Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC

10/16/2025

James Richard Fennell, Jr. of Greensburg passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025
surrounded by his loving family. He had waged a valiant and courageous fight with
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 for so many years.

Affectionately called Jimmy by those who knew and loved him, he was born on
August 4, 1994 in Greensburg to James Richard, Sr. and Tonia Patterson Fennell.
Jimmy was a 2013 graduate of PA Cyber. He furthered his education by attending
Westmorland Community College and Hiram G. Andrews Center. He would not allow his medical conditions to prevent him from living a full and independent life.

His employment portfolio lists Red Lobster Restaurant. Jimmy enjoyed riding dirt
bikes, shopping, football, camping with his grandparents, Uncle Jim and other family members. He was also known to be a master when ordering by Door Dash.

Jimmy is now reunited with his sister Sheila, who preceded him in death in 2017; his uncle Daniel Fennell and his grandfathers; Edward Patterson and Arthur Tansmore, Sr.

Jimmy will be sadly missed by parents, Tonia and Sam Salih and James Fennell, Sr,;
devoted brothers, Garan Fennell, Xavier Fennell, and Nyairr( Lechiqua) Salih; 2 sisters, Chativia and Mikayla Salih; grandmothers, Sharon
Patterson and Carol Fennell; uncles: James (Jill) Patterson, Arthur Tansmore, Jr. and
Brad (Yoni) Rayburn; aunts, Lungi Luthuli, Gina Pereira and Djunia Tansmore;
godparents, Brenda Stewart and Vertus Jones; loving and devoted caregivers, Nicole,
Curtus, Donna, and Dominique; and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 18th from 11am to 1pm at New Creation family worship center 119 Westmoreland Ave, Greensburg PA. The service to celebrate Jimmy's life will begin at 1pm.

There will be a Repass immediately following the celebration of life at the American Legion Post #18 2958 Pa819 Greensburg, PA 15601.

Private burial will take place at a later date in Edgewood Cemetery, Saltsburg, PA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA; Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina L Washington, funeral directors.

07/07/2025

Obituary: Michelle Lynn Rotnour

Michelle Lynn Rotnour, 47 of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at her home early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025.

Michelle was born on June 25, 1978, in Ellwood City PA to Susan Redmond and the late Robert Mark Rotnour.

Michelle had a happy and kindhearted spirit. Her kindness could be seen as she worked with her clients in home health care. She would help anybody and even stray animals. In her leisure time, she would listen to music and write in her journal. She loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father; her nephew, Avery Hall; and her cousin Jessica Bellian.

In addition to her mother, Michelle will be sadly missed by those whom she cherished as her children: Erasmus “Booter” Burrell, Alicia Perez, Cheyenne Perez, Anna Rotnour, Julissa “Mookie” Rotnour, Alexis Bajanen, and Diamond Redmond; her brothers, Ralph Michael and John Paul Hardt; her sisters, Heather Rotnour and Chelsea Faraone; aunt, Annie Kruger; her grandchildren; Allen Stodolsky Jr., Leon Keene, Rowan Keene, Avrielle Edwards, Orticia Williams and Ortarius Williams III, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, starting at 1PM at Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle. The homegoing service will begin at 3PM.

06/27/2025

Obituary: Donald Lee Lewis

Donald Lee Lewis passed away unexpectedly at his residence in New Castle on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

He was born in New Castle on May 13, 1953, to Floyd and Jennie Lewis.

Donald attended New Castle High School where he excelled in sports. After graduating from High School, he attended Slippery Rock where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

He was employed as a counselor at the Youth Development Center (YDC). Because of his dedication and work ethic, he became a supervisor at the facility.

In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Donald enjoyed many sports, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, shooting pool, and playing dominoes. He also engaged himself in training dogs.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Nathan, and Patrick; and sisters, Natalie and Mary.

In addition to his wife, Michele, Donald is survived by 3 daughters, Eunice (Justin) Crunkleton, Tiffany and Cameron Lewis; brothers, Floyd (Kathleen)Louis , William Lewis, Gilbert (Regina) Lewis, and his twin, Dennis (Laura) Lewis; sister, Patricia (Wanzo) Robinson; 3 grandchildren, Aliana Christian, Aughna and Alaynah Blakney, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 30,2025 starting at 1PM at Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle. The homegoing service will begin at 3PM.

05/29/2025

In Loving Memory of Karen King

The family of Karen King is heartbroken to announce her passing on May 14, 2025. Karen died unexpectedly at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, due to complications while being treated for an intracranial hemorrhage. She was 66 years old.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Melvin King, and her sister, Tracey Dobson-Johnson. She will be deeply missed by a large and loving extended family, including her stepchildren Tori King, Paul Winnick, Melvin King, Latasha King, Gregory Johnson, Chavonne Newma-Johnson, LaVar King, and Karrissa King. In addition to her sister, surviving family includes her aunt, Lola Cook; nephews Shawn Johnson, Anthony Dodson, Brandon Dodson, Jeremy Dodson, Amiel King, and LaVar King; and her niece, Anissa Dodson.

Born Karen Lois Dobson on September 27, 1958, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Barbara Allen and Obediah Dodson. Karen spent most of her life in New Castle, where she attended Harry Lockley Elementary School and graduated from New Castle Senior High School in 1976. A dedicated lifelong learner, Karen pursued higher education at Robert Morris University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business. Throughout her career, she continued to expand her knowledge, obtaining professional certifications in human resources and information technology.

Karen built a successful career, working for companies such as INMETCO, MCI, and Atlantic Luggage. She dedicated over a decade of service as the Lawrence County Human Resource Manager before retiring last year.

While working at INMETCO, Karen met the love of her life, Melvin King. They married in 2000, and Karen embraced her role as stepmother to Melvin’s children: LaVar, Gregory, Melvin, and Tori. As each child married, Karen also enthusiastically took on the role of mother-in-law.

Karen had a zest for life and many passions. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. To say she enthusiastically followed their games is an understatement. She also had a keen interest in staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Above all, Karen had a deep love for animals. Over the years, she lovingly rescued and cared for many pets, including Andy, Max, McGoo, Bridgette, Harley, Peanut, and Nuggetz, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and her furry companions. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 603 Harbor Street, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The family will receive condolences at the church beginning at 11:00 AM, with the service to follow at 11:30 AM. Arrangements are under the care of Washington Sheffield Funeral Home.

05/17/2025

Obituary: Kathy Ann Currie

Kathy Ann (Lawson) Currie, born on Friday, September 14, 1962 at St. Francis Hospital to Freddie Lee Spain, Sr. and Leona Marie (Lawson) Harrison passed away peacefully at her home on May 9, 2025. She attended church often and recently returned to her home church, Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, where it is confirmed that she rededicated her life to the Lord and was clean and at peace.

Kathy always greeted everyone with a bright warm welcoming smile. She was a hardworking woman who often worked 2-3 jobs from serving, to housekeeping and hospitality at the Banquet Center, and Armstrong Family Daycare. Anyone who knew Kathy knows she loved cleaning, hence starting her own cleaning business. She would help with kids as she not only babysat, but she also directed activities at the local center. In addition to her love and passion for plants with her exquisite green thumb, her true love was for dogs; Poochi, Lady, Bruiser, and Smokey.

She loved to shop the yard sales and consignment stores because she believed that by obtaining extra clothing and shoes, she would always be able to assist those in need.

Kathy will be missed and loved as she rests in Glory. She was preceded in death by her son, LaGene Jermaine Lawson; her father, Freddie Lee Spain, Sr.; her siblings,: Everliner Lockett, Freddie Lee Spain, Jr., Walter Jack Dorman, and her aunt Leola Louise Taylor.

She is survived by her mother, Leona Marie Harrison; her children, Preston Lee Currie, Jr., Durand Damian Lawson, Prestina LeeAnn Currie, Michael Anthony Lockett, Shelia (Freeman) Bankston, all of New Castle and Telia Nicole Lawson, of Youngstown, OH; her siblings: Trent Carraway, Mark Spain, Lillie Spain, Belinda Spain, Darlene Lawson, and Charles (Chuck) Spain; a special friend, Terry Thompson; her best friend, Marsha Jackson; 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10AM at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, 1119 S. Jefferson St. We will start to celebrate the Homegoing Service at 11AM.

Kathy will be buried in Parkside Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA 16101

05/17/2025

Obituary: Eleanor Delores "Dee Dee" Basham

Eleanor Delores “Dee Dee” Basham, 91 of New Castle went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at UPMC Jameson Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Eleanor was born on June 2, 1933 in New Castle, PA to the late Earl and Bernice Carter Webber.

She graduated from the New Castle School of Business. She was a member of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church and was affectionately known as the Mother of the Church. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Lay Council President, Missionary Life Members President, Class Leader, and Senior Citizens Fellowship. She also served many years as the Church Delegate to the Ohio Annual Conference. She was a Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P. She enjoyed coloring, watching all sporting events, cooking, shopping, puzzles, and gardening. Eleanor especially loved cruising with her family and being around her grandchildren.

Eleanor will be sadly missed by her children, Bernice Clyburn Oakry and Karen (Clyde) Jones of New Castle and her son, Calvin (Lori) Harrison of Columbus, OH; brother, Irvin Douglas Webber and sister, Marian Webber of Washington, DC; 7 grandchildren: Earl, Maegan, and Nicole Clyburn; Alyssa and Andre Jones; and Markia and Calvin Austin Harrison, 16 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 603 Harbor Street, New Castle, PA, 16101with visitation from 11am to 1pm and the Homegoing service to follow at 1pm.

Eleanor will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, LLC, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA 16101.

04/04/2025

Obituary: Katherine Bridges Taylor

Katherine Bridges Taylor, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born July 19, 1936, in Wheatland PA, to the late Willie & Calina Bridges. She was the second of eight children.

On May 23, 1959, she married the love of her life Harold "Shebbie" Taylor, from this union, they created four children. Kathy and Shebbie were married 50 years before his passing on July 15, 2009.

At a young age, Kathy helped raise her four younger siblings when her mother became ill.

Known for her amazing cakes, Kathy would not be outdone. She made many fabulous birthday, graduation, and wedding cakes. She also won several blue ribbons at the Lawrence County Fair for her delicious brownies.

At 77, Kathy retired from Challenges- Options in Aging, where she was employed for 35+ years. She enjoyed bingo, shopping, and flea markets, where she found great bargains which she shared with everyone. But she loved nothing more than her family. Kathy was known to be humorous while not even trying.

She leaves to cherish the memories of her four children: Harold "Champ" (Shonda), Dawne (Greg), Monica (Rodney) and Carmen; six grandchildren: Jordan, Aubrianna, Ethan, Chayce, Paige, and Isaiah; three great grandchildren: Ty, Maverick, and Wrenlee; one godchild, Jeanine; two sisters, Virginia and Winnie and two brothers: Eugene and Willie.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by siblings: Juanita, Dave, and Geneva, along with her daughter-in-law Jackie.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 7, 2025, beginning at 10AM, at St. Luke A. M. E. Zion Church, 603 Harbor St., New Castle. The Homegoing Celebration will start at 1PM.

Kathy will be buried in Graceland Cemetery beside her beloved husband.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA.

03/29/2025

Obituary: Amy Lee Dukes

Amy Lee Dukes, 78, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of Jimmy Lee Hoskey and Annie Mae King, born in Eufaula, Alabama on June 10, 1946. Amy retired from Golden Hill Nursing Home where she was employed as a dietary aide. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, planting flowers and buying lottery tickets.

She was a loving, caring and helpful person. Amy was all about family. Her grandchildren were the love of her life. Her son referred to her as “the strongest woman I know. One of her well-known sayings was “Get your dute over here.”

In addition to her parents, Amy was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Johnson; her brother, Calvin King; and her grandson, Lamar Johnson.

Amy will be sadly missed by her sons: Kenneth “LeeLee” Johnson, James Johnson, and D’eandre (Lisa) Johnson; sisters, Jeannie Mae (Sam) Holmes and Janice (Jimmy Earl) Hicks; 19 grandchildren: Vegas Johnson, Destiny Johnson, Aleyce Johnson, Darrian Johnson, D’eandre Johnson Jr., Adriana Jeffries, Malik Jeffries, Maya Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Christina Gaines, Frank Gaines, Aaryca Johnson, Ariana Mitteff, Mariah Klingensmith, Janelle Bortz, Aaron L. Johnson, Maleigha Heningway, Kayla Johnson, and Aaron Johnson, Jr ; her devoted partner, Travis Bartley; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ 1119 S. Jefferson Street, New Castle, PA at 11AM. The Homegoing Service will start at 12: pm. Amy will be buried in Graceland Cemetery near her grandson, Lamar.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, LLC, 454 Chestnut St, New Castle, PA.

03/20/2025

Obituary: Ronald Lee Wise, 60, of New Castle, went home to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his residence. He was born January 9, 1965 in New Castle to Robert Wise and Theora G. Washington.

Ronnie was a loving and caring person with a sense of humor. He was a faithful member at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, he sang and played drums for the praise team. He was disappointed when he had to miss practice. He was also an Usher at Prevailing Word and when volunteers were needed for special events, he would volunteer.

Ronnie was a blessing to the Game Changer Program, especially to the kids. He occasionally brought food/ snacks, made sure some of the kids'needs were met, taught kids basic drums skills, and made sure their safety was his first priority. He helped coordinate and organize numerous fundraisers, manned the art and furniture store, "Slim Pikins". Ronnie was an asset and blessing to the after school program. You always knew when he was around because he had music playing on his phone and he will be missed.

Cooking was one of his great enjoyments, but when it came to sports, especially football, the San Francisco 49ers held all his attention. He also liked to watch wrestling.

He loved his family especially his mother. He would often talk about her and how much he missed her.

Ronald will now join his mother and father, brother Richard, sisters Rachel, Renee, and Robin, and Aunt Carol Perkins, all who have preceded him in death.

Ronald will sadly be missed by sons Ronald (Brenda) Mahone, Brice and Ward Wise, Sidney Pecore, Adrian Wise and Isaiah; daughters Tasia Young, Cecily Pecore, Amiya and Nevaeh Wise; brothers Robert Jr. and Reginald, Rodney (Robin), Anthony Alexander, Teranity (Deena) Steward, Bobby Kelly; sisters; Rochelle McClenton, Darlena Lawson, Rhapsody Washington, Yolanda Franklin, Quiana (Jesse) Good; 7 grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Ronald Wise will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, 114 Oakland Ave., New Castle PA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle PA.

11/17/2024

Obituary: Eileen Ruth Slade

Eileen Ruth Slade, 79, daughter of Tony and Jean Freed of New Castle, PA, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024. Eileen was born on November 19th, 1944.

Eileen devoted her career to the Youth Development Center, where she worked tirelessly until her retirement. She will be remembered as a hardworking woman, a devoted mother, and beloved grandmother- just a few of the many titles she held in life.

Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Tony and Jean Freed, and her adored son, Samuel Freed.

Eileen's legacy is carried forward by surviving children: Melissa Washington ( husband, Charles Washington) and Kelvin Slade ( wife, Jacqueline Slade). She was a doting grandmother to Jessica Jefferson, Jayla Jefferson, Jasmine McCaster, Alyssa Slade, and Anthony Slade. Additionally, she was blessed with eight beloved great- grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. Each whom held a unique and special place in her heart, nurturing them all with boundless love. She will be forever remembered for her remarkable strength, unwavering dedication to family, and the deep love shared with all. A hardworking woman, devoted mother and grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew her. We celebrate her life by cherishing the countless ways she enriched our lives, knowing that her love will guide us always.

A memorial Service will be held to honor Eileen's life on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her memory and the lasting impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

11/05/2024

Obituary: Elder Terrence Duane Scott

On October 28, 2024, God called Elder Terrence Duane Scott to his new heavenly home. Born on June 19,1959 in Aliquippa, he was the son of the late Charles James and Mattie Rose Milliner Scott.

In his younger years, Elder Terry was influenced by his parents’, and the late Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr.’s teachings and their love for the Lord.

During Elder Terry’s tenure at the Church in the Round, he served Bishop Clark faithfully as an adjutant and was also a member of the Radio Choir. As the youth director, Elder Terry would bring the youth together creating skits and plays which led many to Christ.

Bishop Clark commissioned Pastors Charles and Mattie Scott to shepherd the sheep in New Castle, PA who were traveling from New Castle to Aliquippa to worship the Lord at the Church in the Round. As a result, Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ (COGIC) was birthed through his parents. In full support of the Elder Terry’s parent’s and family’s church, he followed his parents’ footsteps into ministry. He taught Sunday school and bible study, served as an adjutant to his father, Pastor Charles Scott, caretaker to his mother, Pastor Mattie Scott, and adjutant to his brother, Pastor Ivan Scott. Elder Terry had a unique anointing in ushering the presence of God into the sanctuary through praise and worship. The Lord also gave Elder Terry the message we will forever remember and cherish – “See the Christ in your Crisis” knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)

After moving to Bessemer, Alabama to live out the next phase of his life and to be with the Scott family there, Elder Terry was under the watch care of Pastor Jessie McAlpine, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. While there, he served as the President of the Seniors Ministry, and taught Sunday School.

Elder Terry’s life exemplified the scripture in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest".

In the secular world, Terry graduated from Center High School and went on to attend Robert Morris College where he served as President of the Black Student Union. An industrious young man, Terry worked in several fields of employment to include Silverman’s in the Beaver Valley Mall. It was there that Terry’s love for men’s fashion and style was developed. Terry’s dream job was to travel the airways. God opened that door, and he was hired as a flight attendant with American Airlines, which enabled him to literally travel the world.

Terry was no stranger in the kitchen. Gleaning from his maternal grandmother, Charlie Mae Milliner, and his mother, he developed a love and innate ability to cook any kind of food, which eventually led him to establish “Terry’s Catering.” Family and friends from everywhere would gather at the house after Sunday morning worship in anticipation of the great food both Mother Scott and Terry were cooking. The food was not the only thing that drew others to Terry, but his charismatic personality and a lover of laughter were also drawing factors which made everyone want to be around him. After being in his presence, you would leave with a belly filled with food, fun and laughter. Terry was known as a comedian to his family and friends.

Terry experienced some struggles in his lifetime, but despite them, he is always loved God, his children, and his family. They were his greatest loves.

Terry has since transitioned and now will be rejoicing with his parents, Pastors Charles (Charlie) and Mattie Scott, grandparents, Louise (Liz) Anderson, John and Charlie Mae Milliner, aunt Jeanette Denson, Uncles Tanner Milliner and niece, Latoya Jefferson who have preceded him in death.

Terry will be dearly missed by his children: Bryson Scott of Atlanta GA, Candace Scott of Snellville GA, Britanny (Maurice) Johnson of Charlotte NC, and Terrence Scott, Jr of Blythe CA; his brothers: Charlie (Rena) Scott of Bessemer, Al, Larry (Laurice) Scott of Birmingham, Al, Ronald (Gloria) Scott of Atlanta, GA, Daryl (Denise) Milliner of Pittsburgh, Ivan (Donna) Scott of Cranberry, Michael (Zipporah) Scott of Raleigh NC, and Dwayne Evans of New Castle; sisters: Louise Lewis of Bessemer AL, Yvonne (Scott) Jefferson of Dyer IN, Iris (Edward) Fant of Laverne TN and Michelle Scott of New Castle; A Loving Aunt Johnnie Mae Franks, 8 grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial Service to celebrate the life of Terry Scott will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11AM at Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ, 26 E. Long Ave. New Castle PA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, LLC, 454 Chestnut St. New Castle PA. Charlotte A. Sheffield, FD.

10/12/2024

Below is a link to the Homegoing Service of Dr. Suzette Leah Speight.

Homegoing Service for Dr. Suzette Speight