All Obituaries

Betty J. (Powell) Manley Jones was born to Joe and Clara Powell on November 7, 1941 and was a lifetime resident of the Akron community. Betty was a graduate of East High School. After graduation she worked as a librarian in the public schools. In 1973 she was employed by Babcock & Wilcox and later at Sumner Nursing Home where she retired with 10 years of dedicated service.  On August 18, 2019, she earned her heavenly wings and leaves to mourn her passing, sisters-in-law,...

Gerald F. Burkett, 79, went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2019. He was a lifetime member of the Akron community. He worked at Firestone Tire & Rubber, as a school crossing guard, and he retired from Rotek after many years of service. He is preceded in death by his son, Gerald Jr., parents, sisters, and brothers. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, wife, Alberta; sons, Brian (Jewell) and Joshua (Brittany) Burkett; daughter, Kathreen Cook and a host of grandchildren,...

William "Bill" Edward Clark, 79, went home to be with the Lord on September 10, 2019 after a brief illness. "Bill" was honorably discharged from the United Sated army having served during the Vietnam War and was a member of Eternal Life Church. Condolences may be sent to 713 Rainbow Dr., Akron, OH 44320.      

ANN J. ODOM, 74, departed this earthly life on September 9, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Emma McClendon, brother, Shelby McClendon and sister Nancy Lane. To forever cherish her memory, she leaves her son, Preston Odom of Akron, OH; brothers, John (Deborah) McClendon and Kennis McClendon of Akron, OH and Rinson (Vicki) McClendon of Columbus, OH; two grandchildren and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Condolences may be sent to 444 Whitney Ave., Akron,...

Cheri Denise Gregory, 62, departed this life on September 1, 2019. Condolences may be sent to 289 Noble Ave., Akron, OH 44320.  

OBITUARY PENDING 

Pastor Thelma R. Hatchett,  age 80 of Canton, Ohio transitioned from this life on August 30, 2019.   She was a true servant of the Lord. Pastor Thelma R. Hatchett was true to her calling and served with compassion and grace.  She was an amazing daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.  You always knew when she entered a room because her spirit was contagious.  With her inclusive personality, she embraced everyone who was blessed to be a part...

George D. Bowens was born on January 27, 1947 in Akron, Ohio to George and Bea Bowens. He attended Bryan Elementary, West Junior High and South High School, where he ran track, played football and basketball, and was also the class president of South High School class of 1966. After high school he went to work for Goodyear Aerospace for several years, before becoming the first African American Ranger in Akron Metro Parks. He attended the police academy which gave him the expertise, skills,...

Jewell M. Lewis, went home to be with the Lord on August 27, 2019 at the blessed age of 91.  She was born May 21, 1928 in Seney Polk County, GA to the late James and Elzora Mitchell. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years and later united with Greater Bethel Baptist Church until her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Eddie N. Lewis, Sr.; son, Eddie N. Lewis, Jr; parents; 3 sisters and...

Lillian Phinnessee, 62, departed this life on August 22, 2019. She was born in Akron, Ohio and has been a resident of the community for 63 years. She graduated from Central-Hower in 1977. She is preceded in death by her parents James T. and Sarah E. Phinnessee; sister, Renee Phinnessee; and brother James T. Phinnessee Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Larry Phinnessee (Ashley), Ulysses Phinnessee, and Aisha Schwartz (Jay); brothers, Samuel, Aaron Phinnessee (Teresa); sister,...