All Obituaries

SMITH, Mary Frances, age 85, of Dayton, Ohio, born August 7, 1933 in Richmond, Indiana, departed this life November 6, 2018 after an extended illness. She retired from General Motors after several years of service where she was active in the union (IUE-CWA). She enjoyed reading, decorating her home, politics, and spending time with family and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth (Fox) Ralston and Willard Smith; son, Richard “Ricky” Smith; grandson, Jonothan...

 RAGLIN, Jr., William “Butchie” Lauderdale, born July 15, 1985 in Dayton, OH, was called home November 12, 2018. Butchie attended Trotwood Madison High School and was a volunteer coach for the Dayton Flames. He had a heart of gold and dedicated his time to loving and supporting his children, family and friends. He will be missed by all. Preceded in death by his mother, Janet Patton and father, William Lauderdale Raglin Sr. He is survived by his children, Taron Britt, DeAsia...

AMBROSE, Maurice Lavon “Von”, 43, of Dayton, Ohio, born July 21, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois, transitioned into eternal rest Saturday, November 3, 2018. Maurice received his salvation at the age of 33, and was an active member of the Power House Church in Dayton under the leadership of prophet Daryl Hamison. He received his GED at a Vocational Center in Tchula, MS where he grew up. “Von” had a big heart and personality with a soft spot in his heart for his family. He...

DAVIS, Sr., Herbert Lewis, age 80, departed this life November 5, 2018. He was born October 31, 1938 in Maysville, Kentucky to Corinthia White Davis and Clarence Clark. Herbert was a veteran of the U. S. Navy; and following leaving the armed forces, for many years he served as a volunteer at the V. A. Hospital. He retired from the City of Dayton after 27 years of service. Herbert was a faithful member of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church where he served as a Steward and Watchman. Through the...

SAMSON (Atwater), Mrs. Dorothy B., known by her loved ones as “Dotty” or “Fats”, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, November 3, 2018. Dotty was born August 28, 1924 in Kay Springs, Georgia to Pastor Joshua and Laura (Stiles) Atwater, both went home to heaven at an early age, leaving Dorothy, the oldest, to continue raising her siblings. She married WJ “Jay” Samson, of Chicago, IL, on September 30, 1975, and he later died in May 2001. She worked at the...

MENAFEE, Robert, age 78, of Dayton, born August 10, 1940 in Opelika, AL, passed away Sunday, November 4, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Norma Menafee; son, Robert (Pamela) Menafee; brother, Samuel Minniefield; grandchildren, Jan, Miles, and Vera Grace; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, November 12, 2018 at St. Timothy M. B. Church, 4466 Free Pike. Visitation 9-11 am. Family will receive friends 10-11 am. Interment West Memory...

BUSH, Mrs. Deborah C., born September 15, 1955 in Dayton, OH, passed away Friday, November 2, 2018. Deborah graduated from Roosevelt High School. After graduation she worked various jobs, later working for Delphi where she retired after 21 years of service. She truly enjoyed cooking, shopping, and sewing. She was an excellent baker and known for her sweet potato pies and various cakes. Her heart was very soft and sensitive when it came to others. Preceded in death by her parents, Calvin M....

METCALF, Readus, age 81, of Dayton, OH, born in Hamilton, AL, departed this life October 31, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Glendoris Metcalf; daughter, Janice (Robin) Tigler; granddaughters, Metia Tigler and Alexandria (Nelson) Shendow; great grandchildren, Koah, Cameron and Connor Liechty Tigler, Adrianna Shendow; sister, Juanita Metcalf; brother, Ralph Metcalf; brother-in-law, Melvin Smith; sister-in-law, Pastor Sandra Bryant; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends....

Velma Lee Donaldson, 88, of Dayton, Ohio, born June 18, 1930 in Louisville, Mississippi, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018. She was the fifth oldest of seven children. She graduated from the Mississippi Training School, after which, she taught elementary school. She married Lessley Donaldson in 1957, and moved to Dayton, where she became the proud mother to three sons, Spencer, Lessley, and Carl. After losing her husband in 1975, she went into the workforce as an independent contractor....

ODOM, David Harold, age 69, of Trotwood, OH, born May 19, 1949 in Cordele, GA, passed away Monday, October 29, 2018. Funeral service will be held 1 pm Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Rev. Clifford Ballard officiating. Visitation 10 am Tuesday at the funeral home until time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment West Memory Gardens.