August 15, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Freddie Robbins, 88, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was born September 26, 1933, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the beloved son to the late John and Edna Green-Robbins.
Freddie was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He worked at Krispy Kreme Doughnut, Steel Mill, Auberle, School Bus Driver with perfect attendance with dedication & commitment to children’s safety. He enjoyed working on cars & would help his friends/family with repairs of their vehicles. He was a creative person with a natural niche for carpentry, electrical, mechanical, & plumbing workmanship. He performed most of the maintenance in the upkeep of his home. Freddie was a man of many talents.
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August 02, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Leah Ja'Nee Barber, 50, died July 25, 2022. She was born on October 16, 1971, in McKeesport Hospital. She was the daughter of Robert C. Barber and the late Barbara Ann Barber. Leah was the youngest of 5 siblings.
Leah accepted the Lord as her Personal Savior during her preteen years at Morning Star Baptist Church, West Mifflin. Leah faithfully attended Sunday school and singing in the Sunbeam Choir. As her health permitted, she developed a closer walk with God and became an avid bible study partner with her Aunt Sue Brown. Every week she watched MSBC online -services, Leah always told her nurses how much she enjoyed Sunday Worship, her sister is a good preacher, and how proud she was of her nieces who could mime. Even as her health was failing, she always looked forward to Aunt Lisa for a word of encouragement and motivation through the Word of God. And for that, her family thank you for keeping her mind stayed on Jesus.
During her younger years, Leah enjoyed double-double dutch jump rope, riding her bike, and modeling at various Back 2 School fashion shows. What many may not know is that Leah also enjoyed the arts. She loved to free-hand draw which included fashion designing. She was also an avid lover of Gospel music and Oldies but Goodies where she often posted songs to others from different decades on her Facebook page.
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July 12, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Patricia Pitts-Scott (fondly known as Patty), age 75, was born June 15th 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was one of twelve children born to Haywood and Sarah (Bloss) Pitts.
As a child, she was known for being the life of the party, unintentionally funny, and having a dislike for any and all vegetables. All of which never changed once she became an adult.
She graduated from Duquesne High School in 1965 and went on to attend Connelley Technical Institute in Pittsburgh, PA where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. She used her degree to get a job as an LPN at UPMC McKeesport where she worked for 49 years. It was during her time at UPMC that she met her husband, Wendell Scott, whom she was married to until his passing in 2009.
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July 11, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
James Wyatt, 77, of McKeesport, was born in Brownsville, PA on February 10, 1948. He was the beloved son to the late Mozella Wyatt. James peacefully departed this life at home on July 7, 2022. He was a veteran of the Navy and retired from the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. He was a loving husband and father, who put his family’s needs above his own. He was a kind and warm-hearted person, whose positive energy radiated onto others. He was happiest when building and repairing something.
James is survived by his loving wife of twenty-seven years Carmen McCall Wyatt; cherished father of daughter, Lori Gunter (Allen); three sons, Derrick Wyatt, James Wyatt Jr., Thomas Wyatt; stepfather of Monica Younger and Cassandra Jackson. Siblings, Julia Barley, Charlene Wyatt, and Robin Wyatt, he was preceded in death by Alma Lampert (Linwood), Robert Wyatt, and Brandon Barley. Loving grandfather of 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to those who have shown an outpouring of love for him and his family.
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July 11, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
On June 28, 2022, God called Stephanie Diane Underwood Tyson home to eternal rest. “Diane” as she was affectionately called was born on May 3, 1953, to Oscar Wilber Underwood Sr. and Lucille Underwood in Pittsburgh Pa. Diane was the third of five children and only daughter. Although the “lady of the bunch”, she could hang just as tough with her brothers and was a force to be reckoned with. They knew who was actually in charge.
Before Diane’s transition to heaven, she lived an exciting and luminous life. You always knew when Diane was in the room from that distinct, bellowing laughter of hers that permeated the place. You couldn’t help but join in the laughter and you were just as happy. Diane had a way of making everyone around her feel good! She was full of life and had friends who became family from all walks of life. She never met a stranger that didn’t become family.
Diane received her formal education through the Duquesne Public School System from grades K-8. Due to her friendly and gregarious personality, it was no surprise that she became a cheerleader while in high school. Diane was a trail blazer the only Black girl on her cheer leading squad. While attending Duquesne Senior High School, Diane met Russell Boston, her “high school sweetheart” and they were blessed with a son, Marlin Underwood.
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July 02, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Leon Coleman, 64, of McKeesport, was born November 2, 1957, in Braddock, PA. He was the beloved son to the late John Sr. and Adlee (Davis) Coleman. Leon departed this life on June 28, 2022, at AHN Jefferson Hospital.
Leon was a Duquesne High School graduate, class of 1975. He spent the majority of his 30+ year banking career, as a Branch Manager at Citizens Bank (formerly known as Mellon), and his remaining years at Dollar Bank.
Leon was a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as Trustee, Deacon, Minister, Associate Reverend, and a member of the Christian Travelers Male Chorus.
In his youth, he was an avid basketball player and also enjoyed playing pool as a hobby. He liked to spend afternoons in the park listening to Jazz. Leon always took a great deal of pride in his appearance. He was a loving and caring husband, son, father, grandfather, and friend.
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June 30, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Marvin Dewitt Matthews, 19, died June 19, 2022. A funeral service was held June 30, 2022 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne. Arrangements were in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
June 30, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Roland Curdell Johnson, 65, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was born May 31, 1957, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son to the late Joseph and Barbara (Ruffin) Johnson. Roland departed this life on June 17, 2022 in Temple Hills, MD.
He was a graduate of Clairton High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh for a duration of time before exploring other career paths ultimately finding his footing in car sales. Roland worked as a Sales Manager for Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac.
Roland enjoyed spending time playing his bass guitar, riding his motorcycle, and attending Steelers games, but would root for the Bengals when his cousin was on the field. While he had some personal struggles in his young adult life, he worked diligently to make amends and overcome his adversities. People who knew him will always remember him with a smile on his face and infinite knowledge about anything related to car sales and profits. Selling cars was his passion and it showed through his work ethic and easygoing nature about the business.
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June 15, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Annette Marie Shogan, 69, was born August 9, 1952, in Braddock, PA. She was the beloved daughter to the late Edward and Margaret (Hixon) Shogan. Annette departed this life on June 5, 2022, at her residence in Powder Springs, GA, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Margaret Hixon Shogan and siblings Patricia Kalanish, Margaret Putzlocker, and Marion Askey.
Annette moved to McKeesport when she was 19 years old. Annette was the proud mother of seven beautiful children, whom she raised in McKeesport, PA. She recently moved to Powder Springs, GA. Annette was a stay-at-home mom and also worked as a housekeeper and caregiver. Annette enjoyed her grandchildren and would attend school functions, sports events, and academic celebrations. Annette was also well known in the community for many things, especially her cooking, her kind and giving spirit, and her willingness to help anyone out. She also had a sharp tongue, in love. You could always get a hot meal, a good laugh, and leave with a full stomach and whatever else you needed.
Annette enjoyed puzzle books, coloring, playing cards, a good bingo game, and going to the casino. She also took up sewing and crocheting when she was 11 years old. These hobbies stayed with her, as she taught her children and would sew doll clothes, clothes for her grandchildren, blankets, etc.
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June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Born and raised in McKeesport, PA, James Thomas Downs, Jr. was the youngest of four children. His parents, James Thomas Downs, Sr., and Cassie Session Downs, both of whom preceded him in death, welcomed their only son on August 1, 1929. He was affectionately known as J.T. and was adored and “mothered” by his three older sisters, Alethia Downs Taylor, Kathleen Downs Smith, and Ruth Downs Le Mon. James Thomas joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest on May 25, 2022.
Several years after completing high school, J.T. joined the U.S. Army. He received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty in 1953, at which time PFC Downs returned to McKeesport and temporarily shifted his career to the steel mill. Under the tutelage of his uncle, Henry Pierce, J.T. learned the art of barbering and was soon known as the best in the city. In addition to this craft, he built a career with UPS, making treks with the company for over 20 years. It wasn’t long after his retirement that he was back on the road as a school bus driver while still actively barbering in his shop and home. In its prime, J.T.’s Barbershop had become a school of sorts, as J.T. mentored and shaped the careers of many, including his late nephew, Shawn Taylor. In 2015 he bid farewell to the school system but continued cutting hair well into his 90s. In fact, he still had a couple of regular clients until a few short years ago.
J.T. was a man of many words and stories. Armed with the gift of gab and the memory of an elephant, he could hold lengthy conversations about anything—and he often did. It was likely his zeal for life that supplied material for his tête-à-têtes. Although he remained a lifelong resident of McKeesport, he traveled often as he enjoyed visiting family in other states. He especially loved boat fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and bringing ice-packed coolers of spot, flounder, croaker, and crabs back to McKeesport to share with family and friends. Arguably a close second to his barbering skills was his ability to leave people licking their fingers after tasting his famous smoked BBQ ribs.
He was a member of St. Paul AME Church for nearly his whole life and served his church family in various capacities. Over the years he had been a Trustee, Trustee Pro Tem and a member of the Finance Committee. Lending his unique and rich voice to worship services and church events for decades, he was most recently a member of the Senior Choir and the Ben Harris Singers. He was also a longstanding member of American Legion Post 666 in McKeesport.
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May 31, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Marva Ann Mosby, 84, of McKeesport, was born May 12, 1938, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter to the late Jesse and Anne E. (Johnson) Young.
A lifelong resident of McKeesport, she was a graduate of McKeesport High School (1956). In her youth, Marva played softball and played clarinet in the McKeesport High School band.
Marva was baptized at an early age and was a member of Zion Baptist Church for more than 70 years. She began what became her life’s passion, teaching Sunday School, while in high school and did so for more than 50 years. In addition to teaching her class, she also served as Sunday School Superintendent.
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May 26, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Charles (Charlie) Donald Mikell Sr., 88, of Monroeville formerly of McKeesport, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2022. Charles was born January 12, 1934, in McKeesport, PA. to the late Sadie and Eugene Mikell.
During his lifetime, Charlie (as his close friends and family called him) graduated from McKeesport High School in 1952; served in the Armed Forces as a Marine from 1952-1955 where he was Honorably Discharged as a PFC and received the medals of National Defense and Good Conduct. Charlie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lincoln University in 1959. Soon after he married the love of his life, former wife Jacqueline (Henry) Mikell and they spent 50 loving years together. He was also a second father to his “live-in” nephew, Cuyler Frank Mikell of Mount Lebanon, PA. Charlie was a faithful member of Calvary United Methodist Church until it closed.
Charlie was politically active and community-minded and received many rewards and acclimates. He mentored numerous African American youths regarding educational and life goals. His additional accomplishments included: Director of Community Action Pittsburgh (CAP) 1965-1972, CEO of CAP 1972-1977, Master of Public Health Degree from University of Pittsburgh (1972), President of the McKeesport Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1972-1976), McKeesport City Councilman (1982-1987). As a reward for his role with the NAACP, Charlie and his family were invited to President Jimmy Carter’s Inauguration in 1977. Charlie also served on a CDC Task Force for AIDS research during the height of the AIDS epidemic; and many charitable boards such as the Pittsburgh Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Boy Scouts of America – Calvary United Methodist Church chapter, and others.
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May 14, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Marian Elaine Acrie, 75, of Pittsburgh, was born August 7, 1946, in Greensburg, Westmoreland. She was the beloved daughter to John and Edna (White) Acrie.
Marian attended Sewickley High School and Westmoreland Community College where she receive her GED and studied in Food Service. Marian worked as a steam presser for a local Laundry Service Company in Irwin PA.
Marian departed this life on May 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was preceded in death by Her, father, John Wilson Acrie, Sr., mother, Edna Mae (White) Acrie, brothers, John Acrie, Jr., Charles Acrie, Edward Acrie, sisters, Charlene Acrie, Mary Gray, Lorraine Acrie, and Thelma Acrie.
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May 14, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Charlene Nelson, 83, died May 10, 2022. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12 noon May 16 at First Northeast Baptist Church, 311 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC 29229, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 12 noon. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.
April 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Colleen “Coco” Thomas the beloved daughter of Donald and Sandra Young, was born on May 20, 1977, in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Thomas departed this life on April 10, 2022, in McKeesport Pennsylvania, joining her loved one, Donald Young, who preceded her in death.
She attended McKeesport Area High School. For many years, Colleen worked at S&S Transit as a devoted driver. Colleen loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and walking trails. Colleen also shared her love for cooking with her family. Her vibrant and energetic energy was contagious, and she had a smile that would light a room. Colleen is known to most as Coco someone who loved makeup, jewelry, and looking her very best “showstopper.”
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