Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 16 September 1999 — Page 41

The Muncie Times, September 16, 1999, page 41

OBITUARIES

William I. Bump us William I, Bumpus, 84, died Friday in Parkview Nursing Center after a long illness. He was born in Diesburg, Tennessee and had lived in Delaware County since 1945. He worked at Ball State University for 17 years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 50 years, Nevada Young Bumpus; a son, Elder Jerry D. Bumpus (wife: Diane); a stepson, Augustus Clark (wife: Evelyn); two stepdaughters, Evelyn Gilliard, Emagene Davis; one nephew, Martin Baker; one niece, Detra Taylor; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Bumpus and his mother, Zula Coleman. Arrangements were handled by Gardenview Funeral Home.

Margaret (Aunt Ray) G. Coleman Margaret (Aunt Ray) G. Coleman 76, was born September 8, 1922 to Will Dorris and Mary Hall Watkins in Christiana, Tennessee. Mrs. Coleman graduated from Rutherford County High School in 1944. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 48 years where she served faithfully on Usher Board, Sanctuary Choir, North Eastern District Usher Auxiliary and North Eastern District Mass Choir. She was also a member of Naomi Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Malta Assembly NO. 75 Order of the Golden Circle, Tyre Court NO. 82 and Daughter of Isis. Aunt Ray leaves to cherish her memory special companion Tommie Pierce, , Muncie; three sons, Willie C. Coleman (wife: Cookie), Ft. Wayne, Indiana, W.C. Coleman,Jr. (wife: Brenda), Brentwood, Tennessee, Raymond Giles (wife: Mary ), Dimondale, Michigan; a sister, Dora York, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Stephanie Denice Coleman, Christopher Trenton Coleman, Jonathan Kennyth Coleman, all of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and a special church family. She was preceded in death by her husband W.C. Coleman, her parents. Will Dorris and Mary Flail Watkins; three sisters; Anna Blackmon, Bertha Burns, Mary Frierson; two brothers, James Watkins and George Watkins. Ar rangements were handled by Carmichael Funeral Service, Inc.

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Mary Ellen Smith Watkins Hammons

Mary Ellen Smith Watkins Hammons, 75, died Monday evening at Ball Memorial Hospital after a long illness. She was born June 19, 1924 in Hartford City, Indiana. Mrs. Hammons w as the only child of Ms. Jessie B. Smith, who preceded her in death. She moved to Muncie at an early age, attending the Muncie City Schools. She was a 1942 graduate of Muncie Central High School. Mary Ellen was a devoted mother, wife, and homemaker for ov er 50 years. She dedicated her

life to Christ at an early age. She was an active member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was involved in the Mother's Board, Missionary

Groups and Choir.

Mrs. Hammons was a past worthy matron of Eastern Star, a past Illusnious Commander and Deputy of Oasis for Daughter of Isis, and a member of Loyal Ladies, all Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic Modiers of Indiana, New Casde division. Leaving to rejoice her memory, her husband, Ellis J. Hammons; three sons, Charles W. Watkins, Illinois, James S. Watkins, Michael D. Watkins, both of Muncie; one daughter Ellen K. Watkins, Muncie; one stepson, Joshua T. Hammons, Virginia; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Ar rangements were handled by Carmichael Funeral Services, Inc.

Jannie House Jannie House, 86, died Saturday at Muncie Health Care of an extended illness. She was a member of the Eastern Star. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Charlotte Andrews (husband: William) Patsy Durroh Gee, both of Muncie; one sister Katherine Woods, Battle Creek, Michigan; eight grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by one son, Carlos Durroh; her parents, Rogene and Florence Murphy; one brother, Saint Elmo Murphy; one sister, Thelma Kersey; and one grandson, Thomas Durroh. Arrangements were handled by Gholar Sc Gholar Funeral Service. George A. Kirksey George A. Kirksey, 63, died Friday, September 3, 1999 after an extended illness. George was born in Alabama on August 12, 1936 to Jack and Lathaniel Kirksey. He was a graduate of Anderson High School and worked for 30 years as a welder and serv ed at Indiana Bridge for five years. He was a retired U.S. Army veteran. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 16 years, Sheryl Kirksey, Muncie; a son, Juanis All Kirksey; a daughter, Pamela Greer, Cleveland; two stepdaughters, Tiffany Cooper (husband: Alexander), Colorado. Denise Hunter, California; three grandchildren, Shade Kirksey, Michigan, Shai Kirksey, Muncie, Marq Paul, Florida; one aunt, Emma Richardson, Talledego Alabama; one uncle, Otis Manuel, Brooklyn, New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Lathaniel Kirksey and two sisters, Bernice Mitchum and Margaret Kirksey. Arrangements were handled by Carmichael Funeral Service, Inc.

Rayford C. Smith

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On Tuesday, August 31, 1999, Gods sweet spirit called Rayford "Sonny" Cardell Smith home. Rayford was born on February 11,1937, to the union of the late James Edward and Elizabeth Lou (Evans) Smith. On November 7, 1960, he married Mary Etta "Tute" Simelton. She preceded him in death on December 15,

1998.

Rayford was a lifetime member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He worked at Marion V.A. Hospital, Bell Fibre, and he also drove a school bus for Marion Community Schools. For many years he was a member of the N.A.A.C.P, and served in the capacity of past President for 12 years, Wee-President and membership chairman. During his administration, the local N.A.A.C.P. branch won several prestigious awards. For his lengthy, diligent, and condnuos service, he was awarded the honor of being President Emeritus of the N.A.A.C.P. local branch. He was past Worshipful Master of Prince Hall Wilson Lodge #12 F&AM and a member of Amaranth Chapter #35 O.E.S. He was active in his community and fought for equality for all people. Rayford served as a past Precinct Committeeman of District 9 and was also a member of the Indiana Sheriffs Association. He shared his love for baseball with those he coached when managed a Babe Ruth team. Throughout his life he received numerous prestigious awards. Rayford leaves to cherish his memory four children; Michael (Kim) Smith, Ft. Wayne, Latandra "Tanya" Smith, Indianapolis, Sahrise "Reese" Smith, Marion, and Sean (Kim) Smidi, Muncie; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Charlene Robinson and Chatton (Dan) Pierce, both of Marion. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and fr iends.