Howard K Hill Funeral Services

Phoebe M. Gaither of Meriden, CT, wife of the late Squire Gaither, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023. She was born in Oxford, NC on September 13, 1932, to Zebulon and Clara Marrow. Phoebe graduated from West End High School in Clarksville, VA. She continued her education and graduated from Fayetteville State Teachers College in NC in 1954. In 1954, Phoebe moved to Meriden, CT to pursue a teaching career. In 1955, Phoebe became the first black teacher in Meriden. She began teaching at Parker Avenue School on South Broad Street. Phoebe taught at Eli Whitney until it closed and transferred to John Barry Elementary School where she continued teaching until retiring in 1992. Phoebe was an...

Shirley Inez Barnes, 76, of Highland Springs, VA peacefully transitioned on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Shirley was born on January 3, 1947 to the late Zebedee and Beulah Marrow in Clarksville, VA. Shirley was employed by the State of Connecticut at Connecticut Valley Hospital for over thirty years. She went on to retire from CVH in 2003. A celebration of her life will take place Friday, February 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 164 Hanover St, Meriden, CT 06451. Friends may call Friday at the church from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a...

Johnnie Irwin Slade ("Sonny"), 78, transitioned from this life peacefully on August 12, 2022. He was born on April 29, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Verneice and John F. Slade. Sonny grew up in Hampton, VA, before relocating to Middletown, CT. He worked for the Santoro Construction Company for over 25 years. He opened "Sonny's Auto Shop," over 40 years ago - which is well known to the community of Middletown to this day. Sonny was predeceased by his brothers, David Slade and Lloyd Slade; sisters, Mary, Deborah, and Joyce; son, Sonny Jamaa Slade; and great-grandson, Trevon Barnes, Jr. To cherish his memory Sonny leaves his wife since 2002, Lorraine Geraldine Slade; brothers, Aaron...

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come". ~Proverbs 31:25 Josephine Bennett Dawkins, a native resident of Zachary, Louisiana and longtime resident of Meriden CT, was born on July 27, 1938, to the union of the late Marion and Patience Shanklin Bennett. She earned her heavenly wings on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Hartford, CT. Josephine, affectionately known as "Mary Jo", "Girl" and "Sister Baby", was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She was baptized at Philadelphia Baptist Church by the late Pastor C.N. Burrell. Josephine graduated from Chaneyville High School in 1957, where she was a member of the Louisiana...

Mrs. Lella Mae Williams-Marrow passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Mrs. Marrow was born in Lee County, SC, on June 3, 1949, to the late Mr. Alphonso and Mrs. June Mae McFadden Williams. Mrs. Marrow was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles E. Marrow, Jr. She is survived by her adopted son/godson, Tyrrell McFadden; brother, Leroy Williams; sisters, Sarah Ellerbe and Patricia (James) Rogers; brother-in-law, Earl (Deborah) Marrow, Sr.; aunts, Jessie McFadden, Josephine McFadden, and Mildred McFadden; great-aunt, Jessie Isaac; best friends, Jacqueline Baker and Eddie Mae Phipps; nine godchildren, LaTonya McFadden, LaTonya...

Jacqueline Ann (Blue) Bacote, 68, born on June 3, 1953, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Jacqueline was retired from MidState Medical Center where she worked as a secretary in the emergency room for over 35 years. Jacqueline was a member of the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren, baking, and vacations in Disney World. She is predeceased by her husband Willie Bacote, Jr., and her mother Annie Mae Sheppard. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Ashley Bacote of Meriden; her son, Christopher Bacote (Shante) of Wallingford; special nephew, Craig Durant of Meriden; sisters, Barbara Durant...

Henry L. McQuiller, 86, husband of Ethel McQuiller, peacefully entered the hands of the Almighty God on Sunday, June 20, 2021. Born in Bishopville, South Carolina on September 16, 1934, he was the son of the late Ed and Minnie McQuiller. Henry attended school in Bishopville, South Carolina. He was a retiree of the Miller Company of Meriden, CT, where he was a metal machine operator for 20 years. He was a member of the Mount Hebron Baptist Church of Meriden, CT, where he served as a Trustee and member of the Brotherhood. Henry was a member of the Ionic Lodge #7 of New Britain, CT, for over 50 years. In his leisure time, Henry enjoyed working on cars, tending to his garden along with frying...

Shirleen (McCaw) Mitchell, 61, transitioned from this world to be with her Lord on Monday, May 24, 2021. She was born on September 9, 1959, to the late DePressley and Amyie (Wade) in Middletown, CT. Shirleen graduated from Mercy High School and attended Middlesex Community College and the University of Bridgeport. She was employed at Sears, Pratt & Whitney and later became a Kindergarten Paraprofessional at Nathan Hale Elementary School. Shirleen was a member of First Baptist Church in Middletown where her volunteer ministry work included singing, teaching, fundraising and much more. Outside of ministry, she volunteered for Girl Scouts, became the PTO Treasurer and later elected PTO...

John departed this life peacefully at home on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the age of 79. He was born in New Haven CT. on November 9th 1940. He was predeceased by his parents J. Henry Smith and Eleanor (Cox) Smith and his only brother Donald Smith. He leaves to mourn his memory his wife of 51 years Violetta (Wormley) Smith, two sons John Henry Smith III and his wife Tori (McDonald) Smith, and David Anthony Smith and his wife Kristin (Vernotzy) Smith. He also leaves 4 FANTASTIC grandchildren; John IV, Jayden, Isaiah, and Sydney. John attended New Haven schools and graduated from Hillhouse high school. He graduated from South Central Community College (Gateway) in 1977 earning an associate degree...

JAMES A. JACKSON, 75, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 2, 2020. James was born on May 6, 1944 in Bristol, CT to the late Andrew Jackson and Estelle (Kelly) Jackson. He was an animal caretaker with the Barnum & Bailey Ringling Brothers circus about 10 years. Although he had no siblings, he had an abundant number of friends and relatives in CT and in Louisiana. He is survived by his cousin, Dianna Spears Green, who served as his caregiver, conservator and POA, and his cousins Calvin Hood of Hartford, CT and Earle Jackson of Coral Springs, FL. plus many other cousins and friends. Due to the present pandemic, there will be no graveside services. A memorial will be held at a later...

Henry Brown, 90, of Wallingford, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was born in Houston County, AL to the late Homer and Carrie Brown on June 2, 1929. He was a Kettle Operator with Cytec Industries for 34 years. He loved his NY Giants and NY Mets. Henry leaves to cherish his memory, son, Emanuel (Pamela) Brown; daughters, Barbara (James) Mangum, and Mintha (Robert) Green; grandchildren, Nicole Brown, Lisa Brown, Chinita Antonio, Robert (Jen) Green Jr., Scherrie Mangum, Joni (Brian) Petrosky; 9 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Leota Brown; son, Nathaniel Brown; and 5 sisters. A celebration of his life will...