June 30, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Roland Curdell Johnson, 65, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was born May 31, 1957, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son to the late Joseph and Barbara (Ruffin) Johnson. Roland departed this life on June 17, 2022 in Temple Hills, MD.
He was a graduate of Clairton High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh for a duration of time before exploring other career paths ultimately finding his footing in car sales. Roland worked as a Sales Manager for Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac.
Roland enjoyed spending time playing his bass guitar, riding his motorcycle, and attending Steelers games, but would root for the Bengals when his cousin was on the field. While he had some personal struggles in his young adult life, he worked diligently to make amends and overcome his adversities. People who knew him will always remember him with a smile on his face and infinite knowledge about anything related to car sales and profits. Selling cars was his passion and it showed through his work ethic and easygoing nature about the business.
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June 15, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Annette Marie Shogan, 69, was born August 9, 1952, in Braddock, PA. She was the beloved daughter to the late Edward and Margaret (Hixon) Shogan. Annette departed this life on June 5, 2022, at her residence in Powder Springs, GA, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Margaret Hixon Shogan and siblings Patricia Kalanish, Margaret Putzlocker, and Marion Askey.
Annette moved to McKeesport when she was 19 years old. Annette was the proud mother of seven beautiful children, whom she raised in McKeesport, PA. She recently moved to Powder Springs, GA. Annette was a stay-at-home mom and also worked as a housekeeper and caregiver. Annette enjoyed her grandchildren and would attend school functions, sports events, and academic celebrations. Annette was also well known in the community for many things, especially her cooking, her kind and giving spirit, and her willingness to help anyone out. She also had a sharp tongue, in love. You could always get a hot meal, a good laugh, and leave with a full stomach and whatever else you needed.
Annette enjoyed puzzle books, coloring, playing cards, a good bingo game, and going to the casino. She also took up sewing and crocheting when she was 11 years old. These hobbies stayed with her, as she taught her children and would sew doll clothes, clothes for her grandchildren, blankets, etc.
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June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Born and raised in McKeesport, PA, James Thomas Downs, Jr. was the youngest of four children. His parents, James Thomas Downs, Sr., and Cassie Session Downs, both of whom preceded him in death, welcomed their only son on August 1, 1929. He was affectionately known as J.T. and was adored and “mothered” by his three older sisters, Alethia Downs Taylor, Kathleen Downs Smith, and Ruth Downs Le Mon. James Thomas joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest on May 25, 2022.
Several years after completing high school, J.T. joined the U.S. Army. He received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty in 1953, at which time PFC Downs returned to McKeesport and temporarily shifted his career to the steel mill. Under the tutelage of his uncle, Henry Pierce, J.T. learned the art of barbering and was soon known as the best in the city. In addition to this craft, he built a career with UPS, making treks with the company for over 20 years. It wasn’t long after his retirement that he was back on the road as a school bus driver while still actively barbering in his shop and home. In its prime, J.T.’s Barbershop had become a school of sorts, as J.T. mentored and shaped the careers of many, including his late nephew, Shawn Taylor. In 2015 he bid farewell to the school system but continued cutting hair well into his 90s. In fact, he still had a couple of regular clients until a few short years ago.
J.T. was a man of many words and stories. Armed with the gift of gab and the memory of an elephant, he could hold lengthy conversations about anything—and he often did. It was likely his zeal for life that supplied material for his tête-à-têtes. Although he remained a lifelong resident of McKeesport, he traveled often as he enjoyed visiting family in other states. He especially loved boat fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and bringing ice-packed coolers of spot, flounder, croaker, and crabs back to McKeesport to share with family and friends. Arguably a close second to his barbering skills was his ability to leave people licking their fingers after tasting his famous smoked BBQ ribs.
He was a member of St. Paul AME Church for nearly his whole life and served his church family in various capacities. Over the years he had been a Trustee, Trustee Pro Tem and a member of the Finance Committee. Lending his unique and rich voice to worship services and church events for decades, he was most recently a member of the Senior Choir and the Ben Harris Singers. He was also a longstanding member of American Legion Post 666 in McKeesport.
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May 31, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Marva Ann Mosby, 84, of McKeesport, was born May 12, 1938, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter to the late Jesse and Anne E. (Johnson) Young.
A lifelong resident of McKeesport, she was a graduate of McKeesport High School (1956). In her youth, Marva played softball and played clarinet in the McKeesport High School band.
Marva was baptized at an early age and was a member of Zion Baptist Church for more than 70 years. She began what became her life’s passion, teaching Sunday School, while in high school and did so for more than 50 years. In addition to teaching her class, she also served as Sunday School Superintendent.
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May 26, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Charles (Charlie) Donald Mikell Sr., 88, of Monroeville formerly of McKeesport, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2022. Charles was born January 12, 1934, in McKeesport, PA. to the late Sadie and Eugene Mikell.
During his lifetime, Charlie (as his close friends and family called him) graduated from McKeesport High School in 1952; served in the Armed Forces as a Marine from 1952-1955 where he was Honorably Discharged as a PFC and received the medals of National Defense and Good Conduct. Charlie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lincoln University in 1959. Soon after he married the love of his life, former wife Jacqueline (Henry) Mikell and they spent 50 loving years together. He was also a second father to his “live-in” nephew, Cuyler Frank Mikell of Mount Lebanon, PA. Charlie was a faithful member of Calvary United Methodist Church until it closed.
Charlie was politically active and community-minded and received many rewards and acclimates. He mentored numerous African American youths regarding educational and life goals. His additional accomplishments included: Director of Community Action Pittsburgh (CAP) 1965-1972, CEO of CAP 1972-1977, Master of Public Health Degree from University of Pittsburgh (1972), President of the McKeesport Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1972-1976), McKeesport City Councilman (1982-1987). As a reward for his role with the NAACP, Charlie and his family were invited to President Jimmy Carter’s Inauguration in 1977. Charlie also served on a CDC Task Force for AIDS research during the height of the AIDS epidemic; and many charitable boards such as the Pittsburgh Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Boy Scouts of America – Calvary United Methodist Church chapter, and others.
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May 14, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Marian Elaine Acrie, 75, of Pittsburgh, was born August 7, 1946, in Greensburg, Westmoreland. She was the beloved daughter to John and Edna (White) Acrie.
Marian attended Sewickley High School and Westmoreland Community College where she receive her GED and studied in Food Service. Marian worked as a steam presser for a local Laundry Service Company in Irwin PA.
Marian departed this life on May 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was preceded in death by Her, father, John Wilson Acrie, Sr., mother, Edna Mae (White) Acrie, brothers, John Acrie, Jr., Charles Acrie, Edward Acrie, sisters, Charlene Acrie, Mary Gray, Lorraine Acrie, and Thelma Acrie.
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May 14, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Charlene Nelson, 83, died May 10, 2022. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12 noon May 16 at First Northeast Baptist Church, 311 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC 29229, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 12 noon. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
April 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Colleen “Coco” Thomas the beloved daughter of Donald and Sandra Young, was born on May 20, 1977, in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Thomas departed this life on April 10, 2022, in McKeesport Pennsylvania, joining her loved one, Donald Young, who preceded her in death.
She attended McKeesport Area High School. For many years, Colleen worked at S&S Transit as a devoted driver. Colleen loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and walking trails. Colleen also shared her love for cooking with her family. Her vibrant and energetic energy was contagious, and she had a smile that would light a room. Colleen is known to most as Coco someone who loved makeup, jewelry, and looking her very best “showstopper.”
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April 20, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Dorothy M. Jackson, 89, of Pittsburgh, was born September 28, 1932, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter to Shadrach S. and Myrtle Mae (Berryman) Still.
After graduating from the McKeesport School District in 1950, she went on to work as an Intermittent Intake Interviewer for the PA Dept Of Labor for over 30 years (only taking a brief break in between to raise her children). Dorothy and Harry met on a blind date and were married 6 months later on August 19, 1961. They were married for 48 years, and to this union, they had three beautiful children Harry III, Bruce, and Carla. Dorothy lived with her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dorothy knew and loved the Lord; she was baptized at a young age at Bethlehem Baptist Church in McKeesport, PA. When she married, she joined Bethesda Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. She was very active in her church for over 53 years. She was a Deacon, Elder, elected to the Session, a member of the Presbyterian Women, and Chairman of the Personnel Committee. She loved music and loved to sing. She became a member of the Chancel Choir from the beginning of her church membership.
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April 19, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Robert R. Barnes, 81, of Duquesne, was born September 13, 1940, in Petersburg, VA. He was the beloved son to the late James and Dorothy (Reeves) Barnes.
He attended Duquesne High School, and from there he enlisted in the United States Army. Robert worked for the USS Steel in Duquesne, later as a Security Guard for 25 years at Chatham Center. Robert married the love of his life, Cecelia Bradshaw. Robert and Cecelia lived in Duquesne, Pennsylvania.
Robert enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, and cutting hair in his spare time. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in Duquesne, PA
Robert departed this life on April 5, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, James Barnes, Sr., mother, Dorothy (Reeves) Barnes, brothers, Aurby Barnes, Leonard Barnes, James Barnes, Jr., and sister, Doris Ann Barnes.
Robert is survived by his loving spouse, Cecelia, together over 25 years, married for 8 years and 6 months; stepchildren; Anthony Berry, Banisha Middlebrook, Andre Berry, Jane Berry, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
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April 12, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Kenneth (Snuffy) Smith, 69, died April 7, 2022. Arrangements are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
March 29, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Mazie L. (Devine) Mclean, 87, died March 22, 2022. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St., McKeesport, PA 15132, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 12 noon. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
March 23, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Leonard Bertram Smith, 85, of McKeesport PA, was born January 2, 1937, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son to late Theodore and Hettie (Crawford) Smith.
After school Leonard enlisted in the United States Army and the Air Force. Leonard worked as a Security Guard for CCAC and retired from 30 years of service with the United States Steel of Corporation Duquesne Works. Leonard was married to his late bride Nancy for 43 years. Leonard and Nancy lived in Mckeesport, PA., until their health was failing and later moved with their son, Theodore to Pittsburgh, PA.
Leonard was a devoted husband and father. He loved western movies and taken his grandchildren to baseball games. He enjoyed his “Jolly Ranchers”. He was a former member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Leonard was active in many ELK organizations, such as, Booker T. Washington Lounge # 218 IBPOEW where he served as Treasurer for several years, he also served as Steel City Council # 8 where he served as Forrester, he served as trustee for Tri State Conference of Council, Henry C. Post 666 American Legion he served in the military in the United States Army and the Air Force. He received his honor as a past state president under the Beauty and Talent Department of the ELKs.
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March 12, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Samuel Gregory Phelps III, 72, died March 8, 2022. Friends will be received from 12 noon to 2 p.m. March 15, 2022 at Beulah Park United Methodist Church, 1615 Grandview Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132, where a memorial service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Arrangements are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
March 08, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Donald Oliver Kirby, 55, of Youngstown, OH., was born September 8, 1966, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son to Theodore and Ethel Mae (Warren) Kirby. Donald departed this life on February 26, 2022, at his residence in Youngstown, OH.
He attended schools in the McKeesport area School District. Donald worked as a Chef for various restaurants, to name a few, Heinz Field , PPG Paints Arena and in Youngstown, Buffalo Wild Wings. The job he enjoyed the most was being a chef at the Savoy in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Donald especially took pride in operating “Kirby’s Kitchen” with his wife Paula. In 2003 he was awarded top chef in sales at Heinz Field. He was an Executive Sous Chef. He was an excellent car detailer. He was also a humanitarian, cutting grass, catering and event planning for people in his community.
Donald was a person who would give you the shirt off his back. He truly loved his family and friends, especially his grandchildren! He had a very strong relationship with his twin brother, Ronald. He was a former member of Zion Baptist Church. He also was a diehard Steelers Fan. He figuratively bled black and gold. To accept a loss to any team he was beyond his comprehension. Donald and Paula lived in Youngstown, Ohio, but every Sunday he would put his Steelers gear on, sit in front of his television, and cheer on the Steelers as if he was in the stadium.
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