All Obituaries

Willie N. Crapps, 53, of Springfield, Massachusetts, went home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2020, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born on March 27, 1966, in Morgan, Georgia, to Glory (Brown) Crapps and Willie A. Crapps.  He attended Springfield Public Schools. While in Springfield, he met the love of his life, Nakea Smith.  Willie had been employed at Meredith of Springfield and several other places.  Pre-deceased by two brothers, Reginald Crapps...

Mark Darius Slater, age 55, of Clement Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, departed this life on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Springfield at the tender age of 3 years old and became a lifelong resident. He was educated through the Springfield Public Schools, attending Balliet Elementary School and Duggan Junior High School.  In 1982, he graduated from Springfield Technical High School, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. ...

Harold Allen Busby, 71, of Hanson Drive, Springfield, MA, departed this life on March 16, 2020.  Born in Jasper, SC, he was a son of Angus Busby and Emma (Gadsen) Busby.  Harold was a Vietnam Era Veteran of the U.S. Army and had been a forklift operator for Spalding.  He is survived by his wife, Alberta (Austin) Busby of Springfield;  three sons, Michael (and Elizabeth) Busby of Carlisle, PA, Neon Busby (and Wanda) of Rocky Hill, SC, and Alan Busby of Springfield; ...

Dora Griner, 92, of 34 Elsie Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, departed this life on Saturday March 14, 2020 at Heritage Hall West Nursing Home in Agawam, Massachusetts. Dora Griner was born in Baxley, GA on May 4, 1927 to Samuel and Dora Warrick and she was one of thirteen children. She received her formal education in Baxley, GA.  While in Baxley GA she married James Griner and they had six children, Samella, Doreatha, Region, Joann, Gwendolyn, and Henry. As an adult she relocated...

Mildred Louise (Hardy) Dessaso, 76, of Liberty St., Springfield, passed from this life on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.  She was born in Vredenburg, AL, a daughter of Deacon James Hardy Sr. and Deaconess Iola (Mims) Hardy.  She had been employed as an LPN for several years at the former Monson State Hospital.  Mrs. Dessaso was a communicant of St. Mary's Parish in Hampden.  Her true joy was teaching the word of God to her...

Bettye (Wright) Webb passed away peacefully, with her son and daughter by her side, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, MA.  The daughter of Eugene Wright and Bertha (Banks) Wright Desmond, Bettye was born in Chicago, IL, before moving to Agawam, MA.  She graduated with honors from Agawam High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from New Hampshire College.  Bettye began her 35-year Springfield Library career as a Circulation Desk...

Rose Lee (Ford) Tart, 90, of Manhattan Street., passed away on February 18 , 2020 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.  Rose was born in Sampson County, NC the daughter of Daniel and Roseanne Ford.  They lived in North Carolina until 1969  when she relocated to Springfield.  She was known as the Mother of the Church and for her beautiful smile.  She found great joy in singing gospel songs, praising the Lord and her delicious baked chicken. ...

SPRINGFIELD-U S Airforce SSgt Harry C. Brown, IV, 63,  of Page Blvd. Springfield passed away on January 25, 2020.  All those who wish to honor Harry for his years of service to our country are welcome to join us as he is laid to rest with military honors at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

Donald Earl Cooper Sr., 73, of Shady Lane, Springfield, departed this life on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at his home.  Born in Rocky Mount, NC, he was the son of Gorman Cooper Sr. and Beatrice (Hedgepeth) Cooper.  He recently moved to Springfield after living most of his life in Boston.  He worked for many years as a courier with Trans America Courier Service.  He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Dorchester, MA.  Pre-deceased by his parents and a...

Thelma Marian Brathwait (Sheperd), formally of 31 Ledyard Street, Springfield, MA, was born on May 10, 1943 in Panama to the late Marian James-Parrish and Leopoldo Shepherd. Thelma studied at República de Nicaragua Elementary School, Liceo de Señoritas Junior High. She graduated with honors from Nicolas Victoria Jaén High School. Thelma migrated from Panama to Springfield MA in 1969. Afterwards, she worked for The Springfield Summer Program and Census. In 1984, she...