Claudia E. Nash-Thomas
President
Claudia was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Walter Lee and Claudia M. Thomas. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Xavier High School of St. Louis, MO.
EDUCATION
State Community College, East St. Louis, IL
Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Forest Park Community College, St. Louis, MO
ORGANIZATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
Illinois Funeral Directors Association
St. Clair County Funeral Directors Association
Missouri Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association, Past President
St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Past Vice-President
National Funeral Directors Association
National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association
American Cancer Society - Board of Directors
Genesis Ministry - Board of Directors
Illinois Association of Club Women
Homestudy Club
N.A.A.C.P., 3rd Vice-President of the East St. Louis Branch
Lifetime Member of the N.A.A.C.P.
Claudia is a licensed mortician in the states of Illinois and Missouri.
Claudia E. Nash-Thomas
President
Claudia was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Walter Lee and Claudia M. Thomas. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Xavier High School of St. Louis, MO.
EDUCATION
State Community College, East St. Louis, IL
Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Forest Park Community College, St. Louis, MO
ORGANIZATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
Illinois Funeral Directors Association
St. Clair County Funeral Directors Association
Missouri Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association, Past President
St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Past Vice-President
National Funeral Directors Association
National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association
American Cancer Society - Board of Directors
Genesis Ministry - Board of Directors
Illinois Association of Club Women
Homestudy Club
N.A.A.C.P., 3rd Vice-President of the East St. Louis Branch
Lifetime Member of the N.A.A.C.P.
Claudia is a licensed mortician in the states of Illinois and Missouri.
Rev. Charisse Woods-Burrell
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Earlie Gettis
Attendant
Earlie was born in Okalona, Mississippi, in Chickasaw County, to the union of Earl and Mary Lou Gettis. He came to East St. Louis, IL, in 1962. Earlie is married to Lisa Cruise Gettis and is the father of five sons and three daughters. He has been with the funeral home off and on since 1965. He worked for Vandalia Bus Lines until 1980. He has been working full-time at the funeral home since 2000. Mr. Gettis says, "For service, your budget is our budget."
Earlie Gettis
Attendant
Earlie was born in Okalona, Mississippi, in Chickasaw County, to the union of Earl and Mary Lou Gettis. He came to East St. Louis, IL, in 1962. Earlie is married to Lisa Cruise Gettis and is the father of five sons and three daughters. He has been with the funeral home off and on since 1965. He worked for Vandalia Bus Lines until 1980. He has been working full-time at the funeral home since 2000. Mr. Gettis says, "For service, your budget is our budget."
Bob Broaden
Attendant
Linda Jackson
Attendant
Linda was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but has been a lifelong resident of Centreville, Illinois. She is a graduate of Lincoln Sr. High School. She graduated from State Community College as a certified medical office assistant. Linda is currently employed with Touchette Regional Hospital where she is a medical assistant and secretary in the OB department. Linda is the third oldest of eleven children of the (late)Maurice and Viceola Jackson. Linda is a life long member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She is very active with the community and works with many projects and organizations. Linda has a true ministry when it comes to working with others, from the love and kindness she has shown residents throughout her community. Currently, she is a member of the Centreville Planning Committee. Linda has one son, Mark, and one daughter, Erica. Linda has been associated with Nash Funeral Home since 1999. Linda says, "When you choose us, we will handle the rest."
Linda Jackson
Attendant
Linda was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but has been a lifelong resident of Centreville, Illinois. She is a graduate of Lincoln Sr. High School. She graduated from State Community College as a certified medical office assistant. Linda is currently employed with Touchette Regional Hospital where she is a medical assistant and secretary in the OB department. Linda is the third oldest of eleven children of the (late)Maurice and Viceola Jackson. Linda is a life long member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She is very active with the community and works with many projects and organizations. Linda has a true ministry when it comes to working with others, from the love and kindness she has shown residents throughout her community. Currently, she is a member of the Centreville Planning Committee. Linda has one son, Mark, and one daughter, Erica. Linda has been associated with Nash Funeral Home since 1999. Linda says, "When you choose us, we will handle the rest."
Vivian Anderson-Robinson
Secretary
Mrs. Robinson is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She was born to Ed and Asalee Cutler Anderson. She has been a resident of East St. Louis since 1942. She is a graduate of East St. Louis Sr. High School and the Mildred Louise Business College of Secretarial Training. She is married to Mr. E. Norman Robinson and is the mother of one daughter, Rhonda, and one son, Roderick. She works part-time and has been associated with the funeral home since 1998. She started as a volunteer for three months and then was brought on call with pay. Her hobbies include music and the arts. Vivian says, "If it is honesty and service you are seeking, you have found it at Nash Funeral Home."
Vivian Anderson-Robinson
Secretary
Mrs. Robinson is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She was born to Ed and Asalee Cutler Anderson. She has been a resident of East St. Louis since 1942. She is a graduate of East St. Louis Sr. High School and the Mildred Louise Business College of Secretarial Training. She is married to Mr. E. Norman Robinson and is the mother of one daughter, Rhonda, and one son, Roderick. She works part-time and has been associated with the funeral home since 1998. She started as a volunteer for three months and then was brought on call with pay. Her hobbies include music and the arts. Vivian says, "If it is honesty and service you are seeking, you have found it at Nash Funeral Home."
Rev. Rory Stewart
Minister
Rev. Rory Stewart was born in Centreville, Illinois. He is currently serving as an associate minister at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Venice, Il.
Rev. Rory Stewart
Minister
Rev. Rory Stewart was born in Centreville, Illinois. He is currently serving as an associate minister at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Venice, Il.
Rev. Annie P. Clark
Minister
Reverend Annie P. Clark is a graduate of Holmes Institute (formerly Ernest Holmes College, School of Ministry). Upon graduation, she returned to this community and founded the Radiance Community Church of Religious Science. After meeting all of the criteria, she was ordained in 1994.
In addition to serving as pastor of her church, Rev. Annie teaches classes in Spiritual Awareness, Meditation and Spiritual Mind Treatment (affirmative prayer), Ministerial Ethics and Ministerial Craftsmanship. She also conducts workshops, seminars and spiritual retreats, each with an emphasis on the healing power of unconditional love.
Community/Civic:
President of St. Clair County Board of Health
Chairperson of the Willard C. Scrivner, M.D. Public Health Foundation
Hospice of Southern Illinois, member
Metro-East Interfaith Partnership, member
Urban Seniors Book Club, member
Rev. Annie is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She has two adult children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Rev. Annie P. Clark
Minister
Reverend Annie P. Clark is a graduate of Holmes Institute (formerly Ernest Holmes College, School of Ministry). Upon graduation, she returned to this community and founded the Radiance Community Church of Religious Science. After meeting all of the criteria, she was ordained in 1994.
In addition to serving as pastor of her church, Rev. Annie teaches classes in Spiritual Awareness, Meditation and Spiritual Mind Treatment (affirmative prayer), Ministerial Ethics and Ministerial Craftsmanship. She also conducts workshops, seminars and spiritual retreats, each with an emphasis on the healing power of unconditional love.
Community/Civic:
President of St. Clair County Board of Health
Chairperson of the Willard C. Scrivner, M.D. Public Health Foundation
Hospice of Southern Illinois, member
Metro-East Interfaith Partnership, member
Urban Seniors Book Club, member
Rev. Annie is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She has two adult children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Leo (Bill) Stewart, Jr.
Attendant
Leo, Jr. was born in Centreville, Il. He is currently a police officer for the village of Brooklyn. He has worked parttime for the funeral home since 1992.
Leo (Bill) Stewart, Jr.
Attendant
Leo, Jr. was born in Centreville, Il. He is currently a police officer for the village of Brooklyn. He has worked parttime for the funeral home since 1992.
Leo Stewart, Sr.
(In Memory of)
Leo was born in Macon, Mississippi, to Prince and Juanita Stewart. He was the second youngest of four children. The family moved to the East St. Louis area in October of 1947. In 1954, he joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church when it was located at 13th & Tudor. Leo is married to Juanita Stewart. He is the father of 7 boys and one girl. He has served his community well through the years. Leo held the position of village clerk for the Village of Alorton for thirty years. Leo has been associated with Nash Funeral Home since age 11, and he continues to be on call.
Leo Stewart, Sr.
(In Memory of)
Leo was born in Macon, Mississippi, to Prince and Juanita Stewart. He was the second youngest of four children. The family moved to the East St. Louis area in October of 1947. In 1954, he joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church when it was located at 13th & Tudor. Leo is married to Juanita Stewart. He is the father of 7 boys and one girl. He has served his community well through the years. Leo held the position of village clerk for the Village of Alorton for thirty years. Leo has been associated with Nash Funeral Home since age 11, and he continues to be on call.
Reginald T. Wayne, Sr.
Attendant
Lakesha Windham
Computer Technician
Lakesha is a 2005 graduate from East St. Louis Sr. High School. She will be matriculating at Kentucky State University in August, 2005. Her future plans are to graduate from college in 2009 and pursue a career as a Criminal Investigative Psychologist. Lakesha was a member of the Cooperative Education Program under the tutelage of Mrs. Robbie Edmonds, where she received a job as a Computer Technician at Nash Funeral Home. Lakesha has been associated as a part-time employee since November, 2004.
Lakesha Windham
Computer Technician
Lakesha is a 2005 graduate from East St. Louis Sr. High School. She will be matriculating at Kentucky State University in August, 2005. Her future plans are to graduate from college in 2009 and pursue a career as a Criminal Investigative Psychologist. Lakesha was a member of the Cooperative Education Program under the tutelage of Mrs. Robbie Edmonds, where she received a job as a Computer Technician at Nash Funeral Home. Lakesha has been associated as a part-time employee since November, 2004.
M. Frances Nash Terrell
M. Frances Nash Terrell was born on May 23, 1921, in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was the youngest daughter of Charles T. Nash and Emma Edwards Nash.
Mrs. Terrell attended St. Augustine Grade School and Lincoln Junior and Senior High Schools. She graduated in 1944 from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, majoring in English. In 1945, she graduated from the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science.
Mrs. Terrell was the CEO of the Nash Funeral Home, the oldest Black business in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was licensed as a mortician in both Illinois and Missouri.
She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and later became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a lector. She was instrumental in providing Macedonia Baptist Church, under Rev. Begley, the chapel for Sunday Services after their church suffered a fire. Also, she provided space at the funeral home for Truelight Baptist Church under Rev. Lampley, while they were building their sanctuary.
In 1964, the Orr-Weathers projects were being built. There was a lack of minority workers on the contract. Mrs. Terrell, Judge Billy Jones, and Mr. David Owens formed a steering committee to boycott the construction until more minority laborers were hired. As the end result, more black laborers were hired. She was a quiet rabble-rouser in her own way. With the closing of the black cemeteries at I-64 and Highway 50 for the construction of the new Interstate, she went to Joe Hubbard and was instrumental in getting the Catholic cemeteries opened to blacks for burials.
As an active member of several organizations, Mrs. Terrell was a charter member of Beta Chapter, Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, charter member of Venus Temple #1042, member of the St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors, and the Missouri Licensed Embalmers Association.
On June 21, 1945, she married her soul mate for life in the person of Mr. Edward Terrell. He departed this life on June 17, 2003.
She was also a member of the St. Clair County Funeral Directors Association; the Illinois Funeral Directors Association; and the National Funeral Directors Association. For many years, she was also active with the Illinois Select Morticians and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association under Mr. Robert Miller, Executive Director.
Mrs. Terrell served on the Board of Directors of Christian Welfare Hospital. She was First Vice-President of the East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP for twenty-three years. Last year, she established the NAACP Youth Scholarship Fund. She also served on the Board of Directors of Anderson Hospital (Director Emeritus) and as a member of the Illinois State Board of Hospitals.
In 1983, Mrs. Terrell founded and organized the East St. Louis Volunteers for Police and Fire Safety. There was an incident that occurred that planted the seed. Sgt. Randolph was shot and left for dead. He was one of the few officers who had a radio and was able to call in for help; however, he didn’t have a bulletproof vest. The police department couldn’t afford them. So she organized with other charter members, Mrs. Myrtle Officer, Mrs. Vera Washington, Mrs. D. Opal Harvey, and Mrs. Lillian Williams to raise funds for the police and fire departments. Mayor Carl Officer came to the organization and asked them to work at the V.P. Fair as a fundraiser, which they agreed to. This proved to be the most successful venture for raising funds for the police and fire departments. The first year in 1985, they were able to purchase walkie-talkies and bullet-proof bests for the police department.
Mrs. Terrell passed on Sunday, August 17, 2003, at Belleville Memorial Hospital. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Fredericka J. Nash and Mrs. Claudia Nash Thomas; three nieces, Ms. Marion G. Wayne and Mrs. Thelma Wayne of St. Louis, Missouri, and Ms. Claudia E. Nash-Thomas of East St. Louis; four nephews, Harold E. (Fannie), Marvin D. (Sharon), James E. (Carmen) of East St. Louis, and Reginald T. (Marita) of Fairview Heights, Illinois and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, other relatives and friends.
M. Frances Nash Terrell
M. Frances Nash Terrell was born on May 23, 1921, in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was the youngest daughter of Charles T. Nash and Emma Edwards Nash.
Mrs. Terrell attended St. Augustine Grade School and Lincoln Junior and Senior High Schools. She graduated in 1944 from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, majoring in English. In 1945, she graduated from the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science.
Mrs. Terrell was the CEO of the Nash Funeral Home, the oldest Black business in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was licensed as a mortician in both Illinois and Missouri.
She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and later became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a lector. She was instrumental in providing Macedonia Baptist Church, under Rev. Begley, the chapel for Sunday Services after their church suffered a fire. Also, she provided space at the funeral home for Truelight Baptist Church under Rev. Lampley, while they were building their sanctuary.
In 1964, the Orr-Weathers projects were being built. There was a lack of minority workers on the contract. Mrs. Terrell, Judge Billy Jones, and Mr. David Owens formed a steering committee to boycott the construction until more minority laborers were hired. As the end result, more black laborers were hired. She was a quiet rabble-rouser in her own way. With the closing of the black cemeteries at I-64 and Highway 50 for the construction of the new Interstate, she went to Joe Hubbard and was instrumental in getting the Catholic cemeteries opened to blacks for burials.
As an active member of several organizations, Mrs. Terrell was a charter member of Beta Chapter, Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, charter member of Venus Temple #1042, member of the St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors, and the Missouri Licensed Embalmers Association.
On June 21, 1945, she married her soul mate for life in the person of Mr. Edward Terrell. He departed this life on June 17, 2003.
She was also a member of the St. Clair County Funeral Directors Association; the Illinois Funeral Directors Association; and the National Funeral Directors Association. For many years, she was also active with the Illinois Select Morticians and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association under Mr. Robert Miller, Executive Director.
Mrs. Terrell served on the Board of Directors of Christian Welfare Hospital. She was First Vice-President of the East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP for twenty-three years. Last year, she established the NAACP Youth Scholarship Fund. She also served on the Board of Directors of Anderson Hospital (Director Emeritus) and as a member of the Illinois State Board of Hospitals.
In 1983, Mrs. Terrell founded and organized the East St. Louis Volunteers for Police and Fire Safety. There was an incident that occurred that planted the seed. Sgt. Randolph was shot and left for dead. He was one of the few officers who had a radio and was able to call in for help; however, he didn’t have a bulletproof vest. The police department couldn’t afford them. So she organized with other charter members, Mrs. Myrtle Officer, Mrs. Vera Washington, Mrs. D. Opal Harvey, and Mrs. Lillian Williams to raise funds for the police and fire departments. Mayor Carl Officer came to the organization and asked them to work at the V.P. Fair as a fundraiser, which they agreed to. This proved to be the most successful venture for raising funds for the police and fire departments. The first year in 1985, they were able to purchase walkie-talkies and bullet-proof bests for the police department.
Mrs. Terrell passed on Sunday, August 17, 2003, at Belleville Memorial Hospital. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Fredericka J. Nash and Mrs. Claudia Nash Thomas; three nieces, Ms. Marion G. Wayne and Mrs. Thelma Wayne of St. Louis, Missouri, and Ms. Claudia E. Nash-Thomas of East St. Louis; four nephews, Harold E. (Fannie), Marvin D. (Sharon), James E. (Carmen) of East St. Louis, and Reginald T. (Marita) of Fairview Heights, Illinois and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, other relatives and friends.
Mr. C.T. Nash
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Mr. C.T. Nash
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Edward Terrell
Edward Terrell was born on April 13, 1917, in East St. Louis, Illinois. His parents, James and Eva Terrell, were blessed with two children, Jeanette and Edward. His parents and sister, Jeanette, preceded him in death.
Edward came up in the Catholic faith and was baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church. When St. Augustine closed, he moved his membership to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. His formal education came through School District #189.
His first job in the workforce was at Swift Packing Company, where many East St. Louisans down through the years have been employed. He left Swift Packing Co to become an insurance agent with Supreme Life.
In the year of 1944, Edward asked Mr. C.T. Nash for the hand of his daughter, M. Frances Nash, in marriage. Mr. Nash said yes, and on June 21, 1945, Edward married his soulmate for life. He continued working as a Supreme Life agent until finally he decided to join his wife in the funeral business.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at 6:55 pm at the Caseyville Care Center, he took his retirement.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 57 years, M. Frances Nash Terrell; three nieces, Marion G. Wayne of St. Louis, MO, Claudia E. Nash Thomas of East St. Louis, IL, and Thelma Wayne of Florissant, MO; four nephews, Harold E. (Fannie) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL, James E. (Carmen) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL, Marvin D. (Sharon) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL and Reginald T. (Marita) Wayne of Fairview Heights, IL; nephew, (preceded in death, 2001) Donald E. Wayne; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; two sisters-in-law, Claudia M. Nash-Thomas and Fredericka J. Nash; one brother-in-law, Daniel Morris; cousin, Evelyn Whitfield; a host of 2nd cousins, other relatives and friends.
Edward Terrell
Edward Terrell was born on April 13, 1917, in East St. Louis, Illinois. His parents, James and Eva Terrell, were blessed with two children, Jeanette and Edward. His parents and sister, Jeanette, preceded him in death.
Edward came up in the Catholic faith and was baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church. When St. Augustine closed, he moved his membership to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. His formal education came through School District #189.
His first job in the workforce was at Swift Packing Company, where many East St. Louisans down through the years have been employed. He left Swift Packing Co to become an insurance agent with Supreme Life.
In the year of 1944, Edward asked Mr. C.T. Nash for the hand of his daughter, M. Frances Nash, in marriage. Mr. Nash said yes, and on June 21, 1945, Edward married his soulmate for life. He continued working as a Supreme Life agent until finally he decided to join his wife in the funeral business.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at 6:55 pm at the Caseyville Care Center, he took his retirement.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 57 years, M. Frances Nash Terrell; three nieces, Marion G. Wayne of St. Louis, MO, Claudia E. Nash Thomas of East St. Louis, IL, and Thelma Wayne of Florissant, MO; four nephews, Harold E. (Fannie) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL, James E. (Carmen) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL, Marvin D. (Sharon) Wayne of East St. Louis, IL and Reginald T. (Marita) Wayne of Fairview Heights, IL; nephew, (preceded in death, 2001) Donald E. Wayne; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; two sisters-in-law, Claudia M. Nash-Thomas and Fredericka J. Nash; one brother-in-law, Daniel Morris; cousin, Evelyn Whitfield; a host of 2nd cousins, other relatives and friends.
Donald Eugene Wayne
Donald Eugene Wayne, 67 of Black Jack, Missouri was born May 31, 1934 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Jeanette Terrell Wayne and Marvin Wayne, Sr. He was the oldest of six siblings of that union. Both his parents and one grandson, Brandon Wayne, preceded him in death.
Donald was educated in the public school system of District 189 and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1953. He attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas on a baseball scholarship. Donald entered the military service and was honorably discharged in 1963. Donald also received a degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois in 1970. Donald retired from the United States Postal Service after more than thirty years of service. He also served as a Mortician at Nash Funeral Home for more than thirty years. At the time of his passing, he was employed part-time at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Missouri and the Nash Funeral Home in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Donald was a member of many organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners.
Donald joined the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized in 1947 under the pastorate of Reverend Haney. He was a faithful member, attending Sunday School regularly.
Donald married Thelma Perry on August 21, 1958 in East St. Louis, Il. To this union, two children were born.
On June 12, 2001, Donald joined his loved ones in glory. His presence will be missed by all.
He leaves to mourn his passing, a devoted wife of more than 40 years, Thelma Wayne; two children, Vanessa Wayne (Karl) Hutchinson of St. Louis, MO and Myron (Kymberley) Wayne of Sacramento, CA; three grandchildren; Perri and Morgan Hutchinson and Jarrod Wayne; four brothers, Harold, (Fannie) Wayne, James (Carmen) Wayne, Marvin, Jr. (Sharon) Wayne and Reginald (Marita) Wayne all of East St. Louis, IL; two sisters, Marion G. Wayne of St. Louis, MO and Myrna Reeves of Indianapolis, IN; uncle, Edward(M. Frances Nash)Terrell; step-mother, Olga Wayne, step-father, Daniel Morris; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Donald Eugene Wayne
Donald Eugene Wayne, 67 of Black Jack, Missouri was born May 31, 1934 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Jeanette Terrell Wayne and Marvin Wayne, Sr. He was the oldest of six siblings of that union. Both his parents and one grandson, Brandon Wayne, preceded him in death.
Donald was educated in the public school system of District 189 and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1953. He attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas on a baseball scholarship. Donald entered the military service and was honorably discharged in 1963. Donald also received a degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois in 1970. Donald retired from the United States Postal Service after more than thirty years of service. He also served as a Mortician at Nash Funeral Home for more than thirty years. At the time of his passing, he was employed part-time at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Missouri and the Nash Funeral Home in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Donald was a member of many organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners.
Donald joined the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized in 1947 under the pastorate of Reverend Haney. He was a faithful member, attending Sunday School regularly.
Donald married Thelma Perry on August 21, 1958 in East St. Louis, Il. To this union, two children were born.
On June 12, 2001, Donald joined his loved ones in glory. His presence will be missed by all.
He leaves to mourn his passing, a devoted wife of more than 40 years, Thelma Wayne; two children, Vanessa Wayne (Karl) Hutchinson of St. Louis, MO and Myron (Kymberley) Wayne of Sacramento, CA; three grandchildren; Perri and Morgan Hutchinson and Jarrod Wayne; four brothers, Harold, (Fannie) Wayne, James (Carmen) Wayne, Marvin, Jr. (Sharon) Wayne and Reginald (Marita) Wayne all of East St. Louis, IL; two sisters, Marion G. Wayne of St. Louis, MO and Myrna Reeves of Indianapolis, IN; uncle, Edward(M. Frances Nash)Terrell; step-mother, Olga Wayne, step-father, Daniel Morris; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Claudia M. Nash-Thomas
Former Owner
Claudia is the widow of Walter L. Thomas and mother of Claudia E. She is a retired educator and avid community-driven person. Her educational background consists of Southern Illinois Normal University, Carbondale, IL, and St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. She is a licensed mortician in Illinois and Missouri. She has taught at Vernon Grade School, Sparta, Illinois, and as a teacher in East St. Louis School District #189. She is a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P. and served as president of the East St. Louis Chapter in the forties. Awards and Recognitions include: Community Service Involvement Award 1st Black President of the YWCA- St. Clair County Life Membership for State, District and National Association of Club Women Wing dedicated for the Children's Center for Behavioural Development - named Claudia Nash Thomas Award for 15 years of service to the St. Clair County Comprehensive Mental Health Center Profile of Prominence Award - Metro-East Women of Achievement Citation from the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois.
Mrs. Claudia M. Nash-Thomas
Former Owner
Claudia is the widow of Walter L. Thomas and mother of Claudia E. She is a retired educator and avid community-driven person. Her educational background consists of Southern Illinois Normal University, Carbondale, IL, and St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. She is a licensed mortician in Illinois and Missouri. She has taught at Vernon Grade School, Sparta, Illinois, and as a teacher in East St. Louis School District #189. She is a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P. and served as president of the East St. Louis Chapter in the forties. Awards and Recognitions include: Community Service Involvement Award 1st Black President of the YWCA- St. Clair County Life Membership for State, District and National Association of Club Women Wing dedicated for the Children's Center for Behavioural Development - named Claudia Nash Thomas Award for 15 years of service to the St. Clair County Comprehensive Mental Health Center Profile of Prominence Award - Metro-East Women of Achievement Citation from the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois.
