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James Herbert Mayo
Wake
January 24, 2026 at 3:00:00 PM
Service
January 24, 2026 at 3:00:00 PM
R.A. Prince Funeral Services 16222 Broadway Ave. Maple Hts., OH 44137
Obituary
James Herbert Mayo was born on August 19, 1939, in Huttig, Arkansas, to the late James A. Mayo and the late Myrtle L. Bailey. He later made his home in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Cleveland also held deep family roots for James, as it was the home of his grandparents, Charles and Rena Bailey, where he lived along with his mother-those early years helping to shape the foundation of his life.
James was a proud graduate of Glenville High School. He spent many years working at the Chevrolet plant before beginning a long and dedicated career with the Norfolk Southern and Western Railroad. He retired as a brakeman after years of service, taking on assignments not only in Cleveland, Ohio, but also in Chicago, Illinois.
James was known for his wit and dry sense of humor. He loved playing cards, reading and had a remarkable ability to mentally count and solve number problems-something he enjoyed sharing with those around him. He also took pride in his personal style and appreciation for quality clothing, watches, and cars. He also loved shooting pool and was affectionately nicknamed ‘Frog” by his friends a name he earned from his strong swimming ability.
James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Faye Gardner.
He is survived by his children: James E. Mayo; Kim M. Mayo-Bailey (Kevin), Tammy Roberts (Allen), his former spouse, Catherine Williams , two grand children, Allen Roberts Jr., and Rachel Roberts, along with several great grandchildren. He also leaves behind extended family and loved ones who remained close despite distance and stayed connected throughout his life.
He will be remembered for his sharp wit, quiet strength, and the lasting im pression he left on those who knew him.
Humbly submitted,
The Family
Ernestine Jackson
Wake
December 29, 2025 at 3:30:00 PM
Service
December 29, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM
New Bethlehem Baptist Church 6504 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104
Obituary
Ernestine Jackson was born on May 12, 1937 in Marion, Louisiana to Matthew and Leunata Rivers, as the youngest of four siblings. Her parents passed away when she was age 2 or 3, and her sister Hosea (at the age of 13) devoted herself to raising Ernestine, along with their Gramma Fannie. Later, when Ollie Roberts and her sister Hosea married, Ollie kindly accepted the responsibility of helping to raise Ernestine, and she thrived under their care. Ernestine attended grade school in the south, and the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio and she graduated from East High School in June 1955.
In August 1955 Ernestine and David Jackson married, which began from a mutual connection within the Roberts and Jackson families. Once the spark was ignited, David and Ernestine began dating, and were married after he completed his term in the Armed Forces. From this union David Lavon, Sidney Mathis, and Robbin Lenita were born. David preceded Ernestine in death in 2002.
Ernestine had various jobs prior to her employment with the State of Ohio at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare, where she remained until her retirement in 2005. After retirement she enjoyed spending leisure time with friends and family…..the most precious and priceless being the hours spent with her grandbabies (and she definitely had a TRIBE)!
Another one of her treasured joys was standing at the door as an usher at New Bethlehem, serving as a ‘gatekeeper’, which she continued until she could no longer participate due to health issues.
As the years progressed, and illness began to set in, she would say - I just want to hear Him say ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant’….And as her life’s work is complete, I firmly believe God hears and answers His children’s prayers, and she is at rest in His presence.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter Robbin L.Jackson; sister-in-law Vernestine (Floyd) Roberts; goddaughter Pamela (Tyrone) Burton; grandchildren Torray (Carmen); Dante’, Darius, DiOnna, Deja’, QiOnna, LaShawn, Shareese, Dava, Chollee’, Sydney, Antwan, Antonio, Tremaine, Darryl, and a host of great-grands, great-great grands, with many nieces, nephews, honorary daughters, family and friends. The matriarch of this family will truly be missed.
Buna Hall
Wake
December 13, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM
Service
December 13, 2025 at 3:00:00 PM
Sanctuary Baptist Church 4004 E. 131st St. Cleveland OH 44105
Obituary
Buna Mae Hall was born on August 13, 1933 in Williamson, West Virginia to the late Robert and Melissa Snow. She was the youngest of seven all whom preceded her in death. Buna accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She attended Liberty High School in West Virginia. She met and later married Eugene Hall Sr. on July 22, 1950. Together they moved to Cleveland, Ohio where they built a beautiful life in their Union. They were blessed with seven children and lovingly raised a total of ten.
She was a devoted wife and mother and also served faithfully as a mother of Philippi Missionary Baptist Church. She was also an active member of the Women’s Ministry. She was truly a mother to all and would help anyone in need. Though short in stature, she carried a vibrant and unforgettable personality. She enjoyed family most, playing cards, shopping, traveling, going to the Casino, and loved those lottery scratch off tickets.
She was an exceptional baker, best known for her 7-UP pound cakes. She loved gospel music and her favorite song was “Going Up Yonder”. Buna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Melissa Snow, her siblings; Booker, Jalene, Bobbie, Bennie, Pete and Mattie Lue, her children; Denise Hall, Zella Jackson(Fred), Terry Hall, and Michael Hall, and her granddaughter Ciara Jackson. Buna leaves to cherish her memory 5 sons; Eugene Hall Jr.(Cheryl), Edward Hall, Anthony Hall, Gerald Hall and Barry Hall, 1 daughter; Juanita Morris (Robert), 18 grandchildren; Eugene III, Latia, Anthony, Laleta, Edward, Arnita (Martin), Rayshaun, Zella, Fred, Michael, Sharita, Ashley, Candy, Jurmaine, Amanda, Shawn, Juanya, 1 Honorary Daughter; Deatrice Price, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
-Buna will be greatly missed
Virginia Bell Williams
Wake
December 6, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM
Service
December 6, 2025 at 3:30:00 PM
Grace Missionary Baptist Church 3742 E. 131st St. Cleveland, OH 44120
Obituary
Mother Virginia Bell Williams was born on August 20, 1931, in Elmore County, Alabama, to the late Sylvester Johnson, Jr. and Mrs. Edith Washington Johnson.
In 1946, Virginia united in marriage with Henry Jackson, also of Elmore County. Through this union, she was blessed with four sons. In 1955, she continued forward in life and later married Mack Williams of Elmore County, Alabama.
In 1956, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where four more children were born—three sons and one daughter. She was preceded in death by two of her children, Michael and Willie, and her beloved husband, Mack.
Mother Williams worked for many years as the Executive Housekeeper at the Park Plaza Inn, where she trained and supervised a staff of fifty. She later continued her career at the Cleveland Clinic, faithfully serving until her retirement at the age of sixty-two.
A strong, determined, and industrious woman, Virginia carried a smile that warmed every room and a kindness that reached every heart. From humble beginnings of picking cotton, she rose to become the owner of seven properties, serving as a dedicated landlord for more than fifty years.
In 1965, she joined New Jerusalem Church under the leadership of Reverend Sizemore. She found great joy in planting flowers, beautifying her properties, and embracing the fullness of family life. Cooking, cleaning, and simply being surrounded by loved ones were among her greatest pleasures.
Mother Williams peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with her daughter and youngest son lovingly by her side. She lived with clarity and conviction, often saying, “Don’t hook me up to any machines” or “Put tubes down my throat. When it’s my time, I’m ready to go.” True to her words, she did not suffer—she left this world in perfect peace.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Joseph (Brenda) Jackson, James Jackson, Allen (Leta) Jackson, Christopher Williams, Loval Williams, and her only daughter, Christine Williams.
Her legacy is also treasured by eight siblings: Dorothy Jean Babus of Cleveland, Ohio; Margaret Burch of Montgomery, Alabama; Marion (Willie) Robertson of Detroit, Michigan; Louise Armstrong of Montgomery, Alabama; and four brothers—Sylvester Johnson, Walter Johnson, Willie Johnson, and Ronald Johnson, all of Montgomery, Alabama.
She is further remembered by two beloved sisters-in-law who were more like lifelong friends: Georgia Mae Jackson and Fannie Mae Williams; a stepson, Stanley Williams; and a dear friend known for her delicious pies and cakes, Miss Christine Peake.
Mother Williams is survived by a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends—too numerous to name, yet each held a special place in her heart.
Her life was a testimony of strength, grace, and unwavering love. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
John B. Johnson Jr.
Wake
January 17, 2026 at 2:30:00 PM
Service
January 17, 2026 at 3:30:00 PM
The Redemption Center Church 1200 Broadway Ave. Bedford, OH 44146
Obituary
Born on August 8, 1959, in Muncie, Indiana to John and Evelyn Johnson. John was known for his caring nature and unusual sense of humor. He had a deep love for creativity and did whatever he set his mind to. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior.
John is a Warrensville Heights High School class of 78 alumni and proud to be a Tiger for Life. He loved the Warrensville Heights community and loved the lifetime friendships he obtained while growing up there. He often did handy work for friends, neighbors and the elderly. He also enjoyed putting
together model cars, designing plant arrangements and collected things like antique furniture, trains, cars and model sail boats. He loved animals and often adopted pets and always fed strays. He often saw the beauty in things that most people may overlook. In his earlier, adventurous years, he
briefly lived in Los Angeles, CA, Muncie, IN, and Youngstown, Ohio.
He loved to cook and earned his living in the family business, Rene’s Catering for most of his career. He also cooked for other local restaurants prior to his retirement. He served briefly in the Army Reserve. Recently, he cooked meals for his mother every day and watched over her.
John’s warm and humorous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring laughter and comfort to those he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by father, John Bennett Johnson Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory Mother Evelyn Johnson, Siblings: Marquetta Epps (Myron), Yolande Johnson, Jon Benet Johnson “Buggy”, and very special niece, Emerson Coleman. A multitude of Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends, too numerous to name, yet each held a special place in his heart.
Carol Gregory
Wake
Service
Private Arrangements
Obituary
Carol Gregory was born on May 11, 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Mae Henry and James Gregory Sr. She was known for the loving and caring heart she had and also her faith and beliefs in God. She always stayed active in her church and love to play her gospel music. Holiday times you can count on a good meal from her, as cooking was one her favorite things to do. She was the queen of playing dominoes and was a Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers fan.
Everybody that knew her had love for her. She played a loving role in so many people lives which made them gravitate to her even more. If she ever did anything wrong she would do whatever it took to make it right. She was very family oriented and loved her children and being a grandmother. Being a grandmother gave her a chance to do things that she couldn't do with her children and that brought alot of joy in her life. As her illnesses started taking over her body, she never lost her faith in God. She taught us that God always have the last say in everything. Every battle the devil sent her way, she was able to conquer them all with God on her side. Everybody always say she was a "fighter" which was very true. When we all had our doubts about certain things she always came out on top from whatever it was she was going through. She kept fighting no matter what until November 3, 2025 when God told her she didn't have to fight anymore and her work was done. She will be truly and dearly missed by everyone. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, brother and a host of friends and family.
Anita Bragg
Wake
December 10, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM
Service
December 10, 2025 at 3:00:00 PM
Zion Chapel Baptist Church 4234 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44128
Obituary
Anita Bragg age 87 passed peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025. Cherished mother to her only son Robert affectionally known as Bob (Nichole) Curry. Loving grandmother to Amber Victoria and Robert lan Lane Curry and special friend to Clifford Johnson and Shirley Nobel (deceased).
Anita spent her whole life in Cleveland attending Rawlings Jr. High where she competed in vocal contests winning one of the highest ratings. While at Rawlings, she was crowned popularity queen and took the operetta lead in the production "Lelawal". She graduated from John Adams High School and went straight into the workforce landing a position as Secretary of OR/RR at UH Cleveland Medical Center until her retirement.
Anita enjoyed international travel, listening to and singing opera and gospel music, hosting card parties, visiting internet cafes/casinos and knitting.
One of the first members of Zion Chapel MBC, Anita sang in the choir and worked as the church secretary/clerk. Anita was an only child of the late Wm. Thomas Curry and Gertrude Maddox.