All Obituaries

Minnie Mae (Tiny) Jenkins, the daughter of the late Luther and Minnie Sims Jenkins, was born on May 11, 1932 in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  She grew into the neighborhood tomboy.  She helped her father on his wood truck and drove the fish and produce truck around the truckster’s circuit.  And nobody, but nobody could beat her climbing the cherry tree for the purpose of reading, sleeping, or just disappearing when she didn’t want to be found. Minnie began teaching...

Linda J. Spradley, 75 of Harrisburg, passed July 27, 2020. Linda was reared in Tennessee and the daughter of the late Will Grill and R.B. Sweat, she was also predeceased by her husband Howard Spradley. Linda was a devoted member of First Zion Baptist Church, served on the Usher Board and was employed at Goodwill Industries for 42 years. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching tennis, game shows and westerns. Linda leaves a devoted son, Yonda Spradley and a host of relatives and friends....

We are here today, to witness the homegoing service for the late Ethel “Jean”  Daniel.  She lived 88 wonderful years on this earth and went home to be with the Lord on July 18, 2020. Jean was born in Harrisburg PA on September 4, 1931, and returned to the capital city in her later years which became her final resting place.  She received her early education in the state of Georgia, and was a graduate of Shellman Vocational High School.  However, she was...

Sandy L. Clark, 78 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on July 18th, 2020. Sandy was born in Orlando, Florida to the late James Clark and Fern L. Clark (maiden name Smith) on December 21, 1941.  He was involved in and enjoyed events at the Heinz Senior Center.  Sandy was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.  He also enjoyed the festivities at Penn National Race Track. Sandy is survived by his three sons; Adam L. Kent, Elliott L. Kent and James C. Kent; grandchildren of Adam L. Kent;...

Mrs. Joyce Littleton, Loving Wife, Mother and Friend.

Ricky Dean McDowell 61, of Harrisburg, passed  Friday July 10th peacefully at home.  He was born March 9, 1959, the son of the late Fred McDowell, Jr., and the late Mattie Lee Kates.  Ricky was born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina.  He moved to Harrisburg Pennsylvania in the 1970’s, while in high school.  Ricky received his latter education from John Harris High School.  He worked numerous jobs for over 30 years before having to retire early due to...

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16   Granda Louise Gladden, daughter to the late Cora Mae Gladden Porter and Robert “Lacey” Diggs was born Tuesday, January 3, 1956, in Harrisburg, PA.  Sister, as she was affectionately known, was educated in the public schools of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Sister was a very outspoken woman and to know her was...

David Walker peacefully transitioned to a more peaceful place on Monday, July 6, 2020. David was born September 18, 1943 at JC Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, PA to Maude and Louie Walker. Both parents preceded him in death. As David blossomed and grew in the Mount Union community, he saw to it that he pulled others along and other followed him. He was very active in the Bethel AME community, participating in church activities, i.e., Glee Club, church basketball and any other...

Gretchen S. Hobbs, 70 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on July 2, 2020. She was born October 1, 1949 to Donald Z. and Margaret S. Grubbs in Mckeesport, PA. She was the oldest child, having a younger brother, Donald K. Grubbs and his wife Li. She was predeceased by her mother and father, and her husband, the love of her life, James G. Hobbs. They had five beautiful children together, Alicia D. Watkins and her husband Shawn (Shawn preceded Gretchen in death) and their two children, Danielle...

Michael Carlton Holland 77, of Harrisburg passed peacefully on June 26, 2020. He was born in York, PA to the late Carlton B. Holland and Carolyn (Freeland) Holland. Along with his parents he is preceded by his wife Joyce Ann Holland. He retired from Verizon Communications as a construction supervisor with over 40 years of dedicated service. Michael was a member of St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church. He liked all types of gadgets and was a handy man, but his passion was all things...

Gilliland (Gil) Odell Johnson, 67, of Harrisburg, PA peacefully departed on June 26, 2020. He is survived by his devoted, loving mother Frances Sloane, and his three adult children. Gil attended St. Patrick’s Cathedral school/church, Bishop McDevitt High School, Shippensburg University, and Executive Airline Management Training Programs. Gil was a dedicated father and committed family-oriented man who deeply cherished his mother, his children and family.  Gil, a renaissance man,...

  Nicholas L. Branam Sr., 37 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on June 23, 2020 with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his step-father, Lance W. Ulen, grandfather, “Pop-Pop” Stewart B. Branam, grandmother, Millicent Hooper, and great-grandparents, Joe & Inez Fairfax, and Ernestine Robinson. Nicholas attended Central Dauphin High School, and later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Central Penn College. After several years of service as the Showroom Manager at...

Richard D. Arter, Sr. 94 of Harrisburg, passed June 18, 2020 in Lebanon VA Hospital. Richard was predeceased by his parents; George and Rachel Arter, his wife Rose and daughter Sharon Arter, his siblings; Carl Arter, Jean Carter, Delores Arter, Earl Arter, Julia Doleman and George Arter. Richard was an World War II Army Veteran and honorably discharged on March 19, 1946. Richard retired from the Carlisle Army Barracks after 35 years of service. He was a member of Harris AME Zion Church,...

Beverly Aliya Johnson was born on August 27, 1973, the fourth and youngest daughter of Melvin Thomas Johnson and Betty Jean Johnson. She graduated from Susquehanna Township High School (1991), Temple University (1996), Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg (2000).  Bev spent most of her professional career working at the Fair Housing Council of the Capital Region, most recently as Director of Programs.  She loved her neighborhood and volunteered with the Summit Terrace...

Larry E. Lawson Sr., 68 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on June 12, 2020. Larry was predeceased by both parents Herman Lawson Sr. and Blanch (Jeffries) Lawson and a sister, Lula Lawson.  Larry was a three-sport athlete, participating in wrestling, football, track and field, receiving a varsity scholarship in football from Clarion University. Larry retired with more than 30 years of service at Harrisburg School District, acquiring his Master's Degree from Millersville...

Earl Ausberry Batte Sr., 69 of Inglewood, CA passed peacefully on June 9, 2020. Earl was predeceased by his father, James Batte, mother, Ruth (Ausberry) Batte and his step-son, Ronald Henderson. Earl was born on February 13, 1951, in Steelton, PA. He was graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School where he participated in football. He attended Harrisburg Area Community College earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts. After graduating, Earl sought opportunities to...

Naomi Warrick, 96 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on June 7th, 2020. Naomi was a member of Wesley Zion AME, and enjoyed playing bridge with her Bridge Club. She also enjoyed gardening, shopping, and was very fashion conscious. Naomi leaves to cherish her memory her husband Howard S. Warrick, her son David Warrick, and her brother Richard Wells (Sara), as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Services will be held privately at Hooper Memorial Home, Inc. Friday June 12th with...

Shawn Keith Watkins was born April 20th, 1971 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Russell and Zelma Watkins. Shawn had a love for sports and was a huge Miami Dolphins football team fan. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Shawn departed this life on Saturday June 6th, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife Alicia Watkins, his two children Danielle Watkins and Keith Watkins; his siblings Russell Watkins Jr, Eric (Dawn) Watkins, Sherri (Roosevelt) Goode, and Rodney (Pat)...

Robert W. Franklin, age 80, of Harrisburg, PA, passed away peacefully June 3,  Robert Warner Franklin was the oldest child of four children. He was educated in the Harrisburg School District. At a young age, Bobby accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Shortly after, the late Reverend Williams baptized him into the fellowship of the Second Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA.  He served in the music ministry as well as doing anything that was asked of him to do. He loved his...

Dave A. Miller, also known as “Brother”, passed peacefully on May 30, 2020 in Harrisburg, PA. Born to Ivan and Cynthia Miller on the beautiful island of St.Thomas on August 6, 1951. He was preceded by his father Ivan A. Miller, son Kevin Wheatley, sisters; Sonya Miller-Batiste and Thyra Miller and brother Kent “Larry” Miller. He is survived by his mother Cynthia Miller, wife Margaret Miller, daughters; Adrienne Miller, Monique Miller, Sharee Hanley and son Davon...