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In Loving Memory of William (Bill) O. Robinson Sr.

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William (Bill) O. Robinson Sr., 88 of Kent, WA, peacefully passed away on February 18, 2020.
Born October 27, 1931 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, he attended University of Minnesota and University of Washington. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity for over 60 years. Employed by the Boeing Company in 1956 working as a Metallurgical Engineer, retiring 1995. Member of First AME Church since 1956 and sang in the choir for 52 years. Also worked as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for children/adolescents.
Survived by wife, Rose Ella; blended family, sons, Brett and Brian; daughters, Kimberly, Collette (Lisa), Kyle, and Jeannie; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Elsie; and a host of nieces and nephews.  Bill was preceded in death by son Billy; sisters, Lois and Elaine; brother, Wallace.
Memorial Service will be held on Wed, March 4th @ 11:00 am @ First AME Church, 1522 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

In Loving Memory of Leslie Denise Smith

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Leslie Denise Smith was born on December 14, 1955 to George and Irma Smith.  She attended Horace Mann Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Garfield High School–graduatingfrom Kent Meridian High School. She later attended Seattle Central Community College and went on to work as an Office Professional in the Seattle Area for over 30 years.  Leslie is the 6th child in the Smith Family and was preceded in death by two brothers, her father, and mother.  She is survived by nine sisters, two brothers and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends. Her love for the Lord was evident in the life she led. She was a humble, kindhearted soul who will be dearly missed. Her Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 22,2020 at Kent First Baptist Church @ 11 am.

 

 

 

 

In Loving Memory of Dorrine May Stewart

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Dorrine May Stewart

Saturday, December 28th 2019, Dorrine May Stewart peacefully passed away. Although she has left behind many that will forever grieve the loss of such an amazing person, she is reunited with several of her loved ones in heaven. She proceeds in death, her mother Corrine Lange, her late husband Ronald Stewart Sir, along with many others. She has left behind to celebrate her life Corrine Stewart(daughter), Angel Fiame(daughter), Derrick Harris(son), her siblings, and grandchildren. Dorrine was a compassionate and giving person who will be remembered by many and abundantly missed, Although we may not understand now why the Lord chose to bring her home at what we feel may be way too soon, we can find comfort in knowing we have gained another guardian angel.

The service will take place at Cady Funeral Home in Kent, Wa located at 8418 S 222nd St, Kent, WA 98031 at 2:00 pm.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dorrine May Stewart
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In Remembrance Of Fitzgerald Redd Beaver , Gone But Never Forgotten.

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“I shall pass this way but once; therefore any good that I can do or any kindness that I may show let me do it now. For I shall not pass this way again.”
Fitzgerald Beaver – Founder THE FACTS NEWSPAPER
Photo History : Charlie James interviewing Fitzgerald Beaver at THE FACTS NEWSPAPER OFFICE on Empire Way (Martin Luther King Jr. Way) and Cherry

Forever In Our Hearts.

 

FITZGERALD REDD BEAVER (FITZ) (1922–1992)

Fitzgerald Beaver , Photo History: Friday, Aug3, 1962 News clipping photo of “From My Pen” Beavers Weekly Editorial

Fitzgerald Beaver was born January 18, 1922, in Martinsville, Virginia. He graduated from high school in Martinsville and then attended North Carolina A & T College in Greensboro, North Carolina in the late 1930s.  Beaver left college without graduating and worked as a railroad porteracross the United States. By the beginning of World War II he had arrived in the Pacific Northwest and was living in the city of Portland, Oregon.

During the war “Fitz” Beaver, as he was now known, worked briefly for the U.S. Army as a civilian employee and then was hired by the Kaiser Company in Portland as a shipyard worker. After the war he briefly resided in North Bend, Oregon where he worked at a local radio station.  Finding a career he liked, he moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue radio and public relations training.

“Eager Beaver” Fitzgerald Beaver Photo History : In 1955, Fitzgerald returned to Portland and at the age of 33 became a local radio personality known as “Eager Beaver.”

In 1955, he returned to Portland and at the age of 33 became a local radio personality known as “Eager Beaver.”  In 1961, Beaver moved to Seattle, Washington to manage radio station KZAM-FM, the first black-owned radio station in the Pacific Northwest. He stayed at the station only a few months before launching The FACTS newspaper on September 7, 1961.

The FACTS quickly became a major media presence in black Seattle. The paper’s mission stated:  “We try to pick up where the daily papers leave off” meaning the paper would focus on stories not covered by the major daily newspapers but which were of particular interest to black Seattleites.  He gave the paper a distinctive “pink” color to separate it from its competitors. By the late 1960s, Beaver authored a popular column called “Right On!” that discussed local and regional issues.

Beaver was an eclectic personality who often clashed with other black journalists over news related to African Americans such as coverage of the race riots in Seattle and across the nation in the late 1960s.  His FACTS newspaper also became a community icon.  Its office, on the corner of Cherry Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, was a familiar landmark in Seattle’s Central District with an old truck situated on top of the slanted roof and a large reader board.

Fitzgerald Beaver – Founder of THE FACTS NEWSPAPER Photo History: Mr Beaver built The FACTS to quickly became a major media presence in black Seattle. The paper’s mission stated: “We try to pick up where the daily papers leave off”

 

Despite his clashes with other black journalists Beaver also hired numerous young black journalists who went on to other newspapers.  Chris Bennett, owner and publisher of a competing African American weekly newspaper, The Medium, and Ernie Foster, publisher of The Skanner newspaper in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, were aided by Beaver when they established their respective new

An ardent golfer, Beaver was a founding member of the predominantly African American Fir State Golf Club. He also served as president of the Boys and Girls Club in Seattle and worked with the Army, Navy and Coast Guard in minority recruiting programs in the 1970s and 1980s.

Fitzgerald “Fitz” Beaver died on
New Year’s Day, 1992 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 69. 

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Dennis, Marla, and LaVonne Beaver who are the current publishers of the newspaper.

 

Join Us In Honoring The Memory of  Fitzgerald Redd Beaver.

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In Loving Memory Of David Blanks

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David Blanks
David Blanks

Born in the state of Texas 8-29-1954 Pass away in Seattle on 12-21-2019, David Blanks,was motorcycle rider, With Magic-Wheels ,until health problems, still his first love was riding his motorcycle with the love of his life Thelma Jones, mr. Blanks was retired from West Seattle Steel company also he was a retired shoeshine specialist entrepreneur, he is survived bye lots of loved ones and family members! Service is Jan,18,2020. Ebenezer AME Zion Church 1716 23rd Avenue at 1:pm

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of David Blanks
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In Loving Memory of Carol Elayne Stewart

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Carol Elayne Stewart

Carol Elayne Stewart was called home to be with the Lord December 15, 2019. Forced into an early retirement from Multiple Sclerosis, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Carol had an abundant amount of energy and life even though being confined to a wheelchair. She is proceeded in death by her Father Hoover L Stewart, Mother Joyce C Flowers, and her brother Logan Wayne Stewart.
She leaves to mourn her passing to her youngest brother Paris W Stewart, son Cameron N Stewart, granddaughters Rawnisha B Stewart and LaGea N Rodgers, along with a host of family and friends too numerous to name.

By her wishes come and join us for a potluck and story sharing on January 4 th ,2020 Noon to 3pm.
Garfield Community Center 2323 E Cherry Street Seattle, Wa 98122

 

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Carol Elayne Stewart
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In Loving Memory Mary Alice Hudson

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Mary Alice Hudson

Mary Alice Hudson peacefully passed away on August 25, 2019 in Goodyear, AZ. She was born September 4, 1933 in Johnson City, TN. She graduated from Richland High School in Richland, WA in 1951 and eventually settled in Seattle in 1969. Mary quickly became a prominent, well-known figure of the Central Area community while working at The Neighborhood House Community Center as a social worker. After raising her 11 children, primarily as a single-parent, she raised numerous foster children; many of which remain a part of her family today. She was also very hands-on in the daily lives of her grandchildren. Being “Granny” was one of her greatest joys. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Wade Collie, and her granddaughter, Makeia J. Murphy. She leaves to grieve her 4 daughters, Alicia Brown, Alice (Harold) Murphy, Kathy Cloy and Helen (Daniel) Ross; her 6 sons, Johnny (Cheryl) Cloy, Roy Cloy, George Cloy, Alpheus (Letha) Cloy, Marvin (Christie) Cloy and Tommy (Anne) Hudson, III; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Martin Luther King Memorial Baptist Church 4519 NE 10th Street; Renton, WA 98059 on October 5, 2019 at 11am.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Missionary Mary Alice Hudson
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In Loving Memory Of Lilly Collins

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Lilly aka, “Mom, Punkin, Mother Lilly, Grandma Collins, Grandma, and GiGi”

Lilly aka, “Mom, Punkin, Mother Lilly, Grandma Collins, Grandma, and GiGi”, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 26th, 2019 at the age of 95. She joined her husband of 54 years, Clifton, son Donald; “bonus sons” John, Gene and Leonard Collins; her sibling. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Tommie Dolores (New York) and Lisa Renee (Seattle, WA). Granddaughter, Maya Collins and great-grandson Elijah Collins- Square. (Seattle). A whole host of extended family to many to name as well as her New Beginnings Church Family. Thank you your love will never be forgotten. Memorial services will be Saturday September 14, 2019 11AM at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship 19300 108th Ave SE Kent, WA 98031

In Loving Memory Of Missionary Michelle D. Greene

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Michelle D. Greene

Missionary Michelle D. Greene, age 63, fought cancer until her last breath. She peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at Swedish Hospital where she was surrounded by her family.
Michelle was born to William H. Perry and Lola F. Perry on September 27, 1955. She was reared in Detroit, Texas and attended Detroit ISD School. She was a member of Williams Temple Church of God in Christ in Clarksville, Texas. She was baptized and received the Holy Ghost at a young age. In 1970, a few years later, she was married to Johnny Greene, Sr. To this union was a blessing of four children: Carla, Laronda, Judy and Johnny, Jr. 

 

They attended Williams Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder S.W. Williams. Michelle loved working for the Lord in any capacity that was needed. She also loved singing and music.

In 1977, they relocated to Seattle, Washington. God lead them to Madison Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Edgar Gray where they continued to serve God. Years later they changed their membership again to Upper Room Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Kelly Easter where she served effortlessly for more than 30 years as an Evangelist, Deaconess, Musician, Teacher, and Choir President, while also serving dutifully in multiple community church services/events.


In her spare time, Michelle taught herself how to play the piano, she loved to cook and spend time with family and friends. She was famous for her peach cobbler and 7-up cake and various other desserts. Michelle lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, snacking, spending time nourishing people around her with her love, singing, prayers, faith, and positivity. 

Michelle was preceded in death by her father William Perry and her brother Michael Perry.

Missionary Michelle D. Greene leaves to rejoice in her home going her daughters Carla, Laronda (Mississippi), Judy (Michael) and her son Johnny (Charlene), her God-daughter Shaunquest, her grandchildren Julian (Samantha), K’Laun, Imanni, Sabreece, Nashayla, Kierra and her great-grandson Atticus, her mother Lola Perry (Texas), Brother Danny Perry (Texas), Sisters Teresa Russel (Oregon), Deborah (Pastor Lester Nunley) (Texas), Diane (Jimmy) Washington (Texas) and a host of aunties, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Missionary Michelle D. Greene
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In Loving Memory of Ajene-Bomani Robertson

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Ajene-Bomani Robertson

Ajene-Bomani Robertson, 44, of Los Angeles, CA went to be with the Lord on May 6, 2019. Ajene was born in Seattle, Washington on August 2nd, 1974. The son of Folayan-Oni Robertson (nee Barbara Davis) and Rivers Robertson Jr., Ajene is survived by his wife, Shannon McClain Robertson, 3 sons, Lennox Rivers, Niall Rowan and Tatum Ajene Reign Robertson, also his brother, Gavin Robertson & his wife, LaShanda, nieces RaKayla and Janea, and nephew, Gavin Jr., as well as a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in passing by his mother.

A stellar athlete, Ajene attended Garfield High School where he played Varsity basketball. He went on to play small forward for Seattle Pacific University, where he received his Bachelors degree in Communications. He also played basketball abroad in Norway as team captain for the Harstaad Vikings. Ajene devoted his life to helping others as a teacher, basketball coach, mentor and program manager for The Austin Foundation. He taught in Seoul, South Korea and Los Angeles, CA. Ajene was an avid reader and lover of music, from jazz to classic R&B. He regularly listened to motivational speeches and podcasts and was an active member of Santa Monica, California’s Toastmasters organization.

Ajene’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Garfield High School’s theater at 1pm. Ajene’s legacy will live on in his children and in the lives of all those that he touched.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of  Ajene-Bomani Robertson
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