All Obituaries

Mary Louise (Reddick) Bass, 83, of Norfolk St., departed this life on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center.  Born in High Point, NC, she was a daughter of Edward Reddick and Rosa (LeGrande) Reddick.  Mary was a 66-year Springfield resident and had been employed as an LPN at Baystate Medical Center for 22 years until her retirement.  She was a member of Zion Community Baptist Church and the Silver Saints.  Pre-deceased by her parents and her husband, Willie...

Junice “June” May (Bogert) Taylor, 91, of Montrose St., passed peacefully as she had hoped, in the presence of her dear sister-in-law, Mary Bogert, and niece, Ellen, on December 30, 2018. Born in Bayonne, NJ, she was a daughter of Filmore and Nellie (Bumpass) Bogert and the widow of John C. Taylor Jr. She retired as an inspector at Digital Equipment Corporation and was a devoted member of St. John’s Congregational Church. She was well known for her homemade cookies, cakes,...

Sharrieff Ali Beard, 62, of Chestnut St., was called from his earthly life on Monday, January 7, 2019, at Baystate Medical Center.  Born and educated in Springfield, he was the son of Marion Benjamin Beard and Inez (McGee) Beard.  A lifelong resident, he was employed as a driver by Hasbro.   Sharrieff was a devoted member and Deacon of Power Gospel Ministries who loved basketball and fishing in his spare time.  He leaves his wife, Annie Loise (Daniels) Beard; ...

John Warren Hall, 93, departed this life on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Chapin Center Nursing Home.  Born in Springfield, he was one of 19 children of John Baptist Hall and Gwendolyn (Warren) Hall.  He had been a professional boxer and was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.  Pre-deceased by his parents, and several siblings, he leaves two brothers, A. Christopher Hall and Edrick (and wife, Sonja B.) Hall;  three sisters, Marion Henderson, Gladys Faniel,...

Dolores Eva (Elliott) Craft, 84, of Seymour Ave., departed this life on Tuesday December 18, 2018 at Baystate Medical Center.  Born in New York City, she was the daughter of James Elliott and Mabel (Moffitt). She was  a Springfield resident for 48 years and had been employed by Baystate Medical Center in the mailroom.   As a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, she participated in the choir and Hospitality Ministry.  Predeceased by her parents, husband Stanley Leon...

Jeffrey L. Turcotte, 33 of Springfield, departed this life on Thursday December 6, 2018. Born in Springfield, he attended city schools and was employed as a cook. He is survived by his mother, Diane Pelletier; his son, Cameron Turcotte; and a special friend, Jasmine Milner.

Barbara Jean (Madison) Gresham, 74, of Oak Grove Ave., Springfield, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester. A lifelong Springfield resident, she worked for many years as a PCA for the Loving Care Agency. Predeceased by her parents, Edward Madison and Lucy Jean (Riggins) Harris, a brother, Lester Madison, and a sister, Lucille Waters, she is survived by two daughters, Helen Williams and Lucy Jane Gresham, both of Springfield; three brothers, Edward...

James Earl McMillian, 74, of Cortland St., Springfield, MA, departed this life on Sunday, December 2, 2018. Born in Wallace, NC, he was a son of the late Joseph McMillian and the late Mattie (Rice) McMillian. A 60-year Springfield resident, he was the owner of a janitorial services company. He enjoyed drawing, being with family and friends, and telling stories. Pre-deceased by a brother, John McMillian and a sister, Rosa Weston, Mr. McMillian is survived by his wife, Mary (Gunter) McMillian;...

 Reverend Leander Jerome Smith, 77, Associate Minister of Zion Community Baptist Church, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center.  Born in Smyrna, DE, he moved to Springfield in 1980 and pastored at St. Mark's C.M.E. Church for many years.  He also worked as a supervisor at Westover Job Corps.  Pre-deceased by his parents, Willie J. Martin and Addie G. (Smith) Martin, his wife, Audrey (Murphy) Smith, and two sisters, Sylvia Boome and...

Elaine J. (Douglas) Thompson, 49, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center.  Elaine was an Assistant Store Manager for Shell Gas.  Daughter of David and Martha Douglas, she leaves her husband Scott, one brother, five sisters, her church family, and many friends.  The calling hour is 10-11 a.m. Friday at Canaan Baptist Church, 1430 Carew St., followed by the funeral at 11 with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.