On February 1, 2025, several memorial services are set to honor the lives of notable individuals who have recently passed away, reflecting the depth of community and family connections forged during their lifetimes.
Diana Chumney, 69, is being remembered at her memorial gathering scheduled for today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors. Friends and family have come together to celebrate her life and offer condolences.
Meanwhile, 97-year-old Martha Clarke will have her private graveside service held at Arrington Funeral Directors, reiterably emphasizing the family’s desire for privacy during this time of mourning.
Margaret Joyce Moore, aged 89, is being honored without formal services at this time, yet her memory remains cherished by those who knew her. It is indicative of the quiet yet impactful lives many lead.
Mary Drewery, at 90 years of age, will have visitation at First Baptist Church today, beginning at 1 p.m. followed by her memorial service scheduled for 2 p.m. Friends and family are expected to gather to honor her legacy.
Donnie Hugh Goodman, 72, has services pending, indicating the family is actively making arrangements to properly honor him soon. Community support is often drawn upon during such challenging times, helping families navigate the days following loss.
Stephen Earl, 59, and Willie Merrell, 83, also marked by their passing, will be commemorated through the compassionate services offered by local funeral homes dedicated to honoring lives well-lived.
A significant highlight among these remembrances is Connie L. Stephenson, who passed away on January 18, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on October 17, 1943, she dedicated her 40 years of service to social work, helping countless individuals through her career focused on trauma and addiction recovery.
According to her obituary published by Ofield Funeral Home, "Hills were climbed, strengthened by struggles, drying tears through love, friendship made and lost. CLS we miss you already." This poetic representation of her life encapsulates not only the struggles she faced but the resilience she demonstrated, along with the love she shared with her community.
Connie graduated from Michigan State University with distinction and later attended the University of Michigan for her Master’s degree. Her professional affiliations included the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.
To honor her legacy, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Ofield Funeral Home on April 4, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. This gathering will provide those who loved her the opportunity to reminisce and reflect on the positive impact she made.
The following day, April 5, will see her graveside memorial service at Poe Cemetery, with friends from the First Baptist Church of Newburg offering potluck hospitality afterward. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Humane Society, honoring Connie’s commitment to animal welfare.
These observances of life not only commemorate each individual but also encourage communities to come together, offering support and empathy during difficult times. Funeral homes like Arrington and Stephenson-Shaw serve as guiding lights, facilitating these important expressions of grief and remembrance.
The collective outpouring of fond memories and communal support exemplifies the power of connection during such transitional periods. Families appreciate gestures of sympathy, whether through flowers, donations, or shared stories, as they navigate their journeys through grief and healing.
Each memorial narrative weaves together threads of love, shared experiences, and treasured moments. It’s these details and connections—however quiet and humble—that often resonate most deeply within families and communities following loss.
Today, as we gather to honor those whose lives have touched us, we are reminded of the importance of expressing our thoughts and feelings of love and remembrance, ensuring their legacies continue through actions and kindness.