All Obituaries

Dorothy Mae Fizer, the baby of ten children was born on August 23, 1943 to the union of Millard and Bettie Fizer in Haynesville, Louisiana. Dorothy received her formal education through the Louisiana Public school system and she received her high school diploma. Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord & Savior and was united with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Argo, Illinois under the tutelage of Reverend Blackwell and remained there and served faithfully under the pastorate...

Bobby’s life journey began on February 19, 1959, in Ashland, Mississippi, to Kenneth and Tessie Williams. Bobby received his education from Lincoln Middle School and Lincoln High School in Kansas. He received a scholarship in Minnesota for basketball. Bobby relocated to Maywood, Illinois, where his good work ethics would lead him to work for Elkay Machinery for over 20 years. His work journey then led him to work at National Beverage and Maywood Phoenix Home until his health begin to...

On September 26, 1946, Eugene “Gene” was born in Greenville, Mississippi, to the union of Paul and Assie Halley. His parents were blessed to receive their precious son, who was their second born. Gene professed his faith to the Lord, Jesus Christ, and was baptized at an early age. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools. At an early age, he married Brenda Winston in 1977. In 1958, Gene moved to Chicago to be with his parents and grandparents who migrated from the south in...

Trailblazer Florine Durr was one who persevered. Florine Durr was truly a trailblazer. She was the third child of three children born to the late Eddie Burrage and Mary Alford. Florine was born in Merridian, Mississippi. Trailblazer Florine Durr and Thomas James Durr, Sr., were united in Holy matrimony in March of 1959. They moved from Meridian, Mississippi, to Chicago, Illinois, in 1959. Through this union, seven children were born. Trailblazer Florine Durr loved her children; she made many...

Carolyn Eunice (Henderson) Marsh was born on March 12, 1957, to the late Charles Henderson and Eunice Banks-Henderson in Chicago, Illinois. She was the seventh of nine children. At a very young age, Carolyn accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at Greater Open Door Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois. She was a member of Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church of Austin with the late Reverend Milton Brunson, where she loved God, and she loved to sing. Carolyn was an...

Calburdia was born on September 17, 1940, in Michigan City, Mississippi, to the late Albert and Lucy Tipler. She passed away on December 27, 2021, at her home in Chicago, Illinois, with her family by her side. She graduated from Old Salem High School in Ashland, MS. After graduating, she moved to Chicago, IL. Later, she married Alvernzo Crawford, and they were together for 55 years. Her interests included family, traveling, ironing, cooking, and reading. She retired from Mullins Food Company...

As we celebrate the life of Bertha Mae Harris, we will reflect on her smile, her wittiness, and her sense of humor. Bertha Mae Harris was born into this world on July 30, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Joe and Nezella Young, who both preceded her in death. Bertha was a rare flower who spread her fragrance to the lives of those she touched. Bertha was a beautiful person who loved her family and friends dearly. There was never a dull moment when she was present, with her funny jokes...

Ottis Linell Washington Jr., 51, a.k.a. “Smokey,” the firstborn son of Otis and Brenda Washington, was born on August 20, 1970, in Chicago. He was a ball of fire growing up and his great-grandmother, Clementine Mallett, made sure he was baptized and attended New Morning Star M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. D.B. Bishop. Otis was educated in the Chicago Public School system. He graduated from Gladstone Elementary and attended Provendence St. Mel’s High School. Smokey...

A Tribute to a Loving Father, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa Jim Maurice Carter was born January 27, 1958, to Juanita Carter and James Dace. He was preceded in death by parents; sisters, Ina Tyson and Renee Hines; brother, Robert Hollins; nephew, Richard Pack; and aunt, Shirley Cross. Jimmy attended Manley High School. He was employed by Chicago Northwestern Railroad, where he later retired. On December 20, 2021, God called our loving Jimmy home. He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Gennie;...

Ephrim Matthew Wright, AKA “Punch,” was born on July 19, 1968, in Chicago, IL, to proud parents, Ethan Wright and Freida Curry, who preceded him in death. Ephrim attended various schools such as Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School and Phillips High School, then he transferred to Bowen High School, where he graduated in 1987 with Honors as Summa Cum Laude. Ephrim decided he wanted to achieve more, so he attended Malcolm X College as well as Olive Harvey University, where he...