Kenneth Screven

Kenneth Screven, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, friend, and pastor, transitioned from this life on May 13, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio, just two days before his 82nd birthday. Born on May 15, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, to James Screven Sr. and Alice Screven (Young), Kenneth was one of eleven siblings: James (Sonny), Delores, Nathaniel, Miriam, Allen, David, Timothy, Joseph, Edward, and Douglass.

On December 24, 1966, Kenneth married the love of his life, Roberta Robins. Together they shared five children: Anthony, Craig, Mark, Tracie, and Kristal (Kevin Allen), and their adopted daughter Farra; grandchildren, Shaiyanne, Shaylin, Eugene, Alayna, Kayla, Alexa, Kassidy, Anthony, Kenneth; great-grandchildren, Ariana, Noah, Zyaire, Kaiden; a host of nieces, nephews, who brought immense joy to his life.

Kenneth was a man of profound faith and generosity. He never met a stranger, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. His selfless spirit led him through a life of service, he would often provide meals to those in need, stop on the street to pray for a stranger, or send you a morning text to start your day.  He woke each morning and began his days in his office with hours of praying for his family and community.  Kenneth also had a special place in his heart for children, which most likely guided him to a career in teaching.  Any child that entered his home often left calling him “Poppo”, a name bestowed upon him by his first grandchild, Shaiyanne.

In service to his country, Kenneth was drafted into the Army on August 1, 1966, and served in Vietnam, he was discharged in 1972. Kenneth had a clear vision of attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and pursuing a career in teaching.  However, he astutely recognized the prevailing discrimination that hindered opportunities for black educators trained in southern HBCUs. He understood that attending an HBCU in the South would have required him to obtain additional certifications or classes upon graduation in order to be hired for teaching roles.  With this in mind, he made the strategic decision to enroll in an HBCU in the Midwest, ultimately leading him to Dayton, Ohio.  Following his military service, Kenneth and Roberta relocated to Dayton, Ohio, where he pursued his passion for education at Central State University.

While attending Central State University, Kenneth worked tirelessly at Frigidaire to support his ever-growing family.  Upon graduation from Central State University, he enrolled in night classes (traveling back and forth weekly) at the University of Cincinnati, where he obtained a master's degree in education.  He embarked on a distinguished career as an educator in the Dayton Public Schools system, where he dedicated over 30 years of service to teaching at Garfield, Roosevelt, Patterson Career Tech, Colonel White, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Meadowdale, and Grace A. Green.  He retired from Dayton public schools and shortly thereafter went back to teaching at Richard Allen Charter School and Arise Academies. He also served as a track coach and could often be found at the finish line or working the clock at Welcome Stadium during many Dayton Public School events.  Kenneth's commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as he continued to tutor students in his home, long after his retirement.  In addition to his dedication to education, Kenneth's love for children led him to work part-time at Lowe's, where he ran building workshops for kids every Saturday.

Kenneth answered the call to ministry and became the pastor of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where he served his congregation with unwavering faith and compassion.  Kenneth Screven's legacy of kindness, service, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a profound impact on his family, friends, students, and community, and his memory will be cherished forever.

Funeral service 12 pm Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.  Visitation 10 am- 12 pm. Family will receive friends 11 am- 12 pm. Interment Dayton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Kenneth to the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Alumni Association, specifically for a student pursuing a college degree or vocational certification.  Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 17182, Dunbar Station, Dayton, OH 45417-1082.

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