Obituaries
"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living" Marcus Tulliuis Cicaro
Mathew (Biggum) Stephens
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Matthew (Biggum) Stephens was born February 7, 1943, to the union of James and Aretha Stephens in Sparta Ga. His family were members of Staton Grove Baptist Church in Devereux Ga., where he was baptized at the age of 5. He was educated in the Georgia school system. At an early of 15, he developed a love for fishing. On weekends, he enjoyed card games with his family and friends. At the age of 20, he moved to Lakeland Florida where he was employed as a truck driver. He later moved to New Jersey in 1973 where met the love of his life and long time companion Vanessa. To this union was born a son James Lamar Stephens.
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Matthew (Biggum) Stephens departed this life Monday, August 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, James Stephens Sr., mother, Aretha Stephens of Sparta, GA; 1 son Leroy Scott of Sparta, GA; 2 daughters, Tawana Stephens and Zamika Stephens, both of Lakeland, Fl; 3 sisters, Vera Stephens, Mary Alice Stephens, and Louise Stephens, all of Sparta, GA. 5 brothers, James Stephens Jr., Willie Lee Stephens, Charlie Stephens, Howard Stephens and Henry Stephens, all of Sparta, GA; father in law, Adolphus (Mook) Willis Sr. of Glassboro, NJ.
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He leaves to cherish his memory : His wife Vanessa Stephens of Lindenwold, NJ; 3 sons, James Lamar Stephen of Lindenwold, NJ; Matthew Stephens Jr. of Lakeland, Fl; and Anthony Goodman of CA; 2 daughters, Lilly Andrews, and Sylvia Wombley of Sparta, Ga; 1 brother, Thomas Stephens of Sparta, Ga; 2 sisters, Gloria Stephens, and Denise Stephens, both of Sparta, Ga; Marguerite Stephens of Phoenixville, PA; mother in law, Margaret Willis of Glassboro, NJ; a host of brother and sister n laws, Adolphus Jr. and Geneva Willis, Samuel and Sue Willis, Koneea and Bobbie Crawford, Eunice Washington, all of Glassboro, NJ; Martha and Albert Clarke, Rev. Ronald and Linda Corsey, of Clayton, NJ; of Clayton, NJ; Homer Willis of Turnersville, NJ; Alfonso and Sarah Willis of Mullica Hill, NJ; and Rosetta Willis of Sicklerville, NJ. grandchildren, Jasmine Stephens of Lindenwold NJ; Donteveous Fluellen, Shonta Fluellen, Jervoski Wombley, Thomas Wombley, and Antwon Fluellen of all Sparta GA; Jermika Buck, Jaylon Goodman, Zazion Goodman, Lailah Goodman of CA. A host of greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
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Mary Alice Edmonds
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Mary Alice Edmonds, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. She was born April 3, 1930 in Columbus, GA to Gross Whittlesi & Thomasine Golden. She graduated from Spencer High School in Columbus, GA. Upon graduation, she participated in several beauty contests and was named Ms. Georgia Peach & Ms. 999th. Mary had a great sense of style and used her creative talents as a beautician. She was a member of Mt. Zion AME in Bordentown, NJ and was loved by many children in the neighborhood.
Mary enjoyed nothing more than to be in the presence of her family and friends. She was always the life of the party. Her hospitality was unsurpassed and no one knew their way around the kitchen like Mary. She is predeceased by her oldest daughter Glenda Montford and leaves to mourn her loving husband Raymond Edmonds; daughter, Sylvia A. Vason (Orlando); son, Ricardo Bacon (Tralene); granddaughter, Nikole Kornegay (Ray); grandson, Melvin Davis (Amanda); grandson Jacobi J. Jones (Ashley); granddaughter, Jenavisa Hardy (Emmanuel); granddaughters, Laureen & Francene Bacon and a special daughter, Karin Swoops and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of family & friends. She lived a great life and will be truly missed.
Public walk through viewing will be Monday, August 31, 2020 10am until 11AM at the TL Hutton Family and Friends Funeral Services, 869 Beverly Road, Burlington, NJ. Private Family Services will follow. Interment: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Burlington, NJ.
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John A. Washington Sr.
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John A. Washington Sr. passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020
Memorial Services will be held by Live Stream on Saturday, August 22, 2020 11AM at tlhuttonfuneralservices.com
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Tuskegee Airmen James A. Cotten
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James Alonzo Cotten was born on June 4, 1927, in Chapel Hill, NC. At his request, he was cared for at home by his family, and transitioned on August 14, 2020. James was married for 73 years to his high school sweetheart, Oteria. They met at a dance, and continued to dance throughout his life.
Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) James A. Cotten was drafted into the U.S. Military Service from his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, and was inducted into the U.S. Army at Indiantown Gap, PA on August 14, 1945. Upon completion of Basic Training in January 1946, he was selected for assignment to the famed Tuskegee Airman, 332nd Fighter Group, the all Afro-American Army Air Corps Unit at Lockbourne Army Air Base, Columbus, Ohio.
During his military career, Cotten was assigned to many other military installations and after more than 21 years of active military service in the U.S. Air Force, he retired at McGuire AFB, Lakehurst, New Jersey on December 31, 1965.
In 1966, he entered into U.S. Civil Service for another 45 years with the Department of Defense at Joint Base McGuire-Dix. In December 2012, he retired as the Supervisory Contract Administrator for U.S. Transportation Command Contract Airlift Program.
On May 3, 2012, James A. Cotten was presented the Congressional Gold Medal for his military service with the Tuskegee Airmen. A Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress and is the highest civilian honor in the United States. It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”
Mr. Cotten was an active member of the Twenty Plus Retirement Club. He served the ABCO community in the capacity of Board Member and was on the Supervisory Committee for more than 9 years. Also, he served on the New Jersey Credit Union League Board of Directors for over 20 years.
Mr. Cotten affectionately known as “Dad or Granddad”, was the patriarch of the Cotten family, and he leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, wife, Oteria; brother, Ralph (Sandra); sister, Lorraine (Roland); sisters-in-law, Charolette (Russell-predeceased), Gwendolyn, and Antoinette (Ben); brother-in-law, MSgt (Ret) William Smith (Debra); 10 children, Charen; LtCol (Ret) James M. (Berthel); Marlane (Tyrone); Wannetta (Cmdr (Ret) Ernest L. Jolly); Christina; Terie; Arlene (Mark); SMSgt (Ret) Dale A. (Zina); Kevin; Lauren (Aundrey); 16 Grandchildren; 21 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Twenty Plus Retirement Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 46, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060.
His life Celebration Services will be held private to the family Friday, August 21, 2020. Family and friends may participate in a walk through viewing Thursday, August 20, 2020 5pm until 8am at the TL Hutton Family & Friends Funeral Services, 869 Beverly Road, Burlington, NJ. All attendees must wear a mask to enter walk through. Friends may also view by Live Stream 11AM Friday at www.tlhuttonfuneralservices.com
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Deaconess Lila Jane Crowder
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On Monday morning, August 10, 2020, God called home his faithful servant Deaconess Lila Jane Crowder to rest.
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Lila was born in Pee Dee, North Carolina on May 18, 1931, the daughter of the late John Bennett and the late Jesse Bell Poole. Following graduation from Henry Grove High School in Anson County, North Carolina, Lila attended trade school.
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As a young woman, Lila was baptized at Forestville AME Zion Church in Lilesville, North Carolina until her health began to fail. She faithfully supported Womble Chapel AME Zion Church in Pee Dee, North Carolina and attended Womble Chapel whenever she visited “down home.”
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In 1953, Lila was united in marriage to Harold Lee Crowder in Chesterfield, South Carolina. They later settled in Burlington, New Jersey, where they were blessed with two daughters.
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Lila was employed by the City of Burlington Board of Education for thirty three years. Due to her hard work and dedication she received the Community Service Award from the City of Burlington Board of Education in 1992.
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Lila was a faithful member of Wesley AME Zion Church for over fifty years. While a member of Wesley, Lila was consecrated as a deaconess on April 17, 1995. Because of her dedication and zeal to serve others, she was recognized and awarded a certificate for Distinguish Church Service.
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Lila leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Cheryl L. Green of Burlington, New Jersey; and Donna D. Jackson of Plano, Texas; her devoted son-in-law, Joseph L. Jackson Jr. and loving grandson Joseph L. Jackson III, both of Plano, Texas, sister-in-law Sayoko Crowder of Sacramento, California, three nieces, Antoinette (Toni) Bennett of Florham Park, New Jersey; Barbara Mohebbi of Short Hill, New Jersey; Dawn Bennett of Burlington, New Jersey; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
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Public walk through viewing will be Tuesday, August 18, 2020 10am until 11am. Family Services will follow at the TL Hutton Family & Friends Funeral Services, 869 Beverly Road, Burlington, NJ. Interment: odd Fellows cemetery, Burlington, NJ
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Gary Schonyers
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Gary Schonyers, of Willingboro, NJ passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020. Public walk through viewing will be Saturday, August 15, 2020 9am until 12noon. Graveside Service will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Burlington, NJ
Arrangements by TL Hutton Family and Friends Funeral Services, Burlington, NJ
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Pearl E. Gregg
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Pearl E. Gregg, of Edgewater Park, NJ passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Private Life Celebration services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 11AM at The Faith Deliverance Worship Center, 1304 N. Rt. 130, Burlington, NJ. Family and friends may share in a walk through viewing from 9 PM until time of service. Interment: BGWCD Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ.
Arrangements by, TL Hutton Family & Friends Funeral Services, Burlington, NJ
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Maurice Randolph Sr.
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Maurice Randolph Sr. was born on May 26, 1950 in Camden New Jersey, to the late Lucius and Leona Bernice Randolph. He peacefully transitioned this life on August 8, 2020, at Voorhees Rehabilitation Center, in Voorhees New Jersey. Apostle Randolph was raised in Camden New Jersey.
He received his Primary and Secondary education in the Camden Public School System. He graduated from Camden High School in 1968. He is a graduate of Manna Bible institute, Trinity College of the Bible, International Christian University, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He holds a Bible Diploma, Bachelors of Biblical Studies, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, an honorary Doctorate of Divinity, and an earned Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling.
Apostle Randolph met and married the love of his life, Clarissa Reddick, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From this union was born one son, Kevin. He has four other sons, Maurice Jr., Michael, Craig, and Melvin, and one daughter, Cherleen.
Apostle was saved at an early age, at Mt. Carmel Holy Church, Camden New Jersey, under the pastorate of William E. Payne. He later became a member of Star of Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of Reverend Joseph Fuller. He was then called to assist Pastor Hector Williams of Fountainhead Baptist Church in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. After several years of service, God called Apostle Randolph to pastor Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey. After four years, he received a call to pastor Christian Faith Assembly, in Hainesport, New Jersey. During this time, Apostle Randolph saw the call of God upon his life, primarily as that of Pastor, Teacher, and Friend to those among whom he served and Counselled. He has been gifted to serve the Body of Christ with end-time equipping and with signs and wonders following. He was called, affirmed, confirmed, and has been walking in the office of an Apostle for over 15 years. In addition, he is the Prelate/Apostle of Christian Faith Assembly Fellowship of Churches (CFAFOC), coupled with Bridging the Gap and Restoring the Paths to Dwell in Ministries. His combined pastorate equates to 40 years of Pastoral Ministry, and 45 years in Gospel Ministry.
Apostle Randolph was an awesome man of God, who walked in a powerful spirit of humility and servitude. He was a man of great principle, dignity and strength. He was one of the most gentle, personal, kind, and compassionate individuals one could know, with a unique ability to make everyone feel special. He was extremely intelligent, full of wisdom, and had an amazing command and knowledge of the Word of God. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and always had a “good” come back. Apostle loved his wife dearly, and spent a lifetime expressing that love. He was extremely devoted to his family, and gave them all the love, support, and direction as a father and Man of God. Apostle was a very special pastor, who gave his all to his church family, in service,
devotion and love. Apostle Randolph touched many lives and worked unceasingly in bridging, the gap in the lives of many. He will be extremely missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Lucius Randolph; mother, Leona Carter; step father, Kenneth Carter, son, Kevin Randolph; two sisters, Phyllis Kendrick and Shelly Carter, and one brother, Lucius Randolph Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Clarissa Randolph, four sons, Maurice Jr.,(Debbie), Michael, (Francis),Craig, (Endrieka), Melvin, (Christan), Randolph, one daughter, Cherleen Ames, Two sisters, Kim L.(Tyrone) Sinclair, and Cheryl Jones, one brother, Garland Carter, two uncles, Claude E. Ringo, and Arthur (Carolyn) Randolph, Thirteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Private Celebration of his Life service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020
Family and friends may share in a public walk through viewing on Sunday, August 16, 2020 3PM until 7PM at the Christian Faith Assembly 810 Marne Hwy. Hainesport, NJ
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Kenneth Anderson
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Kenneth Anderson passed away peacefully on Sunday 26 January 2020 at the Genesis Healthcare Facility in Burlington, NJ. He was 83.
A longtime resident of Burlington County, Mr. Anderson was one of Willingboro’s earliest residents when he settled there in 1964. During the 1960s and early 1970s, he was an active member of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church serving where as a lectern. During the same years, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Willingboro Jaycees. In 1971, he was elected to the Willingboro Board of Education and by 1975 became Vice President. During his tenure on the Willingboro Board of Education, he approved the development of Willingboro High School in 1975. He also volunteered with the Willingboro Track Club.
A graduate of Drexel University, in 1968 he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He later earned an MBA Degree from Central Michigan University. Mr. Anderson pursued a career as an electrical engineer wit General Electric, Westinghouse and Ford Motor Company. For the following two decades, he worked for Siemens AG in computer simulations and retired as a department Director. Among his many achievements, he worked on a team that developed the MRI machine. He was an active member of IEEE and was President of the Computer Society in 1989. As President of the IEEE Computer Society, he established organization chapters in Japan and India.
An avid lover of classical music, he was passionate about the pipe organ and during the 1970’s he built an electronic organ at his home, as well as amassed a collection of J.S. Bach’s musical works. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Anderson was raised in South Philadelphia. He graduated from Bartram High School and later married in 1958. From 1959-1961, he was enlisted in the U.S. Army and assigned to Ft. Monmouth. He was later transferred to work as a weapons specialist at a nuclear testing base in Albuquerque, New Mexico , Ft Sill in Oklahoma where he worked as a Radio repairman.
Mr. Anderson is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Anderson and Veronica Dedegbe; his brother, Bernard Anderson, three grandchildren, and friends.
Please join us in his Inurnment on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 11:30 AM at The BGWCD Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province line Rd. Arneytown, NJ Arrangements by, TL Hutton Family & Friends Funeral Services, Burlington, NJ
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