All Obituaries

Nancy Jean (Lester) Doty was born July 3, 1930 to the union of Ellen Edith (Ridley) and Elcie Lester in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She became a Registered Nurse after attending school in Kansas City, Missouri. She retired from a fulfilled nursing career of over 20 years, 15 of which were spent in service at Lutheran Hospital and Saint Joseph Hospital, where she was the First African American Registered Nurse to work at that hospital. She was honored in the African American Historical Society...

First Lady Connie Evorn (McClendon) Bush was born December 1, 1948 to Katherine (Stanley) and William McClendon in Dublin, Georgia. She departed this earthly life on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.   "Lady C" or "First Lady Connie" as she was affectionately called by her church family, lived most of her life in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Central High School in 1966. She attended International Business College...

Ronald Houston was born February 24, 1957 to Geraldine (Dawson) and Albert Houston in Cairo, Illinois. He departed peacefully early Saturday morning December 28, 2019 of an extended illness. "Ron" as he was affectionately called accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Holy City C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Elder Grady G. Johnson, where he served until he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in the early 80's. He was employed as a dry cleaners presser until he...

Marshelle Nicole Patterson was born April 10, 1974 to Darlene (Smith) and Joe Patterson in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She departed this life on Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones in Oviedo, Flordia. She leaves to  cherish her loving memory her son, Willie Patterson; parents, Joe and Darlene Patterson; sister, Tinesha Freeman; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gabrielle Ann Nicole...

Willie Bell Jr. was born in Lakeland, LA on September 12, 1944 to Minerva (Harrison) and Willie Bell Sr. He departed this earthly life on December 9, 2019 at the age of 75. On June 28, 1975 he married Dolly Horton. To this union, Tracey Marie was born. Willie had four grandchildren Kiara, Andrew, Isaiah, and Christopher. All of whom he loved dearly and enjoyed spending quality time with.  He moved to Indiana to attend college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business...

Bonnie Kathryn Davis was born May 21, 1952 to Eva (Jones) and Robert Davis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She departed this earthly life on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Bonnie attended Fort Wayne Community Schools. She was employed by the State of Indiana Department of Family Resources as a clerical assistant. She retired after twenty years of dedicated service. She attended Haven Missionary Christian Church, under the leadership of Pastor Isiah Meriweather,...

Calvin Simpson was born January 17, 1958 to Ida Mae and Morris Simpson, Sr. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He departed this life on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Calvin accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Unity Worship Center of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He loved his family and was always full of jokes. Calvin leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved children, Marcus Lamar Clancy and Cory Laster; brothers, Darnell (Nafessa) Hairston, William Hairston and Morris Simpson, Jr.;...

Mary Ann (Lee) Hatch was born May 30, 1924 to Mary Emma (Crews) and Jimmy Lee in Marion, Alabama. She departed this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Golden Years Homestead. She accepted Christ at an early age at Greenleaf Baptist Church. She attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama. After graduating high school she relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana. She joined Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Sam Shade.  Mary was united in holy...

Carolyn Delores Bufkin-Thurmond was born September 20, 1954 to Arrette (Jones) and Barbet Bufkin, Jr. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She transitioned into the loving arms of the Lord on Friday, November 22, 2019 at her residence. “Mickey” as she was affectionately called by family and friends accepted Christ at an early age and joined Greater Progressive Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Jesse White, Sr. She attended Fort Wayne Community Schools and graduated from...

Beatrice (Chapman) Dansby was born May 25, 1937 to Beatrice (Page) and Earl Chapman in Marion, Alabama. The family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana shortly after her birth. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age at Pilgrim Baptist Church. After she graduated high school, she met her future husband, Hardie B. Dansby, Sr., who asked her if she was done with high school. She replied "Yes" and invited him to a church picnic and he accepted. She knew then that this would be...