Obituaries

James Elmer Boyd, Jr. was born January 23, 2023, in Chicago, IL to his parents James E. Boyd, Sr. and Margie Delois Young-Boyd. He was the only son and the fourth child born of five children. James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior during his early teenage years and was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN under the leadership of Rev. Julius Scruggs.  He was affectionately known as “Joe Boyd” after his family relocated to East Chicago, IN...

Jannie Delores Williams was born March 29, 1943, to her parents Ozeal and Ruby Williams in Winona, MS. She was the second child born to this union.  At an early age, Jannie received Christ while attending Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Mays. She later went on to become a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church until she ascended to the Father.  Jannie earned her high school diploma at Washington High School in East Chicago, IN. She later went on to work...

Charles “Burchie” Page was born on July 26, 1947, in Middlesboro, KY to his parents Robert Alexander and Wilma Jean Page. He was the older of three children.  Burchie accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Moriah Baptist Church where he sang in the junior choir.  “Burchie” or “Page”, as he was affectionately known, graduated from the Middlesboro High School in 1965. He was an all-star athlete with amazing athletic abilities. He excelled in...

Alma Jean Williams was born on April 11, 1934, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She was the fourth of five siblings of the late Herman and Ozie Johnson. She met the love of her life, Louis Williams Jr., in Canton Mississippi, and was married on December 26, 1953, and remained forever married for forty-nine years. From this union, they were blessed with six children: Kenneth Williams, Toni (Williams) DeBose, Kelvis Williams, Sharon (Williams) Boatner, Kimberley (Williams) Franklin, and...

Robert L. Wright was born on March 25, 1923, to his parents Charles Wright and Florence Whitehead in Clarksdale, MS. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his grandparents Robert Whitehead and Fannie Woods, a freed slave.  Robert, affectionately known as “Bob”, became a part of the Great Migration, a movement of Southern Black citizens that sought jobs and a better quality of life. He secured a job at Standard Oil Company in Whiting, IN and later sent for his...

Kajah Tinneal Lanai Wilson was born on October 27, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois to James O Wilson and Latonya Carter. Kajah, affectionally known as KiKi, began her education at Lincoln Elementary School and then attended Field Elementary School, both in East Chicago, IN. From there, Kajah attended Block Junior High where she began playing basketball. Kajah’s high school years was spent at Central High School where she continued to enjoy her basketball career. She also was a member of the...

Norma Lee Peterson was born on July 30, 1936, in East Chicago, IN to loving parents, Reverend Thomas Lee and Lucy Bell Daniel. She was the sixth of seven children.  Norma met her handsome and beloved husband Austin Peterson Sr., and they were united in matrimony in 1954. Their wedding was remembered to be the grandest, largest event ever witnessed in their community.  The young couple resided in Hammond, IN then built a home in Gary IN in 1964.  Norma was a proud...

Ernest West, passed away at the age of 86 on July 14, 2023.  He was born in Roba, Alabama to the parents of George and Anna (Pace) West.  Ernest was drafted to the military at the age of 18 serving in the US Army.  After serving in the military, Ernest relocated to Northwest Indiana where he worked various jobs until obtaining employment at Youngs Town/LTV Steel and retired after 40 years.   Ernest hobbies were fishing, reading the newspaper daily,...

Denard C. Morris, Sr. was born February 11, 1978, in East Chicago, IN to his parents Susette M. Jackson and Drake Morris.  He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Willie and Amelia Jackson; paternal grandparents Will E. and Naomi Morris and brother Drake Morris, Jr.  He leaves to cherish his mother Susette M. Jackson; father Drake Morris, Sr.; son Denard Morris, Jr.; sister Tashima L. Morris and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Lue Ella Goss was born March 15, 1952, in Hughes Arkansas. She accepted Christ as her Lord & Savior, at a young age and she was one of a kind, she loved hard, worked hard, and dreamed big! On July 7, 2023, at 5:50pm, she passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Lue Ella Goss is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Goss; father Author Goss; 4 brothers, 2 sisters, & one grandson Clarence Robinson Jr. She leaves with cherishing memories daughter Genea Robinson, six siblings, five...

The world was blessed to welcome Yolanda Vasseal Allen – Strong, lovingly known as “La La,” on July 20, 1970, in Gary, Indiana. Her parents Ronnie Allen and Patricia McWay installed in her the love of God and the importance of education. She was educated in the Gary public school system and graduated from Roosevelt high school. Yolanda joined the Navy in 1989 and received an honorable discharge after leaving the Navy she furthered her education and graduated from Tide-Water...

When God calls one of his blessed angels home, the heavens and angels rejoice while we are left behind to weep with the rain. On July 5, 2023, a page turned and a chapter closed in the life of Toni London. Toni was born April 16, 1953 in East Chicago IN to the late Cleo Smith Burks and Alphonso London.  Toni was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Sarah and Leotha Smith, Nathaniel and Antoinette London, brothers Alvin Mitchell, Micheal London, and Ronald London, Uncle...

James Upshaw, Jr. was born in Rutherford, Alabama to Mr. James Upshaw, Sr. and Mrs. Rosie Mae Upshaw.  He attended East Chicago Washington High School until he made the decision to enlist into the United States Marines in 1951 during the era of the Korean War.  After serving his tour of duty and retiring as Private First Class, he was hired as Postal Clerk at the East Chicago Postal Office, where he worked there for 38 years.   While living in East Chicago, he...

BLANCHE MARIE ABNER WAS BORN ON AUGUST 21, 1943. SHE IS THE OLDEST OF 6 CHILDREN. HER MOTHER AND FATHER PRECEDED HER IN DEATH SHE ATTENDED & GRADUATED JOHN MARSHALL HARLAN HIGH SCHOOL, SHE ATTENDED BUSINES SCHOOL WHERE SHE RECEIVED HER CERTIFICATE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, SHE LATER ATTENDED CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY WHERE SHE RECEIVED HER BA IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. MARCH 1964 SHE MET AND MARRIED JAMES L. CROSS AND FROM THAT UNION THEY WERE BLESSED WITH TRINA M CROSS. SHE...

Mr. Jesse Lee Shelly was born July 16, 1941, to his parents Jesse Lee Shelly, Sr. and Gussie Mae Shelly in Macon, GA. He later moved to East Chicago, IN with his parents. Jesse graduated from Washington High School in East Chicago, IN. He later went to work at Inland Steel in East Chicago, IN as a Machine Operator and Foreman, where he retired after over 30 years of service.  Jesse enjoyed his volunteer work in the community and was well known throughout the community.  Jesse...

Dorothy (Dea) Mabry was the 4th child born to the late Dolly (Donald) and Sylvester Roundtree, on February 5, 1933, in Goodman, Mississippi. Dorothy had six siblings who all preceded her in death: Christine (Walter) Lee, Andrew “Yank” Roundtree, Henry (Clara) Roundtree, Wardine “Dena” Roundtree, William “Jack Frost” Rocket and Willie (Clemmie) Lewis. Dorothy attended church and gave her life to Christ at an early age. Dorothy grew up and spent her...

Odell Young was born February 3, 1944, in Chicago, IL to his parents Cordell Young and Rozelle Stennis. Affectionately known as Uncle O, accepted Christ at an early age while attending The Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. He attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Collins Academy High School.  After high school, Odell moved to Philadelphia with his mother. He later enlisted into the United States Navy, where he was a chef on the USS Chukawan Tanker for four years....

Minister Mildred M. Perry was born on March 10, 1951, to Daisy E. Watson and John Frank Cole in Harvey, IL.  She was the 5th out of 8 kids. She lived in Harvey, Il before moving to East Chicago, IN where she graduated from George Washington High School in 1969. Minster Perry received Christ at an early age and served him her entire life.  She faithfully served as an Associate Minister at New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Merrillville, IN under the auspices of...

Surlana Martin was born September 9, 1939, to Lee and Lizzie Knight, in Randolph County, Wedowee, Alabama. She received Christ at the young age of 8. After graduating from Wedowee High School in 1959, she moved to East Chicago, IN and met the love of her life, Ivory Martin. This union was blessed with four children Geralyn D. Martin, Karen E. Hawk, Patrick F. Martin, and Terrence R. Martin.  Shortly after 1982, Ms. Surlana Martin became a member of the Faith Temple Church of God in...

Kevin Joseph Bell was born December 11, 1959, in East Chicago, IN to James and Cora Bell. Kevin confessed Christ at an early age and was a longtime member of Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. K.B. Long.  Kevin was a graduate of East Chicago Washington High school Class of “77” Kevin also served from 1984 to 2005 in the U.S. Army in Kuwait and Iraq, where he received several commendations. Later, Kevin was employed with the United States...

On Sunday April 2, 2023 at 8.05AM God sent his angel to deliver Benjamin Dennis Jr. to his eternal resting place. Benjamin who was affectionately known as “Buddy” was a proud native of Garden City, Louisiana and a resident of Hammond Indiana. Benjamin Dennis Jr. was born December 6, 1946 to Benjamin Dennis Sr. and Myrtle Lee Dennis. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Sullivan Wells in Kramer, LA. Benjamin was a member of...

Elizabeth J. Irvin (Lova) was born February 11, 1961, in East Chicago Indiana to the late Robert and Gertha Irvin Sr. She attended and graduated from E.C Roosevelt High School. Elizabeth worked for East Chicago school system as a crossing guard for many years. She was baptized at Zion Missionary Baptist Church at a young age under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J.C. Wade, Jr.  Lova met the love of her life her fiance Bennett Hawkins and had six beautiful daughters. Lova made her transition...

James Hobson was born August 31, 2023, to his parents Levert Hobson and Umbert Hobson in Chickasaw County, MS. Affectionately known as “Sonny,” After his schooling, his worked as an Engineer for LTV Steel. On February 11, 2015, he married Dianne Graham.  James Hobson departed this life on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in Gary, IN. He was 70.  He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Dianne Graham of Gary, IN; loving mother, Umbert Hobosn; son...

Laura Noble, 88, of East Chicago, IN entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 31, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence Tolbert and Lizzie Jane Foster; sister Louise Reeves and brother Edie Lee Tolbert. She is survived by her loving brother Clarence Tolbert of Hurtsboro, AL; daughters Josephine Manley and Almeta Noble, both of East Chicago, IN and Lannora (Kyran) Sims of Hammond, IN; son Tommie Mac Noble of East Chicago, IN; six...

Iris Jean was born August 6, 1939, to Oliver & Dessiree Evans.  She was the only child born into this union. Iris grew up in East Chicago, Indiana and graduated from Washington High School.  After high school Iris married Stanley Carter, 3 daughters and 1 son were born into this union.  Later in life, Iris married William Jordan, 2 sons were born into this union. Iris joined Tabernacle Baptist church at an early age and remained a faithful member until...

Loretta Harris, 70, of East Chicago, IN passed away after unexpectantly at St. Catherine Hospital with her family at her side. Loretta is survived by her daughter Khisha (Victor) Anderson and beloved sister Peggy Ann Harris. She has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her deeply.  Loretta attended East Chicago public schools and graduated from E.C. Roosevelt.  She worked 30 years for the State of Indiana, retiring in...

Ricky Davon Readus was born October 16, 1995, in East Chicago, IN to his parents Rev. Howard Readus and Mrs. LaTina Culver-Readus. He was the first child born to this union. Affectionately known as “Rick the Ruler,” he received Christ at an early age at the Church of God in Christ in Gary, IN.  Ricky attended and graduated from Central High School in East Chicago. He then attended college at Indiana University in Terre Haute, IN where he earned his bachelor’s degree...

Jason Henry Swan (fondly known as J Swan) was born September 19, 1982, to Ms. Kim Thomas and the late Clifford Swan, in Munster, Indiana. He was educated in the East Chicago Public Schools and was a member of the class of ECCS 2000. Jason joined the Zion Missionary Baptist Church, at the age of 7years old and was baptized, by Rev. Dr, J.C. Wade, Jr. His first encounter and love for music began as a member of the 100 Voice Children’s Choir, and he also assisted in the Sound Engineering...

Christine Lofton, 73, of Goosecreek, SC passed away Friday, March 3, 2023. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 15, 2023 at 11AM at Divinity Funeral Home 3831 Main Street, East Chicago, IN 46312. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Fern Oaks Cemetery in Griffith, IN. Live streaming will begin promptly at 11AM CST via www.divinityfuneralhome.com.

Lynel was born on January 1, 1959, to William Edward Riley Sr. and Mary Francis (Bell)Doss in East Chicago, IN. She was the only child to this union.  Affectionately known as “Pouchie”, she graduated from East Chicago Washington High School Class of 1977. She pursued a career in banking and finance until she opened her own Child Care Service (God’s Christian Academy).  Her Day Care was her passion.  She loved taking care of and teaching “her...