Washington Sheffield Funeral Home LLC

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.

02/04/2026

Wanda Kay McKnight, 57 of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2026, at UPMC- Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. She was born in Jonestown MS on November 10, 1968, to Nathaniel Henderson and Palmer Lee McKnight. She was affectionately called “Red” by those who knew and loved her.

As she grew up in New Castle, she graduated from New Castle HS where she participated as part of the track & field team. After attending college, she moved to Hartford CT and worked as secretary for an insurance company. Red relocated back to New Castle upon news of her disability and started to raise a family. She was a devoted mother, sibling and Auntie to all, truly believing in FAMILY. She enjoyed playing the lottery, spending time with her twin sister Wende, you normally didn’t see one without the other, if one was there the other would surely pop up. She was a loving, caring and giving person who believed in living life to the fullest. She would give you the shirt off her back or buy one if you were not wearing one. When Red walked into a room, she brought happiness with her, her silly persona brought laughter to many.

Red was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Joseph and Dixie McKnight; brother, Nathaniel “Chubby” McKnight; sister-in-law, Jada McKnight; nephew, Antonio McKnight; a special daughter, Shekela Ford; and her K-9 friend Sage.

Red will be sadly missed by her children, Jerell Huddleston, Kameron Debardelaben, Darnell and Jada Latham and Corey Lee II, whom she considered as one of her children; sisters, Vickey (Brandon) Johnson and Wende McKnight of New Castle; brothers, Richard (Kim) McKnight and Tony McKnight of New Castle and Bruce (Octavia) McKnight of Columbus OH and 17 other siblings; aunt, Sarah McKnight-Smith of Windsor CT; 5 grandchildren: Jerell Huddleston, Jr., Aniya Walls, Kyla and Kamyiah Debardelaben and Jru Scott; a host of nieces and nephews, godchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11AM. at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 603 Harbor St., New Castle PA. A homegoing Celebration will be at noon. Red will be buried near her mother and brother in Graceland Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA, Charlotte A Sheffield and Regina Washington, funeral directors.

12/04/2025

Patricia Elaine Crunkleton Hunt, 72, of Union Township, passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2025. Born July 24, 1953 in New Castle, PA, she was the first of five children born to George H. and Elener Louise Young Crunkleton.
Lovingly called Patty, she was married to Robert C. Hunt, and together they raised three devoted sons. After graduating from New Castle High School, she attended college.
She was a former member of Second Baptist Church. She had been employed as an administrative assistant at Liberty Mutual Insurance and New Castle Industrial Railroad.
Patty lived with curiosity and a heart turned towards others. She loved sharing reels about new restaurants and sending recipes the moment she found a good one. She loved shopping and was always excited when she found a "bargain." She found pleasure in tending to her plants, working outdoors, and continually beautifying her home.
But her family was above all else. She loved preparing meals and buying gifts for her children and grandchildren. She cherished every part of their lives, regularly traveling long distances to watch them participate in sporting events and other activities. It was her greatest joy seeing her grandchildren play or just watching her sons coach. If she received a highlight video for any of them, she would watch it proudly on repeat. Trips to Arizona were her happy escapes. She was convinced, however, that Virginia had no grocery stores, always arriving with coolers packed full for everyone. Her devotion to her family was evident in all she did.
Patty was selfless, generous, and made everyone—family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her—feel seen, welcomed, and deeply cared for.
Patty will now rejoin her parents who preceded her in death.
In addition to her husband, Robert, Patty will be sadly missed by her sons: Robert C. ( Ursula) Jr, Cory R. (Timesha) and Randy L. (Lindsay) Hunt; four siblings, George (Versella) Crunkleton, Jeffrey ( Seddra Jones, fiancée), Crunkleton, Kimberly Crunkleton, and Marie Christine (Doug) Wiggins; 8 grandchildren; and a host of special nieces, nephews, loving cousins, others relatives and friends.
She will be tremendously missed by her family and loved ones.
Visitation will be on Saturday., December 6, 2025, at Prevailing Word World Outreach Center, 112 Oakland Ave, New Castle, PA at 9AM. The Homegoing Celebration will begin at 11:00AM
Services are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA 16101.

11/14/2025

11/07/2025

Elener Louise Crunkleton, 99, formerly of New Castle, entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 4, 2025 at West Penn Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 1, 1926 in New Castle, PA she was the daughter of John and Sarah Smith Young.

Her marriage to George Crunkleton on August 8, 1951 lasted 37 years until his passing in early 1989.

Elener was employed as a bank teller at the time of her retirement from First Commonwealth Bank. Her love for God and her community was evident in her faithful service at Second Baptist Church where she served as a missionary and deaconess. Elener was a Life Member of the NAACP where she held numerous positions. As an active member of AARP, she volunteered at Challenges, Options in Aging and traveled around the region to educate seniors on topics on aging. She was a devoted community servant to the Meals on Wheels program. She was the oldest living member of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Reading Circle and the Sunshine Kensington Club.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, watching and participating in sports events, boating, jewelry making, decorating Christmas bulbs, cooking and baking. But her greatest enjoyment was her family.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by 6 siblings.

Elener’s legacy of love, laughter, service and faith will live on through her children: George (Versella) Crunkleton, Jeffrey Crunkleton (Seddra Jones, fiancée), Patricia (Robert) Hunt, Marie Christine (Douglas) Wiggins, and Kimberly Crunkleton; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on November 10, 2025, 4PM to 8PM at Second Baptist Church, 537 Bell Avenue, New Castle. The Homegoing Celebration will be at 11AM on November 11, 2025.
Elener will be entombed in Castleview Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle, PA.

10/16/2025

James Richard Fennell, Jr. of Greensburg passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025
surrounded by his loving family. He had waged a valiant and courageous fight with
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 for so many years.

Affectionately called Jimmy by those who knew and loved him, he was born on
August 4, 1994 in Greensburg to James Richard, Sr. and Tonia Patterson Fennell.
Jimmy was a 2013 graduate of PA Cyber. He furthered his education by attending
Westmorland Community College and Hiram G. Andrews Center. He would not allow his medical conditions to prevent him from living a full and independent life.

His employment portfolio lists Red Lobster Restaurant. Jimmy enjoyed riding dirt
bikes, shopping, football, camping with his grandparents, Uncle Jim and other family members. He was also known to be a master when ordering by Door Dash.

Jimmy is now reunited with his sister Sheila, who preceded him in death in 2017; his uncle Daniel Fennell and his grandfathers; Edward Patterson and Arthur Tansmore, Sr.

Jimmy will be sadly missed by parents, Tonia and Sam Salih and James Fennell, Sr,;
devoted brothers, Garan Fennell, Xavier Fennell, and Nyairr( Lechiqua) Salih; 2 sisters, Chativia and Mikayla Salih; grandmothers, Sharon
Patterson and Carol Fennell; uncles: James (Jill) Patterson, Arthur Tansmore, Jr. and
Brad (Yoni) Rayburn; aunts, Lungi Luthuli, Gina Pereira and Djunia Tansmore;
godparents, Brenda Stewart and Vertus Jones; loving and devoted caregivers, Nicole,
Curtus, Donna, and Dominique; and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 18th from 11am to 1pm at New Creation family worship center 119 Westmoreland Ave, Greensburg PA. The service to celebrate Jimmy's life will begin at 1pm.

There will be a Repass immediately following the celebration of life at the American Legion Post #18 2958 Pa819 Greensburg, PA 15601.

Private burial will take place at a later date in Edgewood Cemetery, Saltsburg, PA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut St., New Castle, PA; Charlotte A. Sheffield and Regina L Washington, funeral directors.

07/07/2025

Obituary: Michelle Lynn Rotnour

Michelle Lynn Rotnour, 47 of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at her home early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025.

Michelle was born on June 25, 1978, in Ellwood City PA to Susan Redmond and the late Robert Mark Rotnour.

Michelle had a happy and kindhearted spirit. Her kindness could be seen as she worked with her clients in home health care. She would help anybody and even stray animals. In her leisure time, she would listen to music and write in her journal. She loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father; her nephew, Avery Hall; and her cousin Jessica Bellian.

In addition to her mother, Michelle will be sadly missed by those whom she cherished as her children: Erasmus “Booter” Burrell, Alicia Perez, Cheyenne Perez, Anna Rotnour, Julissa “Mookie” Rotnour, Alexis Bajanen, and Diamond Redmond; her brothers, Ralph Michael and John Paul Hardt; her sisters, Heather Rotnour and Chelsea Faraone; aunt, Annie Kruger; her grandchildren; Allen Stodolsky Jr., Leon Keene, Rowan Keene, Avrielle Edwards, Orticia Williams and Ortarius Williams III, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, starting at 1PM at Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle. The homegoing service will begin at 3PM.

06/27/2025

Obituary: Donald Lee Lewis

Donald Lee Lewis passed away unexpectedly at his residence in New Castle on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

He was born in New Castle on May 13, 1953, to Floyd and Jennie Lewis.

Donald attended New Castle High School where he excelled in sports. After graduating from High School, he attended Slippery Rock where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

He was employed as a counselor at the Youth Development Center (YDC). Because of his dedication and work ethic, he became a supervisor at the facility.

In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Donald enjoyed many sports, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, shooting pool, and playing dominoes. He also engaged himself in training dogs.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Nathan, and Patrick; and sisters, Natalie and Mary.

In addition to his wife, Michele, Donald is survived by 3 daughters, Eunice (Justin) Crunkleton, Tiffany and Cameron Lewis; brothers, Floyd (Kathleen)Louis , William Lewis, Gilbert (Regina) Lewis, and his twin, Dennis (Laura) Lewis; sister, Patricia (Wanzo) Robinson; 3 grandchildren, Aliana Christian, Aughna and Alaynah Blakney, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 30,2025 starting at 1PM at Washington Sheffield Funeral Home, 454 Chestnut Street, New Castle. The homegoing service will begin at 3PM.

05/29/2025

In Loving Memory of Karen King

The family of Karen King is heartbroken to announce her passing on May 14, 2025. Karen died unexpectedly at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, due to complications while being treated for an intracranial hemorrhage. She was 66 years old.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Melvin King, and her sister, Tracey Dobson-Johnson. She will be deeply missed by a large and loving extended family, including her stepchildren Tori King, Paul Winnick, Melvin King, Latasha King, Gregory Johnson, Chavonne Newma-Johnson, LaVar King, and Karrissa King. In addition to her sister, surviving family includes her aunt, Lola Cook; nephews Shawn Johnson, Anthony Dodson, Brandon Dodson, Jeremy Dodson, Amiel King, and LaVar King; and her niece, Anissa Dodson.

Born Karen Lois Dobson on September 27, 1958, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Barbara Allen and Obediah Dodson. Karen spent most of her life in New Castle, where she attended Harry Lockley Elementary School and graduated from New Castle Senior High School in 1976. A dedicated lifelong learner, Karen pursued higher education at Robert Morris University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business. Throughout her career, she continued to expand her knowledge, obtaining professional certifications in human resources and information technology.

Karen built a successful career, working for companies such as INMETCO, MCI, and Atlantic Luggage. She dedicated over a decade of service as the Lawrence County Human Resource Manager before retiring last year.

While working at INMETCO, Karen met the love of her life, Melvin King. They married in 2000, and Karen embraced her role as stepmother to Melvin’s children: LaVar, Gregory, Melvin, and Tori. As each child married, Karen also enthusiastically took on the role of mother-in-law.

Karen had a zest for life and many passions. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. To say she enthusiastically followed their games is an understatement. She also had a keen interest in staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Above all, Karen had a deep love for animals. Over the years, she lovingly rescued and cared for many pets, including Andy, Max, McGoo, Bridgette, Harley, Peanut, and Nuggetz, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and her furry companions. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 603 Harbor Street, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The family will receive condolences at the church beginning at 11:00 AM, with the service to follow at 11:30 AM. Arrangements are under the care of Washington Sheffield Funeral Home.