Obituaries

Jan 21, 2026

Willa Dean Backie, affectionately known as "Dean", entered into eternal rest on January 21, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1955, to Calip and Carol Backie. Dean was a proud graduate of McKinley High School, class of 1974. Dean was a woman of strong faith and unwavering devotion to God. She was known for always pleading the blood...

Jan 19, 2026

Mrs. Fannie Mae Smith went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2026, affectionately known as Gramma, Fannie was born on November 25, 2025, to the late John Williams and Mary Dizzel.

Fannie was a member of People's Baptist Church, transitioning to Mt. Zion in the late 80's.  She worked at City Laundry of Akron...

Jan 19, 2026

*Gloria R. Drake

October 29, 1966 – January 19, 2026

Gloria R. Drake passed away on January 19, 2026. She was known for her loving, giving spirit, beautiful smile, and contagious laughter. Gloria showed her love by cooking for family and friends and by being the support people could rely on. She worked for many...

Jan 19, 2026

Early Life and Family Background

Marcia Darcell Kirkland was born on September 29, 1950, in the small coal mining town of Blythedale, Pennsylvania, to Naomi Belle and Frederick Kirkland. She was welcomed into the world surrounded by a very large extended family. During her childhood, Marcia's family briefly moved to Triadelphia, West Virginia, and then later settled...

Jan 18, 2026

Annette "Nette" (Cox) Sledge, a longtime resident of the North Akron community, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 64, following a brief illness. She was born on July 28, 1961, to James Sr. and Rosie Smith in Akron, Ohio.

Nette was a remarkable woman who was many things to many people: a...

Jan 15, 2026

On January 15, 2026, God in his infinite wisdom called home Clifford Hartsfield at 9 pm.

Clifford Hartsfield was born on April 2, 1942, to the late Josh and Vernell Hartsfield in Chiefland, Fla.  Cliford moved to Akron, Oh in the early 1960's.  He had many jobs throughout the years, before deciding to start his own Roofing...

Jan 15, 2026

An obituary is not available at this time for CAROL A. HARRIS. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Jan 13, 2026

An obituary is not available at this time for ENDIA B. ROBERSON. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Jan 12, 2026

Brianne Shandell Atkins "Bre" entered this temporary home on February 15, 1993, to Cynde Waters and Brian Atkins.

Brian entered her eternal home on January 12, 2026. Bre had a smile that would light up an entire room, and she had an immense love for family.

Bre is leaving to celebrate her life with treasured...

Jan 12, 2026

Shakita Boyd, born June 3, 1981, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in Akron, Ohio.

Shakita was a strong and loving woman who fought her battles with courage and grace. She was firm yet giving, strict but full of love, and had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. She opened her heart and...

Jan 12, 2026

Tyrone was known for his loving spirit, strong heart, and unwavering devotion to his family. He had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and supported. His presence brought laughter, comfort, and strength to all who knew him. Tyrone truly enjoyed being surrounded by his loved ones and made every family gathering brighter just by being there.

Jan 10, 2026

A true angel got her wings on Jan. 10th at 1:47 p.m.  Darlessia M. Bradford died amongst her daughter Arielle Pittman and fiancé James Burt peacefully.  Darlessia was born July 8th, 1960, in Akron, Ohio to the late Diane and Eugene Butts. She was a woman with many talents. She was Mrs. Fix it. She could often find solutions...

Jan 5, 2026

Avie Lee (McCants) Boyer, 89, gained her heavenly wings on January 5, 2026. Avie was the first born of eight children, to Rosie Lee (Jones) McCants and A.J. McCants Sr., on March 1, 1936, in Helicon, Alabama. She was baptized in the creek in 1944 at Helicon Baptist Church, laying the groundwork for her strong faith in God. From...

Jan 4, 2026

Benny Eugene Conner  passed away and went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026. Born August 6, 1963, in Canton, Ohio, to Joann Parks and Benny Conner, Benny graduated in 1982 from Timken High School. Benny was a long-time resident of Atlanta, Georgia, and an employee for many years at Georgia Works. Benny's passion was fashion;...

Jan 3, 2026

An obituary is not available at this time for BETTY SUE BRUCE. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Jan 3, 2026

Booker J. Long, Sr. of Canton, Ohio, passed away on January 3, 2026.  He was born on August 1, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama to Booker T. Long, Sr. and Hatte Mae Burt Long.  He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and proud great-grandfather whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to family and service to his...

Jan 2, 2026

On January 1, 2026, beloved daughter and sister, Angela Kaye Hatchett went home to be with the lord. She was born on January 2, 1968 at Aultman hospital. She was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Hatchett; father Nollon Hatchett Sr. Brother, Nollon Hatchett Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her brothers, Dennis and Keshaune both of...

Jan 2, 2026

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Tara R. Poindexter Shaw, affectionately known as Toots, born on March 25, 1972. Tara transitioned on January 2, 2026, at UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Tara lived a life marked by love, laughter, resilience, and deep devotion to her family...

Jan 1, 2026

An obituary is not available at this time for HOMER LEE MOORE. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Jan 1, 2026

Taj Nathanial Prestwood, age 31, of Canton, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026. Taj was born on December 13, 1994, in Canton, Ohio. In 2011, Taj relocated with his family to Covington, Georgia, where he continued his education and graduated from Eastside High School in 2013. In 2018, he returned to Canton, Ohio, where he began working...