnie...

Mrs. Melanie Sherese Riddle-Johns was born August 8, 1968 in East St. Louis, IL. to the Union of Surlander Samuel-Riddle and Melvin Eugene Riddle. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Alanie Thomas and son, Montre Palmer and father, Melvin Eugene Riddle. Melanie accepted Christ in her life at an early age. She attended East St. Louis School District...

Mr. Charles E. Williams was born on June 29, 1947 to the union of Lemit Williams, Sr. and Joanna (Taylor)Williams in St. Louis, Mo. He is preceded in death by both parents, brothers, Lemit Williams, Jr. Joe Leonard and sister; Sarah Williams. Charles better known as Hosea to family, friends and his church family here at Southern Missionary Baptist where...

Albert Randle Jr. was born to the late Albert and Clara (Williams) Randle Sr. on February 14, 1941 in E. St. Louis, IL and grew up in the close-knit community of Goosehill. He was preceded in death by one sister, Demetres Stewart, and is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia A. Randle of O’Fallon, IL and one...

Joseph Jaron Henagan, 29 passed away March 6th , 2017. Joseph, was born on September 9th ,1987 in Centreville, Illinois. Joseph (aka Buggy) attended school in East St. Louis, where he later graduated from Belleville East in 2006. Joseph then continued on in his career as a production worker till the time of his death. Joseph was a fun, loving,...

Mr. Johnny Ware is a Life Time member of Blacks In Government, Past President of the Southern Illinois Chapter of Blacks In Government (BIG), Past First Vice president of the Great Lakes Midwest Region V of Blacks In Government; a Life Time Member of the NAACP East St. Louis Branch 3013; a member of the Alton-St. Clair County Chapter of...

James E. Singleton was born September 3, 1971 in E. St. Louis, IL. to Wilma Singleton and James Eric Belk. He was preceded in death by one brother; Lynsee Johnson, grandparents; Pervis and Beulah Singleton. He attended Cahokia Elementary School District and was a graduate of E. St. Louis Senior High School/Class of 1989. He was active in school and...

Pauline Gaston was born to the late Eddie and Anner Rose Gaston on June 12, 1934 in Carbon Hill, Alabama. She was preceded in death by both parents, three brothers, James Dunlap, Richard “Puddin” Dunlap and Joe Carter; six sisters, Willie Carter, Ruth Gaston, Minnie Gaston, Helen Kelly, Cora Dillard and Barbara Lane. Pauline accepted Christ at an early age...

Visitation: Saturday February 18, 2017 11AM Service: 12:00 Noon at Teat Chapel