Wake services will be held at 6 p.m. Friday and funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at St. John AME Church in Marion.

Samuel was born on June 2, 1921, in Bishopville, a son and one of nine children of Robert Sr. and Mary Margaret Samuel Bradley. The Bradley home, in the Red Hill community, strongly emphasized learning wisdom from both Christian and formal education. Samuel’s parents required regular family attendance at New Zion AME Church to learn that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” among other religious instruction.

Samuel’s formal education included Cooper Mill, Rosenwall School, and Lincoln High in Sumter. He started his freshman college year at Morris College in Sumter before going to Allen University on a football scholarship. He began a more than 65 year membership with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity during his undergraduate years. Before graduating in 1947 with a bachelor’s degree from Allen University, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Samuel often said that, “The best thing I got from Allen University was meeting and marrying Beulah Mae Taylor,” his wife of 62 years. She passed away in March of 2009.

Samuel and Beulah were blessed with two daughters, Deloris Bradley Harris and Cathy Bradley Page, both of whom had successful public school teaching careers like their father and mother. Residing in Marion, Samuel abundantly provided for his family via a 38-year distinguished public school teaching career involving Terrell’s Bay High School, Centenary; Lincoln High School, Sumter; and Poynor Middle School and Wilson High School in Florence. He was a faithful longtime member of St. John AME Church in Marion and served many times as a delegate to important AME church lay organizations and general conferences. Similarly, Samuel provided many years of loyal service by helping to recruit new college students to his beloved alma mater, Allen University. In 2010, he was inducted into the Allen University Athletic Hall Of Fame.

In addition to Deloris of Durham, N.C., and Cathy of Columbia, Samuel is survived and loved by his brother, Robert (Lottie) Bradley Jr. of Bishopville; his sisters, Blanche (Isaac Sr.) Joe and Lillie Mae Mickens, both of Bishopville; his grandchildren, Sonya Harris of Durham, Charles Harris II of Chicago, Ill., Samuel Murphy of Columbia, and Jennifer Harris of Durham; his great-grandson, Zion Murphy; his brother-in-law, Seabrook (Willie Mae) Taylor; his sisters-in-law, Merlene Montgomery, Lucille Taylor and Jessie Bradley; and a host of wonderful nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

Interment will be at New Zion AME Church Memorial Garden, Bishopville.

Professional services entrusted to New Life Funeral Services LLC of Bishopville.

Mrs. Otis Ruffin Colwell Douglas, 85, passed away Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Charlottesville, where she had been living with her daughter, Beverly “BeBe” Colwell Adams since 2008.

Otis was born Nov. 5, 1926, in Youngstown, a daughter of Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Ida (Campbell) Ruffin.

She graduated from The Rayen School, The Ohio State University, where she received a B.A. from the School of Social Administration in 1948, Youngstown State University, where she received a Teaching Certificate in 1962, and Akron University, where she received her M.A. in School Psychology in 1970.

Otis lived all of her life in Youngstown, except during college and her first job in her field of social work at Aid for the Aged in Columbus.

While working in Columbus, she met her first husband, William A. Colwell.

Returning to Youngstown, she worked as a legal secretary for the law firm of Green, Schiavone and Murphy from 1953 to 1962.

In 1957, she married her second husband, Clifton O. Douglas Jr.

In 1962, she worked as a first-grade elementary school teacher at the Kimmel Brook Elementary School. In 1969, she was the first African American female visiting teacher and in 1970, she became the first African American school psychologist in the Youngstown Public School System. She retired in 1987.

Otis was an active member of the Third Baptist Church. She served on the Missionary Board and various other church committees.

Otis pledged the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (OSU) in 1946. In 1953, she began her lifelong membership in the Delta Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., now called the Youngstown Alumnae Chapter. Otis had been chapter president and held almost every elected and appointed position in the chapter. She was a Delta for 66 years and was honored with the Delta Sigma Theta Educator of the Year award in 2002.

Otis became a member of the Youngstown Chapter of the Links, Inc. in 1970. She was chapter president and held numerous other positions. Nationally, she was awarded alumna and platinum status in the Links Inc. in 2008.

Otis was a charter member of the Youngstown Branch of the Negro Women’s Business and Professional Club (organized by Mrs. Margaret Linton). She was a longtime member of the Socialite Bridge Club. She served on the board of directors of the Youngstown Area Urban League, Campfire Girls, Mahoning Children and Family Service Board, and Diagnostic Evaluation Counseling Center. She served as the Urban League representative for the publication of“Opportunities Unlimited” along with the Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce. She worked also on the Urban League’s bicentennial booklet,“Rediscover of the Past” in 1976. She was celebrated as one of the YWCA Women of the Year in 1983.

Otis is survived by her daughter, Beverly Colwell Adams, Ph.D. of Charlottesville; two sons, Clifton O. Douglas III of Youngstown and Dennis P. Douglas of Florida; grandchildren, Jasmine Adams of Florida, Shawn Douglas, Samoa Douglas Haskins, Clifton Douglas IV, and Kimberly Douglas, all of Columbus, and Dennis Douglas Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; great-grandchildren; her cousin, Alice Ruth Triplett (Clyde) and daughter, Cecilia Catley of Youngstown; and godchildren, Stephen, Cynthia, and Dean Francis, all of Columbus, who were also dear to her.

Otis was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and a grandchild, Nicole Douglas.

The family will receive friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Washington Funeral Home, where the Youngstown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity Inc. will perform the Omega Omega ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by a memorial tribute presented by the Youngstown Chaper of the Links Inc.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Third Baptist Church, with the Rev. Morris W. Lee officiating.

Interment will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Condolences may be emailed to Jewashton@aol.com or faxed to 330-782-2050.

Ministry of comfort provided by J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc.

Family, friends and the Cody High School community are mourning the loss of a long-time teacher.

The body of 33-year-old Dwyone Joiner was found in his Sussex Street home in Detroit Wednesday.

Detroit Police say he was killed from a gun shot wound, but investigators are not releasing any other details into the death.

A source with the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office tells Action News the case is being handled as a homicide, and no weapon was found at the scene.

Family members of Mr. Joiner say he taught English and helped with the yearbook.

He had taught at Cody for 11 years.

“We are saddened that a teacher at Cody High School has died,” said a statement from Jennifer Mrozowski from the Office of Communications at Detroit Public Schools. “We have had a crisis team to talk to students and staff.”

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com//dpp/news/region/detroit/police-investigate-cody-high-school-teachers-death#ixzz1jwX9WZM9

Johnny Gorman, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A home-going celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Niles. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and run until the time of service. Pastor Bryant L. Bacon Sr. will officiate. Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs.

Johnny Gorman was born April 12, 1934, in Marks, Miss., to the late James and Sarah (Gates) Gorman. He was the youngest of seven children.

He served in the U.S. Army. He was a science educator for 43 years collectively for Quitman County Public Schools, Long Branch (New Jersey) Public Schools, Benton Harbor Area Schools and Detroit Public Schools.

He was a member of the following organizations: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., John W. Moore Lodge No. 42 P.H.A., Al Zabir Temple No. 81, P.H.A., Homer E. Gaines Consistory No. 112, Miriam Chapter No. 56 OES, P.H.A, NAACP, Retired Teachers Association, and National Science Foundation.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Eva Gorman; a son, Johnny A. Gorman of Owings Mills, Md.; a daughter, Tenisha Gorman-Henry (Paul) of South Bend, Ind.; a sister, Ruby G. Martin of Chicago; a grandson, Paul Javaun Henry; a brother-in-law, Mr. Charlie A. Thompson of Blairs, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Wylean G. Thompson of Blairs and Eva Gorman of Clarksdale, Miss.; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, godbrothers, godsisters, godchildren, and godgrandchildren and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted with Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

Ken Ward, TV reporter, was set to drive Wednesday from Charlotte, N. C. to Tampa Bay, Fla. to start his new job at an ABC affiliate.

Instead, the 44-year-old was found dead early Wednesday morning at his home before the journey even started, leaving colleagues and viewers wondering what happened to the promising reporter.

His former news station, WSOC-TV, issued a brief statement Wednesday at 11:10 a.m. local time.

“We have lost a former member of our family here at Channel 9,” the message read in part.

The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which Ward was a member, said in a statement that the TV reporter died around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, but didn’t give other details.

An autopsy at the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will be performed to determine the cause of death, according to reports.

However, published reports suggested the Ward died of natural causes.

“This should have been a great day for him, and it’s sad that this has happened,” co-worker Ken Lemon, told Qcitymetro, a newspaper that covers the African American community in Charlotte.

“Ken was a very nice co-worker,” Lemon added. “He was very active in doing community events… He had a very pleasant demeanor. He was the kind of guy that anytime you saw him at work, he had a smile and a handshake – from the first day he came here until the last time I talked to him. And to know that we’re not going to see his smile or get to shake his hand again is very heart-breaking.”

Ward not only had the new job to look forward, but on Saturday, he and wife Letitia Ward celebrated their one-year anniversary.

Friends and family took to social media to express their condolences.

“R.I.P. Cousin nothing but good childhood thoughts of U!! Prayers of love and support Auntie, Sterlin, Donald and Leltia,” wrote Cheryl Ward, who currently lives in Harlem, N.Y.

A Little Rock Pioneer in medicine dies on New Year’s Day. Dr. Worthie R. Springer is one of the first African American graduates from UAMS and spent most of his life using his degree to help others.

Dr. Springer died at the age of 80. He practiced medicine for more than 50 years in the capital city. Family and friends remember the doctor as kind hearted and calm.
Lillian Springer sat between 2 of her 6 children while reflecting on her husband’s character. She says, “He dedicated his life to doing things that are good.”

Dr. Worthie Springer was married to Lillian for 54 years. Lillian says Springer wanted to be a doctor his whole life. She says, “At that time there were some things that were not always the best but he knew how to get to know other students and do the things he needed to do to graduate though it was a trying time.

Springer practiced medicine for more than 50 years in Little Rock and even made house calls when needed.

Reverend Hezekiah Stewart met Dr. Springer back in the 1970s and said he helped him out when he first came to Little Rock. Springer Boulevard in Little Rock is named in his honor. His friend JJ Lacey says it was a fitting switch, “That is just a small testament to his contribution to society,” says Lacey.

Dr. Springer not only helped others in his community, but he served his country. He spent four years in the United States Air Force. Springer also graduated from Philander Smith College and was involved in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Creacy A. Saunders December 13, 2011 Creacy A. Saunders, 62, of Syracuse, passed away Tuesday at Upstate at Community General Hospital. Born in Gatesville, NC, she resided in Syracuse for 40 years. Mrs. Saunders retired from the Syracuse City School District as a home and careers teacher, most recently at Huntington Middle School. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was predeceased by her parents, Willard and Bertha Saunders, and her brother, Michael Saunders.

Creacy is survived by Henry L. Green; one son, Henry A. Green; sister, Jean (William) Phillips; and one nephew, William E. Phillips. Funeral Services: noon Tuesday at Central Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Calling Hours: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the church, 1926 Midland Ave., Syracuse. Omega Omega service will be held at 11:30 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Delta Torch Foundation, PO BOX 6578, Syracuse, NY 13217. FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME has arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.comFarone & Son Funeral Home

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of  member Andre Coe, a former editorial assistant in the Dallas bureau of The Associated Press and the cooperative’s regional news desk in Phoenix, died Friday. He was 36.

“I mourn the passing of a courageous colleague whose passion for journalism was evident even during his illness. I know he longed for the day when he would return to the newsroom he loved so much, and so many of us rooted for the same,” said,  Errin Haines, NABJ’s Vice President of Print and a newswoman at The Associated Press’ Atlanta bureau who covers race and Southern politics.  ”Andre was a remarkable person whose life and example improved our industry and the lives of those who knew him. He will be missed.”

During his career at the AP, Coe reported from the Texas Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, and was one of the first reporters to arrive at the scene of a bus crash that killed 17 passengers in Sherman earlier that year. He wrote about the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the return of U.S. Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who successfully landed a passenger jet in the Hudson River in 1999, to his hometown of Denison.

“Andre would appear in our cramped newsroom after a long day out in the wet heat of a summer disturbed by Ike, drop a backpack heavy with gear, and inquire about our story,” said David Scott, the AP’s Central Regional editor. “Invariably, it was a story for which he’d again earned the byline, having dictated throughout the day the details and interviews that made it work.”

Coe had just started working as an editorial assistant at the AP’s West Regional desk in 2010 when he was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer.

“Andre was an inspiration to everyone he met,” said Dale Leach, AP’s Chief of Bureau for Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. “Even when his body was failing, his spirit remained hopeful and uplifting. We will miss his presence, but always remember his spirit.”

Coe was born in Fort Worth and grew up in Abilene. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in sociology in 2000 and returned to the school to earn a second degree in journalism in 2003.

Before coming to the AP, Coe was a reporter at the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser and the Dallas Examiner. He also had interned at the Austin American-Statesman and the Abilene Reporter-News.

He was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, where his nickname was Aries, for his warrior spirit, she said. Coe was an ROTC cadet and also a huge sports fan.

While battling his illness, Coe would often visit his colleagues and joke about the weight and hair he lost during his treatment for cancer. He was a constant upbeat presence on Facebook.

Coe is survived by his mother, Irene Coe of Abilene; two sisters, Vickie Hall of Plano and Kim Bogney of Allen; and a brother, Anthony Coe of Round Rock. Funeral services are pending.

Age 57 of Nashville, passed on November 21, 2011 following a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Dr. Pamela Williams was born in Savannah, GA and was educated in the public schools of that city. She completed three years of medical undergraduate studies at Fisk University before entering Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine. Dr. Williams earned her medical degree from Meharry in 1981.

She completed residency training in Internal Medicine at George W. Hubbard Hospital. After completing residency training, Dr. Williams joined the Meharry Medical School faculty, rising to the rank of tenured Professor and Executive Vice Dean of the School of Medicine at the time of her passing. She was a highly regarded expert in the field of Medical Education. A longtime Meharrian and icon in academic medicine, Dr. Williams devoted her entire career to the students of the School of Medicine, transforming the Office of Academic Affairs to enhance the student experience of hundreds of our graduates.

Dr. Williams leaves a tremendous legacy as a superb role model, mentor, counselor, caring and compassionate physician. She will always be remembered as a leader who truly lived up to the Meharry motto “Worship of God through Service to Mankind.” Dr. Williams was a member of The Links, Inc. as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Williams leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted friend and confidant, Dr. Anna Cherrie Epps; god-daughter, Brianna Houston; staff of Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Office of Student and Academic Affairs; cousins, many friends, and scores of students she nurtured and trained throughout her career.

While most students had already gone home for the holiday, some stayed behind to celebrate, but their party quickly turned tragic.

The NIU community woke to a shock early Wednesday morning, after receiving a text reporting that a student was shot while at an off campus party.

“This was an isolated incident that occurred as a result of an argument,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen.

Feithen says 19-year-old Chaz Thrailkill of Markham, IL was arguing with 22-year-old Steven R Agee II, at 809 Edgebrook Drive in DeKalb.  When Thrailkill pulled out a gun and shot Agee multiple times in the chest.

“During that exchange is when the victim was shot,” said Feithen

No one else at the party was hurt, Thrailkill was arrested several hours later near the DeKalb campus.

“Talking to witnesses, we were able to identify the suspect,” said Feithen.

Friends of Agee say they were over come with emotion when they heard he had been shot, and don’t understand why anyone would want to hurt him.

“I didn’t believe that Steven was involved in it, until I showed up with the ambulance and actually saw him,” said Agee’s fraternity brother Paris Harbour.

“A leader, very academically sound, just a great guy to be around,” said Agee’s fraternity brother Turan Crockett.

Agee was the president of Kappa Alpha Psi, and his fraternity brothers say he will be greatly missed.

“We stick close together and everything, we know everything about each other, like I said, we’re loosing a big part,” said Harbour.

NIU says it is doing everything it can to protect students, but can’t control what happens off campus.

“We are very much concerned about safety, we got very strong engaged involved police force,” said Vice President of NIU Relations Kathy Buettner.

Thrailkill is not a NIU student and is in jail on a 3-million dollars bond.  He’s charged with first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm.