Obituaries

Raymond Manuel Lopes, Sr.

Raymond Lopes, Sr. died at home on July 19, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Raymond was born to the late Manuel and Virginia Lopes in New Haven on October 5, 1933. One of six children, Raymond, attended schools in the city and graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven. He attended Lincoln University graduating with a BS in Political Science. Raymond married his high school sweetheart and lifetime love, Carol Eaton on May 11, 1957, and for 49 years they enjoyed a life of love, laughter, and happiness. Together they raised three children, Raymond Jr.(Shawneequa), Michael(Tara) and Karen(Donald)Graves. Raymond had an outstanding history of employment with the Connecticut Department of Welfare, Connecticut Adult Probation, the Department of Justice as a Federal Probation Officer and the Connecticut State Department of Corrections where in 1969 where he began his career as Assistant Superintendent at Cheshire Reformatory Facility. He went on to become Deputy Commissioner, a position he held for 14 years. In 1983, he was appointed by the Governor of Connecticut as the State Commissioner of Corrections. Raymond excelled in this capacity and introduced major changes in the correctional facilities by implementing a policy of sensitive treatment for inmates with mental illness and procedures regarding those with AIDS and HIV. He also implemented a policy that allowed minorities equal opportunity for employment within the department. During his tenure Raymond was a guest lecturer at the Yale University School of Law, UCONN Schools of Social Work and Law, Southern CT State University, and the University of New Haven. He retired from state service in 1987. After retirement from state service, he served as the Director of the New Haven Job Center and the Director of the City of New Haven Welfare Department. It was often noted that as a manager one of his most redeeming qualities was his strong sense of fairness. Raymond was dedicated to the community as a lifetime member of the NAACP where he served as the Vice President and The Urban League Boards of Directors in New Haven and Hartford. Additionally, he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Ashanti Club, and, Sigma Pi Phi Beta Tau Boule. Raymond was an avid card player, and had an excellent sense of humor. He adored his family and friends and cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. Besides his wife and children he leaves to mourn seven grandchildren Mary Labadie, Trey Lopes, Nicole Lopes, Aliyah Lopes, Tariq Lopes, Alyssa Lopes, Dahni Rae Graves, one great grandchild, Christopher Labadie, two sisters, Vivian Lopes and Hazel(Warren)Lee , brother Richard(Gertrude) ​‚a sister-in-law, Carmelita Lopes and a host of nieces, nephews cousins, family and friends. He was predeceased by a sister Thelma Clark and a brother Edward Lopes. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Jaime Gerber, M.D., James Kenney, M.D., Stuart Katz, M.D., Joan Amatruda R.N. and SCVNA Nurse Jane McGee. Rest and be at peace Raymond, you have fought a good fight and you kept the faith. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you. A Mass of Christion Burial will be celebrated on Saturday,July 22nd2006 at St. Martin dePorres,136 Dixwell Ave. New Haven. Friends may call Saturday at the church from 8:30 – 10:00am where special remarks can be given by family and friends. Burial to follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park Cemetery. Services in care of Howard K Hill Funeral Services,1287 Chapel Street, New Haven. Online sympathy messages available here.

Angela Barnhill Staton

Angela Staton, 74, of Hamden, beloved wife of Jessie Staton Jr., passed away Sunday July 16th2006 surrounded by her loving family at The Masonic Home and Hospital. She was born May 13th1932 in Bethel, North Carolina to the late Willie Barnhill and Georgianne ​‘Acklin. She retired from Echlin Manufacturing Company after 13 years of employment. She was a resident of Hamden for over 11 years. She is survived by her beloved husband Jesse Staton Jr.,five children,Phillip Highsmith of College Park, Maryland,Malika Sharif of New Haven,Jesse Bernell Staton and Karen Delois Gardner both of Hamden and Vanessa and her husband Mark Lewis of Windsor, Connecticut, three sisters. Loisteen Mouring of New Haven, Vivian Brown of Baltimore, Maryland and Rachel Jenkins of Bethel, North Carolina, five grandchildren, Phillip Gordon Smith, Terrance Gardner, Mark Anthony LewisJr.,Jordan Tyler Lewis and Zachary Collin Lewis, one great-grandchild,Devonte Malik Smith and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Staton was predeceased by three sisters and four brothers, Melissa,Elizabeth,Erma,Willie George,Earnest ​“Suge” Walter,Johnny ​“Winzer” and Jasper Ray Barnhill. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nursing staff of Masonic Hospital Acute Care Unit for the wonderful care shown to Angela. In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
A Celebration of her life will on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 11 am at the Howard K Hill. Funeral Home, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, with calling hours Friday at the Funeral Home from 10 – 11 am. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Online sympathy messages available here.

Winifred E. Seays

Mrs. Winifred Seays, 76, of Eaton Street, West Haven was called home to eternal rest on July 9, 2006. She was born in Aurora, N.C. on September 15, 1929 to James Sanders and Mary Cowveal and was the wife of Mr. Esaw Seays. She was self-employed as a daycare provider. She leaves to mourn her loss one brother, Clemens Sanders of Kinston, NC and special grandchildren Jason Livingston and many more of Miss Winnie’s Hut Day Care. Mrs. Seays was predeceased by one brother and two sisters. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday July 13th 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe Street, New Haven. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Howard K Hill Funeral Services 1287 Chapel St., New Haven is in charge of arrangements. Online sympathy messages available here.

Joyce C. Senior

Joyce C. Senior, 66, of New Haven, CT passed away on July 6, 2006 at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She was born June 21, 1940 in New Haven, CT, daughter of the late John C. Daniels, Sr. and Ludelia Huckaby Daniels of New Haven, CT. She leaves 2 sons, James A Senior of New Haven, CT and Michael Senior of Norwalk, CT, 2 daughters; Pamela Senior-McClary of Rocky Hill, SC and Ava Daniels of Atlanta, GA, 2 brothers; John C. Daniels, Jr. of New Haven, CT and Robert Daniels of Upper Marlboro, MD., a sister Agnes Sessions of New Haven, CT, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was predeceased by a brother Melvin Daniels and a grandchild. A Celebration of her life will be Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11 am at St. Matthews FWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, with calling hours Tuesday at the church from 9 – 11 am. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Howard K Hill Funeral Services 1287 Chapel St., New Haven in charge of arrangements.

James H. Perkins

James H. Perkins, 74, of New Haven passed away July 1st, 2006, and leaves two cherished daughters Marcia A. and Anna Marie Perkins of New Haven, and son Chaizell L. Perkins of Waterbury. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday July 8, 2006, at 12 p.m. at Believer’s Miracle Deliverance Missionary Church, Inc. 207 Eagle St., Utica, New York. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 —” 12:00 pm. Online sympathy messages available here.

Potter, Clara Lucille

Clara Lucille Potter of Warren Street, New Haven, CT., passed on to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 24, 2006, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long illness. She was born in New Britain, CT on February 21, 1923 to the late Morris Dunham and Alice Hawkins. She was employed at Yale New Haven Hospital for 15 years, and served as a
private duty nurse’s aide until her retirement. Clara was also a long time member of the ​“American War Mothers,“serving as President in 1966. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Jo-Ann J Miller (Marvin), Priscilla Eubanks of New Haven, and two sons, William (Billy) Johnson (Lenore), of Bowie, Maryland, and Jerry A.
Potter, Jr.( Robbie) of New Haven, and loving brother of Robert(Cheyenne) Freeman of New Haven. She also leaves eight granddaughters, Denise Eubank-Allen (Robert), Rhonda Eubanks, Tonya Eubanks-Torres (Sal), Tara Miller-Bigard (Mark), Shante Boston (Steven), Kenisha Treadwell, and Arianna & Bronte’ Johnson. Four grandsons, Adrien Johnson, of California, Colby Miller, Kendall Potter, and JaCoby Harris of New Haven. Five great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons, and a host of relatives and friends. Clara was a longtime member of St. Matthews Church until her illness. She was pre-deceased by one sister, Gertrude Sanford, and two
brothers, William and Walter Sanford. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. Friends may call Thursday at the funeral home from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Online sympathy messages available here.

SMITH, RANDALL L. a.k.a. “ PEACE & ZEUS”
Dec. 10 1963 – June 20, 2006

Our beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend Randall Smith died at Yale New Haven Hospital after a tragic motorcycle accident on May 26th, 2006. He leaves to celebrate his life his mom Carolyn McGill Smith of Hamden, and his dad the late Robert Lee Smith of North Carolina. His wife Pamela Brown Smith of West Haven, one son Randall DeNeutte of Hamden, one daughter Nyree M Smith, (Pre-deceased) by his step son Anthony Lucky, two sisters Claudia L Barnes of New Haven, and Melanie A Perry (Arthur) of Hamden, step father David K Waller Sr., step sister Colleen M. Waller, two step brothers David K Waller Jr., Anthony Waller and a host of nieces/nephews & aunts/uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends. Randall was a well-known Barber. He received his Barber’s license from Josie’s Big Apple in New Haven. Randall was ​“briefly” employed at Taherra’s Barber Shop on Howe Street. Prior to that, he worked at Headquarters on the Post Rd. in West Haven. Randall was a member of The Wayfaring Ministries in Hamden where he was a former member of the male chorus, and the Rydas 4 Righteousness Christian Motorcycle Ministry. He will be remembered for his Love for people, his love for riding motorcycles, bowling, shooting pool, basketball, singing, dancing, and his ability to create & organize.
Come join the celebration of his life on Saturday June 24th, 2006 at Wayfaring Ministries located on 295 Treadwell Street in Hamden, CT. The calling hours will be from 8‑am, funeral service will start at am. which will be followed by the burial at the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven. Randall will be honored the following day during the ​“Bike Blessing of R4R” on Sunday, June 25th at 4p.m. at the Wayfaring Ministries parking lot. All who knew him are asked to come out & support the cause, and be BLESSED! .

Janice L. Wooten (“Teenie”)
December 25, 1939 —” June 18, 2006
Loving mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her children, Margaret and Moneil Wooten of New Haven, Michael Wooten of Richmond, VA; her mother Goldie B. Wooten of Greenville, N.C.; brothers Charles and Barrett Wooten of New Haven; Steven McDaniel of Bowie, MD; sisters Dolores Shackleford (Lawrence) of Silver Spring, MD., Golden Anderson and Bertha Daniel of Greenville, N.C., Paula Wooten of Middletown, CT., Penny McDaniel of Yonkers, N.Y., and Paulette McDaniel of Winston-Salem, N.C., 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews. and cousins. Ms. Wooten was predeceased by her father Charlie McDaniel and step-father Charles H. Wooten, Sr., brother Charlie McDaniel, Jr and sister Cherry Glenn McDaniel. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday June 22nd at 10:45 a.m. at New Flame Restoration Christian Church in New Haven, CT. Friends may call Thursday at the church from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Online sympathy messages available here.

Flossie Smalls
Mrs. Flossie Smalls, 91, of New Haven died Tuesday, June 13th, 2006, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was the widow of William Smalls and daughter of the late Edward Williams and Nancy (Bush) Williams. Born December 12th, 1914, in Charleston S. C., she leaves to mourn one daughter, Sarah Mack of New Haven, twenty-nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons and two daughters. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. A celebration of her life will be held Monday June 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity COGIC 139 Winthrop Ave. New Haven, CT. Friends may call Monday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial at Hamden Plains Cemetery. Online sympathy messages available at www.howardkhillfuneralhome.com.

Marc Steven Hobson

Marc Steven Hobson, ​“El Marco” was born in New Haven, January 2, 1952. On Saturday June 3rd at CT. Hospice in Branford, Marc passed on. A son of Gladys, and the late Harold Hobson. Marc is survived by three sons, Marc Jr. and Dylon Hobson of New Haven, and Shamon Clark of Bridgeport. Three sisters, Sharon and Laurie Hobson, and Patti Robinson of New Haven. Five brothers, Randy (Paulette) of Boston, MA., Ronnie, John and Rodney Hobson and David Britto of New Haven. He leaves to mourn his loving and devoted friend Jacqueline Pettway, four grandchildren, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. Predeceased by his father Harold, a brother William (Billy) Hobson, his stepfather John (Pepper) Bowen and mother of his children, Gloria Jean Lee. A celebration of his life will be held at Bible Gospel Center, 143 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT. Saturday June 17th. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 9 a.m. Interment at Hamden Plains Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. Online sympathy messages available here.

Wade Martha L.

Mrs. Martha L. Wade, 77, of New Haven died Thursday, June 8, 2006 at the Connecticut Hospice. She was the widow of James D. Wade. Mrs. Wade, daughter of the late Ernest Bland and surviving Verlie Thomas Williamson of Duling, GA., was born April 2nd, 1929 in Thomasville GA. She was a founding member of New Freedom Baptist Church of New Haven, serving on the usher board for many years. Beside her mother she leaves to mourn one granddaughter, Tara Bland, one great grandson, Alton Small, three nieces, Eleanor Weens, Nicole Gomez, and Vermel Thomas, one goddaughter, Donna Mixon, and one adopted niece, Lois Pollard. She was predeceased by daughter Lillian J Bland, brother Jack T Thomas, and three sisters Ernestine Harston, Christina Gomez, and Katie Bland. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday June 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church at 100 Webster Street New Haven. Friends may call Thursday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial at Beaverdale Memorial Park. Online sympathy messages available here.

Bowen, Johnnie Leroy
John Leroy Bowen, better known as ​“Pepper” to all, was born on July 27, 1925 in Gainesville, Florida. The eldest of two sons born to Willie Mae Bowen of Tampa, Florida. ​“Pepper” a shoe repairman by trade, came to New Haven in 1945. Upon arriving, he met, befriended and partnered with Frank Gunn and opened the ​“Old New Haven Shoe Shop” on Dixwell Avenue. Living with an affinity for clothing and the social life, Pepper retired from the shoe business and became a host of Hosies Social Club, and later worked for the A.C. Gilbert Toy Company. After leaving the A.C Gilbert Toy Company, ​“Pepper” became the proprietor of the Shelton Avenue Social Club. He was a man with a genuine smile, generous heart, a handshake, and a conversation for anyone he came in contact with. The sponsor of the annual picnics at P.N.A. Park in Wallingford, ​“Pep” also had a passion for golf and was a member of the Knickerbocker’s Golf Club. He leaves to mourn, his wife Cathy ​“Bonita” Massey-Bowen, a daughter Laurie Hobson, two sons, John and Rodney Hobson. Stepchildren Sharon, Marc, Randy, and Ronnie Hobson, Vernell ​“Tex”, Johnny and Nikia Demps, and Teresa Miles. A precious niece, Danita and a nephew Derrick Bowen. Three grandchildren, twenty step-grandchildren and seventeen great grands. Pepper was predeceased by his brother Leroy Bowen, his mother Willie Mae Bowen and a stepson William ​“Billy” Hobson. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s FWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave. New Haven. Friends may call at the church Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Online sympathy messages available online.

Slater, Mary H.
Ms. Mary H. Slater, 61, of New Haven, died Sunday, June 4, 2006, at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven. She was self-employed. Ms Slater is survived by son George Thompson Jr., daughters Vonda and Evette Thompson and, brothers Otha, Sterling and Samuel Slater, 3 sisters Emaily Caple, Rebecca Terry and Jeanette Slater and a dear friend Lula Murray. She was predeceased by 2 brothers. Arrangements are entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s FWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave. New Haven. Friends may call at the church Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial at Beaverdale Memorial Park, Hamden.