New owners at Williams Funeral Services
MANSFIELD - Pamela Williams-Briggs, funeral director of Williams Funeral Services, 753 McPherson St., is retiring with her husband Larry after almost 40 years in business together serving the Mansfield community.
The minority-owned business has been purchased by Marlan Gary of Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home, The Chapel of Peace in Columbus. The transition to new owners was effective April 1.
Pamela Williams Briggs said she and her husband took over the funeral home in July 1981 from Marlan s uncle, the late David Gary. The funeral home initially operated as Gary-Williams Funeral Services.
Born and raised in Mansfield, Pamela Williams Briggs said she was always interested in helping people, the funeral service and the ministry and after college she pursued it, but there were few women in the industry when she started.
Gerald was born Oct. 14, 1949, the son of James W. and Geraldine Townsend Stringer.
Gerald was a 1967 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School. He worked various jobs in the Ohio and Pennsylvania area. Gerald liked to read, listen to music, and was eager to talk on many topics. He most enjoyed spending time with his daughter and grandchildren.
Gerald is survived by his daughter, LaSonya Ware of Holt, Mich.; his brother, Michael Stringer of Columbus; his sister, Mary “Cookie” (Robbie) Newell of Warren; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his friend, Sheila Butler; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, James “Jimmy” Stringer Jr.
Feb 17, 2021
WARREN Apostle Loretta J. Pernice, 62, of Warren, went home to the Kingdom she longed for at 8:19 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Health-St. Joseph Warren Hospital following complications from a recent battle with COVID-19.
Apostle Pernice was born Wednesday, May 7, 1958, in Warren, the daughter of the late James D. and Janie May Reynolds Johnson. She was a lifelong area resident.
She attended Warren Western Reserve High School.
Apostle Pernice was the senior pastor and founder of Elim Christian Center in Warren. Apostle Pernice was born with an anointing on her life through the marriage of Elder James and Mother Janie May Johnson.