Chami Hawkins

July 27, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Chami Hawkins, 47, was born on January 23, 1973, to Patricia A. Hawkins and the late James E. Tedder in McKeesport, PA. Chami departed this life on July 23, 2020, she was preceded in death by her son, Walter James Hawkins, and brother, Dale Andre Hawkins.  

Chami, a graduate of the Duquesne City High School, worked in the childcare industry for nearly twenty-years. She was the Site Coordinator for the Beverly Jewel Wallace Lovelace (B.J.W.L.) After-School & Summer Camp Program at the Duquesne-Orchard Park Location (formerly known as Burns Heights). Chami, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, at an early age, and was baptized at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Duquesne, under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Norman E. Gant.

Chami, truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family over the phone, baking and cooking delicious meals for all to enjoy, and using her God-given artistic ability to design clothing, and other items. Chami’s children and grandchildren were her heart and joy, and she would go-without, for them to have and experience some of the finer things in life.

Betty Smith

July 24, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Betty Smith, 63, of Clairton, was born on October 4, 1956, to the late Anne Conover (Gallop) in Greensboro, NC. Betty passed away on July 18, 2020, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

She was also preceded in death by her husband Thomas Smith Jr, mother and father Delma and Edmund Saunders, Anne Conover, aunt and uncle Hazel and Floyd Spellman, mother in law Willie Dean Smith, father in law Thomas Smith Sr, sister in law Emma Smith.

Betty graduated from Clairton High school. Before developing a career as a certified nursing assistant she worked in the Clairton Steel Mill. She moved to Frederick, Maryland where she started her CNA career at Beverly manor nursing home.  She worked as a CNA for Superior home health before she retired. She married Thomas Smith Jr on October 31, 1987, and to this union, daughter Zenaida Smith was birthed.

Keith Jones

July 23, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Keith Jones, 20, of McKeesport, was born April 28, 2000, to Ephriem Wanzo and Dalia Scott in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He departed this life unexpectedly on July 16, 2020.

Keith, a student at McKeesport Area High School, impacted many people in his 20 years. He enjoyed basketball and was a loyal friend to whoever crossed his path. He was very protective of whomever he considered a friend. He loved all his Duquesne and McKeesport Family. He received numerous certificates for goals that he set and accomplished. Keith was very respectful toward elders. Above all, he enjoyed making music.

LaQuay Mack-Oden

July 17, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

LaQuay Mack-Oden, 37, of McKeesport, departed this life on July 13, 2020, at UPMC Shadyside. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother Mildred Mack, cousins John and Cedric Mack.

LaQuay, daughter of Karen Mack Jones and Sam Magwood, was born on September 21, 1982. She spent much of her childhood in Brooklyn, NY and the other half growing up in McKeesport, PA. LaQuay graduated from McKeesport Area High School in 2000 and furthered her education by receiving a bachelor’s degree at Perdue University Global and a degree in Cosmetology from Empire Beauty School. LaQuay worked as a Central Scheduler for Excela.

LaQuay loved to sing, write music, and dance; she embraced all types of artistry. She had an eye for fashion; very trendy and loved to create different outfits. She often created outfits for her friends. She truly loved the Lord and was a member of the Fountain of Life Church in Hazelwood, PA.

Edna JoAnn Kelso

July 15, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Edna JoAnn Kelso, 69, of Pleasant Hills, departed this life July 11, 2020 at AHN Jefferson Hospital. She was born October 25, 1950, daughter of the late Audrey Jane Dinkins Lowery and Edward Burns in McKeesport. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Kelso, brothers, Darryl Dinkins, Paul Lowery, and sisters, Darlene, Gail, and Anette Burns.

JoAnn was a graduate of West Mifflin High School. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for Bechtel Bettis. She was a member of Oasis Ministries, where she served as the Church Administrator, Pastor’s Executive Secretary, President of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry and Oasis’ Board Member.

Survivors include Edwin Joseph Kelso, wife Stephanie of Coraopolis, Kevin Richard Kelso of West Mifflin; sister, Pastor Kim Dinkins Lankford of McKeesport; brother, William Woodrow Lowery of Swissvale, PA; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dontrelle Yvonne Norfleet

July 10, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Dontrelle Yvonne Norfleet, 50, died July 3, 2020, in her home.

She was born on September 18, 1969, to Floyd Norfleet and Teri Williams in McKeesport, PA. Dontrelle had a way with children and she worked as a Childcare and Daycare provider for private families. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was proud to show them off. 

Prior to her death, Dontrelle boasted to family and friends that she was looking forward to spending the 4th of July with her grandchildren.  Dontrelle was a foodie and a master at the grill.  She loved her Facebook page and was always posting something positive and spiritual. 

Dontrelle loved God and she recently devoted her life back to Christ.  One of Dontrelle's favorite gospel songs was "Every Praise", by Hezekiah Walker, she would play that song over and over again, and she taught it to her grandchildren too.

Lorraine Hughes Holmes

July 09, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Lorraine (Miss Money) Hughes Holmes of Duquesne, PA, departed this life on July 6, 2020. Lorraine was born July 20, 1936 in Smithdale, PA and was the daughter of the late Virgil Robertson, Sr. And Jessie Lee Vincent Robertson. She was preceded in death by her husband James Holmes, Sr., sister Geraldine Stephens, brothers, Virgil Robertson, James Robertson, Willie Robertson, Clifford Robertson, and Leonard Robertson, and stepson David Dickerson.

Lorraine, a graduate of Duquesne High School, was employed by the Allegheny Health Department working with pre-school children and Magee Women’s Hospital of Oakland, PA. She left her nursing career at the age of 51 to acquire an Associate’s degree in Social Service. She loved helping people with anything that they needed help with. She would go to AA meetings, drug counseling, and anything else that would help a person out. She held skating parties for the children in her neighborhood, sold ice cups to help children pay for their tickets that couldn’t afford it. She wanted to be a wealth of walking information for her community. She also loved taking care of the sick cancer patients and bringing children in her home that needed a place to stay. Whether they needed clothes, baths, food, and just a place to sleep, she was willing to provide that.

Vince Kelly Sr.

July 09, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Vince Kelly Sr., 59, was born on July 15, 1960 to the late Charlie Kelly and Dolores Leggett in Chicago, Ill. Vince passed away on July 1, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by father, Charlie Kelly, mother, Dolores Leggett and brother Erik Westbrook.

He graduated from McKeesport Area High School and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Vince worked at General Motors for some years. He loved cars, sports, And loved to laugh and make everyone smile.

Celeste Fullard Green

July 09, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Celeste Fullard Green passed away on July 3, 2020, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Celeste was born in Timmonsville, South Carolina to Beatrice and Clarence on July 3, 1931.  She was one of ten children.  She had a loving relationship with her sisters: Earlease, Ardella, Annie, Shirley and Febrey and with her brothers:  Kenneth, Clarence Jr., James and Curtis.   She married Archie Green in 1956 in Pittsburgh who passed away in 1974.

In the early ‘60s, Celeste became a dedicated baptized Jehovah’s Witness and served faithfully until she passed.  She had a long and successful career at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh for 25 years, where she excelled in her position as a Labor and Delivery Assistant.

Major A. Mason III

July 09, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Major A. Mason, III, Ph.D, 79, son of Gordon and Nannie Mason Sr., was born on July 15, 1940 in McKeesport, PA. He departed this life on June 28, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian. He was also preceded in death by his wife Ann Mason. He leaves behind his daughter, Arianna Mason; son, Major A. Mason, IV; brother, Gordon Mason, Jr. of White Oak, PA; sisters, Margaret Friend, Sylvia Carter, Lorraine Turner; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Dr. Mason served as the Co-editor with Ralph Bangs, Ph.D., of The State of Black Youth in Pittsburgh, a 562-page book printed by the University of Pittsburgh for the Urban League of Pittsburgh, Inc. in 1997. It was very well received by former University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Marc Nordenberg who purchased 210 copies for the Board of Trustees.  Dr. Mason also served as the Editor of the Youth Edition, which contains excerpts from the larger book told in story form.  The 60-page Youth Edition is entitled "It's Just About Making the Right Choices."

Wallace Johnson

July 03, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Wallace Johnson, 87, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, was born on September 11, 1932 in Sumter, South Carolina. He was the last surviving child of the late Ambrose and Ella  (Singleton) Johnson. Wallace passed away on June 29, 2020 at AHN Jefferson Hospital. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Johnson; son, Wallace Johnson, Jr., stepson, Anthony  Belland Sr., and his twelve siblings.  

Wallace affectionately known as the “Bag Man.” worked for Tube City Iron and Metal as a crane operator for 52 years.  He enjoyed going on trips with his wife and late sister and brother-in-law Arter and Sallie Belland Austin. He also enjoyed spending time with his dear friend Walter Sinkler. Wallace was family oriented; he enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes, was playing cards with his grandson Jai’Veon.

Benjamin Bowman

July 03, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Benjamin Bowman, age 78, our beloved father, brother, family member and friend passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 while in Family Hospice. 

Benjamin was born August 2, 1941, to Geneva (Murrough) Bowman and Willie Bowman in Irmo, South Carolina.  The oldest of seven girls and boys.

Those who knew Benjamin, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives.  He was a man of courage, determination, and loyalty.  His motto was “nobody beats the Bo”.

Frederick James Mahaffey

July 01, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Frederick James Mahaffey, 40, was born to Jolene Booker and Fred James Mahaffey on August 16, 1979, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Unexpectedly, Frederick departed this life on June 22, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Dorym Smith, Darnae Smith, and his grandmother, Joan Mahaffey.

Frederick graduated from Clairton High School in 1998. He went onto attend California University of Pennsylvania where he studied Criminal Justice. Frederick served in the United States Army, and the Pennsylvania National Guard for over 11 years and was honorably discharged. Frederick attended Rosedale Technical Institute in Pittsburgh and obtained an Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. He worked various jobs as a mechanic and security guard.

Floyd Bennie Hall

July 01, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Floyd B. Hall, 71, son of the late Andrew P. Hall and Ceolar Henry, was born on July 9, 1948, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He departed this life on June 22, 2020, and was preceded in death by Donald Hall, Terry Davis (step-brother), and stepmother Martha F. Hall.

Floyd served in the US Army and received a Purple Heart in Vietnam. He got his GED and went to Operation Dig and got accepted into the Ironworkers Union but he had to move on to different jobs. He worked for the State as a nurses’ aide at Polk State Hospital and as a prison guard at the Western Penitentiary. Floyd also attended the Bidwell Training Center and Triangle Tech as an automotive technician. He was with Linda Hale since 1970; from this union, two sons were birthed.  He was always working on cars and helping the family keep their cars on the road. He loved to take his family fishing on his boat. More than anything, he loved his sons and grandkids.

Floyd is survived by his loving wife Linda A. Hall; two sons, Floyd (Chrystal) Hall, Jr., Flawzel (Gina) Hall; 9 grandchildren; 11great grandchildren; siblings, Flawzel (Barbara) Hall of McKeesport, Ronald Hall of McKeesport, Andrew Hall of North Versailles, Andrea Hall of McKeesport, Timothy (Helen) Session of Pittsburgh, Linda Smith of Buffalo, New York; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ronald Wooten

June 29, 2020 |

By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Ronald Wooten, 63, died June 24, 2020. Family and friends will be received on Monday, June 29, 2020, at Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne, PA from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. All visiting family and friends are asked to wear masks and be mindful of social distancing.

Arrangements are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.