Archives: Obituaries

Matthew Ray Drayton, of Roxbury, best known as “Poppa Ray,” departed this life on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. The son of the late Eddie and Maggie (Lewis) Drayton, husband of Junyce (White) Drayton. Brother to Eddie M. Drayton, Jr., Ora Lee (Drayton) McCray, and Marilyn (Drayton) Taylor. He leaves a host of loving family members, friends, and the global family he formed from his passion for boxing.

Funeral service, Wednesday, December 5, 11 AM, Davis Funeral Home, 654 Cummins Highway, Mattapan 02126. Visiting with family, 10 AM at funeral home. Interment, Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park 02136.

To post a sympathy message visit www.DavisofBoston.com.

Lloyd Trevor Horton, Jr. was born on May 9, 1945 to the late Helen Taylor Horton and the late Lloyd T. Horton, Sr. Esq. in Boston, MA. He was so tiny they nicknamed him “Tim” in reference to “Tiny Tim” the popular character from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. To his friends he was known as “Timmy”. In formal situations like school and work, he was Lloyd. Lloyd was his preferred name later in life.

He attended Boston Public schools. At Hyde Park High School he was a short distance and relay running star. He loved the camaraderie of his track buddies down at the Boston Garden during annual track meets. But make no mistake, he was a serious competitor.

After graduation in 1966 he participated in the Hinton Clinical Lab Assistant Program at Northeastern University studying subjects such as Phlebotomy, Hematology and Biochemistry before joining the U.S. Navy. At Bethesda Naval Hospital he continued studies in the Medical Laboratory Technician Training Program. He was no slouch. He continued on with Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology and Nursing at the Great Lakes Medical Hospital Corps School. In the 1990s Lloyd renewed these skills in the Biomedical Program of Jobs for Youth at Boston University Medical School. There he perfected lab skills in areas such as solutions preparation, sterile techniques and instrumentation.

Following his naval service as a medical laboratory technician in Long Beach, CA, Lloyd returned home to Boston. He worked for seven years as a technician at the Columbia Point Health center before trying his hand at something different. He tapped into his creative skills and became a Landscape Contractor. For eight years he beautified the City. He was very proud of his contributions. Many remember him driving around in those landscaping trucks. He was always happy to see you, give a wave of his hand with a broad smile, or stop and talk. And, you know he could talk! He was also a brilliant rhymer, a clever jokester, and a highly poetic “sound-making” specialist and wordsmith.

Lloyd’s voice was his instrument. There was his quartet singing in various high school groups. Later, you may remember he was a perfect tenor in the local singing group, Bubbling Brown Sugar with Billy Parks and Bubba Rivers. He was also part of Harvard University Radio local programming with Gary Rickson and Bob Walthall on Sundays in the 1980s. He loved that show! A highlight of Lloyd’s singing experience was his beautiful contribution as vocal soloist with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra in a New York City public concert of the Sacred Music of the great Duke Ellington. His wonderful voice, his love of people, artistic charm and uplifting solos also graced the assisted living and nursing home he lived in during the last years of his unique life. He was loved by the many residents of those facilities and the staff members were always in awe of his musical gift. His joy was highly appreciated! They loved him dearly!

Speaking of love, Lloyd married Irene Clark in 1980. They have two sons together: Omari Clark & Jahi Horton. Ato and Carol Clark rounded out the family of six. Oh, family was truly important to Lloyd. He focused on spending quality time with the children to instill values, tell them the truth about life, and illustrate the importance of relationships. He loved his parents and siblings, his aunts and uncles, niece, nephews, cousins and in-laws immensely. He loved his friends and childhood buddies too. He’d say they were brothers/sisters from ‘another mother’! Thankfully, he knew that his love was reciprocated.

In 1993 Lloyd returned to his laboratory roots. He joined the Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research as a laboratory assistant. He prepared solutions for DNA Hybridization, Genome Map making, and DNA library construction. (Ah, shucks!) He operated a dot blotting Genomatron robot, constructed agarose gel for experiments and performed DNA electrophoresis. He was part of the team that cracked the code to the Human Genome that ultimately received world-wide recognition in 2003.

Lloyd loved life. Lloyd loved people. Lloyd loved his family. But most of all, Lloyd loved the Lord. He was ordained in the early 2000s – He truely knew from whence his strength came!

THELMA BOLLING OBITUARY

Thelma Bolling of Boston and Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts and Las Cruces, New Mexico, beloved daughter of the late Senator Royal L. Bolling, Sr. and the late Thelma V.M. Bolling and cherished mother of Justyn Mayo died on August 8, 2018, surrounded by family and friends, following a long illness. She was 68.

Born on July 5, 1950 and named after her mom, Thelma was the sixth of twelve children. Nicknamed Sugie, she first attended Hyde Park High School and later Brookline High School as a METCO student, graduated in 1968, and later graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

As a member of a prominent Boston political family, Thelma enthusiastically campaigned for family members, starting at the age of nine when she helped her dad in his first bid for elective office.  She was especially proud when her father and two brothers made Massachusetts history by holding elective office simultaneously:  Royal, Sr. as State Senator, Royal Jr. as State Representative, and Bruce, as Boston City Councilor.

As a student activist in college, Thelma fought to increase minority student enrollment. Her activism prompted her to travel to Atlanta and volunteer on the campaign to elect Andrew Young as the first African- American US Representative from Georgia since Reconstruction.

Always caring and compassionate, Thelma was a dedicated probation officer in Springfield and Boston.  She provided supportive probation services to many young adults involved in the criminal justice system.  She was commended by her department chief for providing the most comprehensive offender profiles for court record. These written profiles included critical life history information that enabled the court to render fair and balanced decisions.

Throughout her life Thelma experienced health challenges and triumphs. At twelve she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. In 2012 Thelma, along with only 330 others across the nation, was honored by the Joslin Hospital Diabetes Center for reaching the medical milestone of living fifty years with diabetes.

In January, 1987, Thelma and her husband, the late David Mayo, welcomed the birth of their son Justyn, whom they loved and adored. Just six months later Thelma was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Over the next two years, with prayer, determination and the steadfast commitment to rear Justyn, along with traditional and nontraditional medical treatments, Thelma triumphed as the cancer went into remission.

With deepened appreciation, Thelma embarked on a new and exciting chapter in her life. She received her Ministerial Ordination, adopted the name AwRa, and embraced the holistic practice of healing the mind, body, and spirit.  AwRa received accreditation in alternative healing modalities, including Massage and Aromatherapy, Chakra Realignment, and Polarity Therapy. Awra achieved the status of Master Reiki Practitioner.  Eventually she and Justyn moved to New Mexico, “The Land of Enchantment”, where she excelled in the practice of Sound Therapy. Over the next 15 years, AwRa generously shared her healing gifts through song, dance, and teachings at community college classes, local concerts, and hospital ministry.

Two years ago, AwRa, again, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Spiritually centered, AwRa embraced that her prayers had been answered during each of the past 30 years and that she was truly blessed to live to see her son grow up to become a strong, caring, and loving man.

Throughout her life, Thelma, aka Sugie and AwRa, exemplified the virtues of service, compassion, and love. She always encouraged everyone to create joy in their lives and be present to live in each moment.  Appropriately, Thelma’s favorite tune was her personalized R&B rendition of the song “Happy Happy Joy Joy,” from Justyn’s favorite childhood cartoon series, “Ren and Stimpy.”

Thelma is survived by her son Justyn Mayo, her brothers Royal,Jr. and wife Marion, Blair, Yom (Richard), and sisters Carolyn Bolling Hayes, Deborah, Charlene Bolling Holloway and husband Ronald, Andrea, and sister-in-law Joyce Ferriabough Bolling. In addition to her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her husband David Mayo; sisters Diane, Rhonda, and Lorraine; and brother, Bruce.

Thelma leaves behind a host of extended family and friends to celebrate her life and the love she shared.

A memorial service was held in Las Cruces, New Mexico on August 22nd.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 29^th from 1-4PM at Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. For more information, contact Deborah at 617-893-0963 or Charlene at 360-480-4606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution. https://www.gofundme.com/awrabolling

EDITH IRENE BROTHERS, 94, of Chicago Illinois, passed away on Friday August 24, 2018 in Hammond, Indiana surrounded by her son and daughter and their spouses. Born on February 19, 1924 in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Dolan B. Yates and Edith (Burgess) Yates.  She was married to former Massachusetts State Representative Alfred S. Brothers Sr. who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Mrs. Mary Yates, Mrs. Delores Williams, her brother Mr. Frank Yates and her step-mother Mrs. Irene (Jones)Yates. She was a long time member of 12^th Baptist Church in Roxbury Massachusetts before moving to Chicago. In Chicago, she was a member of the Apostolic Church of God. Edith is survived by two children: son, Dr. Alfred S. Brothers, Jr. of Spencerville, Indiana and daughter, Mrs. Donna Jones of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren Alfred S. Brothers III of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Barbara Ann Brothers of Arlington, Massachusetts and Monica Anne Jones of Chicago, Illinois and two great grandchildren, Ebony Brothers and Jayden Brothers; nieces Mrs. Karen Daniels of McHenry, Illinois, Mrs. Adrienne McClure of Arlington, Massachusetts, Mrs. Pat Haley, Mrs. Pam Graham of Boston, Massachusetts and Mrs. Irene Young of Kennesaw, Georgia; nephews Dr. Reginald Brothers of Vienna, Virginia and Mr. Freddy Williams of Washington, DC. She will be very warmly remembered by cousins Mr. Hugh Price of White Plains, New York, Dr, Kline Price and Mrs. Mary Johnston of Washington, DC.

Graveside Services will be held at the Bourne National Military Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. on Friday September 7, 2018 and a memorial service will be held at 12^th Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m.

of Dorchester, August 1, 2018. Beloved father of Henry I. Guscott and Patrice A. Williams both of Dorchester. Loving grandfather of Henry Winston Guscott, Jr. of Dorchester. Son of the late Ruby A. (Field) and Henry Frank Guscott. Brother of the late Christal Watson, Charles, Kenneth, George and Norman Guscott. Dear brother-in-law of Carrie N. Guscott of Dorchester and Valerie Whitmore Guscott of Milton. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral service Thursday at 11:30 AM at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan. Visiting with the family at church at 10 AM. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Cecil’s memory to Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program, which provides education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to children of color (masspep.org/donate). Arrangements Davis Funeral Home of Boston. To Post a Sympathy message visit www.DavisofBoston.com.

JANEY, Daisy (Jenkins, Thompson) 97, of Hingham, died peacefully on Monday, July 2, 2018 in her home with loving family members at her bedside. Daisy was born in South Carolina on Saint Helena Island to a large Gullah family. After the death of her mother, she was sent at age seven to Everett, Massachusetts to be raised by relatives. Daisy was predeceased by her devoted husband Kenneth L. Janey, Sr. and her daughter Elizabeth L. Janey. She is survived by her daughter Margaret O’Connor of Greenfield, son Kenneth Janey, Jr. of Hingham, son David Janey and daughter-in-love Debra Robbin of Hingham, grandson Devin Janey and his wife Erica Samalis of Washington, DC, and granddaughters Katherine O’Connor of Greenfield, Keir Janey of Dorchester, and many other loving family members and friends.

After graduating from Everett High School with honors, Daisy attended Suffolk University and later as an adult student completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She also earned a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Lesley University. Daisy was a notary public and a licensed real estate broker. She had a long and varied career holding positions such as, administrative assistant to the Hingham Board of Selectmen, instructor in paralegal studies/manager of the law clinic at University of Massachusetts Boston, paralegal at the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights, equal employment administrator and assistant to the Commissioner of Mental Health for the Commonwealth of MA.

Daisy was generous, compassionate, frugal, and stylish. She was a feminist, a published author, a lifelong learner, and an avid reader. Daisy was passionate about travel, social justice, and civil rights. She was a role model and mentor to many and an advocate for those more vulnerable. For many years she produced the monthly newsletter for the Goldenaires seniors group where many of her closest friendships were formed. Daisy’s wit and humor were an integral part of her character and a constant comfort to all even at the very end of her life.

A celebration of Daisy’s amazing life will be held Saturday, August 18 from 11 – 3:00; South Shore Country Club, Lincoln Ballroom, 274 South St., Hingham, MA 02043. Follow signs to Lincoln Ballroom parking lot. The ballroom is accessible to those with disabilities. The receiving line will form at 11:00 followed by a celebration of Daisy’s life, and a buffet lunch. Remembrances may be shared at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel Cremation Service of Massachusetts website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made as a tribute gift in memory of Daisy Janey to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.

On Sunday, April 22, Frances J. Perkins died at the age of 98.

During her lifetime, Frances J. Perkins, lived up to her high school yearbook’s probable destination caption – “working for everyone’s welfare.”

She began her professional career in the mid-1940s as the director of the St. Mark’s Congregational Church’s nursery school, interestingly, located across the street from her high school. Many of her young students such as Ronald Brown, the former Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton administration, pursued very successful careers.

Mrs. Perkins also directed nursery school programs at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Belmont and the Red Barn School in Weston, MA throughout the 1950s.

From 1961 to 1973, she directed Brandeis University’s Lemberg Nursery School, a laboratory nursery, and kindergarten for the School’s Social Sciences departments.

After serving on Wheelock’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Perkins became the College’s first tenured, African-American faculty member. As an associate professor of psychology and sociology, she taught undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. She remained at Wheelock until her retirement in 1985.

Mrs. Perkins’ other consulting and teacher training involvements included lecturing for the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study at Tufts University; instructing child development courses at Garland Junior College’s Summer Institute; developing curricula for the Boston Head Start program; directing the Head Start Training, and the Peace Corps Tunisia Training programs for Wheelock College.

An active community resident, she served as the Board President of Freedom House in Roxbury and the First Parish Unitarian Universal Church in Brewster, MA, and was also a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Having made many lasting relationships with students, teachers, parents, colleagues, and friends, Mrs. Perkins will always be remembered for her caring leadership, valued insights, and love of people.

The fourth child of Robert and Rebecca Campbell Jones, Mrs. Perkins grew up in Roxbury, graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School, State Teacher’s College in Boston (now the University of Massachusetts) and earned master’s degrees from Tufts and Boston Universities.

After residing within walking distance of her childhood home in Roxbury for the first 64 years of her life, she and her late husband, W. Wentworth Perkins, built a home and moved to North Eastham on Cape Cod in 1984.

She is survived by a son, Joseph of Eastham, MA, two grandchildren, Catherine Frances Perkins, of Bourne, MA and Christian Perkins of Land-o-Lakes, FL and a great-grandson, Justin Perkins, also of Land-o-Lakes, FL.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 9 at 1:00 PM at St. Mark’s Congregational Church, 200 Townsend St., Roxbury, MA.

Janie Cerica Whiteside of Boston, passed away on May 9, 2018 with family and close friends surrounding her.

 

Hers was a spirit of incredible sweetness and she was always an unfailingly kind person whose generosity and willingness to help made her beloved by all who knew her. Janie is survived by her daughter Cerica Horton Hightower; and is the treasured sister of Barbara Whiteside-Hinkson, Donald Whiteside and Dana Whiteside and the daughter of the late Daisy (Spencer) Whiteside and the late Reverend Samuel Whiteside.

 

A memorial service celebrating Janie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00am at Emmanuel Church (15 Newbury Street, Boston MA)

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Janie’s memory be made to Bay Cove Human Services, attn Development, 66 Canal Street, Boston, MA 02114 or online at www.baycove.org/donate. or to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at www.bidmc.org/give or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “In Memory of Janie Whiteside/ Dr. Benjamin Schlechter Cancer Research Fund” on the memo line and mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215

James F. Leath, Jr. was born on July 19, 1942 to the Late Reverend Dr. James F. and Mrs. Bertha M. Leath, Sr. He graduated from Huntington High School in Huntington, N.Y. where he was a distinguished athlete in basketball, football, and track and field. He is still the New York State record holder for the 100 yard dash. His academic record and athletic prowess won him a scholarship to Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, Class of 1964, where he continued to distinguish himself in football, and track and field.

In 1980, Jim (also known as Frankie to his family and some friends) received his diploma from the Institute for Acupuncture Studies and realized a long time dream of practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine, and became a member of the Acupuncture Practitioners Association of Massachusetts. In 1996, he earned a certificate in UNIX System Administration from Boston University.

Throughout his career, he was Director of Teenage Employment Skills Training, worked at Abt Associates as a Deputy Contract Manager, was Compliance Officer at Massachusetts Port Authority, and was Senior Computer Operator at Education Loan Services and EMC, before his retirement.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sigma Chapter. He was a Prince Hall Mason in Widow Son Lodge #28.

Jim/Frankie was a lover of music with a beautiful tenor voice; he loved three and four part harmony. As a founding member of Onyx and JoyFul, he was able to use that beautiful voice and his skills to produce and sing music that delighted his audiences. He was a life long learner, something he passed on to his children and grandchildren, whom he loved unconditionally. He is survived by his three children: Michelle Leath, Sarai Senat (Ralph) and James F. Leath III; his eight grandchildren: Zahra, Ayana, Jayda, Bakari, Jasmine, Eryka, Avel and Amir; his brother, Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (Susan), sisters, Caprice I. Buskey (Dwight) and Natasha S. Leath; Leslie, his former wife and friend, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Cards and other messages of sympathy can be sent to The Family of James F. Leath, Jr., 1786 Windsorbrooke Dr., Marietta, GA 30062.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Grant A.M.E Church, 1906 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 at 1:00 pm.