Obituaries
INTERNATIONAL BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Shauna Carr, member of the International Board of Trustees, Dean of the Lexington Kentucky Branch, and mother of Drs. Kyetia and Ian Carr, passed away peacefully, Tuesday morning, June 27, 2023. She was a longtime member of the IDMR. Expressions of condolences may be sent to her daughter, Dr. Kyetia Carr at 491 Whispering Hills Drive, Lexington, KY 40517. No flowers or arrangements please. Donations in lieu of flowers are greatly appreciated. The memorial service for Dr. Shauna Carr will be Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Mitchell Fine Arts Center, 250 W Fourth St, Lexington, KY 40508. The service will begin at 11:00 am EST. Class on Sunday, July 23rd, will be held at the same location from 11:00 am -1:00 pm.
BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Eric Harris, youngest son of Dr. Valorie Harris a longtime member of the IDMR Oklahoma City Branch, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Eric is also the nephew of IDMR Oklahoma City’s Dean, Dr. Wingfield Grimes, Jr. and the nephew of Dr. Patricia Nelson, Dean of Banning. Please direct all calls to Eric’s aunt, Dr. Cheryl Rose at (405) 400-5717. Donations in lieu of flowers are appreciated. Expressions of condolences may be sent to the family in care of Dr. Wingfield Grimes, Jr., 5516 SE 86th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73135.
The Celebration of Life Services for Dr. Harold Baptiste, Jr. a longtime member of the IDMR will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at: Wilco Work Spaces, 1615 Scottsdale Drive, Building Two (The Cove Conference Space – Suite 200D), Cedar Park, TX 78641. Housing with the Austin, TX Branch is extremely limited. For a list of area hotels and/or if you will be attending class in Austin on Sunday, September 3rd, please contact Dr. Betty Mosley, Hospitality Chairperson at: 337-278-0600 or email: bj@louisiana.edu.
Mrs. Thelma Middleton of Cleveland, Ohio passed away Monday, August 7, 2023. She was the mother of Dr. Anna Baker of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch. The contact person is Dr. Melanna Moore (216) 926-7721.
Dr. Zebulun Ariel, a longtime member of the Huntsville Branch and Public Relations Director, passed away on August 3, 2023. Services will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Location: Royal Funeral Home Chapel (https://www.royalfh.com), 4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810. Expressions of Condolences may be sent to his wife, Rohe Ceesay, 1305 Pulaski Pike NW, Huntsville, AL 35816. Donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. For additional information, please contact Maureen Vaughn 256-682-0323.
Mr. Roosevelt Allen Ray, husband of Dr. Fern Ray of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed away July 30, 2023 in Los Angeles surrounded by his daughter and granddaughter. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Crossing Ministry, 400 East Palmer Street, Compton, CA 90221 from 11:30 AM – 12:45 pm. The seating is limited to 140 people maximum. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Dr. Fern Ray at 5330 10th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043.
Dr. Demolia V. Peterson, a faithful, longtime member of the IDMR Dallas Branch, took off the flesh Wednesday, July 26, 2023. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 2 pm at the Lomax Funeral Home, 2703 Elsie Faye Heggins Street, Dallas, Texas 75215. A Repast will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 3:30 pm at the Janie C Turner Recreation Center, 6424 Elam Road, Dallas, Texas 75217. Condolences may be sent to Jason Peterson, 8320 Park Lane, #206 Dallas, Texas 75231.
Dr. Sharon Becker, longtime member of the IDMR Binghamton New York Branch/Cottage, took off the flesh Sunday, July 23rd. She was formerly the Secretary of the Binghamton Branch. There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at the DeMunn Funeral Home located at 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. No meal function at the family’s request. Please visit: www.demunn.com to read the obituary. Cards of condolence may be sent to her brother, Chuck & Bonnie Bechtel, PO Box 75, Glen Aubrey, NY 13777.
Dr. Elvera (Vera) Parks, a longtime member of IDMR, member of the Las Vegas Branch and formerly a member of the Los Angeles Branch, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023. Cards and condolences may be sent to her son, Keith Campbell, at 3750 Shirebrook Drive, Apt. 50, Las Vegas, NV 89115. Donations in lieu of flowers are greatly appreciated. The memorial service for Dr. Parks will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the West Charleston Library Lecture Hall, 6301 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89146. The service will be held from 12 pm – 2 pm. Doors will open at 11 am. If you plan to attend the memorial service, please send an email to: idmrhospitalitylv@gmail.com. PLEASE adhere to all IDMR Covid protocols and guidelines. Masks are required to be worn by everyone.
Accommodations – There are several off-Strip Hotels in close proximity:
Suncoast Hotel
9090 Alta Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 636-7111
Sonesta Select Las Vegas/Summerlin
1901 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89108
(702) 646-4400
Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Summerlin
4280 S Grand Canyon Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89147
(702) 227-3305
Red Rock Casino and Resort Hotel
11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 797-7777
Dr. Juliana Hagger, a longtime member of IDMR and current member and Secretary of the IDMR Clear Lake Texas Branch, took off the flesh peacefully surrounded among close family on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 7:37 a.m. We would like to thank the members of the Clear Lake Branch and members from all of the local area schools who provided support for the family during her illness.
A Video Presentation and Service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the following location and times:
Clayton Funeral Homes, 5530 Broadway Street Pearland, TX 77581 (281) 485-4446
Video Presentation (in lieu of viewing): 9:00 a.m.Service: 10:00 a.m.
The repast will be held immediately following service at — Crime Stoppers of Houston, 3001 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 (Entrance at Rosaline & Fannin)
Condolences may be sent to: Dr. Jocelyn Payne and Xandria Cole 14030 Lago Creek Ct. Rosharon, TX 77583 713-505-3308 (Jocelyn). 832-794-4828 (Xandria)
Mr. Richard Morales, father of Dr. Teresa January of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Pico Rivera, CA. There will be a private service for the immediate family only. Expressions of condolences may be sent to: The family of Richard Morales, 730 N. Whitnall Highway #326, Burbank, CA. 91505.
Dr. Jewell Young, a longtime member of the IDMR Little Rock Arkansas Branch, took off the flesh on Monday, June 19, 2023. She is the mother of Dr. Anton Young of the Little Rock Branch and Dr. Jerry Young of the Jackson, MS Branch. Condolences may be sent to Dr. Anton Young at 6409 Facts Court, Little Rock, AR 72209 and Dr. Jerry Young at 5104 Post Oak Road, Jackson, MS 39206. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the IDMR Little Rock Arkansas Branch School located at 202 S. Palm Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.
Dr. Samuel Holmes passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the University Park Health Care Center in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Holmes was a longtime member of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch and faithfully attended class until his health would no longer permit. There will be no service.
Dr. William Bennie Nelson, a longtime member of the IDMR Dallas Branch, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Public Viewing will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023, 3-8pm at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 6449 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75241. Funeral Services are Friday, May 26, 2023, 12:30pm at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 6449 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75241. The Repast will be held Friday, May 26, 2023, 2-4 pm at Tommie M. Allen Recreation Center, 701 Bonnie View Rd. Dallas, Texas 75241. Burial will be Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 1 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
Dr. Cecil Washington, a longtime member of the IDMR Baton Rouge Branch, took off the flesh on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at the Wilson-Wooddale Funeral Home (1553 Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806) Saturday, May 20, 2023. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. Expressions of condolences, please contact Dr. Mable Jackson at (225) 270-0045 for further information.
Dr. Clifton Prince, a longtime member of the Banning Branch, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023. Expressions of condolences may be sent to the family, addressed to his daughter, Dr. Ashika Prince, 247 N. Cherry Street #A, Banning, CA 92220. The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1320 W. Williams Street, Banning, CA 92220
Mrs. Leola Redmond passed away March 7, 2023 in Lynwood, CA. She was the mother of Drs. Alvin Redmond, Jr., Earnestine Redmond, Stephanie Chatman, Bobbie Redmond and Veronica Redmond, all of the Los Angeles Branch. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11 am, at Founder’s Church, 3281 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family as follows: Dr. Alvin Redmond, Jr., 3219 Syracuse Avenue, Baldwin Park, CA 91760.
Dr. Diana LaFaro, a longtime, beloved member of the IDMR Hornell NY Branch, passed peacefully the evening of Thursday, March 16, 2023. She served as Choir Director and Assistant as well as Public Relations Director. Expressions of condolences may be sent to her husband, Dr. James LaFaro, 16 Fulton Street, Hornell, NY 14843.
Dr. Laverne A. Cheeks exchanged time for eternity on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. He was formerly a member of the IDMR New Orleans Branch, and later attended class in Gary, Indiana and Hazelcrest, Illinois until he was no longer able. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at the Guy & Allen Chapel, 2959 W. 11th Avenue, Gary, Indiana. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Dr. Lionel Leonard, a longtime member of IDMR, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. Expressions of condolences may be sent to his wife, Dr. Katherine Leonard at 2527 1/2 2nd Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90018. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Founder’s Church, 3281 West 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Please, no phone calls, until further notice.
Dr. Nikki Fishback of the Los Angeles Branch, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023. She was the mother of Dr. Tia Fishback Brown. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 am, at Founder’s Church, 3281 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Expressions of condolences may be sent to her daughter, Dr. Tia Fishback Brown, 2146 S. Orange Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90016.
Mr. Earl Payton of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away Wednesday March 8, 2023. He was the brother of Drs. Earnest Peyton of New Orleans West Bank Branch, and Charles Kevin Wilmore and Keith Wilmore of the Los Angeles Branch. For additional information, the contact person is Dr. Sharon Wilmore 504-957-3812.
Dr. Muriel M. Mathis, a longtime member of the IDMR Detroit Branch, made her transition Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Texarkana, Arkansas where she currently resided. As a member for 40+ years, Dr. Mathis served as the State and Head Secretary of the Detroit Branch for many years. Memorial services will be handled by the Jones Stuart Mortuary, located at 115 East 9th Street in Texarkana, Arkansas 71854. Expressions of condolences may be sent to her sister, Ms. Jeanetta Burkins, 4702 Sanderson Lane, Texarkana, AR 71854. Everyone is welcome to call any time. If you would like to speak with the family, please contact Ms. Jeanetta Burkins at 870.772.4798 (home) or 903.277.4437 (cell).
Dr. Jeffery Brown, a longtime member of the IDMR Dallas Branch passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Public Viewing will be held from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Rolfe Funeral Home, 2936 NE 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Rolfe Memorial Chapel, 2936 NE 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. Expressions of condolences, please contact the Dallas PR Director, Dr. Lola Brown at (972) 217-0294 for further information.
Dr. Jerome “Jay” Woodward, a longtime, beloved member of the IDMR Columbus Ohio Branch, passed peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 03, 2023. Expressions of condolences may be forwarded to his wife of 50 years, Dr. Pamela “Pam” Woodward, at 704 Moreno Drive, Reynoldburg, OH 43068. There will be no services held. Please click here to view the obituary: https://www.diehl-whittaker.com/obituaries/Jerome-Woodward?obId=27481944#/celebrationWall
Mr. Adrian Glover, husband of Dr. Audrey Glover and brother of Dr. Juqua Glover of the IDMR Las Vegas Nevada branch, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130. Expressions of condolences may be sent to Dr. Audrey Glover at 77 Day Trade Street, Unit 2, Henderson, NV 89074.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Green passed away Monday, February 20, 2023. She was a longtime member of the Akron Ohio Branch, then relocated to the Mesa Arizona Branch in 2022. Funeral information will be forthcoming.
Dr. Naomi Watson a longtime member of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed on Friday, February 17, 2023. She was the wife of Dr. Reao Watson and the mother of Dr. Katrina Johnson, both of the Los Angeles Branch. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 12 pm, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1320 W. Williams Street, Banning, CA 92220. Expressions of condolence may be sent to her daughter, Dr. Katrina Johnson, 289 N. El Molino Avenue Apt. 405, Pasadena, CA 91101. Please, no phone calls or text messages at this time.
Mr. John Francis, Sr., father of Dr. John Francis, Jr. of the IDMR New Orleans Westbank Branch, passed on Monday, February 13, 2023. Services will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5953 Bowman Roberts Rd, Fort Worth, Texas 76179. Condolences may be sent to 6840 Delta Ridge Avenue, Slidell, LA 70461. The phone number to contact the family is (504) 491-9655.
Mr. James Crawford, grandfather of Drs. Michael and Leonard Crawford of the IDMR New Orleans Westbank Branch, passed on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Services will be February 25, 2023 at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 1738 LB Landry Avenue, Algiers, LA., beginning at 10 am.
Dr. Dennis Graham, Sr., father of Dr. Dennis Graham, Jr. of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in Norfolk, VA. A Memorial service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126. Cards and expressions of condolences may be sent to Dr. Dennis Graham, Jr., 5230 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401.
Ms. Dana Brooks, sister of Dr. Eric Brooks of the IDMR New Orleans Westbank Branch, passed on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. There will be no services.
Mr. Joseph Young III, father of Dr. Jeannine Young of the IDMR New Orleans Westbank Branch, passed on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. There will be no services.
Mr. Larry Cambrice, husband and father of Drs. Darleen Cambrice, Brittaney Bonnee’ and Brandace Anthony of the IDMR New Orleans Westbank Branch, passed on Monday, February 6, 2023. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Condolences may be sent to 1513 Gardena Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122. The phone number to contact the family is (504) 908-3030.
Dr. Genniev Gray, a longtime member of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed on Thursday, February 2, 2023. She was the mother of Drs. Paul Gray and Leon Gray of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, and Teresa Gray and Billy Gray. Memorial Services will be held Saturday May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Founder’s Church of Religious Science, 3281 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Cards and expressions of condolences may be sent to the family in care of Dr. Paul Gray, 1733 W. 50th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90062. His phone number is 323-632-9385.
Dr. Georgia Robinson of the Sacramento Branch passed on Friday, January 27th, 2023. Her funeral is scheduled for February 18th, 2023, at Wiggins Knipp Funeral Home, 524 Capitol Street in Vallejo, CA. Viewing of the body is Friday, February 17th from 3 to 8 PM. Services on Saturday will begin at 11:00AM. Questions or inquiries may be directed to the Sacramento Branch President or other Sacramento Branch Officers.
Dr. Johnny Johnson, a longtime member of the Columbus, Ohio Branch for many years, passed on peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Dr. Johnson was a faithful member until the last few years when his health began to decline. There are no final services planned as of this date. “Dr. Johnny’s” body will be transported to Mount Airy, North Carolina, where the members of his physical family reside.
Mr. Wilbur Charles, father of Dr. Leslie Hill of the Los Angeles Branch, passed on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Pasadena, CA. Services will be held at Pasadena Church (East Campus), 425 Sierra Madre Villa Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91107 at 11 AM on Friday January 27, 2023. Expressions of condolence may be sent to Dr.Leslie Hill, 1151 W. Avenue J14, Lancaster, CA 93534.
Dr. Ernest Marable of the Banning CA Branch passed on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He was the stepfather of Brianne Woodward of the Los Angeles Branch. Expressions of condolence may be sent to his wife, Dr. Jackie Marable, of the Banning Branch at 1625 Beaver Creek, Unit B Beaumont, CA 92223.
Dr. Debra Elaine Brinson, a longtime member of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch, passed quietly on Sunday, January 1, 2023. She was the wife of Dr. William Brinson, the mother of Drs. Renny (William), Wesley, and Whitney Brinson, all members of the Los Angeles Branch. There will be no services. Please, no phone calls. Expressions of condolence may be sent to The Brinson Family at 5607 S Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90062.
Dr. Selwyn May of the IDMR Cleveland Ohio branch passed on Friday, December 16, 2022. Expressions of condolences may be sent to his wife, Dr. Patricia May, at 20112 Gardenview Drive, Maple Heights, OH 44137. The Wake will be held on Thursday, December 29th, 2022 From 4 pm – 8 pm. at Calhoun Funeral Home 23000 Rockside Road Bedford Heights, OH 44146
Dr. Mariel Renee Patton of the Northern Virginia branch passed on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Mariel was the daughter of Drs. Robert and Marquel Patton and sister of Dr. Marissa Patton, all of the Northern Virginia branch. She was also the granddaughter of Drs. Malcolm and Gladys Lias of the Los Angeles, CA branch; Drs. Fred and Joan Bond of the Franklin-Middletown, OH branch. On behalf of the family, expressions of condolences can be sent to Dr. Marquel Patton at 16354 Gangplank Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22191. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Woodbridge, VA 22192 on Saturday, January 14, 2023. Family visitation will begin at 10:30 am with the Service to start at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed via Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Facebook page as follows: https://www.facebook.com/miller.f.home/videos/564928595220683
Dr. DeLynn Gill of the IDMR Los Angeles Branch passed on Thursday, December 15, 2022. DeLynn was the wife of Dr. Bryan Gill. Information regarding the Memorial Service is forthcoming. Expressions of condolence may be sent to: Dr. Bryan Gill, 2112 Via Pacheco, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274.
Dr. Linda Peyton, a longtime member of the IDMR New Orleans and New Orleans Westbank Branches passed on Friday, December 9, 2022. Dr. Peyton served as the Choir Director for many years. Expressions of condolences may be sent to her husband, Dr. Earnest Peyton at 5530 Maple Ridge Drive, New Orleans, LA 70129. A service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Boyd’s Funeral Home, 5001 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70126. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 10:00 am Central Standard Time (CST).
For those without Facebook, the service can also be viewed via livestream on the homepage of the funeral home’s website by clicking here: https://www.anewtraditionbegins.com/ Please scroll to the bottom of the homepage. The link will be located at the bottom right corner of the homepage. Please note, the link for the livestream will not be available until 10:00 am CST.
The complete obituary may be viewed at this link: Click Here
There will not be a Repast.