Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC

02/04/2026

Wanda Kay McKnight, 57 of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2026, at UPMC- Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. She was born in Jonestown MS on November 10, 1968, to Nathaniel Henderson and Palmer Lee McKnight. She was affectionately called “Red” by those who knew and loved her.

As she grew up in New Castle, she graduated from New Castle HS where she participated as part of the track & field team. After attending college, she moved to Hartford CT and worked as secretary for an insurance company. Red relocated back to New Castle upon news of her disability and started to raise a family. She was a devoted mother, sibling and Auntie to all, truly believing in FAMILY. She enjoyed playing the lottery, spending time with her twin sister Wende, you normally didn’t see one without the other, if one was there the other would surely pop up. She was a loving, caring and giving person who believed in living life to the fullest. She would give you the shirt off her back or buy one if you were not wearing one. When Red walked into a room, she brought happiness with her, her silly persona brought laughter to many.

Red was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Joseph and Dixie McKnight; brother, Nathaniel “Chubby” McKnight; sister-in-law, Jada McKnight; nephew, Antonio McKnight; a special daughter, Shekela Ford; and her K-9 friend Sage.

Red will be sadly missed by her children, Jerell Huddleston, Kameron Debardelaben, Darnell and Jada Latham and Corey Lee II, whom she considered as one of her children; sisters, Vickey (Brandon) Johnson and Wende McKnight of New Castle; brothers, Richard (Kim) McKnight and Tony McKnight of New Castle and Bruce (Octavia) McKnight of Columbus OH and 17 other siblings; aunt, Sarah McKnight-Smith of Windsor CT; 5 grandchildren: Jerell Huddleston, Jr., Aniya Walls, Kyla and Kamyiah Debardelaben and Jru Scott; a host of nieces and nephews, godchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11AM. at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 603 Harbor St., New Castle PA. A homegoing Celebration will be at noon. Red will be buried near her mother and brother in Graceland Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA, Charlotte A Sheffield and Regina Washington, funeral directors.

12/04/2025

Patricia Elaine Crunkleton Hunt, 72, of Union Township, passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2025. Born July 24, 1953 in New Castle, PA, she was the first of five children born to George H. and Elener Louise Young Crunkleton.
Lovingly called Patty, she was married to Robert C. Hunt, and together they raised three devoted sons. After graduating from New Castle High School, she attended college.
She was a former member of Second Baptist Church. She had been employed as an administrative assistant at Liberty Mutual Insurance and New Castle Industrial Railroad.
Patty lived with curiosity and a heart turned towards others. She loved sharing reels about new restaurants and sending recipes the moment she found a good one. She loved shopping and was always excited when she found a "bargain." She found pleasure in tending to her plants, working outdoors, and continually beautifying her home.
But her family was above all else. She loved preparing meals and buying gifts for her children and grandchildren. She cherished every part of their lives, regularly traveling long distances to watch them participate in sporting events and other activities. It was her greatest joy seeing her grandchildren play or just watching her sons coach. If she received a highlight video for any of them, she would watch it proudly on repeat. Trips to Arizona were her happy escapes. She was convinced, however, that Virginia had no grocery stores, always arriving with coolers packed full for everyone. Her devotion to her family was evident in all she did.
Patty was selfless, generous, and made everyone—family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her—feel seen, welcomed, and deeply cared for.
Patty will now rejoin her parents who preceded her in death.
In addition to her husband, Robert, Patty will be sadly missed by her sons: Robert C. ( Ursula) Jr, Cory R. (Timesha) and Randy L. (Lindsay) Hunt; four siblings, George (Versella) Crunkleton, Jeffrey ( Seddra Jones, fiancée), Crunkleton, Kimberly Crunkleton, and Marie Christine (Doug) Wiggins; 8 grandchildren; and a host of special nieces, nephews, loving cousins, others relatives and friends.
She will be tremendously missed by her family and loved ones.
Visitation will be on Saturday., December 6, 2025, at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, 112 Oakland Ave, New Castle, PA at 9AM. The Homegoing Celebration will begin at 11:00AM
Services are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA 16101.

11/14/2025

11/07/2025

Elener Louise Crunkleton, 99, formerly of New Castle, entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 4, 2025 at West Penn Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 1, 1926 in New Castle, PA she was the daughter of John and Sarah Smith Young.

Her marriage to George Crunkleton on August 8, 1951 lasted 37 years until his passing in early 1989.

Elener was employed as a bank teller at the time of her retirement from First Commonwealth Bank. Her love for God and her community was evident in her faithful service at Second Baptist Church where she served as a missionary and deaconess. Elener was a Life Member of the NAACP where she held numerous positions. As an active member of AARP, she volunteered at Challenges, Options in Aging and traveled around the region to educate seniors on topics on aging. She was a devoted community servant to the Meals on Wheels program. She was the oldest living member of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Reading Circle and the Sunshine Kensington Club.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, watching and participating in sports events, boating, jewelry making, decorating Christmas bulbs, cooking and baking. But her greatest enjoyment was her family.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by 6 siblings.

Elener’s legacy of love, laughter, service and faith will live on through her children: George (Versella) Crunkleton, Jeffrey Crunkleton (Seddra Jones, fiancée), Patricia (Robert) Hunt, Marie Christine (Douglas) Wiggins, and Kimberly Crunkleton; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on November 10, 2025, 4PM to 8PM at Second Baptist Church, 537 Bell Avenue, New Castle. The Homegoing Celebration will be at 11AM on November 11, 2025.
Elener will be entombed in Castleview Memorial Gardens.

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

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.