Doris Hazel Ball was described as a beacon of light in her neighborhood, a source of joy and support for all. She was a sincere and genuine woman, honest and real. People gravitated to her because she was so down-to-earth and full of love. She died Oct. 28. She was 71.

Ball was born on June 11, 1940 in Philadelphia to the late George Moore and Rose Lee Benson. She was educated at E.M. Stanton Elementary School and Bok Vocational Technical Area High School.

In 1961, she married William Ball and to this union, three daughters were born: Karen Ball, Glenda Selby and Sheila Jones.

Ball was employed at Graduate Hospital as a dietary aide and at the Curtis Center as an office cleaner. She was also a close friend of Lodge Unit 89.

Ball is survived by her daughters, Karen Ball, Glenda Selby and Sheila Jones; nine grandchildren, Martin Anderson Jr., Atiya Anderson; Lorne Selby, Sidney Cornish, Shelton Jones, Dassan Cornish (Da-Da), Shannon Jones, Breyanna Cornish and Edwin Selby IV; three great-grandchildren, Carl Morris III, Makaia Anderson and Munirah Cornish; a nephew, Tony Henry; two brothers-in-law, Napoleon Lyles and Mack Ball; a sister-in-law, Linda Wagstaff; three sons-in-law, Sidney Cornish Sr., Edwin Selby III and Parrin Timmy Jones; a special son, Martin Anderson Sr.; and cousins, Drucilla Cohen and Barbara Doughty.

Ball was preceded in death by: her husband, William Ball; two sisters, Ruby Thompson and Shirley Lyles; her brother, William Demby (Junie); brother-in-law, William Thompson; and a special friend, Rose Boyd.

Services were held on Nov. 5 at the Slater Funeral Home.

Abraham William James Jr., also known as Billy, was employed by various companies due to his computer skills, but his final employment was at Drexel University, where he was a facilities administrator and a part-time professor. He died on November 23 due to complications from a short bout with pneumonia. He was 72.

James was born on November 25, 1938 to Abraham William James Sr., and Carrie Isabella Thoroughgood James in Philadelphia. The family lived in the West Philadelphia section of the city for the majority of the children’s upbringing; they were a happy and normal working class family and a great addition to their community.

In 1962, James joined the Army as a cryptologist and served in various countries until 1967 when he was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.

James earned a bachelor’s of arts degree and attended The Curtis Institute, Temple University and the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. Although his vocation was computers, his true love and passion was for music, specifically jazz. Prior to working in computers he was a very popular Philadelphia jazz musician and worked with some of the greats, including, Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and many more.

In the early ’70s, he met and married Barbara Richardson. On August 5, 1973 she gave birth to their only son, Christopher James. Throughout the years, James and his son Christopher were very active in helping his father Abe Sr. care for his many rental properties and was able to instill a pride in ownership that he inherited from his father.

James leaves to mourn: son, Christopher James; three grandchildren, Brianna, Cierra and Christopher Jr. (CJ); daughter-in-law, Shawnee James; two aunts, Sarah Reid and Mary Dixon; sister, Constance; and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held December 3 at Wood Funeral Home.

Louis Davis Sr., affectionately called Lou, was awarded an American Theater Ribbon and a World War II Victory medal. He actively participated in American Legion Post 110. He matriculated as an electrician, a musician and attended school for culinary arts. Davis died November 20. He was 84.

He was employed at the Fans Theater, the Philadelphia Sanitation Department, the Docks, the Navy Yard and the Pyramid Bar. He was a proprietor of several newspaper stands and the corner store on the 600 block of Preston Street.

Davis was born on February 16, 1927 to Marion and James Davis in Philadelphia. He and his siblings were baptized at Penn Memorial Baptist Church. Later in life, he joined Community Baptist Church. He was educated in the Philadelphia School System. He served in the Army Air Corp from 1945 to 1947.

Davis married Marie Barber on September 12, 1948. From this union, three children were born, Louis Davis Jr., Richard Davis and Rev. Marian Mitchell.

Davis leaves to mourn: children, Louis A. Davis Jr., Richard A. Davis, Allan Lloyd and Rev. Marian C Mitchell; son-in-law, Pastor Ernest Mitchell III; daughters-in-law, Lucy Martin and Joanne Sills; grandchildren, Malcolm Louis Davis, Ernest Mitchell IV, Bree Martin, Ernisha C.M. Mitchell and Marissa Christa Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Brier Torrence and Dasia Marie Mitchell; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Sara Young, Rose Smith, Barbara Barber, Marian Barber, Eugene and Peggy Brown, and Richard and Brenda Brown; a host of loving nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews; cousins, Gertrude Doggins and Reuben Drew; godchildren, Noelle Pimento, Marc Miles and Daniel Butts; “adopted children,” Darryl and Leroy Johnson, Barry Floyd, Kyra Price and all of the 600 Block of Preston Street; special friends “Bootsie” Roberts, Harold and Mr. Lawrence Cathey.

Davis was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, James, Curtis, John Paul, Elmira, Marion, Helen and Blanche; and his wife, Marie Davis.

Services will be held Nov. 29 at Wood Funeral Home, 5537–39 W. Girard Ave. The viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The service will start at 11.

Richard Allen McDaniel, also known as “Rick,” was an advocate for the equality of African Americans and women. He published a paper on sexual discrimination in the workplace that appeared in the Law Journal of Rutgers University. McDaniel died on Feb. 1. He was 73.

McDaniel was born on March 22, 1938 in York. He was the third child of John McDaniel Sr. and Esther Stevenson McDaniel. He was a member of Small Memorial AME Church.

Even as a minor, he always strived for excellence in academics, sports and entrepreneurship. In school, he received high marks and awards, sometimes in spite of racial bias that existed in his community. McDaniel even had his own shoeshine business.

While attending York’s William Penn High School, he was elected to the student council and upon graduation, was awarded a senatorial scholarship to Lincoln University.

In 1960, he earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and chemistry. A few years later, he relocated to Philadelphia and started a dry-cleaning business with a friend. His career as a chemist began at U.S. Cocoa Co. and continued at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Although successful, McDaniel felt he had another calling. In 1966, he entered Howard University School of Law where he earned a law degree.

He began his legal career in 1969 as a corporate attorney at the Campbell Soup Co. in Camden. N.J. Deciding instead on private practice, he joined the law firm of Cecil B. Moore. Eventually, he established the partnership of McDaniel, Wheeler and Finch and opened an office in Center City. He was involved in several high-profile cases. Eventually, he became a solo practitioner, specializing in domestic and personal injury cases.

He met his wife Eleanor in 1970. They married in 1974 and had a son, Brian. The family spent their life together in West Mt. Airy. They enjoyed art, entertaining friends and travel. They often traveled to Europe and the Caribbean, and throughout the U.S. Their favorite foreign country was Italy, which they visited often.

“I’d like him to be remembered as an attorney that really cared about his clients and worked hard to do the best for them,” said wife Eleanor H. McDaniel.

McDaniel had a distinguished legal career spanning 35 years. In 1985, he succeeded to the presidency of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia.

He was also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Philadelphia Bar Association and Frontiers International. He was a trustee of Community Legal Services and served on the board of the NAACP, the Philadelphia Federation of Black Business and Professional Organizations and several other organizations.

In 1996, he was appointed to the Fairmount Park Commission Advisory Council. He served as legal consultant for his friend and former city Councilman Alvin Stewart. In spite of his busy schedule, he found time to serve as president of the Lankenau Parents Association in the high school where his son was a student.

McDaniel is survived by his wife, Eleanor; son, Brian; sister, Diana McDaniel Walker; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Hendricks; two sisters-in-law, Valerie Hendricks and Doretha Washington McDaniel; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 10 at Ivy Hill Cemetery-Chapel, 1201 Easton Road. It will start at 11 a.m. Bruce Hawkins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Florence G. Garrett was always an entrepreneur and hard worker. Her home continued to be a hub of loving support for community children, students, foster children and family who fondly called her “Lady.” Garrett died November 9 of cancer. She was 79.

Garrett wore a number of hats. She opened the Gingham Room Donut Shop, was a City of Philadelphia Crossing Guard, a nurse’s aide at Byberry and a security guard at Germantown Friends School. As physical limitations increased, she was still politically active.

Garrett was born on September 9, 1932 to Emma L. Ervin and Frank Wilson in Belmont, N.C. in 1932. She was loved by her family. At an early age they moved to Harrisburg. She experienced the sting of segregation and difficult times, but always pointed her goals toward a positive end. She met and later married Daniel R. Garrett Sr.

In 1950, the family moved to West Philadelphia. In 1960, she selected Mt. Airy as her home where she has stayed for the duration of her fruitful life.

Her family said that as a devoted mother she always kept a cheerful, neat home where God’s love in Christ set the mark. She was the director of the choir and a member of the Prayer and Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, and later joined Advocate St. United Methodist Church.

Garrett was block captain on her street and worked diligently on community beautification, racial harmony, supporting the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and eliminating gang violence.

Garrett, along with Joyce and Willie Rush, The Altemares, Leon Walker, Ms. Bair and the Hasaras created The Neighbors of the Hill.

As president, Garrett recruited countless others who together worked with the late Honorable David P. Richardson and late Mayor Frank Rizzo. At that time, District Attorney Ed Rendell became involved to assist in keeping West Mt. Airy a safe place to live.

She worked with Tom Arthurs to secure The Allen Lane Housing Project for low-income and disabled neighbors. Garrett was also instrumental in creating the Child Welfare Advisory Board and volunteered on various citywide boards for Human Services.

She rewarded active community volunteers with an annual trip to Hershey Park for the last 35 years. She received two Chapel of Four Chaplains Awards, a Poe Richards Club Award, the Sampson L. Freedman Humanities Award and various community Awards along with Presidential letters of recognition. She even had the only integrated Street Hockey Team, The Mt. Airy Flames, which went on to state competition.

Garrett is survived by: children, Deborah Garrett, Avis Shaw (Tony), Danese Saunders, Rosalind McKelvey (Howard), Stephanie Garrett, Florence Crystal Grazella (Gary), Daniel R. Garrett Jr., Craig Garrett, Brian Garrett (Arissa) and William Murphy Garrett II (Karen); 26 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of foster grandchildren, friends and relatives who will greatly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel R. Garrett, and one grandchild.

Services will be held November 18 at Holsey Temple CME Church, 5305 Germantown Ave. The viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The service will start at 11. Deborah L. Wilson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Daisy Knight was a devoted church woman who held many positions at World of Life Baptist Church. She died October 29. She was 88.

Knight was born on April 11, 1923 in Roberta, Ga. where she lived with her parents Felton and Bessie Howard. At the age of 12, she joined the Shiloh Baptist where she was baptized and attended Sunday school Church.

At the age of 16, she moved to Philadelphia, where she lived with her older sister and brother-in-law, Mattie and Frank Miller until she met and married Charles Knight. From this marriage they raised two sons, Ronald C. Knight and Charles E. Knight.

In the late 1950s, she joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she was a member until 1984 when she joined Calvary Baptist Church and became a member of the senior choir. In 1997, Knight became a member of the “Word of Life Baptist Church” where she served as an usher, and sang with the praise and worship choir. In 1999 was made deaconess and pastor aide. In 2002, Daisy moved in with her son, Ronald Knight, in Skippack, Pennsylvania, but continued to be an active member in the Word of Life Baptist Church.

Knight is survived by: two sons, Charles and Ronald Knight; daughter-in-law, Theresa Knight; two granddaughters, Kristen and Katrina Knight; sisters, Ezell Felts, Marie Davis, Jean Battle, Elaine Hollis, Ardell Howard, Williemae Wonnum, Thelma Woods, Louise Baker and Brother Calvin Howard; sisters-in-law, Helene Howard, Geraldine Howard and Mary (Mae) Howard; brother-in-law, Rev. Phillip Baker; numerous nieces and nephews; godson, Benjamin Kahikina; goddaughter, Michele Nelson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held on November 4 at Word of Life Church Ministry. Terry Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Hundley, known to some as “Mel” or “Liz,” loved speaking with people and traveling. In addition, she had a passion for cooking and eating, creative sewing by machine or hand, and simply enjoying life. She was also known for being well dressed and incredibly coordinated from head to toe, accessories included. She died October 23. She was 85.

Hundley was born on June 23, 1926 to Mary Alice Wilkerson and Charles Housier, in South Boston, Va. Her family migrated to Philadelphia, where she stayed with her aunt and grandmother. Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a seamstress and an elevator operator. She was courted by and soon married her first husband, A.R. Lee.

Of this union their daughter, Patricia, was born. They later divorced, but remained friends.

She and her daughter returned to Philadelphia, where she resided permanently, raising her daughter with the assistance of family and friends. She worked as a housekeeper and Licensed Practical Nurse in various nursing facilities including Byberry State Hospital and later doing private duty work from which she retired. Early in her life, Hundley knew, cherished and loved the Lord, accepting Christ as her savior. She and her daughter joined Nazarene Baptist Church where both were baptized. Active in church, she became a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. During this time she was introduced to and married her second husband, B. Hundley, who preceded her in death in 1975.

She sought a spiritual home that heightened and enhanced her needs. Changing church affiliations, she fellowshipped and later joined Mount Airy Church of God in Christ where she flourished through their growth and expansion; attending Sunday school, enjoying the sermons, the various church activities and outings while interacting with her church family. As one of the Founding Mothers, she bonded with a host of friends and associates touching many hearts.

Her family said she cherished, loved and deeply adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She acknowledged that she lived to see quite a bit that included four generations of her personal life and to also witness a person of color in the White House in President Barack Obama.

Hundley became ill when she suffered her initial stroke, a mild one that subsequently led to another major stroke. Between her strokes, she suffered several mild seizures and a major seizure leading to stays in the hospital and numerous rehabilitation facilities.

Her last stroke left her totally incapacitated and with no voice. However, as she would say “I’m a tough ol’ bird,” or “You can’t kill an iron horse.”

Hundley leaves to mourn: daughter, Patricia Greenwood; grandchildren, Mr. William Greenwood II and Alia Greenwood; five great-grandchildren, Alecia, Isaiah, Ryan, Nevaeh and Christopher; Poppi, her dog; and a host of family, friends and acquaintances.

Hundley was preceded in death by grandchild George Greenwood and her two husbands.

Services will be November 1 at Mt Airy Church of God, 6401 Ogontz Ave. The viewing will be at 10 a.m. The service will start at 11. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Katherine M. Hardeman was well known as a fabulous cook and hostess. As a long time resident of 1300 block of Christian Street in South Philadelphia, she hosted an “Open House” on New Years Day for many years. Hardeman died on Oct. 14. She was 89.

Hardeman was born on Jan. 15, 1922, in Eldridge, Md., to the late John and Iola Myers. Her family said that people from all walks of life and from all over the city would gather at her house for something to eat, drink or just to get warm.

“She was a very classy lady. She loved to dress,” Jamie Clark, her niece said. “Of course she was a loving and great aunt.”

Hardeman leaves to mourn: brother, John Myers (Bernice); several nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hardeman.

Private services were already held. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

William T. Valentine Jr., known as “Bill,” will be remembered by his family as a humanitarian.

Valentine’s family said he had a passion for helping others. He was a dedicated life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 30 years. He was also an active member of Concerned Black Men, The Frontiers, the Big Brother and Big Sister Organization and the Free of Life Ministry.

His family said he had a carefree spirit and attitude. Valentine died on January 30. He was 58.

Valentine was born on October 27, 1953, to William T. Sr. and Florine M. Valentine. He was baptized and confirmed at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. He was a dedicated member for 50 years. He served diligently as an acolyte, youth instructor, music committee, basketball coach, Sunday school teacher and also as a lay Eucharistic minister and a lay reader.

He received his education in the Philadelphia Public School District. He obtained a bachelor of science degree from Drexel University and a master’s degree in education from Cheyney University.

A highlight of his work experience is his 16-year career at the Defense Support System and five years as a teacher in the Philadelphia Public School District. He was also employed at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services as a social worker for nine years at the time of his death.

He was also an official referee for football, softball and basketball in the following organizations: UBBO, Tri State, ABC and PIAA Associations. He also taught and played tennis. He would take time out of his activities to get to the gym to workout and play racquetball.

He loved watching sports with his Aunt Catherine, who is known as Miss Kitty, especially the SuperBowl.

Valentine leaves to mourn: aunt, Catherine; companion, Norma; godchildren, Isaac George, Zuleka and Samaria Mesquita, Lynette Dickerson; godfather, Emory Thomas; many cousins and extended family.

Services were held on February 9 at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mattie Mae Richardson, affectionately known as “Sister,” enjoyed many things including dancing, listening to her favorite music, which was blues and gospel, partying with her friends, having fun with her children and grandchildren or just relaxing in her room watching her old TV shows and old movies. She died on Jan. 22. She was 65.

Richardson was born on Nov. 30, 1946 to Jerlean and Isaac “Buddy” Smith in Sardis, Ga. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at John Beach Baptist Church in Savannah.

In 1956, her parents moved to Philadelphia. She was educated in the Philadelphia public schools and graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1965. After graduating, she became a court stenographer in the Philadelphia courts.

In 1965, she married William J. Richardson. They had three sons, Rodney, Stacey and Andre. In 1971, she moved to the 2500 block of Marston where she remained until her death.

Her family said she believed Marston Street was family-oriented and loved her family and their children. She would babysit, pick kids up from school and put them in their place when they needed “old-school” style.

In 1989, she participated in the OIC program founded by the late Rev. Leon H. Sullivan. In six months, she completed the program, graduated and earned a certificate in clerical studies.

Richardson is survived by her sons, Rodney (Mary), Stacey and Andre Sr. (Regina); sister, Barbara Holden; uncle, James Cooper; two aunts, Bessie Williams and Joanne Griffin; 12 grandchildren, Demetrius, Charniece, Maurice, Raniece, Cornelius, Shelique, Stacey Jr., Madelina, Ambria, Andre Jr., Adonai and Ache; a great-grandchild, Dyzaire; two nieces, Sharon and NaTasha; and a host of cousins and friends.

Services were held Jan. 31 at Powell Mortuary Services.