Tradition of Trust and Service

Marcus Lawrence Herring-Grooms was born on January 22, 1992, and departed this life on April 4, 2026. Marcus was preceded in death by his father, Talbert Grooms; his grandmother, Deborah Herring; and his great-grandmother, Marjorie Herring. Marcus was more than just a man — he was a protector, provider, husband, father, and a real one in every sense. If you knew him, you knew he stood on loyalty, love, and respect. He didn’t play about the people he loved, and they didn’t ...

Lisa Jean Connors, age 59, transitioned from this life to be with the Lord on April 3, 2026. She was born on January 1, 1967, to Selma Lee Lucas and Willie Metcalf. Lisa was kindhearted, giving, loving, and had a jovial spirit. Her personality and laughter were infectious and would transcend any atmosphere especially when she cracked corny jokes.  She loved her children, grandchildren, and all her nieces and nephews--Lisa was Auntie to everyone’s children. She loved her big ...

Pamela Renee Rainey, born July 20, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert and Esterline Drance, she was the youngest sister of Presstine and Patrice Drance. She was a proud graduate of Colonel White High School Class of 1979.  She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy her oldest sister, Patrice Drance,; two Children, Robert William Rainey and Camille Renee Humphrey; five grandchildren _ Eric Hill, Ny'Ashia Rainey, KaMijah Brown, Jaelyn Rainey, and Neveah Ross-Rainey; a ...

Mr. Cozy L Hunter Jr., age 63, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Graveside Services, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 2:00 P.M. West Memory Gardens, 6722 Hemple Road, Moraine, Ohio 45439.

Robert Jeffrey Simmons (Bobby) was born on December 8, 1955 in Stamford, CT to the late Arthur and Adelaide Simmons. He was the second eldest of four children and the eldest son. Robert grew up in Stamford, CT graduating from Westhill High School. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and received his Bachelors Degree in Accounting. Robert worked for a number of accounting firms including Price Waterhouse before he relocated to the Dayton, OH area in the late 80’s. Robert ...

Robert (Bob) E. Spence Jr., age 67, passed away at The Laurels of Huber Heights in Dayton, Ohio. He was born November 4, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, to Georgia Spence and Robert E. Spence. Bob was a graduate of Fairview High School. An entrepreneur at heart, he owned multiple businesses specializing in lawn care services and rehabbing houses. He also previously worked for Coffee’s Towing Company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by both of his brothers, Robert Greer and ...

Rayfield "Castro" Knight, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was called home on March 15, 2026, at Widows Home of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio. Rayfield was born on October 31,1933 to the late Mance Knight and Fannie Heard. Rayfield was employed as a shoe repairman in Downtown Dayton until he retired in the late 1990's. Rayfield cherished his family deeply and loved spending quality time ...

Mrs. Ella Lee Lake, age 76, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026.  Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at All Nations Bible Fellowship, 3805 Kings Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45406. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with the service to follow at 1:00 PM. Final Disposition: Jefferson View Cemetery. 

Mr. Alfred Clayton Luckey, age 78, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Military Honors Service to be held, Monday, March 23, 10:00 AM at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 West Third St., Dayton, OH 45428

John “Pook” Edward Layne, Jr. was born on January 3, 1958, and passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude K. Layne; his parents, Claudia Layne and John Edward Layne, Sr.; his bonus mom Sandra Carson; his grandmother, Molly Dozier; his brother, Jamie Layne; his aunt, Joyce Lee; and his cousin, Adrienne Ross. He is survived by his daughter, Claudette McBeth; bonus children, Elijah James Curtis, Jr., Leona Bukue Taylor, and Olive ...