A8 Obituaries New ‘Silver’ standard for responding to … sisters-in-law, one ... we, as African...
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 15 - 21, 2014 A8 Celebration of Life Earnest Marie Cohen was born September 1, 1931 in Conway, AK. She was the seventh of nine children born to Lee Henderson and Neopoleon Parker. Her parents, and all eight siblings preceded her in death. Jonny Cunningham, Alice Cunning- ham-Foy, L.V. Henderson, Clyde Hender- son, Ralph Hen- derson, Dorothy May Brown, Leo Henderson, and Arthur Henderson. Earnest graduated from Pine Street High in 1950. She ac- cepted Christ at an early age as a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Salem (Con- way) AK. She married Joe C. Cohen in August 22 nd 1951. From this union eight children were born. Earnest found great joy in helping friends and family. She had many talents such as sewing, cooking and gardening. Throughout her life, she worked various jobs to support her fam- ily. Her favorite profession was being a care-giver. Earnest departed this life, Friday, May 9, 2014 at ap- proximately 6:05 p.m., DePaul Health Center at the age of 82. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, Belinda S. Graham (Tommy), Barbara N. Cohen, Joe C. Cohen, Jr. Karen R. Jackson, Sheldon J. Cohen, Ernie L. Cohen, Kimberly Marie Cohen and Stanley L. Cohen, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grand children, and one great great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. Birder Mae Brown Birder Mae Brown, born during the winter of 1928 in the hills of rural Kemper County, MS, was a sojourner who surpassed numerous challenges with minimal education from an old one-room colored school in 1920s Mississippi. She got married and teamed up with her husband, the late Rosom Brown. Sr. They threw down their plows and cotton sacks and came to St. Louis, MO were they established a mini empire likened to a Black version of the Rockefellers. She conceived 17 children, bought numerous properties, and ran night clubs for others such as the King of Rhythm that once sat on N. Grand until taking over Tigers Lounge on Lee and Fair Avenues where she established Birder’s Lounge. She traveled all over the U.S. and had her own miniature league softball team. After outliving several siblings, a number of her own children, grandchildren and friends including the tragic loss of her life time partner, this sojourner shifted her aim placing her hand in the hands of a higher power. She sang in many churches, became a devout mother, hosted prayer meetings and bible classes in her own home which is likened to a mini cathedral where she reached out and helped any in need no matter the situation. Even toward the end of her journey, she was a fighter, surviving breast cancer and sugar diabetes among many other health issues. Barbecue parties, fishing trips, fish fries, gardening, being embraced by and embracing her offspring to the 4th generation was typical for this this mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. This super trooper finally, after a full life of 86 years, sat down and now she is at rest. Louis “LV” Van Montjoy Sr. Louis “LV” Van Montjoy Sr. of Sikeston, Missouri passed away on Sunday April 27, 2014 at his home. He was born in Wolf Island, Missouri on April 27, 1920 to parents Nellie and Walter Montjoy. He graduated high school from Charleston, Missouri. He was married to Katherine Dickson Montjoy on May 16, 1950. LV was a World War II veteran, and he retired from Sikeston Public Schools as a school bus driver. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. He was a member of “Seniors Citizens On the Move” for 13 years presided over by his granddaughter Tonya Mitchell. LV is survived by five daughters and three sons: Shirley Sanders, Marshall Montjoy, Kim Montjoy, Cathy Holly, Karen Montjoy, Frankie Montjoy, Francis Montjoy and Monica Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Montjoy and many loving grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Katherine Dickson Montjoy on February 15, 1997, three sons, Louis Van Montjoy Jr., Russell Montjoy, and Larry Montjoy and two daughters, Peggy Blissett and Deloris Brooks. He was loved and respected by many. He was always a hard worker and provided for his children. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and he was deeply loved by his family. He will be greatly missed. Marion Frances Cole Marion Frances Cole, 98, departed this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in University City, Missouri. Mr. Cole leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Muriel Cole (nee Bell); one daughter, Cheryl Denise Cole Young; siblings, Betty Speed, James A. Cole, and Jack Cole; one grandchild, Nathan Benjamin Young and one great grandchild, Natejah ‘AG’ Young; a host of other relative and friends. William “Piggy” Larkin William “Piggy” Larkin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Christian Hospital Northeast. He was born on July 15, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri and was the sixth child of 11 born to William and Zenobia Larkin. Piggy was educated through the St. Louis Public School system and attended Sumner High School. Piggy enjoyed playing basketball and at a young age often played at Tandy Community Center and also on Sumner’s High School team. After high school Piggy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Turner AFB in Albany, Georgia. It was there that he met and married Arlene Coney in 1951. After completion of his military duties, Piggy and Arlene moved to St. Louis, Missouri and shortly thereafter became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. He remained employed for 30 years until his retirement in 1984. Piggy enjoyed watching sports on TV, debating politics, doing yard work and listening to music. He always made time to talk to family and friends about his knowledge on history, geography, and knowing all about the city of St. Louis. Piggy and Arlene were married for 62 years. He was a loving husband, proud parent and generous grandparent. He will forever be missed but will never be far from our hearts. He leaves to cherish many wonderful memories; his wife, Arlene; children, Jeanette, Jerome (Carolyn); grandsons, Jerome Davon and William; great-grandson, William, Jr., (all of St. Louis, Mo.); sisters, Carolyn Johnson, Merrillville, Indiana; LaDoris Shields, Cypress, Texas; brother, Ronald Larkin, Kansas City, Missouri; mother-in-law, Dora Bell Coney, Albany, Georgia; seven sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Arrangements: Visitation: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 4–8 pm, Archway Memorial Chapel, 111 Taylor Dr., Hazelwood, MO. 63040, (314) 895-3900. Funeral: Friday, May 16, 2014, 10:30am, Archway Memorial Chapel. Don Carlos Shanks Don Carlos Shanks transitioned from life to eternity on April 11, 2014. He was born on September 10, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. Don began his Christian life as a member of Union Memorial Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Shanks Holmes. He graduated from Sumner High School and attended Southern Illinois University prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. Don, after service, started his civilian life in England. He married Beryl Kemp Shanks and with this union Donna Shanks Duncan was born. Don returned to the United States in the mid-1970s. He started his professional career, as a management consultant with Alexander Proud Foot Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He rekindled friendships during this time with high school classmates to include his high school sweetheart Yvonne Stokes. Don and Yvonne married in 1975 and with this union he gained two additional daughters; Leslie Powers Gibson and Dana Powers Fishe. Don and Yvonne relocated to Atlanta in 1981, where he continued to work as a management consultant, and later worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Don and Yvonne shared many joys together, their love of family, church, dogs, travel, wine making, and socializing with friends. Don’s personal passion upon his retirement became golfing, fishing, meeting and making new friends. He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife, Yvonne; his daughters ; Donna (Stephen) Duncan, Watford, England, Leslie (Willie) Gibson, Lithonia, Ga., Dana (Keith) Fishe, City of Decatur, Ga., five grandchildren two great grandchildren; two sister in-laws, Aquilla Stokes, and Celestine Stokes Keno, three aunts; Lorraine Shanks Boles, Karolyn Shanks Newsome, Gloria Shanks Anderson and Evelyn Shanks two uncles; Jimmy Shanks and Ralph Shanks, and a host of family and friends. Obituaries Earnest Cohen Birder Mae Brown Marion Cole Don Carlos Shanks William Larkin Attention St. Louis American Readers As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com. By Michael P. McMillan For The St. Louis American LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist rant showcases the fact that racism in so-called post-racial American society is not dead. From the very beginning of the newest national story about racism, we, as African Americans were braced for the outcome. In recent times, there have been several racial acts committed against blacks with few positive solutions. From the unfair Trayvon Martin murder trial to Ted Nugent calling President Obama a “subhuman mongrel” to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to ban affirmative action in colleges and universities, the adequate remedies for racism have been few and far between. It’s a sad fact that we don’t have to look far to see racism alive and well in our community. With racial and homophobic slurs and swastikas posted on Saint Louis University’s campus and the Klan posting leaflets as the neighborhood watch in Fenton, we must be vigilant in our fight against racism on the home front. Many have stated that the election of an African-American president caused a racist backlash to hit the American society in protest. And yet, when desperate times called for desperate measures, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood as a beacon of hope. By fining Sterling $2.5 million and banning him from the NBA for life, Silver took a stand that is not often seen in America. Silver’s decision showcased the fact that racism will not be tolerated in the NBA. I believe that more institutions, corporations and leaders should take the same stance in the communities in which they serve. If more leaders had the courage to do what Silver has done, racism would not have the devastating effect that it has in disadvantaged minority communities. More corporations should take a stand to hire and promote qualified diverse employees that reflect the populations in which they serve. Leaders in law enforcement and the criminal justice system should work together to find solutions to help young African- American men come out of our jails and enter into the workforce. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to rule against diversity and inclusion to uphold the Michigan law banning the use of racial criteria in college admissions, leaders of educational institutions and citizens should take a stand to not allow their states to ban affirmative action. Both African-American and white community leaders and residents should protest racist behavior in their neighborhoods and on their campuses. Racism should not be seen as just a black problem or a white problem, it should be viewed as a cancer in our society. With careful thought, I believe that all of America’s leaders should consider NBA Commissioner Silver’s decision a shining example of how to decrease racial discrimination in our society. OpiniOn New ‘Silver’ standard for responding to racism Guest Columnist Michael McMillan
Transcript of A8 Obituaries New ‘Silver’ standard for responding to … sisters-in-law, one ... we, as African...
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 15 - 21, 2014A8
Celebration of Life
Earnest Marie Cohen was born September 1, 1931 in Conway, AK. She was the seventh of nine children born to Lee Henderson and Neopoleon
Parker. Her parents, and all eight siblings preceded her in death. Jonny Cunningham, Alice Cunning-ham-Foy, L.V. Henderson,
Clyde Hender-son, Ralph Hen-derson, Dorothy
May Brown, Leo Henderson, and Arthur Henderson.
Earnest graduated from Pine Street High in 1950. She ac-cepted Christ at an early age as a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Salem (Con-way) AK. She married Joe C. Cohen in August 22nd 1951. From this union eight children were born.
Earnest found great joy in helping friends and family. She had many talents such as sewing, cooking and gardening. Throughout her life, she worked various jobs to support her fam-ily. Her favorite profession was being a care-giver.
Earnest departed this life, Friday, May 9, 2014 at ap-proximately 6:05 p.m., DePaul Health Center at the age of 82.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories, Belinda S. Graham (Tommy), Barbara N. Cohen, Joe C. Cohen, Jr. Karen R. Jackson, Sheldon J. Cohen, Ernie L. Cohen, Kimberly Marie Cohen and Stanley L. Cohen, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grand children, and one great great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
Birder Mae Brown
Birder Mae Brown, born during the winter of 1928 in the hills of rural Kemper County, MS, was a sojourner who surpassed numerous challenges with minimal education from an old one-room colored school in 1920s Mississippi. She got married and teamed up with her husband, the late Rosom Brown. Sr. They threw down their plows and cotton sacks
and came to St. Louis, MO were they established a mini empire likened to a Black version of the Rockefellers. She conceived 17 children, bought numerous properties, and ran night clubs for others such as the King of Rhythm that once sat on N. Grand until taking over Tigers Lounge on Lee and Fair Avenues where she established Birder’s Lounge.
She traveled all over the U.S. and had her own miniature league softball team. After outliving several siblings, a number of her own children, grandchildren and friends including the tragic loss of
her life time partner, this sojourner shifted her aim placing her hand in the hands of a higher power.
She sang in many churches,
became a devout mother, hosted
prayer meetings and bible classes in her own home which is likened to a mini cathedral where she reached out and helped any in need no matter the situation. Even toward the end of her journey, she was a fighter, surviving breast cancer and sugar diabetes among many other health issues. Barbecue parties, fishing trips, fish fries, gardening, being embraced by and embracing her offspring to the 4th generation was typical for this this mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. This super trooper finally, after a full life of 86 years, sat down and now she is at rest.
Louis “LV” Van
Montjoy Sr.
Louis “LV” Van Montjoy Sr. of Sikeston, Missouri passed away on Sunday April 27, 2014 at his home. He was born in Wolf Island, Missouri on April 27, 1920 to parents Nellie and Walter Montjoy. He graduated high school from Charleston, Missouri. He was married to Katherine Dickson Montjoy on May 16, 1950.
LV was a World War II veteran, and he retired from Sikeston Public Schools as a school bus driver. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. He was a member of “Seniors Citizens On the Move” for 13 years presided over by his granddaughter Tonya Mitchell.
LV is survived by five daughters and three sons: Shirley Sanders, Marshall Montjoy, Kim Montjoy, Cathy Holly, Karen Montjoy, Frankie Montjoy, Francis Montjoy and Monica Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Montjoy and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Katherine Dickson Montjoy on February 15, 1997, three sons, Louis Van Montjoy Jr., Russell Montjoy, and Larry Montjoy and two daughters, Peggy Blissett and Deloris Brooks.
He was loved and respected by many. He was always a hard worker and provided for his children. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and he was deeply loved by his family. He will be greatly missed.
Marion Frances Cole
Marion Frances Cole, 98, departed this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in University City, Missouri. Mr. Cole leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife,
Muriel Cole (nee Bell);
one daughter, Cheryl Denise Cole Young; siblings, Betty Speed, James A. Cole, and Jack Cole; one grandchild, Nathan Benjamin Young and one great grandchild, Natejah ‘AG’ Young; a host of other relative and friends.
William “Piggy” Larkin
William “Piggy” Larkin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Christian Hospital Northeast. He was born on July 15, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri and was the sixth child of 11 born to William and Zenobia Larkin.
Piggy was educated through the St. Louis Public School system and attended Sumner High School. Piggy enjoyed playing basketball and at a young age often played at Tandy Community Center and also on Sumner’s High School team. After high school Piggy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Turner AFB in Albany, Georgia. It was there that he met and married Arlene Coney in 1951.
After completion of his military duties, Piggy and Arlene moved to St. Louis,
Missouri and shortly thereafter became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. He remained employed for 30
years until his retirement in 1984.
Piggy enjoyed watching sports on TV, debating politics, doing yard work and listening
to music. He always made time to talk
to family and friends about his knowledge on history, geography, and knowing all about the city of St. Louis.
Piggy and Arlene were married for 62 years. He was a loving husband, proud parent and generous grandparent. He will forever be missed but will never be far from our hearts.
He leaves to cherish many wonderful memories; his wife, Arlene; children, Jeanette, Jerome (Carolyn); grandsons, Jerome Davon and William; great-grandson, William, Jr., (all of St. Louis, Mo.); sisters, Carolyn Johnson, Merrillville, Indiana; LaDoris Shields, Cypress, Texas; brother, Ronald Larkin, Kansas City, Missouri; mother-in-law, Dora Bell Coney, Albany, Georgia; seven sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Arrangements: Visitation: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 4–8 pm, Archway Memorial Chapel, 111 Taylor Dr., Hazelwood, MO. 63040, (314) 895-3900. Funeral: Friday, May 16, 2014, 10:30am, Archway Memorial Chapel.
Don Carlos Shanks
Don Carlos Shanks transitioned from life to eternity on April 11, 2014. He was born on September 10, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. Don began his Christian life as a member of Union Memorial Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Shanks Holmes.
He graduated from Sumner High School and attended Southern Illinois University prior to enlisting in the United
States Air Force. Don, after service, started his civilian life in England. He married Beryl Kemp Shanks and with this union Donna
Shanks Duncan was born.
Don returned to the United States in the mid-1970s. He started his professional career, as a management consultant with Alexander Proud Foot Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He rekindled friendships during this time with high school classmates to include his high school sweetheart Yvonne Stokes. Don and Yvonne married in 1975 and with this union he gained two additional daughters; Leslie Powers Gibson and Dana Powers Fishe. Don and Yvonne relocated to Atlanta in 1981, where he continued to work as a management consultant, and later worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Don and Yvonne shared many joys together, their love of family, church, dogs, travel, wine making, and socializing with friends. Don’s personal passion upon his retirement became golfing, fishing, meeting and making new friends.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife, Yvonne; his daughters ; Donna (Stephen) Duncan, Watford, England, Leslie (Willie) Gibson, Lithonia, Ga., Dana (Keith) Fishe, City of Decatur, Ga., five grandchildren two great grandchildren; two sister in-laws, Aquilla Stokes, and Celestine Stokes Keno, three aunts; Lorraine Shanks Boles, Karolyn Shanks Newsome, Gloria Shanks Anderson and Evelyn Shanks two uncles; Jimmy Shanks and Ralph Shanks, and a host of family and friends.
Obituaries
Earnest
Cohen
Birder Mae
Brown
Marion
Cole
Don Carlos
Shanks
William
Larkin
Attention
St. Louis American Readers
As a service to the community, we list
obituaries in the St. Louis American
Newspaper, on a space-available basis
and online at stlamerican.com.
AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary
notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.
By Michael P. McMillanFor The St. Louis
American
LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist rant showcases the fact that racism in so-called post-racial American society is not dead.
From the very beginning of the newest national story about racism, we, as African Americans were braced for the outcome. In recent times, there have been several racial acts committed against blacks with few positive solutions. From the unfair Trayvon Martin murder trial to Ted Nugent calling President Obama a “subhuman mongrel” to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to ban affirmative action in colleges and universities, the adequate remedies for racism have been few and far between. It’s a sad fact that we don’t have to look far to see racism alive and well in our community.
With racial and homophobic slurs and swastikas posted on Saint Louis University’s campus and the Klan posting leaflets as the neighborhood watch in Fenton, we must be vigilant in our fight against racism on the home front. Many have stated that the election of an African-American president caused a racist backlash to hit the American society in protest.
And yet, when desperate times called for desperate measures, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood as a beacon of hope. By fining Sterling $2.5 million and banning him from the NBA for life, Silver took a stand that is not often seen
in America. Silver’s decision showcased the fact that racism will not be tolerated in the NBA.
I believe that more institutions, corporations and leaders should take the same stance in the communities in which they serve. If more leaders had the courage to do what Silver has done, racism would not have the devastating effect that it has in disadvantaged minority communities. More corporations should take
a stand to hire and promote qualified diverse employees that reflect the populations in which they serve.
Leaders in law enforcement and the criminal justice system should work together to find solutions to help young African-American men come
out of our jails and enter into the workforce. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to rule against diversity and inclusion to uphold the Michigan law banning the use of racial criteria in college admissions, leaders of educational institutions and citizens should take a stand to not allow their states to ban affirmative action.
Both African-American and white community leaders and residents should protest racist behavior in their neighborhoods and on their campuses. Racism should not be seen as just a black problem or a white problem, it should be viewed as a cancer in our society.
With careful thought, I believe that all of America’s leaders should consider NBA Commissioner Silver’s decision a shining example of how to decrease racial discrimination in our society.
OpiniOn
New ‘Silver’ standard
for responding to racism
Guest Columnist
Michael
McMillan
