All Obituaries

Joyce F. Traylor, 85, passed away on April 5, 2020.  She was born in Central City, Kentucky and was an Akron resident since 1952.  Joyce was a long-time, active attendee of the Akron First Assembly of God Church and worked for Siegferth Plumbing and Heating for 30 years. Preceded in death by her mother, Edna Goodloe Sweeney; and cousin, Sean, she is survived by her cousin, Tom. We will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Nannie E. Burkhart, 82, passed away April 5, 2020. She was born in Saltville, VA to the late Ballard and Mary Harrison and moved to Akron after graduating from high school. Nannie worked in transportation for the Akron Public Schools and at the Longaberger Basket Company, and she was a fabulous cook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Marvin Ford Sr. and Ernest Burkhart; son, Ballard; daughter, Ellen; grandson, Calvin; brothers, Gaines and Beecher; and...

Virginia Ruth Sarokas, 94, passed away March 29, 2020. She was born in Akron to the late Anthony and Lillian (Knight) Galanis, retired from Akron City (Summa) Hospital with 29 years of service and was an active member of Akron First Seventh Day Adventist Church. She loved crocheting, creating many beautiful pieces, and enjoyed gardening. Most of all, she loved her Lord. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; son, Paul; sisters, Helen, Lois,...

Lisa L. “Weasel” Grose, 45, passed away March 27, 2020. She was born in Barberton, OH, was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved the color purple. She also had a love for cats and unicorns, country music and anything that had to do with teddy bears.  Although a bit of a firecracker sometimes, she loved helping people whenever she could. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Cynthia Jane; her mother, Cheryl Howard;...

Judith M. Burkhardt, 76, passed away March 15, 2020. She was born in Akron to the late George and Cora (Tabler) Burkhardt, attended Coventry High School and graduated from Buchtel High School. Judith worked as a nurse at the Summit County Jail and was a wonderful humanitarian. She loved taking care of people and dedicated her life to helping others. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia (Joe) Bitonti. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle...

Lajohna L. Geary-Sheppard, 78, passed away March 6, 2020. She was born in Cincinnati, OH to the late William and Maggie May (Fraim) Geary and moved Akron as an infant. Lajohna was a South High grad and attended J.B.M. school. She was an accomplished violinist, performing in concerts with violins made by her father, worked as a go-go dancer at Billy Lee’s and cleaned beach houses in North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; niece,...

Mary L. Shue, 99, passed away March 3, 2020.  Born in Fayette County, Ohio she was raised by the late Charles and Stella Colaw.  Mary loved getting together with her friends for lunch, playing cards and going to Bingo. Preceded in death by husband, Harold Shue and son, Ronald Kelley; brothers, George and Ralph; sisters, Anna and Sue. Mary is survived by daughter-in-law, Shirley; grandsons, Donnie, Danny and Jeff; and great-grandchildren, Hayden, Shawn and Tyler. Family...

William F. “Billy” Weaver Jr., 54, passed away February 29, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Akron to William Sr. and Georgene Weaver, he was a 1983 graduate of Garfield High School.  Billy was the owner of B&M Lawn and Plowing Service for over 30 years and was always working. He loved his time at Guy’s Party Centre and Chaparell’s because he loved raising money for a good cause. He was a hard worker and a friend to everyone. Billy...

Nancy C. McKnight, 82, went home to be with the Lord February 28, 2020.  Born in Peterstown, WV to the late Erie and Nora (Mills) Dillon, Nancy spent most of her life in the Akron area.  She worked as a manager for the Salvation Army and Goodwill and was a long-time member of the Apostolic Church of Barberton. Nancy was also proud of her time volunteering for Harvest Home and devoted her life to her church and her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by...

Timothy Gaskins Jr., 91, passed away peacefully February 19, 2020. He was born in Akron to the late Timothy Sr. and Ruby (Knight) and retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with 33 years of service. Timothy was active in the deaf community for many years. He was a member of the Deaf Outreach Church of North Canton, enjoyed camping with the Ohio Silent Wanderers Club and belonged to the Akron Deaf Anglers Club. He was also a skilled craftsmen, able to fix just about anything. He...