Obituary
of
Mother Lillie B. Sneed
September 23, 1905 – November 9, 2008


Lillie B. Sneed passed this life on November 9, 2008 at her home in Washington Village at the age of 103 years. She was born on September 23, 1905, twenty-eight years after the end of Reconstruction, in Newbern, Tennessee to Reverend John Oliver and Zeila Graham Oliver, now deceased. Born during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, Lillie lived through the presidencies of eighteen men over twenty-six terms of office, and witnessed the election of the first American president of African descent.
Lillie relocated to Ohio in the 1920s, first residing in Woodville where she met and married Jim Grisby. From this marriage one daughter was born. After the tragic accidental death of Jim, she moved to Toledo. While residing in Toledo, she married John Sneed. From this marriage, four children were born. . Mrs. Sneed witnessed all her children as adults occupy positions of responsibility and professionalism in communications, education, government, music, and the medical field. She was preceded in death by her husband John Sneed, son Melvin Sneed, daughter Margie G. J. Graham, grandson Robert Jordan, Jr., granddaughter Tonyia Jor’Dan, her brothers Elijah John and Willie D. Oliver, sisters Johnnie Zeila Mosely and Verna Mae Richardson.
Mrs. Sneed was the oldest member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She saw the church grow from its meager beginnings on the former John R Street to its present Vance Street location. Under the pastorate of the late Rev. Elijah Benton, she was an active church supporter and a charter member of the church’s Nurses Guild, once holding the office of president during that time. During the course of her life, she was a member of the Women’s Federated Club—a group of Christian women dedicated to uplifting the spiritual and material worth of women through charity and education. Mrs. Sneed was a superb homemaker known for her innovative skills in home decoration, home food cannery, ceramic arts, gardening, sewing, upholstery, and as a chef of delicious cuisine. In the 1940s and ‘50s, homeless men, hearing about her kindness to strangers and charity, would stop by her home for delicious meals and/or a change of clothing.
At her 100th Birthday celebration, a 13ABC News television interviewer asked her about the longevity of her life. Mother Sneed, as she was affectionately known, attributed her long life to the worship of her living God and the kind, loving treatment of people. In the final years of her life as her health declined, she had to depend on the kindness of family members, friends, and strangers who became friends. Mother Sneed’s family extends gratitude to the various home care agencies that attended her, especially Hospice of Northwest Ohio. To family friends Minnie Cheney, Glorasteen Newbern, Marjorie Hoskins, and Geneva Coates, the family graciously thanks you. A special thanks to Willet and Anne McCarver, whom Mother Sneed and Papa Sneed “adopted”. To niece Jeanette Lively and granddaughter Leah Sneed, who were present at the end to provide what was to be the final home care, deep love and thanks.
Mother Sneed is survived by her son, Abdullahi Ibrahim Bin-Yahya, Toledo, OH; daughters, Jean E. Sneed, Los Angeles, CA and Janis L. Sneed-Deahl, Toledo, OH; cousin, Clara Coleman, Florissant, MO; sisters in-law, Lillian Ewing and Josephine Sneed, Toledo, OH; nephews, William, James and Gary Sneed, Toledo, OH; Albert and John Richardson, Toledo, OH; Julian and Eugene Oliver, Toledo, OH; nieces, Rose (Lubie) Wiggins, Inkster, MI; Flora Dean Scott, Toledo, OH; Alberta Banks, Lompoc, CA; Jeanette Lively, Toledo, OH; Carolyn Drayton, Toledo, OH; Betty (Terry) Love, Dyersburg, TN; Gloria Al-keeh, Minneapolis, MN; Mar’cia Lloyd, Chicago, IL; Regina Ewing, Toledo, OH; Renee Lott, Los Alamitos CA; Everlane Batey, Toledo, OH; Annie Moore, Nashville, TN; Janon Jordan, great-granddaughter; Kelly Carroll and Liberia Carter, step great-granddaughters, all of Los Angeles, CA; Randolph Jordan, great-grandson, Bronx, NY; 1 grandson, 2 granddaughters, 4 great-grandsons, 2 great granddaughters; 3 great-great grandsons; 2 great-great granddaughters and many other nephews, nieces, family members, and friends.

Visitation will be Friday 3-6p.m. with wake services following 6-8p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services Saturday 11:30 a.m. Warren A.M.E. Church, Rev. Otis Gordon, Pastor, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

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William A. Forrest 81 passed away November 7, 2008 at Heartland Holly Glen Nursing Home. He was born in Clayton, AL and has resided in Toledo since 1965. He retired from his most recent employment in 1991 after 25 yeas of service. Mr. Forrest was a faithful member of Warren AME Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Inez R. Forrest, daughter, Mary (Frank) Stalnaker Sr., grandchildren, Lisa (Timothy) Fisher, Frank Stalnaker Jr., and Calvin Stalnaker, great grandchildren, Autumn Hampton and Tyson Stalnaker, sisters, Georgia Johnson and Malinda Lewis, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Special thanks to nieces Lori Reeves and Jacqueline Johnson.
Visitation will be 4-6p.m. Thursday November 13, 2008 at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel wake service 11a.m. Friday November 14, 2008 followed by funeral service at 12 noon at Warren AME Church Rev. Otis J. Gordon Jr. officiant burial Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Heartland of Holly Glen and Heartland Hospice for their care and support.

Fannie L. James 84 passed away November 6, 2008 at her residence. Born in Lincoln County, TN she resided in Canton, OH for 30 years, lived in Detroit, MI and has been a resident of Toledo since 2002. Mrs. James worked various jobs and most recently worked for Harper Bowling Alley in Detroit, MI. She was a member of Family Baptist Church where she was a mother of the church and served as a hostess.
She is survived by husband Richard L. James, daughter, Hattie (Charles) Wells foster son, Bobby Parker, grandchildren, Tammy, Rodney, Michael and Judy Wells, 14 great grandchildren,9 great great grandchildren, four brothers, John D. (Missy), Thomas (Betty) Bonner both of Canton, OH, James (Bonnie) Bonner of Columbus, GA, and Jesse (DeAnn) Bonner of Marietta, GA.
Visitation will be 5-7p.m. Friday November 14, 2008 at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel wake service 11a.m. Saturday November 15, 2008 followed by funeral service at 12 noon at Family Baptist Church Pastor Charles McBee officiant. Burial Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

Iantha M. Jones 79, passed away October 31, 2008 at Ridgewood Manor Nursing Home. Born in Toledo, she was a childhood member of St. Paul Baptist Church. She graduated from Libbey High School in 1947 and later attended University of Toledo. She spent 25 years working for Toledo Headstart as both a teacher and social worker, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Perry Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club serving as secretary, head precinct worker for the Board of Elections and a member of her neighborhood Block Watch. In her later years, and until her passing, she was a member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She was the church pianist/musician for 44 years, served on the Deaconess Board, as a member of the Senior Choir #1, Missionary Society and was active with the Northwest Ohio Baptist Women’s Organization. Iantha Jones was an example of the traditional woman who raised and nurtured her family and the modern woman who worked outside of her home. She was devoted to her family, her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers. They always knew they were loved and cared for by her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Deacon Eddie L. Jones who just preceded her in death January 3, 2008, parents Lucius Sr. and Plurel Caywood Garner, brothers William, Harold and Lucius Garner Jr.and sisters Delores Miah, Jacqueline Lightner, She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children three sons Eddie Jr (Amelia), Anthony Jones Sr and Darryl (Kenyetta) Jones, four daughters Vanessa Mays, Tamara Huntley, Terina (Willie) Johnson, NaTasha (Melvin) Baker, 17 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, brother Charles (Judith) Garner of Silver Springs, MD, sisters Joan (Charles) Moss, Pearl Singleton Los Angeles, CA and Janice Strange of Tempe, AZ, a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday 3 – 6 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, wake services Friday 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services 12:00 noon Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pastor Raymond Bishop officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Special thanks are given to Shirley Williams RN and Michelle Coleman RN both of Ridgewood Manor and the Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their special care.

Willie “Dana” Ray passed away on October 27, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Georgia and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Willie relocated to Toledo in 1966 where he worked for Lucas Steel and Billy Jack Industries as a truck driver retiring in 1975. He was an avid fisherman and a very social person.
He is survived by wife of 31 years Glenis Ray, sons Russel (Doris) Darrisaw, Anthony and Willie Ray . daughters, Peggy Hays, Veronica Harvey, Stepsons, Jesse, Guy Tony (Pat) and RaMell Jo Mo Smith, grandchildren, great grandchildren, very special niece Tiara Dotson, cousins Billy, Jack and Freddy Jackson, other nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.
Visitation will be 10a.m.-12p.m. Tuesday followed by wake service at 12 noon and funeral at 1:00p.m. All at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel burial Forest Cemetery

Patsy Staples-Pattin 66, passed away October 25, 2008 at Hospice of Norwest Ohio-Detroit Avenue. Born in Middlesboro, KY, she attended the Toledo Public Schools. Her major love was cooking which carried through her professional and personal life. She worked for Toledo Hospital Dietary Dept as well as Toledo Zoo Dietary Dept. She also loved to garden and her home reflected all of these skills including decorating.

She leaves to cherish her life four sons Frank (Leslie), Daryl G., Terrance L. and Preston M. Stewart, two daughters Francella Bazuaye of Atlanta, GA and Trina Stewart, 29 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, three brothers John Guy, Robert Sr. and Rudy Staples, twelve sisters Mary Warden of Birmingham, AL, Betty Jo Thomas, Ruth (Richard) Craig of Kannapolis, SC, Ludie Heath, Brenda, Carol (Frank) Buchanan, Shelia Taylor, Gwendolyn (Andre) Tiggs, Debra (Hiram) Duffie of Conyers, GA, Joetta (Mark) Kynard, Robin Kay Staples and Barbara Ann Staples and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives who love her dearly.

Family Hour will be Friday 12:00 noon followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. First Church of God, Pastor Robert Culp officiant, entombment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. www.dalefh.com

Ida Alexander was born August 15, 1919 in Florence (Rankin County) Mississippi, the 15th of 22 siblings to the late Beverly and Annie Robinson. Ida was baptized at an early age at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and raised in the New Hope community receiving her formal education at the New Hope Vocational School.
On May 4, 1940 she was united in Holy Matrimony with Lee Henry Alexander, to this union were born 5 children; Ira Lee, James, Linda Ann and twin girls.
She migrated to Toledo in 1952 and united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Elijah Benton where she remained a member until her passing. She was employed at University of Toledo Medical Center (formerly Maumee Valley Hospital) retiring in 1983.
Ida passed from this life October 24th. She was preceded in death by her parents Beverly and Susie Ann Robinson, husband; Lee Henry Alexander, daughters; Linda Ann and twin girls in childbirth, son; Ira Lee, 19 brothers and sisters.
She leaves to mourn her passing son; James, a daughter-in-law Gwen Alexander, 2 grandchildren; Iris, Maya, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 1 sister; Corean Myers, 2 brothers; Nathanial and Willie Robinson and a host of relatives and friends.

Kaycie Bork 3 years old, passed away October 23, 2008 surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center . Kaycie was the bright light of her family. Her smile and charm affected everyone who met her. She left a lasting impression with everyone.



She leaves to cherish her memory mother Mallissa Lusk, father Danny Bork Jr, siblings twin brother Devin Bork, Tyler and Christian Warner, Brendin Wallace, Gabriel and Aubree Lusk and Troy Semenovish Jr. grandparents Sue Bliss and Mike Wallace, Robin and Danny Bork, and Kathryn Goin, great grandparents Edward Bork Sr, Joan Peters, Emerson (Loretta) Durdel, Norris (Arletta) Wallace, Diane Junge “GG”, great great grandmother Lillian Wallace and a host of aunts, uncles other relatives and dear friends.



Visitation will be Wednesday 3 – 9 p.m. with funeral services Thursday 10:00 a.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Mat Coutcher, Pastor Greg Ford officiants, interment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. Special thanks to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center 6th Floor especially nurses Kristie and Katherine. www.dalefh.com

Letha Mae Banks 87, passed away October 22, 2008 at her home in Lambertville, MI. Born in Widner, AK, she came to Toledo in 1945. She loved quilting, sewing and was an avid student of the Bible. She studied with Jehovah’s Witness.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years Charlie Banks, also Son Charlie Banks Jr, daughters Ethel Louise Smith and Maude Davis, grandchildren Raymond Banks, Loretta Potter and Courvosier Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory eight remaining children, Albert (Sarah) Banks, U. Kathy Stevens, Claude Banks all of Toledo, George (Toni) Banks of Lambertville, MI, Jimmy (Balista) Banks, Barbara Smith, T. Lloyd (Sue) all of Toledo, Perry Banks of Seattle, WA, 41 grandchildren, 82 great grandchildren, 30 great great grandchildren and one great great great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday 3 – 6 p.m. followed by wake services 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral services Wednesday 11:00 a.m. all from the Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, Brother ????Suttfield officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

Mrs. Willie Louise Ball (Shang) 93,of Holland, OH went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, October 17, 2008 surrounded by her family. She was a devoted servant of the Lord and a faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Swanton, Ohio until her illness.

She is survived by her sister, Katie Thomas of Holland, Ohio, special sister-cousins, Mattie Taylor of Swanton, Ohio and Mary Louise Oakes of Toledo, Ohio, sons, Herbert (Virginia) Runnels of Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Thomas Ball Jr of Southfield, MI, daughters Louise (Roy) Rogers, Alfreda (Charles) Bailey, Jeanette Ball, Cynthia Ball, Kattie (Terrence) Bond all of Toledo, Ohio daughter in law Maxine Hobbs-Ball, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a host of niecea, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday 4 - 6 p.m. at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Wake services Wednesday 10:30 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. First Baptist Church Swanton, Rev. Donald Murray pastor, Rev. U. Howard Stewart officiant, interment Springfield Township Cemetery, Holland, OH.

Velma Penn 78, died October 15, 2008 at the Franciscan Care Center in Sylvania, OH. Born in Clayton, AL she attended Alabama A&T University. In 1955, she moved to Toledo, the same year, joining St. Mark’s Baptist Church. She served on the Nurses Guild, Mother’s Board and Kitchen Committee until her passing. She retired from the Toledo Public Schools after 25 years as a custodian. Velma loved to garden, cook and travel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and one sister. She leaves to cherish her memory husband James Penn Sr, two sons DeWayne Penn and James (Betty) Penn Jr, nine grandchildren Ebony (Chandler) Harris, David Allen, Essence (Curtis) Bryant-Bey, Vittoria Allen, Erica, Jordan, Rodman and James Penn III and Odell Allen III, 10 great grandchildren, brother Calvin (Willie) Haslam of Birmingham, AL, sisters Thelma Whitehead of Detroit, MI, Arceola Scott of Philadelphia, PN, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Monday 4 – 7 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, wake services Tuesday 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services 12:00 noon St. Mark’s Baptist Church, Rev. I.J. Johnson pastor and officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Crotte, Dr. Peyton and the staff of Franciscan Care Center. www.dalefh.com

J.D. “Duke” White 70, joined the lord on October 11, 2008 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. A native of Abbottsville, GA, he was a 50 year resident of Toledo. J.D. attended Dunbar High School in Dayton, OH and was a honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War. He worked for the Chrysler Corporation for several years retiring due to a service connected disability. J.D. was a dynamic and loving husband and father. He was the head of his family and extended that love to many individuals who were brought into that nurturing circle. He and his wife Bernice adored each other and taught their children and grandchildren strong family values. They drew many young children into their world of generosity and gave them the same love given to their own children and grandchildren.

J.D. White and his wife Bernice shared 48 wonderful years together. She preceded him in death September 4, 2007. He was also preceded in death by daughter Sharon Renee White, parents, two brothers and one sister. He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy of love, six sons Virgil (Reatha), Prentice, Stephen (Crystal), Kevin, Reginald and Gregory (Deborah), four daughters Deborah Watson, Stephanie (Alphonso) Jackson of San Antonio,TX, Bernice White and Tanya Watson, children that they mentored and raised Angela Glover, Tyrone “Bud” Watson, Terrance Watson, Robert Watson and Rufus Simmons, 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, four sisters Lue Ella Downer (John) of Detroit, MI, Linda Anderson of Dayton, OH, Mary Moore of Alfareda, GA, and Brenda (Larry) Gibson of Southfield, MI, two sister in laws Christine (Roosevelt) Crenshaw and Estelle (Steven) Michalak, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be Friday 4 – 6 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, followed by wake service 6 – 8 p.m. funeral services Saturday 9:30 a.m. at Servant Heart Christian Church 702 Stebbins, Rev. G. Frank Sherman officiant, interment Forest Cemetery.

Elnora Martin 87, passed away September 30, 2008 at Toledo Hospital. Born in Monticello, GA, she and her family came to Toledo in 1929. She attended Waite High School. In 1934, she joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church where she remained until her passing. She served as a member of the Senior Usher Board and the Morning Glory Seniors Group and taught Sunday school. Elnora was also a member of the Henrietta Society and the Sophisticats. Her personal ministry was visiting the sick.

Her husband of 40 years Odis Martin preceded her in death in 1980 as well as her parents Callie and Anderson Tripp, one sister and one brother. She leaves to cherish her memory son James O. Martin, grandson James T. Martin, great grandchildren KaVonte’ and Keyeira Martin and Karleiyah Fletcher and their mother Danielle Cowan.

Visitation will be Friday 4 – 7 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, wake services Saturday 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon Mt. Pilgrim Church, Pastor Raymond G. Bishop Jr. officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

Nathaniel Stewart 77, passed away September 26, 2008 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio-Detroit Avenue. Born in Toledo, he graduated from Scott High School in 1951. He was a 1994 retiree of United Parcel Service after 28 years of service. “Minister” as he was often called, enjoyed his study of the Bible, reading his scriptures, so he might teach at Sunday school, or any other opportunity. He was a 10 year member of Church of New Beginnings where he served as a teacher/lecturer of the word of God.

He was preceded in death by his son Nathaniel Stewart Jr, parents and three brothers.
He leaves to cherish his memory wife of 54 years and 7 months Odie Stewart, son Vincent Stewart of San Diego, CA, godchildren Vonda Cross Ramsey of Indianapolis, Stephanie McClair Williams, Ambia McClair, Christian De’Ann White (Sweetie Pie), special niece Bulista Kimbrough, sisters Thelma NcNeal, Carlene Penn, Church of New Beginnings Family, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday 4 – 7 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, family and friends hour Friday 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon Church of New Beginnings, 4640 South Detroit Ave, Rev. Howard Blalark officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

James “Clark” Cottrill, Jr. was born September 10, 1930 to James Clark Cottrill and Marguerite Louise Watson in Toledo, OH. He departed this life on September 23, 2008 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, OH.

James received the Edward D. Libbey Scholarship Award in 1945. He graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1948 an “All-Scott Athlete”, lettering in four sports; basketball, baseball, football, and track. James was signed by the Chicago White Sox, however, his career was shortened by an injury. James retired from the United States Post service Office after 32 years of service.

James was proceeded in death by his parents and son; James Clifford Cottrill. He is survived by daughter; Neema (Marlene) Bell, grand-daughter; Malaika Bell, great-granddaughters; Aniah and Nala Bell-Langster, along with his special caretaker; Jennifer Bembry and family. He will always be remembered for his pride, discipline, and quiet dedication.

Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 p.m. followed by family hour at 4:00 p.m. and funeral services at 5:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Beverly Tasy officiant, interment will be private.

Leoma Vann, 83, passed away
September 23, 2008, at Arbors of
Toledo. Born in Memphis, TN and
moved with her family to Toledo
where she graduated from Libbey
High School with honors and was
a member of the National Honor
Society. She graduated from the
University of Toledo earning a
bachelor of arts degree. She was
raised in Warren A.M.E. Church.
Leoma was a long time employee
of Rossford Ordnance Depot and
she was also employed at Libbey
Owens Ford (Trinova) as one of
the first African Americans in the
position of executive secretary.
She was a member of the American
Association of University
Women and a charter member of
the Key Park Chapter of the
American Business Women's
Association. She loved to read
and listen to music. 
She was preceded in death by her
sister, Ida Harrison; her mother,
Martha Mootry and longtime
companion, Arthur Dunson. She
leaves to cherish her memory,
son, Charles (Priscilla Smith)
Vann of Canal Winchester, OH;
two grandchildren, Charles Vann
Jr. of Grove City, OH, and Latricia
(Marlon) Perry of Clinton, MD,
three great-grandchildren, Chyna,
Mykala, and Tayla Perry; niece,
Cherri (Pete) Brooks and other
relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday 12:00
noon followed by funeral services
at 1:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral
Home Chapel, Rev. Otis Gordon,
pastor of Warren A.M.E. Church
Officiant. Interment Forest
Cemetery. www.dalefh.com


Visitation will be Thursday 12:00 noon followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Otis Gordon, pastor of Warren A.M.E. Church officiant, interment Forest Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

Eugene Ballard 79 passed away on August 27, 2008 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. A native of Toledo, Ohio he attended Grace Presbyterian Church was employed by Owens Illinois as a glass blower retiring in 1982 and most recently working part time at Elder Beerman. He enjoyed working out and bike riding.
He was preceded in death by parents Walter W. Ballard and Edna Flossie Ballard, brother, Walter Ballard Jr., and sister Desdemonia Mathis and the mother of his children Mary Halley Turner.
He leaves to cherish his memory children, Leslie Ballard and Michael Halley, grandson Raphael Ballard, brothers, twin Emerson (Lanore) and Henry (Grace) Ballard of Los Angeles, CA, sisters, Annette B. Lee of Raleigh, NC, Sarah Murray of Boston, MA, and Helen Cunningham of Detroit, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday September 3, 2008 from 4-7p.m. at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Interment private.

Thomas Dale Vines 66 passed away August 18, 2008 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. He was born to Clifton S. Vines and Elizabeth L. Washington Vines, the second of ten children on January 24, 1942. True to his industrious nature, as a boy Thomas was employed at numerous jobs, beginning as a Blade paper boy and later running his own lawn care business. After graduating from Libbey High School, Thomas worked for Jeep and Toledo Edison. He joined the Armed Forces where he served honorably in the U.S. Army. After his discharge he returned to his hometown where he would receive a B.S. in social work from the University of Toledo in 1976.

An avid gardener, Thomas established the David Washington Botanical Garden in honor of his late brother, Marvin. Thomas displayed a passion and gift for photography, capturing and creating images and chronicling the history of African-American’s in the Toledo area. Tommy’s art was widely exhibited at places such as the Toledo Museum of Art, Kent and Mott branch libraries, the Collingwood Arts Center, and beyond. A motivating and encouraging mentor to many people, Thomas took a special interest in children, working for Big Brother’s Big Sisters for a time and as a family service worker for EOPA Toledo Head Start at the time of his death.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father Clifton and Brother Marvin. He is survived by his wife Katherine and sons, Thomas Jr., Elwood, and Garland; his mother, Elizabeth, sisters Alice and Rebecca, and brothers, David (Jeanne), Clifford (Lauren), Gregory, Cornelius, Stephen (Cheryl) and Anthony: 35 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces and nephews, and a lifetimes worth of heartfelt poetry and moving photographs.
Visitation will be Sunday 3-5:00 pm at The Dale-Riggs Funeral Home. Funeral Service Monday at 10:00 A.M. Grace Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Langston C. Bannister Officiate Interment Private

CHAPMAN, Mrs. Lulu Mae - Age 89 passed from this life to a peaceful rest on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at Superior Woods Convalesent Home – Ypsilanti, MI. She was born April 7, 1919 in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Lydia & Kassie Jennings. Lulu Mae was raised and educated in Toledo, OH. She was active member of Third Baptist Church for over 55 years. Lulu Mae fell in LOVE and married Mr. Willis Verdell Chapman 1/19/1946. To this union they had one son Willis Allan Chapman, Sr. (Elvira); grandsons Nathaniel, Willis A. Jr., Willis V. and Ezekiel; granddaughters, Allania, Rebecca, Robyn, T’Neya and Victoria Chapman. She had four great-grandchildren.

Family hour will be Friday August 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Third Baptist Church, Rev. Kevin J. Bedford Sr. senior pastor officiating, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery, www.dalefh.com.

Mattie Purley 74, passed away August 9, 2008 at Fairview Skilled Care Nursing Home. Born in Dumas, AR, she lived in Toledo since 1953. She attended Shady Grove and Paradise Baptist Church and was a member of Rhema Word Christian Fellowship at the time of her passing. She was well known for singing solos in the churches and working with the Pastor’s Aide.

She was preceded in death by son Tony Curtis, two brothers John and Miles Purely, parents Jessie and Irene Moore Purely Gray and sister Deloris Purely. She leaves to cherish her memory four sons Jashem, Joseph, Arthur and Roosevelt Purley, four daughters Bobbie (George) Purley Davis, Lorene (Dana) Lee, Obie Purley and Arthinia (Blanton) Thompson, 22 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, brother Wester Vell (Deloris) of Stuttgart, AR, sisters Earnestine Purley, Mandie Johnson, Willie Mae Purley of St. Louis, MO, Ruthie Mae (James) Ward and Valerie Chatman both of Mitchellville, AR and Jessie Mae Brasfield of Oakwood Bayou, AR, special aunt Maurice Briggs and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Friday 3 – 6 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, wake services Saturday 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Rhema Word Christian Fellowship. Rev. Ronald McCraney officiant, interment Forest Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

Visitation will be Wednesday 3 - 6 p.m. followed by wake services 6 - 8 p.m. including O.E.S. Rites at 7:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services Thursday 12:00 noon Third Baptist Church, Rev. Kevin J. Bedford Sr. officiant, Rev. Dr. Langston C. Bannister eulogist, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

Minnie Coleman 87, passed away August 3, 2008 at Darlington House. Born in Opelika, AL she came to Toledo in 1943. Born to the union of Willis and Emma Harper Morgan, she was the youngest of six children. She was a member of St. James Church, The Armory where she served faithfully over the many years of her membership. She also served on the Mother’s Board. Mother Coleman was a 1986 retiree of University of
Toledo, where she worked in the Maintenance Department for 14 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin Coleman Sr and stepson Curtis Coleman. Mother Coleman leaves to cherish her memory stepson Calvin Coleman Jr, stepdaughter Henrietta (Eddie) Burks, caregiver and niece Martha Scurles, niece Mary Emma Richardson, nephew Donnie Allen, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, Goddaughter Linda Neeley and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday 3 – 6 p.m. Dale Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, wake services Monday 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon St. James Church, The Armory, Dr. William James officiant, interment Forest Cemetery. Special thanks is given to the Odyssey Hospice, Kyle Silvers her legal counsel and the staff of Alex Wing of Darlington House.

Athena D. Kinnebrew 51, passed away August 1, 2008 at her home. Born in Toledo, she was a 10 year employee of Con-Way Central Express where she worked as a customer service representative. She was also a member of All Saints Episcopal Church.

Athena was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Naomi Chapter # 25. She loved to travel and was a devoted mother and grandmother. Athena was preceded in death by her parents James and Rebekah Kinnebrew.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters Rashanika M. Elliott of Omaha, NE and Akeela (Curtis) Christian of Nashville, TN, her grandmother Gladys Kinnebrew, five grandchildren, Jazmine and Christopher Elliott, Jamal Christian and Mikeela Barr, and the light of her life Jenee Christian, three brothers Delmer (Donita) Archer, James Kinnebrew II and Clifford Jones, three sisters Janee Washington, Traci Kinnebrew and Reevella (Keith) Patterson, special aunt Norma (John) Long, devoted niece Athena Fears, dear friend Tiffany Strychar,
and numerous other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday 4 – 6 p.m. followed by wake services 6 – 8 p.m. with O.E.S. Services at 7:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, funeral services Friday 11:00 a.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, Rev. Beverly Tasy celebrant, interment Forest Cemetery.