Mrs. Yvonne J. Rush
Mrs. Yvonne Johnson Rush, also known as “Rashidah Allah,” an honorable community leader, was called home on Thursday, September 24, 2015 following a brief period of illness.
She was born to the late Randolph Johnson and Mattie Lee Johnson in Greenville, SC on May 12, 1936. And she joined Lower Shady Grove Baptist Church in Woodruff, SC at a very young age.
Mrs. Rush was a graduate of Spartanburg Middle-High School where she was recognized as a sharecropper’s daughter with a skill for solving complex problems and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
In 1974, Yvonne married the late Rufus Rush and settled in Winston-Salem, NC where she then became known as Mrs. Yvonne “Rashidah Allah” Rush.
She was owner/operator of a commercial and residential cleaning service company and after many successful years of operating her business, she retired in 2010 and dedicated her time to her family and her community.
For more than 20 years, Rashidah Allah welcomed anyone with an appetite to her dinner table. Her life-long goals were to emphasize the importance of family, to teach the understanding of generational wealth and to inspire creativity in others.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two daughters: Mattie Lee Blair and Vivian Dorann Clark, her son, Dean Clark, Jr. and her brother, Raleigh Harris. Mrs. Yvonne “Rashidah Allah” Rush is survived by her daughter, Frances “Korea” McFadden of Winston-Salem; a sister, Charlvsena Bradley of Greenville, SC; 14 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; many friends in her community and the surrounding area.
A celebration of her life will take place at 11 am, Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Clark S. Brown and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.
For a copy of the funeral program, click here
Mrs. Lizzie W. Lash
She was born to the late Lonnie Wright and Reather King Wright in Florence, SC on August 1, 1933.
Mrs. Lash attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and was formerly employed at Piedmont Leaf Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem.
She was married to Fred Miller Lash for sixty-two years and they became the proud parents of six children. She was a homemaker who enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens. Cooking and sewing were great pastimes but her greatest joy was discovered in the rearing of her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Kenneth William Wright, Jr.; sister, Relonius Wright; and her brother, Frank Wright.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Fred Miller Lash; a devoted daughter and caregiver, Vanessa Lash Conrad (Junior Scales); her sons, Kenneth William (Vernessa) Wright, Sr., Michael (Annette) Lash, Fredrick Lash, Wayne Lash and James (Cassandra) Lash; 12 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; her sister, Rosetta Wright; brother, William (Lee Esther) Wright; several extended family members and many friends.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Clark S. Brown and Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends thirty minutes prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care given by Senior Services, Inc. and Hospice and Palliative Care.
For a copy of the funeral program, click here
Mrs. Katie Jackson McFarland
Mrs. Katie Jackson McFarland, 94, was called by God from her residence, on Monday, September 14, 2015. She was born August 20, 1921 in Bennettsville, SC to the late Martha Jackson Covington. She attended Malboro Training and High School and was a life-long member of St. Michael’s United Methodist Church, both in Bennettsville. Mrs. McFarland was referred to as the “Mother of Happy Hill Gardens” and had been employed as the head cook at Goodwill Industries, Cherry Street location. She was a member of the Elks Lodge. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her daughter, LeeAnna James and a sister, Mary Bell Boatwright. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Heddie McFarland; her son Melvin McFarland; and a special son, Howard Coston; grandchildren, ShaTorree Green, Dorez (Sharon) Thomas, Hope Salter and Courtland Green; great grandchildren, JeWaun Thomas, Takia Thomas, Jamill Thomas and Summer Gregg.
A funeral service will take place at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Clark S. Brown and Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet friends thirty minutes prior to the service in the chapel, at 2 p.m. (Clark S. Brown and Sons)
Dr. Alice Acker Johnson
She Lived…Dr. Alice Elizabeth Johnson transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 5:35pm, following a lengthy illness. She was born February 16, 1931 in Forsyth County to Ora Bell and William Franklin Acker. She was predeceased by both parents, husband John Wesley Johnson, a son Wesley Johnson, a sister Iris Carpenter, and a brother Kenneth Evans. She was also predeceased by a very dear friend, Maya Angelou, who was instrumental in helping her cope with the loss of loved ones.
She Reached…Her early education was attained in the local public schools, graduating from Atkins High School, Class of 1951. She attended La Mae Beauty College, later working as a local cosmetologist until attending Winston-Salem State College (now Winston-Salem State University) where she received a BS Degree in Nursing. After having worked as a RN and Nursing Instructor at the local nursing schools, she later attended the University of Maryland where she received a Masters Degree in Administration. Later she attended the University of Pittsburgh where she was inducted into Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society in Education, and from whence
she received a PhD in Education with a specialty in curriculum and supervision. Her last employment was at Winston-Salem State University where she was a tenured associate professor and from whence she retired. During her retirement years, Dr. Johnson spent her time reading, writing poems, interior decorating, and making Christmas wreaths and other floral arrangements.
She Served…She was a life-long member of Goler Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where she served in many capacities including the Missionary Society, DBI Society, Chair of the Trustee Board and President of the Cathedral Choir. She loved to sing and we know she will be part of Heaven’s majestic choir. She loved working in the church, setting the example by cleaning, making repairs and beautifying God’s house, welcoming those who come seeking Him..
She Touched…Survivors include sons Orlando Johnson (Gina) of Italy, Marvin, Randall and Carl Ray Johnson of the city; daughters Linda Johnson Sutton and Bonita Johnson Gray (Delbert) of the city; Grandsons Linell Johnson (Lynette), Marcus Sutton (Deborah), Harvey Sutton (Melissia), William Gray, Wesley Jr. and Curtis Gilliam of Winston-Salem; Brian Morrison of Philadelphia, and Weslino, Michele and Andrea Johnson of Rome, Italy. She also leaves to mourn granddaughters Alicia, Deborah, and Ginevra Johnson of Italy, Romina Johnson of London, Angela Lombardi of Canada, Latasha Sinclair of Charlotte, Latoya El-Amin of Maryland, Orleshia Vaughn of Raleigh and Alicia Gray of the city. She is also survived by a nephew Darrell Gwyn of the city, a niece Marsha Evans of Michigan, 26 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.
She Passed Through…Her love was extended to very special people in her life, two adopted daughters Ivana Marrone of Canada and Rita Maxwell of the city; friends Grace Bladwin, Charles Baldwin, Dorothy Allen, Sadie Webster, Lenner Jeffries, Janie Senn, Iridi Elias, Mara Sancinelli, Ingrid Hunter (Louis), very special close friends Priscilla and Vernon Cloud, and others.
She Rests…A celebration of her life will be held beginning with the visitation hour at 10:30AM and service at 11:30AM on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, 630 N. Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. George C. Banks, officiating. At the conclusion of the home going services for our beloved Dr. Johnson, her body will rest at Evergreen Cemetery, but her love and her spirit shall remain with us always. (Clark S. Brown & Sons)
Ms. Susan Wright Berry
Our beloved Susan was born on June 23, 1957 in Queens, NY. She was fifth of seven children birthed to her parents, Everett and Daisy Wright. Susan would often share stories about her family even the ones who’d departed this life before her. She LOVED her family.
Our beloved Susan was educated in the New York City public school system. In her youthful years she played basketball and just about any sport that kept her active. She was vibrant, funny, and energetic. She was wed in October of 1975 to her middle school sweetheart of whom she built a life with. Motherhood came naturally for Susan. She was the kind of mother who didn’t just send her children out to play outside she went out and played with them. She traveled the world with her family, living in beautiful places such as Bermuda. Even in foreign surroundings she always kept her family close. She was a woman with many talents, yet her gifts were most highlighted in her domestic efforts. As a stay at home wife and mother, Susan’s cooking, organization, or the dutiful ways in which she kept her home, children, and self have sowed a great wealth into the generations to follow. She was an amazing cook and her fried chicken was…..well we will just leave it to those who loved her to fill in that blank. Susan was a simple woman who never asked for much, but gave freely from her heart to her family and strangers alike and for that gift alone, we THANK YOU Susan! Thank you for all that you have given us throughout the years, the laughs, the dinner plates with three meats, the motherhood that at times could be mistaken for friendship, thank you for being YOU. WE LOVE YOU!
Our beloved Susan was adored by many. She had the kind of spirit that you just wanted to love. She was kind, giving, but would let you know when you had crossed the boundaries. If she loved you she loved you fully. She loved who she loved. Her “Susanisms” include sayings that will have you laughing and warned at the same time, and they will remain in our hearts and serve as reasons to smile.
In 2011, Susan accepted Christ as her lord and savior at Spirit of Faith Christian Center, MD where she developed her faith.
Susan L. (Wright) Berry leaves behind five children: James D. Berry, Nicole L. Berry, Natasha A. Hopkins (Derek), Nadine S.Berry, Tonia R. Berry, thirteen grandchildren Aisha, Amanda, Tiffany, Carlos, Antonio, Wayne, Leilani, Amira, Kori, Kamora, Zaria, Imani, and Kelynn, and two great grandchildren Zamir and Roman. Siblings; Michael Wright, Valarie Wright-Perry, Debra Ward, Gary Wright, Lynda Walker (preceded in death), and Jeffrey Wright , along with a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones. MOMMY we will miss you so much and you will forever live in our hearts.
A service in her memory will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Monticello Baptist Church, 2722 Kimball Terrace, Norfolk, VA 23504 with Reverend Marion Griffin , officiating. A repast will be held at her brother’s residence, 9611 Densmore Place, Norfolk, VA 23503.
Mr. Parnell Monroe, Jr.
Mr. Parnell Monroe, Jr. passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center following a period of illness. He was born to the late Parnell Muldrow and Elease Carmichael Monroe in Bowman, SC on October 5, 1939. Later, he moved to Orangeburg, SC where he was reared by his Aunt Dora Odom. Mr. Monroe was married to the late Apostle Evelyn Monroe for 56 years prior to her death in 2013. He retired in 1997 after 30 years of dedicated service to The City of Winston-Salem, Evergreen Cemetery Division. He had also been employed at Wake Forest Baptist Health and Budd Services.
Parnell Monroe enjoyed trips to the beach with his family and he loved to hunt and fish with his best friend, Donald Shuler. In addition to his parents and his wife, he is predeceased by his uncle, James Felder; stepmother, Eloise Muldrow; brothers, Pinell, Kevin and Jerome Muldrow; sisters, Mattie and Carol Muldrow and Yvonne Jackson. He leaves to cherish precious memories of him, his children, LaWana (Ferman) Wallace, Parnell Monroe, III, Calvin (Katsue) Monroe, Elease (Anthony) Smith, Erik (Marchelle) Monroe; sisters, Deborah (Lennie) Butler and Emma (John) Fields; brothers, Lonnie, Joseph and Gregory (Lisa) Muldrow; sister-in-law, Overseer Elizabeth (Tommy) Nesmith; 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am, Monday, September 14, 2015 at Clark S. Brown and Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet friends thirty minutes prior to the service in the chapel, at 11:00 am.
For a copy of the funeral program, click here
Mrs. Thailia G. Mercer
Mrs. Thailia Griffin Mercer peacefully passed away at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home on Saturday, September 5, 2015, following an extended period of illness. She was born in Forsyth County, NC to Mildred Roseboro Griffin and the late James Griffin, Sr. on October 5, 1958. Thailia was a 1976 graduate of West Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem. And she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism from Livingstone College in Salisbury in 1980 and completed requirements for her master’s degree at Laredo State University in Laredo, TX. She was employed for over thirty years in the ATK Investigative Unit of the United States Government.
Mrs. Mercer was a life-long, active member of Friendship Baptist Church in this city prior to moving to Leesburg, VA where she joined and became involved in the many ministries of Alford Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Thailia was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Upsilon Chapter; Livingstone College National Alumni Association, NAACP and numerous other social and civic organizations. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her brother, Michael E. Griffin; grandparents, Earl and Ruth Roseboro and Estella B. Griffin; sister-in-law, Verna Griffin and several aunts and uncles.
Those family members who will forever cherish happy moments with Thailia include her daughter, Chaya Mercer and her father, Brian Mercer; mother, Mildred Griffin; brothers: James (Hazel), Fernandez “Bumpy,” Mark and Derrick (Meji) Griffin; sister, Charlene Roseboro; sister-in-law, JoAnn Griffin; uncles: John, Eugene (Viola), Ardeal (Dianne), Curtis and Samuel (Elaine) Roseboro, William and Willie (Ernestine) Griffin; aunts: Azalea (James) Vinson, Bertha Parks, Robbie Allen, Stella (Ricky) Ijames and Carol Jean Griffin; special relatives and friends, Evelyn Mercer, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Mercer, Sr., David and Theodore Mercer, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Earl Browne, Reverend and Mrs. Edward Jackson, The Alford Street Baptist Church Family, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 6:30 pm until 7:30pm with remembrances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Omega Service will be held at 10:45 am on Saturday and family visitation will follow at 11:15 until the funeral hour. Memorials may be made at WSSU Financial Aid Office for Chaya Mercer, Winston-Salem State University, 601 S. MLK Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 or Livingstone College National Alumni Association, c/o Jackie T. Matthews, Financial Secretary, PO Box 1254, Kinston, NC 28503
For a copy of the funeral program, click here