Birth Date: 1933-11-15

Deceased Date: 2024-07-05

Obituary:
Loretta Clifford (née Morgan), 90, of Lorain, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family following a lengthy illness in Oak Hill Nursing Home.

Loretta was born November 15, 1933, in Pittsburgh, PA, moved to Cleveland, OH in 1945, and later moved to Lorain, OH in 1947.

Loretta graduated from Clearview High School in May 1954. After graduation she attended Jane Addams Vocational School, graduating in the Practical Nursing program on February 12, 1957. She also attended Lorain County Community College, graduating with an Applied Science degree in their nursing program on June 13, 973. Loretta received her Register Nurse (RN) license in August 1973.

Loretta was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She was active in their Inspirations Choir, Mass Choir, Missionary Ministry, and Nursing Ministry. She sang with The United Gospel Chorus under the direction of her mother, the late Pecola Morgan. She was a past member of Peerless Temple #236 Post, Pride of OES Lorain Chapter No. 27, Charter Member of the Negro Business and Professional Women Club, past member of the Iron Stallion Motorcycle Club, an active board member for Fulton Homes, and was active with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Loretta will be sadly missed by her children, Charles Clifford, Cathy Sue Nicholson, Lisa Marie Patterson and Corey Clifford. Loretta is also survived by her youngest sister Barbara Vauls, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of loving relatives and friends.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Neil I. Clifford; her parents, Charles H. Morgan and Pecola Morgan (née Watson); her sons Craig Anthony Clifford, and Christopher P Clifford; her sister Shirley H. Morgan; five brothers, Meryl Morgan, James A. Morgan, William H. Morgan, Charles H. Morgan, Jr., and Carl U. Morgan.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, from 6 - 8 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, OH 44053. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Friendship Baptist Church, 2160 Reeves Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, where Pastor John R. Jackson, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Birth Date: 1942-01-02

Deceased Date: 2024-07-08

Obituary:
The life of this humble man of God began in Keyser, West Virginia, which he always considered “home.” Born on January 2, 1942, to the late Geraldine D. Hollingsworth and Lester L. Rolls, Lester’s moral character was shaped in the home of his grandparents, who required the family to attend the First Church of God in Christ. During his school years, he excelled in baseball and basketball, earning the nickname “Soldier Boy” for his admiration of his uncles’ military service. At 12, Lester moved to Philadelphia with his mother and her husband, Virgil D. Bruce, for better opportunities. His moral character continued to develop, and he joined the U.S. Army at 17. Reflecting on his service, he noted, “The Army made a man out of this boy!” He proudly continued his family’s military tradition and had an impressive record in basketball and baseball across Europe, Vietnam, and Africa before receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. Following in the footsteps of other family members, Lester joined the DC Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after earning an associate degree in criminal justice. He served in various units, including the Casual Clothes Unit, Vice Squad, and Special Operations Division, where he protected the President of the United States and visiting foreign leaders. He received numerous commendations for his service, though he rarely mentioned them. Lester’s personal motto was “Family First.” He was a generous provider, delighted in interacting with children, and took a keen interest in their development, even establishing a campsite in West Virginia for juveniles. An avid gourmet cook, he enjoyed making novelty pancakes for his grandchildren and treasured family gatherings. He was known for his wise counsel and vibrant presence. For the past 15 years, Lester was a devoted member of Word Healing Outreach Ministries International (WHOM, I). He exemplified moral integrity, spiritual maturity, and compassion, consistently displaying the fruit of the Spirit in his interactions. His church family and all who knew him will sorely miss his goodness. Lester was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin L. Rolls, and sister, Karen B. Rolls. He is survived by his wife, Rita Clark Hollingsworth—the love of his life for 40 years; his daughter, Lesley A. Hollingsworth; his sister, Kimberly R. Rolls; sons: Michael Clark Fairfield, Ronald Clark, and Donald A. Clark; grandchildren: Eryka A. Hightower, Lauren Clark, Morgan Clark, Remi Barnes, Travis Clark, and Zachary Clark; great-grandchildren: Lilly Clark, Taylor Clark, Travis Clark, Jr., Leon Clark, Donte Clark, and Tlazoh Barnes; an aunt, Jeanette Hollingsworth; an uncle, Donald Hollingsworth (Felicia); many cousins; and a host of friends.

Obituary:
Elizabeth Ann (Lewis) Armour, age 95, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2014 surrounded by her friends and “family” of the Laurels of Bedford in Battle Creek, MI.

She was born September 27, 1918 in Scotthaven, PA the daughter of Daniel Norman Lewis and Mae Elizabeth (Clifford) Lewis.

Elizabeth had worked as a secretary and social worker for the State of Illinois for many years until she retired. After she retired she became bored and worked for 10 years at a Gentlemen's Club in the Chicagoland area as a coat check lady (the reason she worked there for 10 years is because they promised her a small pension).

Elizabeth had married Ninas Duey Armour in Chicago, IL on March 22, 1976; however he preceded her in death on March 12, 2010. She and her husband came to live in Battle Creek from Chicago, IL in 1985.

She is survived by her sister: Bernice Florence Pruitt of DeSoto, TX; a nephew: Lennie Pruitt of Chicago, Illinois; two guardians: Lorri L. Heddinger of Battle Creek and Cynthia Woodin of Tekonsha, MI; and many devoted staff and residents at the Laurels of Bedford.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter who passed away at birth; five sisters: Gloria Johnson; Margaret Liser; Bernice Smith; Esther Lewis; Dorothy Kalkbrenner; and two brothers: Clifford Lewis and James Lewis.

She was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church while living in Chicago and had attended St. Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek. She had always made it a practice to attend 8 AM Mass while living in Chicago and also when she lived here in Battle Creek.

Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, with the Rosary service at 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Funeral services will be held in the Bachman Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 10:30 AM with The Very Rev. Father Mark Vyverman of St. Joseph Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI.

Obituary:
Bernice F. Pruitt, 92, of DeSoto, TX passed away on August 3, 2014.

She was born March 8, 1922 in McKeesport, PA the daughter of Daniel Norman Lewis and Mae Elizabeth (Clifford) Lewis. Bernice entered the Women's Army Corp August 16, 1943 from Pittsburgh, PA and served until 1945. Later, she began working at IBM, where she remained employed until retirement. In 1968 she marreied L. C. Pruitt in Chicago. She was preceded in death by her husband in July 2013.

Mrs. Pruitt is survived by her step-son: L.C. "Lennie" Pruitt, Jr.; sisters-in-law Bettye J. Wilson and Clara Pruitt; many nieces and nephews; a host of cousins and friends and her very close friends Erma Johnson, Lora Stallings and Rose Johnson.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the funeral service on Friday - August 08, 2014 from 9 - 10:00 A.M. The Funeral Service will begin in the Chapel of West/Hurtt Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. M. T. Flemmings, officiating.

Interment will follow at 12:30 P.M. in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX. All on the SAME DAY.

It was Mrs. Pruitt's wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her name to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 36006, Dallas, TX 75235-1006.

Obituary:
Clarence R. Spiller of 412 South 3rd Street, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014 in the Absolut at Houghton Nursing Home, following a long illness.

Clarence was born April 23, 1928 in Williamsburg, WV and was a son of the Rev. Maynard D. and Viola C. Kent Spiller. He married Lois J. Easley who predeceased him June of 1975. On June 24, 1978 in Olean he married Gloria A. Broussard, who survives.

Clarence a 1946 graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley, WV. He attended Wilberforce University in Xenia, OH for about 1 year. Clarence served in the Army from Jan. 18, 1951 to Jan. 17, 1953. He worked various jobs before he began working for Eck Construction. While working construction he worked on a number of local buildings including; St. Francis Hospital, Bishop Walsh School, the YMCA on Union Street, Portville Central School, the Olean City Building, Cattaraugus County Nursing Home in Machias, and the Bridge Crossing on Interstate 86.

Clarence began working as a firefighter for the City of Olean in December 1965. While working as a firefighter he began the Cattaraugus County EMS System and he, with the help of the SEDA workers, helped build the fireman's training building on Gargoyle Rd. and named it "Elmore Hall," after his brother-in-law Herbie Elmore, who was shot in the Olean High School sniper attack in 1974. Clarence retired from firefighting in March of 1986 as a Lieutenant.

Clarence was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was formerly a member of the Enchanted Mountains Lodge F&AM #252. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and travelling.

Along with his loving wife, Clarence is survived by four sons, Reginald W. (Alfreda) Spiller of Houston, TX, Ronald B. Spiller of Bradford, PA, Timothy J. (Elizabeth) Spiller of Olean, and Thomas O. Spiller of Olean; four stepdaughters, Mary E. Maynard of Weston Mill, NY, Diana L. (David) Landmeier of Phoenix, AZ, Sheila A. (Donald) Edwards of Jacksonville, FL, and Cynthia J. Wilder of Salamanca; one stepson, James R. Wilder of Jacksonville, FL; 29 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren; and twin brothers, The Rev. Donald Spiller of Milton, PA, & John Spiller of Bridgeport, Cn.

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street Olean, on Monday, August 25, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday August 26, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Olean First Baptist Church. The Rev. Daniel McDowell, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery, Olean.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY 2805 Wehrle Drive STE #6 Williamsville, NY 14221-7380 or to the American Cancer Society.

Obituary:
Terri Kent Womack, first of two children born to Dr. George R. Kent and Eleanor W. Kent, departed this life Fri., May 30, 2014 in Prince George’s County, MD. Born September 11, 1953 in Cambridge, Terri attended Virginia State University focusing on Psychology and Biology. Soon after marrying, Terry Wayne Womack, she relocated to the Prince George’s County Area. She began teaching in northern Virginia and later transferred to Howard B. Owens Science Center as an instructor, program coordinator. Terri loved running, coaching and her church.

Her legacy now lives through her children, Malcolm and Tiye Womack; her grandson, Keilan Adegoye; her husband, Terry Womack; her parents, Dr. George R. and Eleanor W. Kent and her brother, George M. Kent.

Services will be held on Tues., June 10th 11 am at Victory Christian Ministries International, 3911 St Barnabas Rd, Suitland, MD with a viewing at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at George Washington Cemetery, in Adelphi, Maryland.

Obituary:
Rosa Ellen Hollingsworth, 89, of Ward Avenue, Keyser, WV, died Friday, September 12, 2014 at her residence.

Born on May 24, 1925 at Medley, WV, she was a daughter of the late Isaiah "Pete" and Mary Frances (Howard) Bruce. She also was preceded in death by her husband Robert F. Hollingsworth, Sr. on July 10, 1985; a son, Bruce E. "Brud" Hollingsworth, Sr.; a sister, Evelyn Thomas and five brothers, Henry, Ashton, Virgil, Milford and James Bruce.

Mrs. Hollingsworth was a loving homemaker and for many years provided child day care out of her home. She also was formerly employed at the Keyser Garment Factory and with the late Dr. E.E. and Mrs. Katharine Church. Methodist by faith, she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to both the Washington-Smith Post # 152, American Legion, Keyser and Aubrey-Robert Stewart Post # 5957, VFW, Piedmont, WV. She was also a member of Faith Chapter # 31, Order of the Eastern Star, Keyser.

Surviving are five sons, Robert Hollingsworth, Jr. and wife Phil of Piedmont, WV, Cecil Hollingsworth and wife Iris of Piedmont, Todd Hollingsworth and fiancee Dawn Mallow of Fountain, WV, James Hollingsworth and wife Elizabeth of Hagerstown, MD and Thearone Hollingsworth and wife Wandfa of Fort Washington, MD; one daughter, Marion Hollingsworth of Keyser; a daughter-in-law, Marsha Hollingsworth of Keyser; three brothers, Steven Bruce of Suitland, MD, Marvin Bruce and wife Cheryl of Mitchellville, MD and Ernest Bruce of Columbus, OH; one sister, Frances Mabin and husband Raymond of Keyser; 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; a large number of nieces and nephews and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Friday, September 19, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Harry Coleman and Rev. David Coleman officiating. Interment will be in the Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser.

Published in Mineral Daily News-Tribune from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23, 2014

Obituary:
It is with much sadness we announce the passing of Freda B. (Clifford) Rolls.

Family and friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Vickie Minnich officiating. Interment will be in the Thorn Rose Cemetery, Keyser.

Freda will be missed by all. Our condolences to Kim, B, and Kevin.

Obituary:
Dr. George Robert Kent, 95, died Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at his residence.

He was born in Fairmont, West Virginia on February 10, 1920. He was the son of the late George William Kent and Ingie M. Taylor Kent.

He was a very hard worker who worked many jobs, such as dental office janitor and retail drug store truck driver, on his quest for higher education.

In 1944, he attended West Virginia State College and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, History and French. During this time, he pledge Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Theta Psi Chapter. After completion of undergraduate studies, he moved to Cambridge, Maryland. He taught History and French at St. Clair High School and later at Mace’s Lane High School. During this time, he met an attractive lady, teacher and life partner, Eleanor Woodyard. They were later married on March 24, 1951. They had a daughter, the late Terri D. Womack (grandchildren, Malcolm Biko Womack and Tiye’ Eleanor Womack; great-grandson, Keilan). They also had a son, George Marshall Kent (grandchildren, George Miguel Kent and William Julio Kent).

He was hired as an instructor and Assistant Professor at Maryland State College to teach History and was Faculty Advisor to the Student Council in 1955. Dr. George Kent continued his quest for higher education and attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he earned a Master of Arts degree in American History. During the summer sessions in 1969 and 1970, he worked as Assistant Professor at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

In 1972, Dr. George Kent earned a Ph.D. degree in American History with a cognate in Education from University of Maryland, College Park. He was hired by the Maryland State Department of Education as Coordinator and Consultant in Teacher Education and joined other participants in evaluating college programs. He worked as Adjunct Professor at Bowie State College and Salisbury State College. In 1980, he became the Chairperson of Delaware State College Education Department. He started the first Graduate Program at Delaware State College.

Dr. George Kent has been dedicated to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and was very active in the chapters, Pi Alpha Chapter (1950) and Psi Iota Chapter (1980). He was also a member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover, Delaware where he served as a member of the Gospel Sounds and Chancel Choir.

Although Dr. George Kent was busy studying for the degrees, he took time to officiate baseball, basketball and football for high school and college games. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He was recognized by the Delaware “Afro American” Sports Hall of Fame for outstanding accomplishments as a basketball official.

Dr. George Kent was active in releasing the following publications: The Negro in Politics in Dorchester County, Maryland (1912-1960), A Brief History of Waugh United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Maryland (1966), An Analysis of the Secondary School Curriculum: A Need for Substance (1969), and Integrated and Separate Black Studies in Maryland Secondary Schools (1971).

Dr. Kent will lie in repose on Friday, February 20, 2015, from 6 to 9 PM and Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 9 to 10:30 AM at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, 341 Saulsbury Road, Dover. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will perform ceremonial rites at 10 AM. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, 2928 Sharon Hill Road, Dover. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Kent to Whatcoat United Methodist Church.

Obituary:
Infant Braxton Alexander Reel, age 4 months and 28 days old, of Moorefield, WV died Thursday, August 27, 2015 as a result of an automobile accident.

He was born March 30, 2015 in Petersburg, WV and is survived by his parents, Spencer Alexander Reel and Crystal Amanda Hall of Moorefield, WV; one sister, Aliana Renee Reel; Paternal grandparents, Leonard and Kimberly Reel of Fisher, WV; Paternal great grandparents, Edward and Glenda Cole Sr. of Moorefield, WV; Bob and Ann Smith of Moorefield, WV; Paternal Great Grandfather, Dale Reel of Rig, WV; Paternal Great-Great Grandmothers, Edith Sue Reel of Rig, WV and Lula Stewart of Moorefield, WV; Maternal Grandparents, Terri McCauley and Ron Hott of Moorefield, WV; Maternal Grandfather, Don Barker Jr. of Baltimore, Md; Maternal Great Grandparents, Bonnie and Jacque Mortimer of Baltimore, MD.

Family will receive friends Friday, September 4, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Moorefield Church of God in Moorefield, WV. Funeral service will be Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at the Moorefield Church of God with Pastor Daryl Dunsmore and Rev. Johnny Stump officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Moorefield, WV.

Memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Braxton Reel to the family, c/o Leonard and Kimberly Reel, 2156 Darlington School Road, Fisher, WV 26818.