Latest news with #Celebrationof
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Elizabeth "Libby" Ann (King) Tilley Elizabeth Ann (King)
May 3—Elizabeth "Libby" Ann (King) Tilley Elizabeth Ann (King) Tilley, known to most as "Libby", age 91, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on February 7, 2025. Mrs. Tilley will be interred with her husband in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Celebration of Life Open House Saturday, May 17, 2025, 2:00-4:00 PM, Manzano High School Performing Arts Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 12200 Lomas Blvd NE, 87112. This will be an open-house style gathering, guests are welcome to arrive and leave at their own pace throughout the event. Parking and Accessibility Information: Manzano parking lots, there are Handicap spaces next to the Performing Arts Center and other spaces next to those. Signs will be up to help point guests in the right direction. To assist with accessibility, wheelchairs and volunteers will be available to help guests from the parking area to the building. Libby was born in Cape Fair, Missouri, April 14, 1933. She graduated from high school at the School of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, and attended Austin College in Texas and the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland. She married James Tilley in 1956, and they had two children, Jim and Yvonne. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1962. Mrs. Tilley found employment in the English Department at Manzano High School two weeks later. Libby was a lifelong educator and advocate for students, spending over 40 years at Manzano as a teacher, Activities Director, student council sponsor, and yearbook sponsor. She was instrumental in the growth of the New Mexico Association of Student Councils and is a member of the New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame. Through her work with State Student Council and lifelong commitment to student activities, she was a familiar face in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Public School systems and many schools around New Mexico. She served on the New Mexico Activities Association Board and the board of the National Association of Student Councils. She brought the NASC Conference to Albuquerque in 1988. Mom retired from the Activities Director and yearbook sponsor positions to help raise her grandchildren, but spent an additional dozen years as Executive Director of NMASC. She found her favorite role as a grandmother and spent as much time as possible with her three grandchildren, all of whom were fortunate to live in Albuquerque with her. She was firm and believed in accountability and also believed in having fun in life. Her grandchildren benefited from her years of experience with youth activities, her belief in integrity, her work ethic, and her commitment to responsibility. Most importantly, they inherited her sense of humor. She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne and son, Jim and his wife Trish, all of Albuquerque; grandchildren Alyx Tilley (husband, Joel Hartenburger) of Washington, DC, Eric Tilley (wife, Kelly) of Denver and Geordan Tilley (partner, Nick Hagar) of Chicago; two great-grandchildren; brother, George King of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Tilley was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, James B. Tilley, who passed in 1993. Please visit the online guestbook for Libby at
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wyoming Valley to celebrate the life of Bill Kelly
Mar. 24—WILKES-BARRE — On Sunday, April 13, the Wyoming Valley pauses its normal routine to gather and celebrate the life of local musical legend, Bill Kelly at Kings College Chapel at 4 p.m. and Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. An influential musical duo from the Wyoming Valley, Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik teamed up in various bands such as Dakota and the Buoys. They gained national recognition and are perhaps best known for their work with the Buoys. Bill Kelly and the Buoys, along with other celebrity bands, celebrated with Jerry Hludzik performing at Jammin' for Jerry Benefit Concert — a benefit for Hludzik on April 26, 2018 at Genetti's Grand Ballroom. Jerry Hludzik passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. It just so happens that on the Fifth Death Anniversary of Jerry Hludzik, the city is celebrating the life of his musical partner, Bill Kelly. Palm Sunday on April 13 is a special day and evening for everyone to celebrate the life of Bill Kelly, who died at the age of 74 on April 13, 2024 in his home in Nashville. MEMORIAL PRAYER SERVICE Kings College is honoring their alumnus, Bill Kelly, with a special mass at the Chapel on Kings College Campus on North Street for 4 p.m., Sunday, April 13 and all are invited. "King's College is always honored to prayerfully celebrate the lives of our deceased alumni and to offer consolation to their families and friends. I hope and pray that our Memorial Prayer Service for Bill Kelly at the beautiful Chapel of Christ the King will be both a fitting celebration of his life, and a source of consolation and comfort for those who loved him and were loved by him," says Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D. President of Kings College. MUSICAL CONCERT TRIBUTE & BENEFIT The Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly continues with a live music event with doors opening at 5 p.m. at the Genetti Grand Ballroom at 77 East Market Street in downtown Wilkes Barre. The tributes and entertainment begin at 6 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. The tribute will start with Billy Kelly's sister, President of MMI Prep Theresa Long who says, "Bill loved this area, and his family is grateful for the love and generosity from his fans. Thank you to the outstanding musicians who will be playing for this special event". Bill Kelly's wife, Ann, will be in attendance travelling from Nashville and all the proceeds from the door will go to help Ann through this difficult time. Jerry Hludzik's wife, Annie, will also be in attendance, helping with the event. As part of the celebration former band members and their families are travelling from afar to perform a "BUOYS REUNION" for the event. The band members include Fran Brozena, Bob Gryziec, Barry Rogers, Ryan Brozena and possibly Carl Siracuse. Other top bands from Wyoming Valley and national fame are donating their time to perform during the evening between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. including the Idol Kings, the Untouchables, Flaxy Morgan, and country music's local favorite, Lost at The Rodeo. The production for the event will be donated by Rockstreet Music. Donation for The Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly is $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available now online at with credit card sales and a credit card service fee of $2 for a total of $22. Cash sales will be available for advance tickets starting Wednesday, March 26, at the Gallery of Sound in Wilkes Barre for $20 with no service fees. At the door sales will be $30. A block of rooms will be held at the Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel. Many key individuals involved in the NEPA music industry have helped bring this event to fruition. They shared their thoughts about the impact and legacy of Billy Kelly: Michelle Reilly of Untouchables and friend of Hdluzik and Kelly families says, "Their music lives on forever!" Joe Nardone Sr. says, "A benefit to support the loss of a great musician and even a greater man". "Bill was a great talent and wonderful person," says Alan K. Stout, a longtime local music journalist and radio show host. "The last time he was back in town was in 2023, for his induction into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame, and though he was ill, he performed beautifully that night. It's a cherished memory for all that were there. I am grateful that this special tribute show is being done in his memory." Paul Ciliberto of Bold Gold Media Group says, "Some are talented, some are humble, some are Kelly was all three." Longtime colleague, Jim Della Croce at Pathfinder Management says, "Bill left a huge footprint in the landscape of the music business. Yes, he sang the hit "Timothy" with The Buoys early in his storied career but he went on to record for Columbia Records, Epic, MCA Records and wrote for MCA Publishing. His touring life went beyond The Buoys and Dakota opening for Queen's The Game Tour but leading and producing marquee artists and performing across North America and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry multiple times with country giant Carlie Louvin. He was a hit songwriter and chart-topper in the contemporary Christian music world and did his time as a manager and booking agent. To lead major bands in Nashville spoke to his prowess as a guitarist but we'll all remember that voice, the one that put his beloved home, the Wyoming Valley, on the national map and into the annals of pop music. Quick with a smile, a hearty laugh and a huge humble heart were part of Bill's DNA yet his family was his #1 hit and he knew it. Join us in celebrating Bill's legacy and give back to the man who gave so much to so many, our friend and neighbor, Bill Kelly." Local Businessman, promoter and entertainment investor-consultant, Thom Greco comments, "Bill Kelly was a friend and a true believer in our local talent. Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik helped us in the studio to produce the hit album by SYNCH, ...get the feelin' , and continued to produce and help when Jimmy Harnen went out on his own to national fame with 'Where Are You Now'. Bill helped us with the success we enjoyed at all of our local musical venues — and Bill had an amazing voice! We will miss him, and we now rightfully celebrate Bill with Wyoming Valley pride."
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Elizabeth 'Betty' Miller, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mother Elizabeth 'Betty' Miller, age 101, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family. She graced the world with her presence on October 2, 1923, in Eastman, Georgia, to the union of Amos Barden and Mamie Brown, who cherished her deeply. Find obituaries from your high school After meeting William D. Miller by chance at a house party, they began dating. He proposed to his soulmate six months later. William attributed their successful marriage to open communications and active listening to your partner. The Millers were united in Holy Matrimony on July 2, 1943 in Maryland and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Their marriage undue for 80 years until parted at death. Having pursued her passions with fervor, Elizabeth cultivated a life dedicated to service in both her professional and personal endeavors. She was a talented hair stylist, sharing her skills as a self-employed owner while also serving as a librarian for the Youngstown Public Schools. Mother Betty had the skillfulness to nurture beauty and knowledge in the lives she touched. Her commitment to education and self-care extended beyond her work as she became an esteemed member of the community. Mother Elizabeth believed It was her obligation to be blessing to others. Elizabeth served on the Mission Board at Jerusalem Baptist Church, assisted her husband in food distribution at the church and supported the area Rescue Mission. Faith was tantamount to her life serving as needed at Jerusalem where she was also honored to act as the historian for the church and bestowed the honor and title of Church Mother. Mother Elizabeth leaves behind a kaleidoscope of cherished memories, slotted in moments spent bowling with the Rockettes bowling league, engaging in exercise classes at the McGuffey Center, and delighting in her love for music and word search puzzles. The legacy of Mother Betty has been entrusted to her daughters, Debra Lennon of Detroit, Michigan and Donna (Clifton) Pickard of Phoenix, Arizona and daughter-in-love, I. Lynette Miller of Youngstown. Her enduring legacy is emboldened by her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. As Mother Betty's faith became sight, she was reunited among the ancestors which includes her parents; spouse William; son Atty. William 'Ron' Miller and son-in-love, Ronald Lennon, upon her entrance into eternity. As we gather to honor Elizabeth's extraordinary life, let us remember her with reverence, reflecting upon her warm spirit that touched so many lives. The community is invited to the public viewing and family visitation on Friday, March 21, 2025, in the chapel of the J.E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. The services to honor her life will continue on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2003 Wilson Avenue, with calling hours at 9:00 a.m. and the Celebration of Life services will begin at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Derrick H. Anderson serving as the officiant. After the committal ceremony, Betty will be laid alongside Bill, the love of her life, at Tod Homestead Cemetery where together they represent an enduring and everlasting love. May their legacy of love and service continue to inspire us all. As we remember Mother Elizabeth Miller, let us cherish the moments we shared with her and the lessons she imparted through her unwavering love and devotion. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Mother Elizabeth 'Betty' Miller elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown OH 330.782.8500 Send flowers to the service of Mother Elizabeth 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly set for Sunday, April 13, at Genetti's
Mar. 19—WILKES-BARRE — This Palm Sunday, the Wyoming Valley will take a pause from its normal routine to gather and celebrate the life of a musical legend, Bill Kelly. On the evening of April 13, there will be a Celebration of Life for Kelly, a King's College alumnus who died at the age of 74 on Dec. 13, 2024, in his home in Nashville. The Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly will feature a musical event at the Genetti Grand Ballroom, 77 East Market St., in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The tributes and entertainment begin at 6 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m. The tribute will start with Kelly's sister, Theresa Long, head of school at MMI Preparatory School. "Bill loved this area, and his family is grateful for the love and generosity from his fans," Long said. "Thank you to the outstanding musicians who will be playing for this special event." Bill Kelly's wife, Ann, will attend, traveling from Nashville. All proceeds from the door will go to help Ann through this difficult time. 'The Buoys are back in town' As part of the celebration, former members of Kelly's band, The Buoys, and their families are traveling from afar to perform a "Buoys Reunion" for the event. The band members include Fran Brozena, Bob Gryziec, Barry Rogers, Ryan Brozena and possibly Carl Siracuse. Other top bands of the Wyoming Valley and national fame are donating their time to perform during the evening between 6 and 10 p.m., including the Idol Kings, the Untouchables, Flaxy Morgan, and Lost at The Rodeo. The production for the event will be donated by Rock Street Music. Donations for the Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at with credit card sales and a credit card service fee of $2 for a total of $22. Cash sales will be available for advance tickets starting on March 26 at the Gallery of Sound in Wilkes-Barre for $20 with no service fees. A block of rooms will be held at the Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel. Room reservations can be made by calling 570-823-6152. Kelly and Hludzik A musical duo from the Wyoming Valley, Kelly and Jerry Hludzik teamed up in various bands, such as the Buoys and Dakota. They gained national recognition and were inducted into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2023 for their work with the Buoys. Kelly and other members of the Buoys, along with other celebrity bands, held the Jammin' for Jerry Benefit Concert for Hludzik on April 26, 2018, at Genetti's Grand Ballroom. Hludzik died on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, meaning that the celebration of Kelly's life will be held just a day before the fifth anniversary of his friend and bandmate's passing. Hludzik's wife, Annie, will be in attendance at the Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly to help with the event. Memorial prayer service King's College will honor Kelly with a special, public Mass at the Chapel of Christ the King on North Street at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. "King's College is always honored to prayerfully celebrate the lives of our deceased alumni and to offer consolation to their families and friends, said Rev. Thomas P. Looney, president of King's College. "I hope and pray that our Memorial Prayer Service for Bill Kelly at the beautiful Chapel of Christ the King will be both a fitting celebration of his life and a source of consolation and comfort for those who loved him and were loved by him." Many involved with event Many key individuals involved in the local music industry have helped bring this event to fruition and had the following to say about Kelly's legacy: —Michelle Reilly, of the Untouchables, and a friend of the Hludzik and Kelly families: "Their music lives on forever!" —Joe Nardone Sr., Gallery of Sound, concert promoter, and performer: "A benefit to support the loss of a great musician and even a greater man." —Alan K. Stout, of Visit Luzerne County: "Bill was a great talent and wonderful person. The last time he was back in town was in 2023, for his induction into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame, and though he was ill, he performed beautifully that night. It's a cherished memory for all that were there. I am grateful that this special tribute show is being done in his memory." —Paul Ciliberto, of Bold Gold Media Group: "Some are talented, some are humble, some are spiritual — Bill Kelly was all three." —Jim Della Croce, of Pathfinder Management, and Kelly's longtime colleague: "Bill left a huge footprint in the landscape of the music business. Yes, he sang the hit 'Timothy' with The Buoys early in his storied career, but he went on to record for Columbia Records, Epic, MCA Records and wrote for MCA Publishing. "His touring life went beyond The Buoys and Dakota, opening for Queen's The Game Tour, but leading and producing marquee artists and performing across North America and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry multiple times with country giant Carlie Louvin. "He was a hit songwriter and chart-topper in the contemporary Christian music world and did his time as a manager and booking agent. To lead major bands in Nashville spoke to his prowess as a guitarist but we'll all remember that voice, the one that put his beloved home, the Wyoming Valley, on the national map and into the annals of pop music. "Quick with a smile, a hearty laugh and a huge humble heart were part of Bill's DNA yet his family was his #1 hit and he knew it. Join us in celebrating Bill's legacy and give back to the man who gave so much to so many, our friend and neighbor, Bill Kelly." —Thom Greco, businessman, promoter and entertainment investor-consultant: "Bill Kelly was a friend and a true believer in our local talent. Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik helped us in the studio to produce the hit album by SYNCH, '...get the feelin' — and continued to produce and help when Jimmy Harnen went out on his own to national fame with 'Where Are You Now.' "Bill helped us with the success we enjoyed at all of our local musical venues — and Bill had an amazing voice! We will miss him, and we now rightfully celebrate Bill with Wyoming Valley pride." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Euronews
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
In Pictures: Roberta Flack's 'Celebration of Life' musical memorial
The incredibly moving service held at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church featured musical performances and speeches. "Roberta Flack is legend," said a visibly moved Lauryn Hill. ADVERTISEMENT A public memorial service bursting with music, including planned performances by Stevie Wonder and a surprise one by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, celebrated the life and legacy of the Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack. Flack died last month aged 88 and is remembered for her ability to seamlessly move between soul, jazz and gospel, as evidenced by her transformative covers of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly With His Song'. The ceremony, 'Celebration of Life', was held Monday afternoon at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church, a historic Harlem institution and one of the oldest Black Baptist churces in the US. It was open to the public and livestreamed on the late artist's website and on YouTube. American civil rights activist Al Sharpton gave the eulogy, saying that Flack "put a soundtrack to Black dignity,' adding: 'The reason we're here is because she made a difference. And we should all ask ourselves when it comes our time, will they pack a church for you? If Roberta were here tonight, she would tell you, 'Don't just praise me, emulate me.'" 'Her existence was a form of resistance,' Lauryn Hill said in her speech, holding back tears. 'I adore Ms. Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack is legend.' The Fugees did a masterful take on Flack's cover 'Killing Me Softly With His Song', which won the group a Grammy. Hill performed a cover of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' followed by 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' with the Fugees' Wyclef Jean — with Stevie Wonder joining in on harmonica. 'The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart,' Wonder said. He performed his song 'If It's Magic', accompanied only by a harpist, before singing a song he wrote for Flack: 'I Can See the Sun in Late December'. Here are some pictures from the moving ceremony: 'Many of us are here today because she has touched not just our hearts but she also touched our souls,' said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, the senior church pastor who led the service. Roberta Flack. 1937 - 2025. Rest In Peace.
