Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 4 March 2004 — Page 33

The Muncie Times • March 4, 2004 • Page 33

OBITURARIES

LaVonda M. Washington “Bonnie” 7/2/1930 -12/23/2003 LaVonda “Bonnie” Mae (Young) Washington was born to Oscar and Esther Young on July 2, 1930 in Muncie, Indian. She was the oldest of 17 children. She attended Muncie Community Schools and graduated from Central High School. LaVonda was married in 1948 to John Clyde Davis and had five children. She later divorced and re-married Willie James Washington in 1963. She separated from him in the late 70's and divorced with no children.

LaVoonda was a preschool teacher at the Gateway on Kirby Avenue. She also worked at Butterfield canning Factory and other various jobs. LaVonda was saved in 1976 at First Street C.O.G.I.C.. She was active in the usher board, home-foreign missions, pastor's aide, and mother's board under the leadership of Elder Kenneth Ivy. She was currently a member of Prayer House of Deliverance C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor, Elder John L. Smith. She was active in the church before her stroke, which left her unable to live by herself. She lived with her oldest daughter LaVetta and her husband pastor Smith. She was currently living with her youngest daughter Lucretia up until her illness. LaVonda leaves to cherish her memory: her children: LaVetta (John) Smith, Concetta Williams, Webster (Mary) Ambrose,

Sr. Lucretia Flake, Carla (Skyler) Harvey, Damaris Davis and Wardell Davis; her sisters and brothers, Marilyn Grinstead, Chinnita Turner, Shelia Barton, Michelle(Eugene) Boyd, Ceasar Young, Larry Young, Victor(Tamara) Young, Billie(Noah) Barton, and Gregory(Nancy) Barton; special grandsons, Jeffery Davis, Shoka Griffin, Ryun Davis, Leonidas "Dago" Davis and Anthony "Buddy" Watkins; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; special friends, Stella Graves, Sis. Bessie Young, Sis. Ivera Orr and her nurse Ms. Loretta; and a host nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Leonidas Davis, her parents, Oscar Young and Esther M, Young-Barton, four sisters, Roselyn Brown, Jean Barton, Lavetta Young and Gloria Young-Long, three brothers, John Oscar Young, Rickie Young and Jeffery Young and a grandson.

Johnny Smith Jr.

Leonidas Davis 5/15/1949 -12/23/2003

Leonidas Davis passed away suddenly at OSU Medical Center in Columbus Ohio. Leoniadas was born in Muncie, Indiana to John Clyde Davis and LaVonda “Bonnie” Washington. F He graduated from Muncie Central School. He lived in Muncie for several years before re-locating to Ohio. He worked at General Motors for several years. Leonidas leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Anthony “Buddy”

Watkins, Pamela(Richard)Ivy, Shonda Hazzard, Cleon Wesby, Yusef Davis, Artavia Williams, HeatherModlin,Neakea Davis,Zoanthony Thomas,Jonette Thomas and Artie’ Thomas; five sisters, Valetta(John)Smith, Concetta Williams and Lucretia Flake, Carla(Skyler)Harvey and Damaris Davis; three brothers, Wardell Davis, Webster(Mary) Ambrose, Sr. and Jerry Darnell Malone; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and four special friends, Diddy, Leroy Roberson, Bobby Stigler and Dwight Evans. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Sharon Davis, parents John Clyde Davis and LaVonda Washington, grandparents, Oscar Young and Esther M. Young-Barton, Calvin Davis, Hazel Taylor and William Barton, three aunts and three uncles.

Family thankful for community support in tragic deaths of sons

Joshua 3. ^(dns Xorey <J enfci,ts

January 21. 1988 August 13. 1989 January 12, 2004 January 12. 2004 By Staff Writer The early winter fire that took the lives of teen brother Joshua and Korey Jenkins has brought about a continuing flow of love and support for their family. The brothers, at age 15 and 14 respectively, died as a result of a fire in their home on January 12. Hundreds of people including family and church members, friends,

teachers and students attended the funeral services at Union Missionary Baptist Church. The family are member so the church. It was the family’s wish that the lives of the boys be celebrated despite the suffering of such a traumatic loss. To the end, Melissa Bridges, mother of the teens, sang as if to them iJesus Loves Mei. Clarence Bridges, step-father sang song that he said he often sang with the children, “I Know a Man from Galilee”. Bridges was often seen walking with the boys who were diagnosed as autistic. “He may have been the step-father but he truly loved the boys”, said one

church member. “He was actually a father who really stepped up,” the member added. The children’s and youth choir led the congregants in songs of worship and praise; something Bridges said Joshua and Korey enjoyed doing. Pastor W.J. Jackson delivered the eulogy. At the conclusion of the service an invitation was extended for salvation and/or restoration to a life of Christian service. Several youth, including Joshua and Korey’s older and younger brother, Christopher and Tyler. Clarence Bridge spoke this sentiment on behalf of his family: “God is good. God planted two flowers 15 and 14 years ago to bless us

and teach us his love through these two loving children. Glorify yourself through this tragedy god and thank you for allowing us to spend time with Josh and Korey.” Bridges went on to say that because the children were autistic, people were sometimes irritated by their behavior. “They were only trying to express their love for people and were persistent. I did not consider them a burden but it was an honor for God to entrust them to my care. I will miss them greatly,” he said. Bridges was not at home at the time of the fire. Speaking on behalf the church Minister Judy Mays wrote these words: Eyes that sparkled, lips that smiled. We

were blessed to share for a while; Joshua and korey, blowing a kiss; a kindred hearts we’ll surely miss; remember their love, a job well done; mission completea ministry of hugs. “Our family has just been overwhelmed by the love and support we have received by so many in our church and community, said Melissa Bridges.” A fund has been established to help pay the funeral expenses of Joshua and Korey Jenkins. Anyone wanting to contribute to the fund may go to First Merchants Bank. Make your donation to: Scott Moore Jr. for the Jenkins family fund, account #312167676.