Willie James Mims

November 30, 1944 – May 22, 2024

Willie James Mims was born to Edward and Lillie Mims on November 30, 1944, in McCaul, LA. He was one of nine siblings. He lived in California since he was two years old. Willie grew up in West Pittsburg, now called Bay Point, California, where he attended and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1963. In high school, Willie excelled in sports, including track and field, basketball, and football. Willie was concerned about issues revolving around environmental justice, especially in Pittsburg. In 1963, he entered the political arena for the first time, passing out flyers supporting the Rumford Fair Housing Act. George Ealy, a local political activist, organized that event.

Willie married Darlene Lea-Mims on July 15, 1967, and they celebrated 52 years of joyous marriage before she preceded him in death. From this union, they have two children, Dana and Marcus; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims.

Willie graduated from Diablo Valley College in 1972 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He then transferred to San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing in 1974. He proceeded to graduate school, where, in 1978, he earned an M.A. Degree in English/Creative Writing. Willie’s thesis was a collection of short stories called “The Boy Who Threw Rocks,” loosely based on his childhood. Willie then earned a California Secondary Education Teaching Credential in English in 1979.

From 1965 to 1970, he was employed as a stevedore with the Concord Naval Weapons Station. From 1971 to 1987, he worked as a food service worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinez, California. Willie worked for the Vallejo City Unified School District for over 25 years, serving as Teacher/Teacher-in-Charge at John Finney High School, formerly Peoples High School. He retired from wage work in 2009.

Since retirement, he continued as an activist, advocating for the best interests of the community, parents, and students in the school system. Willie believed that parents and activists should monitor and observe the school districts in East County. This included monitoring and observing local governments and how they conduct the people’s business.

He attended local and county-wide meetings (mainly those in Central and East Counties), bringing issues of concern to School Boards, City Councils, and the Board of Supervisors. His goal on all issues was to support students, parents, or people in their grievance redress.

NAACP East County Branch tribute to Willie Mims.

Willie was a former mentor of the S.I.M.B.A (Safe In My Brother’s Arms) program, which focuses on boys from 8 to 16 to support self-esteem and served as a form of “manhood” training. He was a former East County Boys and Girls Club board member. He served as an “on-call” Educational Advocate for the YIN (Youth Intervention Network) Program. He served as a volunteer historian for the Parents Connected Organization. He was a representative of the Black Political Association in Pittsburg, CA, and a member of the Executive Committee of the East County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he served as its Education Chair. He worked as a volunteer for the Greater Faith Food Pantry, an agency serving and feeding low-income and underserved citizens of Pittsburg. He was a member of its board and volunteered four times per month. He was a member of the Antioch School District’s African American Male Initiative, a former representative on the Contra Costa Community College’s Hiring Policy Review Committee, a member of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Equity & Disproportionality Committee, and a member of the Vallejo Unified School District’s LCAP & LCFF Committees.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillie Mims, his sisters Wilma Douglas and Isabel Medford, and his brothers Melvin Mims, Mack Mims, and Walter Mims. He leaves behind his two children, Dana and Marcus (Cassandra) Mims; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims. He is also survived by sisters: Hilda Murdoch (Pittsburg), Nancy Mims-Burt (Pittsburg), and Ruth Mims-Jemerson (Oakland), Melodye Montgomery (Alameda), daughter-in-law Cassandra Waller-Mims, a brother-in -law/friend Larry Harold, who was always by his side, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and lastly, the East Bay Community.

Willie’s main goal was to educate, motivate, and support his community. He leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire all fortunate enough to know him. Willie James Mims will be missed by his family, friends, and the community.

You can send flowers to the family or plant a memorial tree in memory of Willie Mims.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch. Repast immediately following burial at Pittsburg Youth Development Center at 1001 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg.

To watch online visit zoom link ID: 740 600 9196, Password: 2024

Donations in his memory to the Willie J. Mims Education Scholarship for East County Youth are accepted at www.obituare.com/willie-james-mims-obituary-133141/.

MONTE DEAN ALBERS

November 24, 1939 – May 7, 2024

Monte Dean Albers, son of Robert Albers and Pauline Bloom Albers, was born on November 24, 1939, in Eugene, Oregon, died peacefully in his sleep on May 7, 2024, in Brentwood, CA at the age of 84.

Monte attended the University of Oregon, lived an adventurous life, moving first to rural Idaho, then to Houston, Texas and settling finally in California. He went to work for United Airlines where he continued to work for the next 37 years.

Monte met his wife Lucia in San Francisco and together they built a house in Brentwood, California where they have lived since 1987.

He retired from United and dedicated his life to his olive ranch where he enjoyed taking care of the olive trees and producing virgin, kosher olive oil.

Monte will be remembered for his kindness and never-ending love of jokes. He is survived by his wife Lucia, his daughter Elizabeth (Alan); son Monte (Michael); grandchildren, Alan, Erick, Ryan, Scott, Stephanie, Joseph and Jackson, as well as daughters Debbie, Dianne and Darcey from a previous marriage and their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Monte was also preceded in death by his sister Judy Albers.

A memorial service for Monte will be held at Higgins Chapel in Antioch, California on Thursday, May 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 am followed by a private interment.

Jordan Phillip Davis

November 12, 1994 – January 21, 2024

A Journey of Joy and Jests

On January 21, 2024, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Jordan Phillip Davis, age 29, Exited the off-ramp from life in Antioch, California. He embarked on this adventure on November 12, 1994, and from day one, Jordan was all about making waves – both literally and figuratively. If life’s a highway, Jordan was riding wheelies down it. He rode his dirt bike with the gusto of a kid at a candy store and jet skied as if he had fins instead of feet. His BBQs were the stuff of legend—where the grill was hot, and the steaks were never at risk. Jordan’s camping tales were more gripping than a tent peg in the earth, and if fish could talk, they’d have asked for autographs. After moving from Pittsburg at age 14, he attended Antioch High School.

As for cars, he wasn’t just under the hood—he was the wizard waving the wrench. But the heart of Jordan’s world was his little co-pilot, Jordan, Jr.

Together, they navigated the bumpy roads of life with laughter as their GPS and unconditional love was their fuel. Jordan’s career was a mixed bag of gigs from Save Mart to Tesla; until one day he branched out and plated his own business, HD Tree Service with his best bud, Carlos. They were the dynamic duo, shaking the family tree of the tree service industry one branch at a time. The cast of characters

in Jordan’s life story is as vibrant as a rainbow after a storm. He leaves behind his mom, Dolly; stepdad, Jimmy; son, Jordan Jr.; Aunt Christene; Uncle Robert; Cousin Robert; Uncle Moe; Cousin Kayla; Grandma Linda; Grandpa Richard; Cheri and Robbie; and his ever-faithful best friend, Cutty (Carlos), the Robin to his Batman, who also survives him along with a forest of friends and distant kin. We are busy planning the after-party, ensuring that Jordan’s final send-off is as lively as he was.

So, let’s not say goodbye to Jordan; instead, let’s rev our engines and honk our horns in celebration of a man who lived life in the fun lane. Here’s to Jordan, may we all keep our tires dirty and our grills sizzling in his honor.

Mary Vigil

December 7, 1921 – August 11, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Vigil, a beloved member of our community. Mary passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023, at the age of 101.

Mary was born in 1921 in Pittsburg, California to Andres and Elvira Moreno. Mary was well-known in the community for her kindness and generosity. During and after her 39 years of working at the telephone company, Mary dedicated herself to community service. She was an active member of her church and spent many hours volunteering her time and talents to various charitable causes. Throughout her life, Mary was recognized for her altruism by the City of Pittsburg, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce among others.

Known for her volunteer work at the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Pittsburg Historical Society, Sutter Delta Medical Center, and for delivering holy communion to local parishioners who were homebound, Mary earned an esteemed reputation for her all of her charitable work.

Aside from her public service, Mary selflessly served as a caretaker for over 50 years to her beloved sister who was confined to bed for most of her life.

Mary was a devoted wife to her late husband, Leo Vigil, Sr., a loving sister to her late siblings Lillian and Joe Moreno, and a dedicated mother to her three children, Sylvia Gray, Judy Dunning and Leo Vigil, Jr. Mary is remembered for her warm smile, her love of dancing, and her unwavering faith. Her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and strength.

Rest in peace, dear Mary. You will always be in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 10:00 am, the reception will immediately follow at The Good Shepherd Parish Hall.

In loving memory

Sharon Lee Heaney

March 6, 1955 – March 2, 2021

We lost you a year ago.

Life has not been the same without you.

Sharon Lee (Gresko) Heaney was born to Eileen Gresko in Bakersfield, CA on March 6, 1955, and grew up in San Francisco. She later moved to Antioch in 1986.

Loving mother to Shannon Smario and David Heaney, a loving mother-in-law to Arenaeus Smario and proud grandmother to Sofia Smario.

She attended Galileo High School in San Francisco and worked in a dental office for many years. After having children, she worked for Safeway for 31 years, including about 10 years Antioch in the deli department.

She enjoyed her life traveling, going out dancing, and feeding the neighborhood cats.

She passed away on March 2, 2021, just shy of her 66th birthday. She will be missed by everyone.

A service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Ignatius Church at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd. in Antioch.

All are welcome to attend.

Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton

March 12, 1932 – January 28, 2022

Our dear mother, Beatriz Elizabeth Truxton, passed away January 28, 2022. Beatriz was born March 12, 1932, in Guayaquil Ecuador to Anibal Leon Barrera and Melania Medina Molina. She had two older sisters.

Beatriz married the love of her life, Perry Truxton, on December 16, 1950, in Ecuador after a whirlwind six-week courtship. They were two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary when Perry passed away in 2010.

Beatriz made many friends in Central and South America and the Caribbean following Perry who worked for the Inter American Geodetic Survey headquartered in the Panama Canal Zone. During his service, they lived in Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama. In 1976, they moved to Alamogordo, NM. Beatriz and Perry continued to travel after Perry retired in 1985.

In her mid-60s, Beatriz decided to pursue education by first earning her G.E.D. and then continuing to earn her Associates of Art degree in 2008 at the Alamogordo branch of New Mexico State University. She also took many art classes, enjoying drawing and acrylic painting. She served students through a part-time job in the Language Lab as a Spanish tutor where she made many friends.

Beatriz enjoyed the beach and scuba diving when she was younger. She went camping because Perry promised her that she would not have to either cook or clean up! Beatriz and Perry were great dancers. Beatriz enjoyed animals. As a child, she had a monkey and an ocelot as a pet. She loved dogs. Her favorite breed was the beagle and favorite dog names were Ginger or Topsy!

Beatriz had a deep faith in her savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She taught her children to also have a deep faith in God. Beatriz loved traveling. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made a priority to attend milestone events such as weddings, high school or college graduations and First Holy Communions.

In 2018, Beatriz went to live with her children. She lived with Roy in Tampa, FL before coming to live with Nellie in Antioch, CA. Beatriz joined the Antioch Senior Center where she participated in the painting activity. She also enjoyed going to the senior activity at the Celebration Center at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Brentwood, CA.

Beatriz is survived by her sons, Roy, Charlie (Vicki), and Stephen, and daughter Nellie (Brian) Beatty; grandchildren Emmanuel, Michael, Maureen, Elizabeth (Nathan) Blumhorst, Teresa, Jennifer, Katherine, Angela, Christopher, Sarah, Aaron, Rebecca, Annelise, and Maria; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jacob, and Emrys; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank both Hospice of the East Bay and the staff at Spyglass Villas 2 for the wonderful care they gave to Beatriz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Beatriz Truxton’s name.

A funeral mass will be held on February 17, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave, Oakley, CA  94561 at 12 p.m. with the rosary at 11 a.m. Interment is at Del Puerto & St. Mary’s Cemetery, 10800 CA-22, Patterson, CA 95363 at 11 a.m. February 18, 2022.

John Patrick Anderson

January 8, 1961 – November 9, 2021

John Patrick Anderson passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, on November 9, 2021, at 60 years young, surrounded by family. John was born on January 8, 1961, in Oakland, California to La Roy “Andy” Anderson and Patricia “Pat” Benson Anderson, one of four siblings. John grew up in Pittsburg and has lived in Benicia for over 15 years, where he raised his family. John was a Low Voltage Electrician for 20 years and a member of IBEW local 302. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, and going to Renaissance Fairs throughout the years. John was a huge fan of the New York Giants football team and NASCAR. A lover of live music, John attended many concerts throughout the Bay Area during his life. He also loved to cook and always fed all his friends and family. John lived for his children and always loved to put a smile on everyone’s face.

John was a man who loved to laugh and dance, he had a lot of love in his heart. John is survived by his children Eric Zachary, Jacey Anna, and Jenna Rose Anderson. As well as his former wife’s, Stacey Anderson and Robin Anderson, his brother George Anderson, sister Kathy Anderson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sandy Anderson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate John’s life at his Memorial Service on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 1-4 PM at the Antioch Sportsman Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Avenue, Antioch. The venue requires everyone wear masks. Please contact Stacey Anderson at staceybythebay@comcast.net or Jenna Anderson at jenna.anderson707@yahoo.com should you have any questions about John’s Memorial Service.