Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC

08/26/2026

Samuel G. Holmes Sr., 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. With profound sadness and unwavering faith, his family announces his passing and rejoices in the knowledge that he has been called home to be with the Lord.

Samuel was born on August 25, 1942, in Claysburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Raymond Albert and Willie Sallice Holmes. Throughout his life, Samuel was devoted to his faith and dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel with others. He served as an Elder at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center under the leadership of Apostle David Young Sr.

Samuel was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Jeannie Mae King, on June 25, 1983. Together, they shared a life filled with 43 years of love, faith, family, and many cherished memories. A hardworking and skilled craftsman, Samuel worked as a mechanic at B&H Collision, as a welder at Miner Railcar, and retired after many years of dedicated service at Kasgro Railcar. Following retirement, he became a Certified Agent and worked in security for local stores and schools until health challenges brought that chapter of his life to a close.

Samuel was well known for his knowledge and mechanical abilities, particularly his talent for repairing automobiles. He enjoyed fishing and, together with Jeannie, was an avid wrestling fan. Above all, Samuel treasured his family. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that will remain with them forever.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jeannie Mae, Samuel leaves to cherish his memory; five daughters: Annie (Llewellyn) Williams, Jennifer (Darrell) Evans, Shannon Kirkland, Ercell Wilson, and Esther Jenkins; four sons: Samuel Holmes Jr., Ben Tolbert, James (Julianna) Holmes Sr., and Darrell (Marcy) Holmes Sr.; one sister: Barb Holmes-Seyler; devoted friend, Reatha Gibbs and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Contrina Holmes; his son, Pastor Dion Holmes; his brothers, Donald, Henry, and Roger Holmes; and his sisters, Mary Helen Anderson and Edith May Holmes.

Samuel's life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, and service to others. Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he has finished his earthly journey and is now resting in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

“Whomever dwells in the shelter of the MOST HIGH shall rest in the shadow if the Almighty.”

Psalm 91:1

Visitation and Homegoing Service

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, 114 Oakland Ave., New Castle, PA. The Homegoing Service will begin at 12:00 noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA, with Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina L. Washington serving as funeral directors.

08/16/2026

Arrangements for Rondalyn Hill

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21st, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at:

House of Prayer Church of God in Christ
708 Samson Street
New Castle, PA 16101

The Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 PM at the church.

Burial will be in Parkside Cemetery.

08/12/2026

07/16/2026

Andrew Benjamin Mathews, 53, of New Castle, passed away on June 30, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 23, 1973, in Ellwood City, Andrew was the beloved son of the late Howard and Shirley Razo Mathews.

Andrew attended Riverside High School, where he proudly played the bass drum in the marching band and wore jersey number 78 as a dedicated lineman on the football team. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including relaxing with a hot cup of coffee, watching television, and spending time with his faithful dog, Mocha, whose companionship brought him great comfort.

Andrew was preceded in death by his loving parents and his special cousin, Crystal Carper. He leaves behind many who will forever cherish his memory, including his devoted sister, Sonya Johnson; his beloved niece, Tatyana Johnson Waits; his aunts, Romana Carper, Juanita Cuspard and Patty Mathews; his special cousins, Julius Carper and Monica Razo; his dear friend, Andrew Suders; as well as numerous uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Andrew’s life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 216 Smithfield Street, New Castle, PA. There will be a special tribute in honor of Andy. Please bring a cup of Jo to celebrate Andy's love of coffee. All who knew and loved Andrew are welcome to join in celebrating his life, sharing memories, and honoring the legacy he leaves behind.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA, under the professional care of Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina Washington, Funeral Directors.

07/15/2026

Wilbert "Doc" Meyers,69, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on July, 7. 2026.

Born on June 1. 1957, in Erie, PA, Wilbert was the beloved son of the late Willie Meyers and Sarah J. Roberts.

After graduating from high school, Wilbert proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he remained deeply committed to serving others, dedicating himself to making a positive impact in his community. He found great joy in helping those around him and giving back in whatever way he could. Wilbert had a true gift for planting and gardening, and the beautiful vegetables that flourished in his yard were a testament to his hard work and care. He was an avid fan of basketball and football and never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a good detective movie. He also had a special love for his dogs, who brought him much happiness. Above all else, Wilbert cherished his family. They were the center of his life.

Affectionately called "Doc" by his close friends, he was excited when he put to use the knowledge he learned from Duff-Business School and opened his transportation company. Doc was preceded in death by his loving parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister. He leaves behind many who will forever cherish his memory, including his devoted fiancée, Ingrid Slater; his children, Junior and Jolisa Meyers and Leah-Rayne Finlayson; sisters, Carolyn Jones(R. Jones). Anne Harbison(W. Harbison), Carrie Garlington(T.Garlington)and Janet Roberts; 4 grandchildren, Carter, Jayden, Tre'Onte and Te' Auna Meyers; and a host of friends whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate life of Wilbert "Doc" Meyers on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 11:00am. to 12:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, 1119 S. Jefferson St., New Castle, PA. The Homegoing Service
will begin at Noon.

Interment will be on Friday at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA, under the professional care of Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina Washington, Funeral Directors.

03/20/2026

Mark Lee Moore, Jr., 37, of New Castle, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born on January 21, 1989, in New Castle, he was the son of Lucretia Cummings and Mark Lee Moore, Sr and wife Sharlene Moore.

Mark had a deep love for music and sports, with a special passion for football. He enjoyed spending his time surrounded by the activities he loved most and the people who meant the most to him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Sarah Moore, Lewis Johnson, Sr., and Lilian Johnson; his aunts, Brenda, and Mary Moore; and his uncles, Anthony “Tony” Moore, Ronald Cummings, Lewis Johnson, Jr., and Gerald Clark.

He is survived by his two sons, Kartier Williams and Miveon Moore, both of New Castle. In addition to his sons, he is lovingly remembered as the beloved son of Mark Lee Moore, Sr., and Lucretia Cummings. Mark is also survived by his siblings: Christopher Dorman, Delorean Moore,Mykel Hambrick, Michael Burcham, Marquia Moore, Jaquese Hambrick, DaVonta Hambrick, Jocelyn Burcham, and Cheree Dorman, all of New Castle, and Tameisha Dorman of Columbus, Ohio; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory. Mark also leaves behind a special part of his heart, Taylor Michele

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday March 21st, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 616 W North St.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA, Charlotte A Sheffield, FD.

03/15/2026

Frankie Phillips, 74, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 15, 1951, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to the late Luke and Gracie (Brock) Latham. On August 21, 1997, she married the love of her life, Vincent Phillips.

Frankie was a woman who found joy in the simple and creative things in life. She loved cooking for her family, singing, and drawing, and she was rarely without her favorite lipstick. Her warmth, vibrant personality, and deep love for those around her will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Frankie was preceded in death by her siblings, Lily Wallace, Glennetta Latham, Louella Sims, and George “Junebug” Latham.
Frankie attended Ebenezer Church of God in Christ in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Vincent Phillips; her son, Shontee Latham; Lavonne “Little Frankie” Clark-Hand, whom she raised like a daughter; her grandchildren, Sierra Latham and Qualin Latham; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:00 a.m. at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, 1701 Moravia Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania.

The Homegoing Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101. Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina Washington, Funeral Directors.

02/24/2026

Gordon Raymond Austin, Sr., 66, of Edinburg, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at his home on February 19, 2026. He (along with his twin George Ronald) was born February 25, 1959 to the late Robert and Jane (Johnson) Austin.

Nicknamed “Peewee” at birth by his mother, he and his eleven siblings grew up on New Castle’s southside. He was educated through the New Castle Area School District ~ first at Lincoln and Garfield Elementary School, then at Ben Franklin Junior High School and finally at New Castle Senior High School from which he graduated in June of 1977. He attended Slippery Rock University for a year and later received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from ITT Technical Institute in Youngstown, Ohio.

The family attended St. John United Holy Church where Gordon participated in the Young Peoples’ Holy Association (YPHA) and sang in the choir. It was there that he began to “tickle the ivories” and wrote his first song, “Lift Up the Lord”. Many days and nights were spent at the church perfecting his craft and to date, he’s written close to three hundred songs.

Peewee, his sister Garnet, and Reatha Gibbs formed the initial True Spirit singing group with their debut engagement at Calvary Temple Worship Center, now Oakpointe Christian Center. The group evolved over the years to include brothers, George “Huskey”, Randy, Russel, David Young, Alvin Rodgers, and David Pompey. True Spirit traveled extensively throughout western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio singing at various churches. Their singing gift made room for them with opportunities which included appearing on Channel 40 CTV in Wall, Pennsylvania; opening for the Winans, Commissioned and Vanessa Bell Armstrong at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, Ohio; and opening for the late Douglas Miller and the late James Moore in Pittsburgh.

Three recordings were completed … “In His Spirit”, “Determined” and “Make His Praise Glorious” which was with his combined group “High Praise”. Committed to excellence and gifted with an ability to bring out the best in singers and those who desired to sing, Gordon spent 30 years working with and building church choirs and praise teams. He served at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, Ray Street Church of God, Solid Rock Ministry, Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, and Word of Life Family Church (all of New Castle); Central Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Penn Hills, Ebenezer Baptist Church and White Lily Baptist Church (all of Pittsburgh); Church of the Great Commission, House of Praise and Champions Ministry (all of Orlando); Westminster College Gospel Choir and New Life Baptist Church’s Celebrate Recovery (both of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania) and Shepherd of the Valley Church in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. He founded the Mighty Men’s and Women’s Conference in 1993 which was held for 10 years and co-founded (with his son Peewee, Jr.) AUS10 Drills & Skills Basketball Program.

When he was not singing, Peewee was a true homebody. He enjoyed sports, watching TV and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his siblings: Russel, Garnet, Mildred, Janet, William and George.

Gordon married the former Leslie Gunn on December 24, 1982. They have four children: Gordon, Jr. (fiancée Reanna Verone), Lindsay (fiancé Jason Griffin-Mercado), Jennifer (Jorge) Rodriguez (all of New Castle); and Jessica (Orlando, Florida); six grandchildren: Jaiden, Jordan, Olivia, Xavier, London and Amos (due to arrive in March); five siblings: Robert and Richard (Doris) of Baltimore, Maryland, Lawrence (Deloris) of New Castle, Eleanor of Orlando and Wesley (Leah) of Georgetown, Texas; special sister, Rev. Patricia Austin; devoted friends, Ronald Rizzo and Pastor Dominick Cestrone; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In keeping with his wishes, there are no calling hours. A memorial service to celebrate the life, legacy and musical prowess of Gordon “Peewee” Austin, Sr. will be announced at a later date.

“The Best Is Yet to Come”

02/24/2026

Rose Marie Chapman passed away Sunday morning surrounded by loved ones on February 22, 2026, in New
Castle, PA. Born September 1, 1940 in Birmingham, AL.
She was the daughter of Queenie Mae Johnson and Eddie Hood and stepdaughter of Eugene Cummings Sr. She
married Homer L. Chapman and from this union came a
daughter they named Yvette who was the love of their lives.

A loving and caring person Rose was, who was loved by
many. Her past time was crocheting, cooking, walking with friends and caring for the Elderly. She was a dedicated
mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She was a
long-time caregiver for her mother and her sister. She loved meeting with the women of the Ebenezer COGIC for their morning prayer.

Rose was a member of the Prevailing Word World Outreach Center and served as a Deaconess under Apostle David and
Pastor Diane Young.

In addition to her husband, parents and stepfather, she was preceded in death by her brother, Anthony (Bubba Hood) her sister, Barbara Hood, stepbrothers and sister, Robert, Eugene and Rosella Cummings.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: daughter Yvette
(Ramon Mayo) of Homewood IL; grandchildren, Kaydon
James, Syenna Cheree, Mercyanna Grace; of Homewood IL; brother, Jimmy Hood of Cleveland, OH; sister, Reatha Gibbs of New Castle, PA; nephews, Cornelius
(Godson) Hood, Christopher Hood, nieces, Jamie
Coachman, Shonta Rose, Robert Rose, Jamaal Rose all of Cleveland, OH; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday February 24, 2026 at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, 112 Oakland Ave, New Castle, PA at 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. The Homegoing Celebration will begin at 6:30 pm.

Services are entrusted to the Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA 16101.

02/07/2026

We will be live streaming the funeral for Wanda “Red” McKnight at 12pm.