Obituaries

Karen Royal, 71, of Wilson Borough, transitioned to the spirit on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Karen was born to Gertrude Brown on December 4, 1951, in New York City. Karen worked in the medical department at Integrity House Inc. in Newark, New Jersey for 24 years, where she positively impacted the lives of many. Karen was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Karen was preceded in transition by her younger brother Keith, older sister Joyce Ann Wiggins, and Brother in law Clarence Wiggins, nieces Roslyn, and Cheanon, and her nephews Parrish Sr., and Parrish Jr. Surviving are her children, Sahib and Tara Brown of Chesterfield, VA; Corisha Brown of New York City; Jvenghn and Chayla Brown of Palmer Township, PA; and Takiyah Royal of Hackensack, NJ; her mother Gertrude Brice of Grifton, NC; her siblings, Kevin Brown of Grifton, NC; and Carrie Brown-Smith of Middletown, DE; fifteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. You can offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Irene Marie George, 79 of Easton, PA died Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at home. Born June 27, 1943 in Allentown, PA she was a daughter of the late Ruth (Zigler) and John A. Sherer. She attended Easton High School and was employed by Easton Hospital for several years. Irene was a member of First Baptist Church, Easton where she had been a Sunday School teacher. She was also a volunteer at the Crayola Factory in Easton.

She is survived by her children: Stephen George (wife Tracey) with whom she resided, Marvin George (wife Peggy), Tammy George, Gary George (wife June); sister: May Sherer; 8 grandchildren: Marvin, Jr., Kerri Ann, Rachel, Allison, Jessica, Elizabeth, Destiny, Summer; and great-grandchildren. Her husband: Marvin L. George and brothers: John, Jr. and Thomas Sherer died earlier.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2 PM in First Baptist Church, 177 N. Greenwood Ave., Easton.  Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 177 N. Greenwood Ave., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Ralph F. Powell, 97, of Wilson Borough, PA passed away Friday, May 26, 2023 in his home. He was the husband of the late Charlotte “Chote” (Stem) Powell to whom he was married for 70 years. Born in Easton on June 20, 1925, he was a son of the late Alex and Violet Powell. He was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1943 where he was a proud star halfback on the varsity football team. Upon graduation he honorably served his country as a U.S. Navy radioman in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a clerk in the Easton and Lehigh Valley facilities for over 25 years.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and had a sharp sense of humor, keeping everyone on their toes. He and Chote especially liked making the rounds with friends at the Safety First Fire Co. and Wilson Democratic Clubs among many other clubs where they were members. He was also a member of New Creation UCC, Palmer Twp.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters: Elsie Amy of Palmer Township, PA, Dawn Medlar of Levittown, PA; nieces: Deborah Happel, Roberta Rapp, Susan Samhammer, Brenda Witt and nephew: Bruce Medlar. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother: Alex Powell, Jr.

Services will be private at the family’s request. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, Easton, PA or to a veteran’s organization of your choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joanne N. Gary 72 of Williams Twp, PA died Thursday, May 25, 2023 at home after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born January 3, 1951 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Shirley (Dungan) and John Navone. She was a 1968 graduate of Easton High School and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Kutztown University. Joanne was a teacher with the Easton Area School District for 32 years. For 31 of those years, she taught third grade at Palmer Elementary School. She was a very active member of Green Pond United Methodist Church where she served on Church Council and as a Trustee.

She is survived by her husband: David W. Gary; children: Melissa Greg (husband Christopher) of Palmer Twp., PA, David M. Gary (wife Valerie) of Williams Twp.; siblings: Suzanne Miller, Dianne DeSentis, Roxanne Williams, John Navone; and 4 grandchildren whom she loved and adored: Averi, Landon, Leighton, and Everett.

Services are 10:30 AM Tuesday (May 30) in Green Pond UM Church, 4411 Green Pond Rd., Easton, PA 18045 with a calling period from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

The family would like to thank everyone for all their caring thoughts, prayers and cards. Memorial contributions may be made to Green Pond UM Church. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Maureen C. Campbell, 63, of Wilson Borough, died Thursday, May 11, 2023 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born September 11, 1959 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late James R. and Elaine (Brightbill) Coyle. She and her husband, Mark D. Campbell, were married 43 years. Maureen worked in the Wilson Area Intermediate School cafeteria for over 30 years until retiring last year. She was a member of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving with her husband, Mark, are two daughters, Erin E. Herring and her husband, Jeremy, and Kaitlyn N. Campbell; two sisters, Colleen Frey and her husband Elmo, Jr., and Carol Coyle and her husband, Jeff Hartley; a brother, Craig J. Coyle and his wife, Sherry; and two granddaughters.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Easton. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, May 19, 2023 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be in Union Cemetery of Hellertown. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org, or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.