All Obituaries

Elder Anthony Stafford Gates was born in Chicago, IL on October 30, 1961, son of Evangelist Katie Gates and James Stafford. He was preceded in death by his father James Stafford. At the tender age of 16 he received Christ as his Lord and personal savior. He attended Manley High School on the West side of Chicago, IL. He received a Bachelor Of Science Liberal Arts in social work at the University of Wisconsin River Falls and a Masters Degree in Business and Community Services at North Park...

Jordan Anthony Rahsaan Day, beloved son, brother, partner, and friend, passed away suddenly on June 21, 2022. Jordan lived with vigor and passion. He loved his friends and family deeply, and was met with an abundance of love in return. Jordan was born March 3, 1994, to parents Emily Garrett Day and Rahsaan LeFlore. Jordan’s parents reflect on his childhood, remembering him as a gentle and creative kid who loved to skateboard and participated in sports like football at Washington Park,...

Geraldine Alexander was born on March 5, 1941, to Drucilla Harvey and King Harvey in Elbert, West Virginia. Drucilla and King Harvey (both preceded her in death) were loving parents to thirteen children and Geraldine was the seventh child. Geraldine attended Elbert Elementary School, then finished her education journey at Gary District High School. When Geraldine became of age. She decided to follow in the footsteps of her older sister (Evelyn) to Chicago Illinois in 1957. Where she met...

His Journey’s Just Begun Don’t think of him as gone away his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched… for nothing loved is ever lost and he was...

Lord If roses grow in heaven pick a bunch and place them in our mothers arms. When she turns and smiles, tell her their from us. Tell her how much we loved and prayed for her constantly. Tell her of the many life lessons she taught us like how to be strong and stand on our own… And most importantly, tell her she was forgiven long before her death and we want nothing more for her now but to rest. Love always your son and daughter.   

Ray Charles McCline was born on May 31, 1955 to the late Tommie Lee and Ida Lee McCline.  He was baptized at Alpha Omega Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James C. Hooks. He joined Alpha Omega Baptist Church at an early age and was an Usher on the Usher Board. Ray worked a few jobs but most of his work experience was at Sears and Roebuck where he worked for 27 years until he retired. Ray loved being around his family. He especially loved going to the family...

Edith Lee Ellis was born in Pittsview, Alabama on October 21, 1931, to John and Ethel Lee Calhoun.  She departed this life on April 15, 2022. Edith accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into the Christian faith, uniting with a local church in Pittsview, AL.  She attended Oliver High School in Seale, AL. She relocated to Chicago, IL in 1950 uniting with First Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Reverend Preston Floyd.  She served as a Deaconess until...

Ethel Mae was born on February 11, 1940 in Fort Pillow, Tennessee to the union of Sim Friend Sr. and Ellen (Taylor) Friend. Ethel was the third of sixteen children. Ethel’s mom Ellen passed at a very young age, later her dad met and married Mary Louise Brown who affectionately became Ethel’s second mom and raised her as her own. Ethel’s parents along with seven siblings, Charles Jones, Sim Friend Jr., Gertie Friend, Lela Friend, Almeta Wright, Lawrence Friend Sr., and Ross...

Tommie Lee Alexander Jr. was born on October 14th, 1959 to Geraldine Alexander and Tommie Lee Alexander Sr. in Chicago Illinois. Tommie attended Crown and Henson Elementary School, then finished his educational journey at Manley High School. Tommie gave his life to Christ at a young age when he joined Lawndale Missionary Baptist Church. Tommie had a love for music. He played the guitar, drums and he loved to sing. He had a wide range of music he enjoyed but his favorites were Jazz and...

Born in Chicago on April 2, 1949, a twin (brother Ronald), the seventh of Richard and Ruby Birden's nine children. Donald received Christ at an early age and comes from a family who greatly believes in the living God!  His theological foundation was established at Unity Church of God in Christ in Chicago, IL.  He never departed from those teachings.  He worked to provide educational services to underserved students and to make a positive difference in the lives of...