Reverend Mary E. (Mims) Smith, 88, was born on May 22, 1936, in Aiken, South Carolina, to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Mims. A proud native of Aiken, she later relocated to Connecticut, where she spent many years of her life.
Bobby Eugene Brooks of New Haven, Conn., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Bobby was born on Feb. 25, 1948, in Sumter, South Carolina. Bobby was the second of four sons born to the late Solomon Bernard Brooks and Beulah Sanders Brooks.
Nancy Osterweis Alderman, 85, a resident of the New Haven area for her entire life, died peacefully, surrounded by family members, at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Jan. 1, 2025, after months of pulmonary illness. She was born on March 16, 1939, in New Haven, Conn., the daughter of Rollin G. Osterweis and Ruth Loewenstein Osterweis.
Dennis was born and raised in New Haven, Conn., on July 24, 1959. He attended James Hillhouse High School. Shortly thereafter he went to work for Yale University in the Mail Room, and over the years he worked his way up in the physical plant to roofer. Dennis retired after nearly 30 years of service.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Rey-DeLoatch, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, who passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2024, at the age of 74. A lifelong champion of justice, a nurturer of family, and a beacon of love, Barbara leaves behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering dedication to the people and causes she cherished.
Ben M. Ligon, age 95, of New Haven, Conn., passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. He was the husband of Martha A. Ligon, who passed away in 2011. Ben was born on Feb. 20, 1929, to the late George W. Ligon, Sr. and Gussie Finley Ligon in Laurens, S.C.
Esther Veronica (Terry) Lavache transitioned at home on Dec. 12, 2024. She entered this world on Nov. 8, 1969, in New Haven, Conn., to parents Annie Pearl Terry and the late Walter Paul Terry. Esther attended St. Aedan’s Grammar School where her brother Derek, her son Kenneth, and her daughters Kiarra and Candace attended as well. She attended St. Mary’s High School in New Haven where she graduated in 1988.
Dr. James “Jimmy” Williams was born on Jan. 12, 1944, in Mullins, South Carolina, son of the late Masciene Thompson. On Dec. 14, 2024, at 10:45 a.m., the angels escorted Jimmy to his eternal home. His two loving sons, Ramsey Williams and Reginald Williams, were at his side to comfort and support him through this transition.
David George Conte was born December 26, 1945, in New Haven, CT, to the parents of the late David A. Conte and Rose Saccavino Conte. He departed this earthly realm on December 11, 2024.
James Erkerd, age 77, a longtime resident of New Haven, Conn., entered eternal rest on Nov. 27, 2024, at Connecticut Hospice, Branford, Conn. James was predeceased by his parents, Wash David and Rosie Lee Erkerd, and brother, Freddie Erkerd.
Johnny Dye was born to Flora Booker and Dave Dye, in Batesville, Mississippi, on July 22, 1940. He was the youngest of seven children: two sisters and four brothers. John’s early education was in Batesville, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee. In 1959 Johnny moved with his brother and sister-in-law to New Haven, Connecticut. There he continued his education at Hillhouse High School and graduated high school while being employed at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Elizabeth McDowell Foster (98) of New Haven, Connecticut, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital. Elizabeth McDowell was born in Blairsville, Pa., on April 8, 1926. She was the daughter of the late Dudley and Adline Butts McDowell.
June Williams Davis, age 92, and longtime resident of New Haven, CT entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. She was the daughter of the late George K. and Esther (Glasgow) Williams, born on June 7, 1932. June was also the mother of the late Glenda Paige Boyd.