All Obituaries

Michael A. Thomas entered this world on August 15, 1960 in Perry, Georgia. He was born to Thelma Williams and James Thomas. Out of this union was 8 siblings Sylvia, Hope, Kevin, Constance, Bruce, Todd, Thaddeus and Gayle. Michael’s family later relocated to New Jersey, where he graduated from Elizabeth High School.  In 1987, Michael married his first wife Tamara Watts later divorced and remarried his current wife Sophia Morgan-Thomas. Michael had 6 children; Taneesha, Michael,...

Apryl LaToya Kabria Julious was born on October 27, 1977 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to John Henry Julious Jr. and Bobbie “Barbara” Simon. Apryl, affectionately known as Toya, departed this earthly life and entered into the Lord’s eternal presence on July 27, 2020 at the age of 42. Toya was educated in the Elizabeth Public School system and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1995. Following High School, she was employed by the Hershey Company of Edison, NJ for several...

William “Bill” Barksdale of Vauxhall, NJ formerly of Roselle, NJ peacefully departed on July 26, 2020 at home surrounded by his daughters. Born June, 1, 1934 to the late Thomas and Margaret Grasty Barksdale in Pittsylvania County, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Fitzgerald, Mary Sue Cook, Mildred Hankins and six brothers Fletcher, George, Roosevelt, Will, Woodrow and Stonewall Barksdale. He was the owner of Bills Breakfast and...

The vibrant Barbara Jean Walker was born October 8, 1945 in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Richard Lewellen Cashwell Sr. and Dolores Veronica (Brown) Cashwell. She was the first born of 11 children. Her parents taught her that hard work and a good education were paramount in life. As a nod to the beautiful woman who raised Barbara she named her first daughter Dolores. And Dolores named her daughter Veronica. When beauty, strength and grace collide the impact resonates through...

EVANGELIST PHYLLIS ARLENE MAYES (née Riles) was born on June 4, 1940 in Newark, New Jersey to the late David and Mary Riles.  Affectionately known as “Phyll” to family and friends, she was a devoted wife and loving mom who loved the Lord.  Evangelist Mayes was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 24, 2020. Phyllis received her formal education through the Newark Public School System.  She graduated from Newark’s Central High School in...

Shirley Jean Fountain was born to the late Roselle and Gladys Council on July 15, 1947 in Kinston North Carolina. Shirley passed away on Wednesday July 15, 2020 Shirley was a longtime resident of Elizabeth, N.J.  She was employed at Westfield Convalescent Center for many years. Shirley loved her family and friends. She enjoyed shopping and listening to old school music, Otis Redding was her favorite singer. She loved taking care of her long time and loved her partner Jamo; with her...

Fannie Lou Crosby was born on July 21, 1935 in Rock Hill, South Carolina to the late Nelson Durham and Hattie Watson Durham. She was the 4th child of 6 children in her family. She was a long time member of Union Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina and was baptized at a very young age. She was a graduate of Emmett High School, in Rock Hill, South Carolina and later was married to the Late Cornelius Crosby. They moved to Elizabeth, NJ many years later where she joined Union Baptist...