All Obituaries

As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his remarkable life. We endow to continue his legacy representing the spirit of kindness, compassion, goodwill, and laughter with a heart of resilience through intentional work, prayer, and service to others. I, Mr. Audwin Earl Griffith, was born on March 5, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois, to my parents, Elder Marvin Earl and Ruth Ann Griffith, who both preceded me in death. I am the third of four children and the only son. I attended and graduated from Prosser...

Rosia Lee Slaughter was born November 24, 1923, in Dublin, Mississippi to Abram and Mary Fields and was raised by her mother and stepfather, Walter Peterson, all of whom precede her in death. Rosia Lee accepted Christ at an early age. She also received her formal education at Myrtle Hall School in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Rosia Lee met and married the love of her life, James Eddie Slaughter, Sr., and soon thereafter relocated to Argo, Illinois. Being a mother figure to so many, God saw fit...

Lizzie Mae Weaver was born into the world of segregated Marks, Mississippi, to Dave Edward and Welcie (“Alcie”) Weaver (Martin) on December 6, 1929. Like many African Americans living in the South, there are no accurate records of her birth. And so the exact time and location of her birth are unknown. It is believed that a midwife was involved and that her birth took place at her parents’ home. For most of her life, Lizzie believed that her birth year was between 1930...

Jaleesa Caprice Hall was born on August 28, 1988 in Chicago, IL, to Cheryl Scarver and Jimmy Hall, Jr. Jaleesa, affectionately known as “Leesa” or “JuJu”. She accepted Christ at an early age with her mom and siblings by her side. Jaleesa attended Julia Ward Howe Elementary School in Chicago, IL. She moved to Milwaukee, WI with her family in 1999. Jaleesa graduated from Westside Academy in 2002. She also attended Casimir Pulaski High School and Kilmer South...

Bridgette L. Haynes was born on March 30, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the second child born to the late Joann Parker Haynes (Mother) and the late Leroy M.Haynes (Father). Bridgette was preceeded in death by her nephew, Blannie Haynes, Jr. Bridgette attended Mason Elementary School and Farragut High School in Chicago. She accepted Christ at an early age. She attended St. Michael MB Church. She loved working as a Custodian at Kenwood High School, keeping the young teens happy as they...

Olivia Royster-Jones was born on December 15, 1938, in Belen, Mississippi, to the late Cleatus Royster and Bertha Survillion. She was the oldest of twelve children. She was baptized at an early age, where she fellowshipped at Mount Zion Baptist Church. After leaving Mississippi on July 5, 1958, she moved to Chicago, Illinois. Olivia became a devoted and dedicated member of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of the Reverend Marvin Alexander, where she...

Wayne Thomas was born March 12, 1953, to Vernola and Marshall Thomas. He was the third oldest of four children. Wayne went to Robert Burns Elementary School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army doing six tours. He was a red beret, army specialist and a paratrooper. After the army, he worked various jobs. Wayne accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of Elder Glen Washington at Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. During his first union with Dale Davis, four children...