All Obituaries

Rufus Darnell Ellis Jr., 58, fondly known as "Buggy" departed this life at home. Born in Springfield, he was the son of Rufus Ellis Sr. and Ella (Hennessey) Ellis. He lived in Springfield during his formative years prior to relocating with the family to Lansing, MI. He later returned to Springfield and was employed as a van driver for Hulmes Transportation for many years. Pre-deceased by his parents, he leaves his wife, Vidalua “Sparkle” Ellis (and her son, Isiah); two...

Ralph K. Brathwaite, 83, of Dunmoreland St. Springfield, MA. departed this life on June 11, 2020. Born in Barbados, W.I., he was a son of Joseph Brathwaite and Harriett (Yearwood) Brathwaite. Mr. Brathwaite was a retired Sky-Captain for Huntleigh Corp/American Airlines and was a member of Christ Church Cathedral. Pre-deceased by his parents, his wife of 54 years Ilene (Griffith) Brathwaite, three children Gracelyn, Maxine, and Steven; siblings Noel, Verna, Ursula, Carmen, Eudora, and...

Glensie Mae Gasque, 64, of Springfield, MA, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center.  She was born to the late Reverend Annie Mae Simmons (Woodson) and Fred Willie Cotton Sr, in Chicago, IL before relocating to Springfield, MA in 1973.  Mother Glensie loved the Lord and was a proud member of Greater Harvest Church Of God In Christ. She loved her church family and was a true warrior and an overcomer, who taught...

Roberta Perkins, 75, of Chicopee, MA passed away and gained her wings on Thursday June 4, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center.  She was born in Springfield, MA on October 10, 1944 to the late Franklin E. Perkins, Jr. and Annie M. Motely.  Roberta was predeceased by her son, Wayne Anthony Perkins; sister Elaine M. Manuel, and nephew, James F. Manuel III.  Roberta was an active participant of the old Springfield Girls’ Club until graduating from the High School of...

On October 13th, 1950, Valerie Gloria Weeks was born as the First child of 8 children to Wilbert S.  and Louisa F. Weeks. Born in the beautiful Isthmus of Panama, Republic of Panama in Central America. Valerie or "Val" as she was affectionately known, was witty, informational, detail oriented, spiritual incline and courageous. Val was the family "Go to" person to get information on legal advice, traveling and Spiritual guidance. She...

L’Varius D.Q. Jones, 26, departed this life on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Born in Springfield, he was a son of Tiffany Jones and Careff Works. L’Varius was active as a rap artist and was passionate about music, fashion, and family. He is survived by his parents; his siblings, Tavar Jones, Shamaad Jones, W.-Hamid Jones, Tiffany Jones Jr. Careef Works Jr., Tavasha Works, Monee Works, and Khari Works; and a host of other relatives.

Earl Alan Howard, 26, joined his mother, Patricia Howard, in Heaven on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Earl was born on June 30, 1993, in Springfield, MA to Patricia Howard and Fred Smith. Earl successfully completed high school and received his high school diploma from Providence Rhode Island High School. Earl relocated to Springfield where he worked as a forklift driver for several companies. Earl was a very loving individual who had a smile that lit up a room. He loved children and was loved by...

Leroy Crenshaw Sr., 74, departed this life on Tuesday, May 26, 2020  at Baystate Medical Center.  Born in Eutaw, Alabama, he was the son of Glee Crenshaw and Lou Helen (Milton) Colvin.  Leroy moved to Springfield in 1970 where he began teaching at Kennedy Middle School, and retired after 33 years. Leroy loved his students and was entirely devoted to them.  Concerned for the growth and legacy of the city in which he lived, he ran for Mayor of Springfield during the...

Charles E. Bowen, 72, of Bristol Street,  known to his family and friends as "Loose Change," passed away at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Home on Thursday, June 11, 2020.  Born in Rieglewood, North Carolina, he was of the son of Preston and Addie (Miller) Bowen.  After graduating from East Arcadia High School in Rieglewood, he relocated to Springfield, MA.  His first employment turned into a 44 year life-time commitment at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft where he...

Earnestine Juanita (Wakefield) Tubbs departed this life on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Pioneer Valley Recovery Center in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.  Born in Plains, Georgia, she was a daughter of Ulysses Wakefield and Eula Mae (Wright) Wakefield.  Earnestine lived most of her life in Springfield, Massachusetts and worked as a seamstress.  She enjoyed sewing, cooking and spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Pre-deceased by...