Obituaries

Zakai Bowman

Zakai Bowman

Mar 6, 2026

Tiny Angel

For brief and fleeting moment, an angel touched the ground;With tiny wings and halo, and sweet, soft angel sounds.

Blessing the lives of others, in beauty and in grace;Those who saw the angel, knew God had kissed her tiny face.

The angel came for reasons we may not understand;A journey brief, with gifts so great, and guided by God’s hand.

So, rest...

Sharon Denise Burks-Dupree

Sharon Denise Burks-Dupree

Feb 28, 2026

  Sharon Denise Burks-DuPree, affectionately known as “Shell,” was born on December 6, 1954, to Doris Curry in Decatur, Alabama.

Shell grew up surrounded by both her Ohio and Alabama families, whom she truly loved. She enjoyed attending whatever family function was going on — birthday parties, family reunions, or simply spending time together. It didn’t have to be a special...

Lennell A. Beverly- Shropshire

Lennell A. Beverly- Shropshire

Feb 25, 2026

Lennell Anthony Beverly Shropshire

“Tony”

June 14, 1970 – February 25, 2026

Lennell Anthony Beverly Shropshire, affectionately known as “Tony,” was born on June 14, 1970, in Akron, Ohio, to his loving parents, Jeanette Beverly Watson and Felton Shropshire. He was 55 years old at the time of his transition.

Tony spent his early years in Detroit, Michigan, and later moved to Dallas, Texas,...

Trevez Marquis Terrell

Trevez Marquis Terrell

Feb 18, 2026

Trevez Marquis Terrell, aka (Mark & K1) was born in St. Louis, MO to Sarita Terrell and David Carter on July 26 1982. Trevez spent most of his life in St. Louis then later moved to Akron Ohio. He was his mother's oldest out of 4 boys.

Trevez attended Central Hower in Akron oh then later on he obtain his Ged....

Joyce Jones (McClenic)

Joyce Jones (McClenic)

Feb 15, 2026

JOYCE – “Happiness, Gladness, Delight”

Joyce McClenic was born on October 4, 1957, in Akron, OH. She was the daughter of Luther R. and Ruby L McClenic, both deceased. Joyce has been united with them and her brother Kenneth McClenic, Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles who preceded her.

Joyce attended Akron Public schools graduating from South High School in 1976 with honors. She...

Kenneth Fryer

Kenneth Fryer

Feb 14, 2026

KENNETH "KENNY" FRYER WAS BORN ON JUNE 22, 1957, IN BLAKELY, GEORGIA, TO HATTIE FRYER AND RAISED BY HIS BELOVED MARY MCGRIFF. HE WAS A MAN OF PASSION AND INTEGRITY, WITH A DEEP-ROOTED LOVE FOR HIS FAMILY—ESPECIALLY HIS GRANDCHILDREN. 

KENNY WAS KNOWN AS A MAN OF HIS WORD, DEPENDABLE, STRONG, AND DEVOTED TO THOSE HE LOVED. KENNY WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH...

Charlie Mitchell Jr.

Charlie Mitchell Jr.

Feb 14, 2026

Charlie Mitchell Jr.,74, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on Saturday February 14, 2026 surrounded by love and family after a brief illness.

Charlie was born on June 1, 1951, in Dermott, Arkansas to Nebraska Carolina and Charlie Mitchell Sr. On December 26, 1972 he enlisted in the U.S. Marines where he served until he was...

Johnnie Lee Roper

Johnnie Lee Roper

Feb 14, 2026

Elder Johnnie Lee Roper, Sr., age 93, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He was born in Greenville, Alabama. In 1994, he moved with his family to Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by the love of his life his wife, Hattie Lee; parents Annie D. and Earnest...

Jerald Smith

Jerald Smith

Feb 8, 2026

Jerald Anthony Smith went home to be with the Lord on February 8, 2026. He was born on May 6, 1956 to Russell J. Smith, Sr. and Mildred C. Smith.

He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy came from time spent with his loved ones. Known for his willingness to help in any way he could, Jerald was dependable,...

Peggy Ann Gary

Peggy Ann Gary

Feb 1, 2026

Peggy Ann Gary was born into this world on August 10, 1947 in Fulton, Mississippi to Coy Gates Sr and Flora (Stone) Gates. She went home to be with the Lord February 1st, 2026. She graduated from South High School and from Hammel Business College where she obtained a diploma. She worked at the Akron City Water Department, Hower High...

David R. Jones, Jr.

David R. Jones, Jr.

Jan 21, 2026

David R. Jones, Jr., age 37, transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a lifelong battle with epilepsy.

David was born July 21, 1988, to David R. Jones, Sr. and Kathleen Jones in Akron, Ohio. A 2007 graduate of Garfield High School, David was known for his energetic personality and a smile that could brighten...

Drake A. West

Drake A. West

Jan 4, 2026

Drake Antwan West, age 55, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Akron, Ohio. Born on July 26, 1970, in Akron, Drake was the beloved son of the late Linda Sue Ware West and Willie West. A man of quiet strength and deep conviction, his life was anchored in service, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to others.

A proud...

Christian L. Bates

Christian L. Bates

Dec 31, 2025

Christian Lei Bates was born on June 1, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Belita Alice Bates and Burley Bruce “Sonny” Ashford Jr. A lifelong resident of Akron, Christian was educated in the Akron Public Schools system. He graduated from East High School in 2002, and he pursued higher education. From a young age, Christian was active in sports and community...

John L. Earnest

John L. Earnest

Dec 21, 2025

“KAPITAL”

(John's word of the day!)

John requested that I not write a long obituary.

If anyone should get a lifetime achievement award, it was John. Everyone here knew of his

accomplishments and who he was to them, and that is why you are here to celebrate his

life. Every once and awhile you will remember his smile, the sound of his laughter, and

those stupid...

Deshawn Garnett Jones

Deshawn Garnett Jones

Dec 19, 2025

Deshawn Garnett Jones, 43, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on December 19th, 2025. He was born July 3, 1982, in Akron, Ohio, to William Wells and Dianna Jones.

A native of Akron, Ohio, he graduated from East High School, where he was an all-city basketball player, and attended Ohio State University. He was a loving son, father, brother, cousin, and friend....

Frances L. Jones

Frances L. Jones

Dec 17, 2025

Frances L. Jones, 80, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2025. She was born in Eufaula, Alabama on April, 27, 1945 to the late George Jones, Sr., and Ruth Mae Jones. She was a resident of this community for 74 years. She attended Bryant Elementary School and graduated from Akron North High School. She was...

Charles Allen Workman, Jr.

Charles Allen Workman, Jr.

Dec 16, 2025

Charles A. Workman Jr,72, of Akron, Oh passed away peacefully at his home on December 16, 2025.

Charles was born September 15, 1953, to the late Charles A. Workman Sr and Ellen M Burley Workman in Zanesville, Ohio. Charles married Carlisa McCall in 1980 and from that union they had 3 children Kikema (known as KK), Charles (Roo) and Sheena (known...