All Obituaries

Kyle Brandon Matthews was received as a gift from God on January 19, 1993, to Kroger Jeane Williams, and Otis Matthews. Kyle was born in Chicago, Illinois. He brought instant joy to his family and was welcomed with love. Kyle was especially anticipated and adored by his "big" sister, Nina, and their bond was unparalleled. Kyle made the world a better place just by simply taking his first breath. Kyle grew up in the Miller neighborhood of Gary, Indiana. He attended St. Francis...

Mary Elizabeth Ramirez departed this world on April 6, 2024, to reunite with our Heavenly Father in eternal peace. Mary was born on March 26, 1964, to Francis Maurine and Walter Brenk in Crown Point, Indiana, the third of six children. Her family's love was immeasurable, just as her love for them knew no bounds. Mary grew up in East Chicago and attended Roosevelt High School. As a young girl, she enjoyed being outside with her siblings. She loved to roller-skate and ride her yellow...

Paula Almodovar, age 80, of East Chicago, Indiana, passed away on March 19, 2024. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She adored her family and always put them first. Paula worked several jobs throughout her life, but her greatest joy was spending time with family, enjoying the special moments together and going to the casino. She is preceded in death by her parents; Pablo and Amalia ( Acevedo) DeJesus; her beloved husband, Valentin...

Josephine Shorts Johnson, age 86, of Gary, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born on January 27, 1938, in Waterproof, Louisiana to Sylvester and Alma Coleman Shorts. Josephine was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Jimmie Johnson for over 40 years, and a wonderful mother to her children; they were her world. She loved spending time with her family, reading, laughing and talking with her dear friends. She worked various jobs in her...

Lavern Brassell Freeman transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly home on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Lavern was born on September 16, 1936, to Lawrence Brassell and Amelia Dukes in Lafayette County, Mississippi. She was the second youngest of six children and adored by her older siblings. Lavern was lovingly called "Sister", "Vern", and "Auntie" by her family. She loved her family, and they loved her immensely. Lavern accepted Christ at an early age...

Daniel "Sonny" Dean White, Jr., 82, of Gary, Indiana, passed away at home peacefully on February 21, 2024. Sonny was born on January 25, 1942, to Daniel White, Sr. and Bessie P. (Wachowiak) White in Gary, Indiana. Sonny graduated from Tolleston High School in 1960. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army, where he served from 1961-1963 in Germany. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army he started his career at the former Inland...

Geraldine Brownlee has spent most of her life as an educator. Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Brownlee's father was a skilled worker for Inland Steel and both her mother and stepmother were homemakers. Brownlee attended West Virginia State College, where she graduated cum laude in 1947 with degrees in biology and Spanish. Brownlee earned an M.S.T. in urban education from the University of Chicago in 1967, and completed her Ph.D. there in 1975. She also spent time at both the University of...

Helen Caldwell Goldman, the esteemed matriarch of our family, exemplified extraordinary strength and talent. Born alongside her twin brother, Herman Caldwell in Lexington, Mississippi, to parents, Mattie Hicks Caldwell and Clovis Caldwell, she embarked on a journey that would shape her legacy. In 1940, seeking better opportunities, the family relocated to Gary, Indiana, where Clovis eventually retired from his job at the United States Steel Mill. Residing in Gary for over eight decades....

Johnny B. Perez, Sr., of Gary, Indiana, passed away on February 16, 2024. He was born on July 10, 1963, to Aida Ortiz Rodriguez and Ruben Perez, Sr. Johnny graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1981. He was a good friend to many. Johnny was always helpful to anyone that needed a hand. He enjoyed watching sports, spending time with his family and visiting his mother in Puerto Rico. He was a great father, husband, son and brother to his siblings. Johnny worked at Methodist Hospital for...

Clarence D. Thomas, Sr., of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away on February 1, 2024. He was born on June 10, 1948, to the late Lanella Henderson. Clarence graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana. He joined the United States Navy in 1967 and served his country for 6 years. Clarence married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Law, on December 16, 1967. They had 3 children; Clarence D. Thomas, Jr. ("CJ"), Lisa Thomas and Angelia Derico. Clarence was the type of person who...