Duane F. Session

February 04, 2022 |

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

Duane F. Session, 74, died Jan. 27, 2022. Arrangements were in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Duane, please visit our floral store.

Melvin Thomas Gooden

February 01, 2022 |

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

Melvin Thomas Gooden, affectionately known as “Mel”, age 86, of North Versailles, PA was born September 19, 1935, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Maggie (Williams) Gooden.

Melvin graduated from Duquesne High School in 1953. As a child, Melvin was diagnosed with a club foot, and it was challenging for him to walk. He overcame his disability and worked hard to walk, run and play resulting in a very successful sports career in high school. Melvin had a passion for playing football and basketball. He had an extraordinary left hand and was capable of snatching a football out of mid-air with his powerfully, graceful left hand. He was also a great track star earning a track scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia PA. After attending Temple, Melvin continued to make Philadelphia his home. He married Eleanor (Phillips) Murtaza and to this union, four children were born.  He became an entrepreneur and opened his own business which he ran for many years. Melvin was a committed and dedicated employee for the Delaware County Transit Authority until his retirement. In his later years, he returned home to Pittsburgh, and he became a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Pride of the West 84 in McKeesport, Pa. He was intelligent and witty often laughing at his own jokes. Melvin was a God-fearing man and a lifelong member of Payne Chapel AME Church. Most of all, he loved the Lord and his church dearly. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm which he frequently read.

Stephen W. Collins

February 01, 2022 |

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

Stephen W. Collins, 72, peacefully answered the Lord's call to come home after a long battle of illness at Forbes Hospital.  Stephen was surrounded with prayer during his transition by his Pastor Paul Waite, his niece Tee, and cousins Ronay and Thelma.

Stephen was born on July 22, 1949, in Kearneysville, West Virginia to the late Paul "Pete" Ross, Sr., and Alice L. Washington.  Stephen was raised by the late John Collins and Lucinda Washington-Collins whose name he carried.

Stevie loved the Lord and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior, and he loved the house of the Lord!  St. Paul A.M.E Church is where he took pride serving as the President of the Nurse's Guild, member of the Steward Board, the Finance Committee, Senior Choir, and the Culinary ministry.  Stevie loved his kitchen he was most famously known for his greens and cabbage!

James E. Sutton Sr.

January 31, 2022 |

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

James E. Sutton Sr., 63, of McKeesport, was born September 4, 1958, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Doc and Clarice (McClanahan) Sutton.

James attended Clairton school district where he graduated in 1976, and he enlisted in the marines shortly after graduation. He served in the marines for seven years. After the military James went on to work as a maintenance man and cook for over ten years. On May 2, 1981, James married Tracie L. Spence. They were married for 41 years, and to this union they had four beautiful children. James and Tracie lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Tracie Ladawn Sutton

January 31, 2022 |

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

Tracie Ladawn Sutton, 58, of McKeesport, was born January 22, 1964, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter of Lawrence Jeffries and the late Patricia Spence.

Tracie was born and raised in Lincoln Way, where she moved shortly to Clairton.  She attended McKeesport High School. She later moved to Seattle Washington, where she finished her education in 1982.  Tracie worked as a CNA for over 10 years at Kane Community Living Center. On May 2, 1981, she married the love of her life James E. Sutton. They were married for 41 years, and to this union they had four beautiful children. Tracie and James lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Tracie loved making crafts, camping, doing puzzles, writing fictional stories, dancing and singing. She also loved talking about conspiracy theories, but most importantly she loved spending time with her loved ones.

Agnes McDougal

January 31, 2022 |

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

Agnes McDougal, 93, died January 25, 2022. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. February 5, 2022, at Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran Street, Duquesne, PA 15110. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Agnes, please visit our floral store.

Towanda Cager

January 25, 2022 |

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

Towanda Cager, 58, of McKeesport, was born November 11, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the beloved daughter to Douglas Carter and Frances (Stewart) Cager.

She attended school at Westinghouse High School. Towanda worked as a CNA for Riverside Nursing Home. Towanda and lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Towanda was a homebody, she the youngest of nine children. She enjoyed playing games and talking on her phone and watching old movies on the television.

Towanda departed this life on January 3, 2022, at UPMC Hospital in McKeesport PA. She was preceded in death by Her parents, father Douglas Carter and mother, Frances (Stewart) Cager, brother, Alfred Johnson, sister, Doreen Hall, brother, Randolph Stewart, sister, Deborah Thomas.

Garlen Larry Webb

January 25, 2022 |

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

Garlen Larry Webb, 70, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was born August 29, 1951, in Bluefield, Virginia. He was the beloved son of the late Bond G. Webb and Ruth (Swanson) Webb. Garlen was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Barber School. As a local Barber in the McKeesport area, he was well known. Garlen departed this life on January 18, 2021, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA.

Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson

January 25, 2022 |

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

Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson, 72, of Jefferson Hills, was born July 30, 1949, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Eva (George) Robinson and Harold Gadson. He departed this life on January 13, 2022, in Jefferson Hills, PA.

Les spent his formative years in New York City where he acquired his thirst for city life and Afrocentric culture. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was also a graduate of Robert Morris University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. As a life-long learner, he also attended Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa where he studied consciousness and human potential.

Following his tenure in Iowa, Les created life in Washington, D.C. with a community of fellow meditators. While in D.C. he had a long career that enabled him to travel throughout the country to attend jazz festivals. Les was an avid jazz enthusiast and purist who also loved to read and study the impact of civil rights movements.

Les relocated to Pennsylvania in 2018 although he continued to travel to D.C. until his death.

Mary Smiley

January 21, 2022 |

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

Mary Smiley, 66, of McKeesport, was born March 10, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama She was the beloved daughter to Ethel Smiley. She was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to McKeesport where she lived for the last 22 years. Mary departed this life on January 2, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. She was preceded in death by her mother. She leaves behind so many families and friends that she truly loved. Anyone that ever met her loved her from the start. You were never just a friend; you would always be family. Mary is survived by her loving two daughters, Tina Smiley and LaDonna Smiley; three sons, Charles Smiley, Marcus Smiley, William Smiley; all of McKeesport PA., Life-long Partner, Billy Knight; 31 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services are private and are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Smiley, please visit our floral store.

Stephanie Ann (Bryant) Franklin

January 07, 2022 |

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

Stephanie Ann (Bryant) Franklin, 63, died January 1, 2022. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11, 2022, at the Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., 2326 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, PA 15132. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Zion Baptist Church, 1300 Locust St., McKeesport, PA 15132.

Sarah Ellen Demery

January 05, 2022 |

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

Sarah Ellen Demery, 60, of Pittsburgh, PA, was born August 16,1961, in Whiteville North Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of Sarah L. (Demery) Beatty. Sarah departed this life on December 27, 2021, at Jefferson Hospital in Clairton, PA.

Sarah worked for various employers in the food service industry, Popeyes and Shop n Save, deli department.

She had two beautiful children. Natasha Demery and Dane Mitchell. Sarah lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sarah loved to work and spending time with her family. She loved cooking and trying new recipes.

Sandra Louise James Carter

January 05, 2022 |

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

Sandra Louise James Carter was born on January 8, 1947, in McKeesport, PA to the late Woodrow Wilson James Sr. and the late Clara Louise Hunter James.  Sandy, as she was affectionately called was the youngest child born to this union.  Sandy made her transition to her heavenly home on Friday, December 24th, 2021, and was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow W. James Sr. and Clara L. Hunter James; her brother Woodrow W. James Jr., and sister Ollie Mae Hunter Berger (Robert).  Beloved In-laws, Rev. Dr. Cornelius and Claressa J. Carter Jr.

Sandy was raised and received her primary education in Clairton, PA, and later expanded her education earning a B.S Degree in Education from Wilberforce University and Master’s degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania.  After college Sandy returned to Pittsburgh and on December 23, 1972, married Cornelius J. Carter IV, they had two sons: Cornelius (CJ) and Eric.

An educator in the Pittsburgh Public School District from 1968 to 1999.  Sandy taught, molded, and sharpened thousands of young minds over the course of her teaching career at Beltzhoover and Robert L. Vann Elementary Schools.  In addition to teaching, Sandy passionately worked as a tax professional well into her retirement years.  She relocated to the (DMV) DC/Maryland/Virginia corridor before her retirement in the Hampton Roads, VA area to spend quality time with her sons and grandchildren.

Carol Grace Hicks

January 05, 2022 |

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

Carol Grace Hicks, 50, departed this life on Friday, December 24, 2021, at UPMC Magee Women's Hospital of Pittsburgh.  Carol was born on February 25, 1971. Carol was the beloved daughter of the late Joshua and Carol (Maddie) Hicks of Clairton, PA. 

She attended Mon Valley Intermediate School in Jefferson Hills for 12 years. Carol worked at Mon-Yough Community Services for Clean Sweep as a vocational trainee for many years.  

Carol enjoyed simple pleasures, she enjoyed shopping, watching movies, and listening to music.  She enjoyed sitting outdoors and chatting with neighbors and family.  Carol was a kindhearted woman with nothing but love in her heart.

Carol is survived by her loving sister, Joyce, and brother-in-law Daniel Mance of McKeesport, with whom she lived.  Nieces Jasmine and Lamira Johnson, Autumn Baldwin, and Tyshae Scott, all of McKeesport, PA. Carol was a great Aunt to three boys whom she loved dearly.  Carol is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss her kind soul.

Montize Lavelle Chapman

December 28, 2021 |

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

Montize Lavelle Chapman, 31, died Dec. 20, 2021. Arrangements were in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., 2326 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, PA 15132. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Montize, please visit our floral store.