Deceased Date: 2019-05-23

Obituary:
Mr. Duckett was born April 6, 1930, in Roanoke, Virginia, a son of Ossie Bernard and Ethel Nimmo Duckett. His grandmother was Sophie Duckett.
Shirley B. was a product of the Roanoke City Schools, graduating from Lucy Addison High. He continued his education at Morristown Normal and Industrial College in Morristown, Tennessee where he received an Associate Degree in Social Science.
Following college he was drafted in the Armed Forces serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, ranking as a corporal.
He met and married the love of his life, Ruth Poindexter and relocated to Farrell, Pennsylvania, later relocating to Youngstown.
He was employed by National Castings Steel Company as a chipper for nearly 30 years. After the closing of the mill, he initially volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank where he later became a full-time employee as a truck driver. He remained there for 22 years upon retiring.
Mr. Duckett was a member of the Bethel Church of God in Christ, where he served as a deacon, financial secretary, choir member and spearheaded the food Pantry under the leadership of the late Bishop R.S. Fields and the late Elder Frank Foster. He continued in those capacities under the leadership of Superintendent Ross Johnson until his health failed. He was a foster parent for Daybreak Host Homes.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving children, Eileen (Rev. George) Batchelor of Youngstown, Addie (Rev. James) Crawley of Jacksonville, Florida, Randy Duckett (Renita Henderson) of Niles, Daphne Rebecca Duckett of Youngstown, Carolyn (William Dennis) Brown of Girard, Laraine Poole of Youngstown and Calvin Poindexter of Portland, Oregon; four sisters, Anita D. Wilson, Patricia (Fred) Baker, Ethel Lowan Duckett all of Roanoke and Donna (Ronald) Williams of Salem, Virginia; three brothers, James Richard (Janet) Duckett of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Harold Duckett and Reginald L. Duckett both of Roanoke; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; an adopted daughter, Sandra Cash; Goddaughter, Monica Cobbin; two stepchildren, Iris Pippen and James Jones IIII and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Duckett; second wife, Barbara Duckett and a son, James Clinton Poindexter.

Birth Date: 1931-08-10

Deceased Date: 2020-03-23

Birth Date: 1925-02-22

Deceased Date: 2017-05-19

Obituary:
Lillie Mae Bennett died May 19, 2017 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born February 22, 1925 in Mountsville, South Carolina, Lillie Mae attended Allen University to get her Master’s Degree in education. She worked as a teacher at Longfellow School for 19 years. She was a Disciple of Bethel A.M.E. and a former member of the senior choir. Lillie Mae was predeceased by two sons, Glynn Lamar Bennett and Dwight Sylvester Sams. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Hugh(Gail) M Bennett of Michigan; Kwadwo (Afua) Perry Bennett of Stratford; one daughter, Pearlye Sams Allen (LuLu) of Bridgeport; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews and nieces.

Birth Date: 1936-09-05

Deceased Date: 2022-06-11

Obituary:
ELIZABETH FINNEY CARTER was born September 5, 1936, to Boyce Leroy Finney Sr. and Annie Pearl (Pitts) Finney in Laurens, Newberry County, SC, by a mid-wife. She quietly entered the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2022.
Her family moved to Pennsylvania to seek better employment opportunities when she was three months old. Elizabeth Carter received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at 12 years old and was baptized at age 16 (John 3:16).
After graduating from Delhaas High School, Liz, as called by her family and close friends, later married her childhood sweetheart, the late Alec Samuel Carter. To this union was born one beloved daughter, Alecia Madeline. She later furthered her education and graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Voorhees, NJ, to be a profitable servant of God. Liz spent most of her employment in social services and retired in 2004 as a Caseworker for the Bucks County Welfare Office in Pennsylvania. Liz loved to cook and was known for her collard greens, macaroni & cheese, and all knew that she challenged herself to make a meal out of whatever was left in the kitchen.
She served the Lord in her church and community wherever she resided. She was a genuine “member” … she taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and sang in the choir in the various churches. Indeed, she was a “member.” In 2010 she moved to Virginia with her daughter and son-in-law and joined Temple Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, where she actively served the Lord. When the family moved to Tennessee in 2021, Liz moved with them and became a member at Nolensville Road Baptist Church (Revelation 14:13).
“Mama Carter,” as she was affectionately known to those in Virginia and Tennessee, spent many years serving the Lord in Pennsylvania, and she didn’t stop when she moved. When she moved to Virginia, no grass grew under her feet. Upon joining Temple Baptist Church, Liz immediately got to work and saw opportunities to serve the Lord. She rarely met a stranger and looked for any opportunity to share Christ with others. Liz volunteered at the Stafford Court House, became involved with the Stafford Senior Citizens Counsel, worked on the kitchen committee, and enjoyed meeting new friends at the Thursday Lunch Bunch. She also worked well with her hands, sewing, and later picked up a paintbrush and learned to paint at the local art class. In addition, Liz met with her buddies at the Morning “Seniorcise” Group to stay in shape. Once moving to Tennessee, she participated in the weekly outreach program at Nolensville Baptist Church, calling on and encouraging sick and shut-in members. Liz frequented the Senior Center in Mount Juliet, TN, to maintain fitness and extend her painting skills. Most of all, she loved and enjoyed the new changes and ministry opportunities God gave her to serve.
Nevertheless, it was no secret what (or who) she loved most because she always took the time to tell others about her friend, Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20). Liz loved her family and enjoyed the family gatherings - especially preparing the food! In addition, she enjoyed teaching, shopping, traveling, theatre, singing, reading, and of course, spoiling her grandchildren!
She leaves to treasure her memories, a precious, loving daughter, Alecia, and her beloved husband, Mark Austin, two God-fearing grandchildren, Andre’ (Krystiana) and Samantha, and two beautiful great-grandsons, Aaric and Prince.
Additionally, she leaves behind two sisters, Bertha Finney and Thelma Johnson, both of Willingboro, NJ, one brother Leroy (Janice) Finney of Trenton, NJ, one sister-in-law, Gladys Finney of Burlington, NJ, an aunt, Belle Pitts of New York City, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She considered several as her “Sons in the Faith” - Jerry Womack, Curtis Hills, Byron Hannon, Harold Vaughan, Bryan Moody, Greg Keene, Roger Bowman, DeAndre’ McLemore, Seth Haines, Tom Phillips, and Daniel Adrian to name a few.
Liz gave visible evidence and testimony of her faith and her walk with Jesus Christ until she was physically unable to do so. Even when it became evident that Leukemia would win the earthly battle, she remained steadfast and unmovable in the spiritual battle. Scores have drawn closer to the LORD because of her faithful walk.
To God be the Glory!
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Gideons International – www.gideons.org/donate; Christ Life Ministries – www.christlifemin.org/donate; Dare for More – www.dareformore.org/donate; or Teen Challenge – www.teenchallengeusa.org

Birth Date: 1936-09-05

Deceased Date: 2022-06-11

Obituary:
ELIZABETH FINNEY CARTER was born September 5, 1936, to Boyce Leroy Finney Sr. and Annie Pearl (Pitts) Finney in Laurens, Newberry County, SC, by a mid-wife. She quietly entered the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2022.
Her family moved to Pennsylvania to seek better employment opportunities when she was three months old. Elizabeth Carter received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at 12 years old and was baptized at age 16 (John 3:16).
After graduating from Delhaas High School, Liz, as called by her family and close friends, later married her childhood sweetheart, the late Alec Samuel Carter. To this union was born one beloved daughter, Alecia Madeline. She later furthered her education and graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Voorhees, NJ, to be a profitable servant of God. Liz spent most of her employment in social services and retired in 2004 as a Caseworker for the Bucks County Welfare Office in Pennsylvania. Liz loved to cook and was known for her collard greens, macaroni & cheese, and all knew that she challenged herself to make a meal out of whatever was left in the kitchen.
She served the Lord in her church and community wherever she resided. She was a genuine “member” … she taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and sang in the choir in the various churches. Indeed, she was a “member.” In 2010 she moved to Virginia with her daughter and son-in-law and joined Temple Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, where she actively served the Lord. When the family moved to Tennessee in 2021, Liz moved with them and became a member at Nolensville Road Baptist Church (Revelation 14:13).
“Mama Carter,” as she was affectionately known to those in Virginia and Tennessee, spent many years serving the Lord in Pennsylvania, and she didn’t stop when she moved. When she moved to Virginia, no grass grew under her feet. Upon joining Temple Baptist Church, Liz immediately got to work and saw opportunities to serve the Lord. She rarely met a stranger and looked for any opportunity to share Christ with others. Liz volunteered at the Stafford Court House, became involved with the Stafford Senior Citizens Counsel, worked on the kitchen committee, and enjoyed meeting new friends at the Thursday Lunch Bunch. She also worked well with her hands, sewing, and later picked up a paintbrush and learned to paint at the local art class. In addition, Liz met with her buddies at the Morning “Seniorcise” Group to stay in shape. Once moving to Tennessee, she participated in the weekly outreach program at Nolensville Baptist Church, calling on and encouraging sick and shut-in members. Liz frequented the Senior Center in Mount Juliet, TN, to maintain fitness and extend her painting skills. Most of all, she loved and enjoyed the new changes and ministry opportunities God gave her to serve.
Nevertheless, it was no secret what (or who) she loved most because she always took the time to tell others about her friend, Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20). Liz loved her family and enjoyed the family gatherings - especially preparing the food! In addition, she enjoyed teaching, shopping, traveling, theatre, singing, reading, and of course, spoiling her grandchildren!
She leaves to treasure her memories, a precious, loving daughter, Alecia, and her beloved husband, Mark Austin, two God-fearing grandchildren, Andre’ (Krystiana) and Samantha, and two beautiful great-grandsons, Aaric and Prince.
Additionally, she leaves behind two sisters, Bertha Finney and Thelma Johnson, both of Willingboro, NJ, one brother Leroy (Janice) Finney of Trenton, NJ, one sister-in-law, Gladys Finney of Burlington, NJ, an aunt, Belle Pitts of New York City, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She considered several as her “Sons in the Faith” - Jerry Womack, Curtis Hills, Byron Hannon, Harold Vaughan, Bryan Moody, Greg Keene, Roger Bowman, DeAndre’ McLemore, Seth Haines, Tom Phillips, and Daniel Adrian to name a few.
Liz gave visible evidence and testimony of her faith and her walk with Jesus Christ until she was physically unable to do so. Even when it became evident that Leukemia would win the earthly battle, she remained steadfast and unmovable in the spiritual battle. Scores have drawn closer to the LORD because of her faithful walk.
To God be the Glory!
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Gideons International – www.gideons.org/donate; Christ Life Ministries – www.christlifemin.org/donate; Dare for More – www.dareformore.org/donate; or Teen Challenge – www.teenchallengeusa.org

Birth Date: 1949-04-28

Deceased Date: 2002-09-16

Obituary:
Dwight Sams, age 53, of Stratford, entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 16, 2002, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven. He was born on April 28, 1949, in Columbia, S.C., to David Sams and Lillie Mae Duckett. He leaves to cherish his memory sons, Dwight and Dwayne; daughters, Dwylene and Lashaunne Sams; brothers, Hugh Bennett, Kwadwo Bennett; a sister, Pearlye Sams Allen; a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and several other family relatives. He was predeceased by one brother, Glynn Bennett.