New Haven Independent

Mattie P. Wilmot

Mattie P. Wilmot, 56, of New Haven, departed this life May 14, 2008.
Born in Baltimore City, MD, June 23, 1951, she was the daughter of the late William A. Duncan, Sr. and Rebecca T. Duncan.

She was employed as a Manager in the Seafood Dept. at Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Inc.
Ms. Wilmot is survived by a daughter, Angel Duncan-Byrd; sons, Michael Wilmot, Jr. and William Wilmot; grandchildren, Tyrell Duncan, Shanell Morrison and Mikera Wilmot; brothers, Ronald Scott, William Duncan, Jr., Thomas Duncan and Douglas Duncan; sisters, Ellen Moreno, Gloria Ballou and Rebecca Duncan; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by brothers, Gordon Scott and Cleveland and Richard Duncan.

A memorial service to celebrate Ms. Wilmot’s life and legacy will be held Monday, May, 19, 2008, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Gideon Faith Fellowship Church, 363 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook available here.

Darlene D. Smith

Darlene D. Smith, 46, of New Haven, departed this life May 9, 2008. Born in New Haven, CT, June 20, 1961, she was the daughter of Dorothy Gatison Smith of Hamden and the late John Frank Dixon. She was a graduate of Richard C. Lee High School, Class of 1979 and a member of Joy Temple Church of Christ in Prayer, Inc. In addition to her mother, Darlene leaves to mourn and cherish her memories her brother, Earl Smith of New Haven; sisters, Michelle Smith of New Haven and Francine Smith of Hamden; half-brothers, Michael and Keith Gomes and Paris Lee all of New Haven; a half-sister, Francine Gomes of New Haven; a special family friend, Davene Clark; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held Friday, May 16, 2008, at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew’s UFWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Friends may call at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook available here.

Leon Barfield

Leon Barfield, 70, of New Haven passed away May 6, 2008. He was born on June 10, 1937 to Willie Barfield and the late Beatrice Ghoston. He leaves to cherish his memories two brothers James Barfield, of Portland, OR and Larry Morgan of Collinston LA, three sisters Rosa Parks of New Haven, CT, Shirley Barfield of New Haven, CT, and Willie Barfield of Meriden, CT and host of other relatives and friends. A wake will be held on Monday May 12, 2008 from 5 - 7 pm at Christian Tabernacle Baptist, 425 Newhall St., New Haven. Interment will be at Richwood Memorial Garden Cemetery, Monroe, LA. Online sympathy messages available here.

Melvin L. Daniels

Melvin L. Daniels, 80, of New Haven passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. He was born in Drivers, VA on January 18, 1928. He was the son of the late Willie Daniels and Estelle Coley. He leaves to mourn four sons Melvin Daniels, Jr., Michael Daniels, Mitchell Daniels (Evelyn), and Charles Bolden (Loretta), three daughter Cassandra (Sandy) Daniels, Barbara Reed (George), and Gloria (Cookie) Jeter, brothers James Daniels and John Daniels, sisters Willie E. Davis, Barbara Majette, and Shirley Carter, a former wife special friend mother of children Gloria Daniels, 25 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by Sisters Addie Henry and Josephine Whittaker, step-mom Inez Daniels and step-sister Lila Mae Davis. A celebration of his life will be Tuesday May 13,, 2008 at 11 am at Christ Chapel New Testament Church, 220 Dixwell Ave, New Haven. Viewing from 10-11 am. Interment will be at Middletown Cemetery. Online sympathy messages available here.

Thelma J. Clark

Thelma J. Clark, 82 of New Haven departed this life on May 1, 2008. She was born on May 25, 1925 in Dumas, AR. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin Johnson and Lillie Teague. She leaves to cherish her memories sons Michael Humbert (Lydia) of New Haven, CT, Colie Clark Jr. and Sterling Cross (Irma) of Los Angeles, CA, daughters Betty Jarman-Ryland (Charles) of Las Vegas, ND, Thelma Adams (Clarence) and Joyce Clark-Chavez (Jose) of Los Angeles, CA, brother Bennie Johnson of New Haven, CT, sisters Emma Johnson and Joyce Holmes of New Haven, CT. A celebration of her life will be Friday May 9, 2008 at 10 am at Christ Chapel New Testament Church, 220 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT. Friends may call from 9 - 10 am. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Haven.

Kenneth Williams

Kenneth Williams of New Haven departed this life on May 5, 2008. He was born on May 24, 1949 in Goldsboro, NC. He was the son of the late John Williams and Mary Parks. He leaves precious memories to cherish to his wife Rebecca Williams of Hamden, son Kenneth Gray (Theresa) of NC, two daughters Sha-Rocka Williams and Zulema Williams of Hamden, CT, brothers Ernest Williams of Kinston, NC, Ben Frank of Washington DC, sisters Pearlie Williams of New Haven CT, Barbara Sutton (James), of Silver Springs, MD, Kathryn Poe (MacArthur) of Summerville, SC, Bernice Sanders of Dudley, NC, and a host of other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by brothers Earl Williams and David Lee, Sister Mary Covington. A celebration of his life will be Wednesday May 7, 2008 at 7 pm at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services. Friends may call from 6-7 p.m. Interment will be at St. Matthew Cemetery, in LaGrange, NC. Online sympathy messages available here.

Bessie Mae Thompson

Bessie Mae Thompson, 82, of New Haven, departed this life April 30, 2008. She was the widow of John Thompson. Born in Florence, SC, August 5, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Elliott and Rozena Byrd. Prior to retiring, she was employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Special Claims Clerk and was a member of Clinton AME Zion Church. She leaves to cherish her memories, sons, John and Mark Thompson; daughters, Debra Williams and Sherri, Sethe and Faithe Thompson; twenty-one grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers, Matthew, George and John Edward Byrd and Charles Harding; and sisters, Louise McIver, Matilda Brown, Carrie Cooper, and Elizabelle Edmonds. A celebration of Mrs. Thompson’s life and legacy will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 11:00 AM at Clinton AME Zion Church, 96 Central St., Ansonia. Friends may call at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook available here.

Hazel Haskins

Our dear Mother Hazel Haskins went to be with the lord on April 30, 2008. She was introduced to the world on June 20th, 1929. Under the union of the late Mr. Eugene Sesler and Mrs. Pearl A. Sesler, she stood as the eldest of eight siblings. Through her untimely death, She leaves to mourn; Her son Archie Haskins III, Evangelist Shirley H. Brown, Pastor Milton E. Brown, Judy A. Atkinson, her husband James Atkinson, and one sister Betty J. Edwards, Five Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren all of New Haven. She also leaves one cousin Stevie T. Turner of Princeton, NJ. In addition, has one special God Daughter, Hilda Mcqueen. She was predeceased by her loving Husband of 50 years, Archie Haskins, Jr, four brothers; Floyd Sesler, James Sesler, Freddie Sesler, Alfred Sesler, and two Sisters Synthia Smalls and Ehennia Head. A celebration of her life will be at Wednesday May 7, 2008. 11 am at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 109 Butler St, New Haven. Friends may call from 9-11am. Interment will be at Beaverdale Cemetery Hamden. Online sympathy messages available here.

Barbara Ann Haynes

Barbara Ann Haynes, 57, of New Haven, departed this life April 29, 2008. She was the wife of Otis B. Haynes. Born in Duluth, GA, September 9, 1950, she was the daughter of Mary Strickland and the late Robert Strickland. Prior to retiring, she was employed at SNET as an Operator. In addition to her husband and mother, she leaves to cherish her memories her children Robert, Mitchell (Trina) and Maurice Strickland and Terlayne and Tasonn Haynes; sixteen grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Graveside service will be held Friday, May 2, 2008, at 11:00a at Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella Grasso Blvd., New Haven. Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook available here.

Lawrence Wilburn

Lawrence Wilburn, 74 of New Haven, CT departed this life on April 17, 2008. He was born on Dec. 24, 1933 in Hogansville, GA. He was the son of Sheap Wilburn and Acola Rosser. He leaves to cherish his memories wife Mary Norwood Wilburn of New Haven, daughter Vivian Wilburn of Atlanta, GA, and sons Gregory Wilburn of Raleigh, NC, Lawrence Wilburn of Hogansville, GA and a host of other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be Today Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 11 am at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services. Friends may call from 10 - 11 am. Interment will be private. Online sympathy messages available here.

John Wesley Rogers, Jr., 75

John “Uncle Junie” Wesley Rogers, Jr., 75, of New Haven, departed this life April 25, 2008. Born in New Haven, CT, October 21, 1932, he was the son of the late John Wesley Rogers, Sr. and Marie Rogers. Prior to retiring, he was employed by the Laborers’ Union as a Construction Worker and had been previously employed at Amerbelle Corp. in Rockville, CT. Mr. Rogers was also employed part-time at the Young Men’s Institute Library on Chapel Street in New Haven from September 2000 until February 2008. He was an Army veteran. He leaves to cherish his memories, a son, John “Jay” Wesley Rogers, III of Rockville, CT; daughters, Frances Marie Rogers (William A. Farrior) of Boston, MA, Terilynn Rogers (James Townes) of Rockville, CT and Keri Rogers of CT; a brother, Tommy Rogers of New Haven; sisters, Dolores Rogers Files and Janice Rogers Kershaw both of New Haven; a grandson, Jack Daniels of CT; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A celebration of Mr. Rogers’ life and legacy will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 12:00p at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be private. Online guestbook available here.

Maria S. Williams

Maria S. Williams, 57, of New Haven, entered into eternal rest on April 26, 2008 at CT Hospice in Branford. Born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, May 25, 1950, she was the daughter of Juan Williams of New Haven and the late Maria Williams. She was the stepdaughter of Aracelly Williams. Maria was a member of St. Martin DePorres Church where she served faithfully. Prior to retiring, she was employed by the state Dept. of Social Services as an Eligibility Service Worker. In addition to her father and stepmother, she is survived by a son, Juan L. Dukes; a daughter, Myra L. Dukes; a grandson, Joshuwa Diaz; granddaughters, Chelsey Redd, Rhianna Dukes, Geneva Borzenski and Maliya Spruill; a daughter in-law; a son in-law; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her church family. She was predeceased by brothers, Israel Gomez and Juan Williams, Jr. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 11:00 AM at St. Martin DePorres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Friends may call at church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook available here.

Jerome McMillan

Jerome McMillan, 61 of New Haven, CT departed this life on April 22, 2008. He was born on March 4, 1947. He was the son of the late James McMillan and Viola Langston. He leaves to cherish his memories son Jamel Lafrazier, sisters Ann McMillan, Yolanda Boggs, Lisa Newton, Brothers Willie and James McMillan, David Suggs and four grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be Friday, May 2, 2008 at 10 am at Glorified Deliverance Center Church, 604 Dixwell Ave, New Haven. Friends may call from 9-10am. Interment will be at Central Burying Grounds, Hamden. Online sympathy messages available here.

William M. Burruss

William M. Burruss, 31 of New Haven departed this life on April 19th , 2008. He was born on Dec. 29th 1976. He was the son of Lynn Jones and Michael Burruss, Sr. and step-father Roderick Jones, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories daughter Destiny Burruss, and son William Burruss, Jr. He also leaves 7 brothers Michael Burruss, Jr., Roderick Jones, Jr., Malik Burruss, Michael Burruss, Michael Newman, Rodney Snape and Science Burruss, 3 sisters Katesha Jones, Myshell Dixson, and Cherish Burruss, grandmother Virginia McBird and a host of other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be Monday, April 29, 2008 at 11 am at Beulah Heights Church, 782 Orchard St, New Haven. Friends may call from 9-11am. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Haven.

Justin San Davis

Justin San Davis, 24, of New Haven, departed this life on Saturday, April 19, 2008. He was the son of Alice (Alicia) Caraballo of New Haven and the late Samuel Davis. Justin was born in Washington, DC on October 1, 1983. He leaves to cherish his memories a daughter; Aryana Jones Davis of Hamden stepfather; Curtis McBride of New Haven, CT., three stepbrothers; Michael Neal, Jason Ellis and Mathis McBride all of New Haven, CT., and his maternal grandmother; Pura Delgado of Orlando, FL and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel Street, New Haven. Friends may call Wednesday at the church from 10-11:00 am. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven. Online sympathy messages available here.

Jesse N. Kee

Jesse N. Kee Sr. 80, beloved husband of Ella L. Kee. Father of Jesse Kee II, Ashley Kee, Charles Kee, Bobby Kee and Terry Kee. Jesse is also Survived by several grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and great grandchildren. Jesse was a native of Suffolk, VA. He was a Resident of New Haven, CT where he passed on. Jesse was a hard working family man who will be missed. A celebration of his life will be Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 6 pm at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT. Viewing from 5- 6 pm. Interment will be private. Online sympathy messages available here.

Essie M. Liburd

Essie M. Liburd was born in Effingham, South Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children born to Amanda and Damon Myers. After graduating from Florence County Public Schools, Essie moved to New York City to live with her sister, Lucille.

New York is where she met and married George Daniell Liburd. After a short stint in the city, they moved to New Haven, CT. She helped her husband launch a dry cleaning business in Ansonia before going to work for Winchester Manufacturing Co., where she remained for 30 years before retiring.

A strong, determined woman, Essie preferred the simple life. Her days revolved around her husband, children and a few close friends. After her children became older, she would travel with her husband, Veronica and Tony Mason, Enid and Doug Black and several other couples. She also enjoyed a memorable 10-day trip to Paris with her daughter Sondra.

In her younger years, she was an avid bowler having won a few local and regional competitions. She was also a member of St. Ann’s-St. Theresa’s Guild, a civic group under the auspices of St. Luke’s Church. Essie was an active sponsor in The Park School Endowment Fund and the family fund at the University of Maryland, where her granddaughter attends college.

Known as a phenomenal cook throughout the years, Essie especially loved to bake casseroles and cakes. She was always up for trying her friends’ new recipes. She also loved plants and flowers. You could bet some corner of her home and sun porch had something green and colorful growing. She loved Larry King and UNCONN’s women’s basketball team, which she would watch relentlessly. She’d yell and cheer like she was in the stands.

Left to mourn her loss are sons: Gordon Alexander of Cheshire and Stephen Ernest of Hamden, a daughter Sondra Liburd Jordan of Columbia, MD and a sister Cleopatra Kelly of Florence, SC. She leaves five grandchildren: Brian Liburd, Stacey Johnson, Traci Oh, Stephen Edwards, Milan Jordan and six great grandchildren.

Her husband, George, and another daughter Sharon predeceased Essie.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 9 am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT. Friends may call Saturday at the church from 8-9 am. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven. Online sympathy messages available here.

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