1
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 13 - 19, 2014 A9 Pamela Wells Pamela (Neal) Wells was born December 12, 1953 to Prentiss and Esso (Randall) Neal and departed on February 8, 2014. Pamela was a free spirited person. Almost two years ago, she decided that she wanted to be closer to her children and grandsons, so she moved to Tempe, Az. She was preceded in death by her father, Prentiss Neal, her maternal grandmother and grandfather Claude and Lillie Randall. She was a 1972 graduate from Northwest High School in St. Louis. She is survived by her loving mother Esso (Randall) Moton of Atlanta, Ga.; her husband Percy Wells Jr. of Az.; her daughter Shaan Raven Wells of Az.; her son Percy III (Jessica) Wells of Az.; her nephew Nicholas Baker of St. Louis, whom she raised; her grandsons Rashaan and Dashaan Tombs of Az.; two sisters Angela Fingers of St. Louis and Marla (Avery) Headd of Atlanta, Ga. and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. Eugene “Gene” Harris December 7, 1935— January 13, 2014 Beloved husband, father, brother, and “Paw Paw”. We love and miss you! Gone but never forgotten. Glenda W. Adkins Glenda W. Adkins was born August 27, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, to the union of Donie and James Watt (her father preceded her in death). She matriculated through the St. Louis Public School System, graduating as a member of the National Honor Society from Vashon High School in January of 1951. She then attended Stowe Teachers College, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Harris-Stowe Teachers College following the merger of the two schools in 1955. She began her work career as an Elementary Teacher at Franklin School in the Banneker School District, where she remained until 1971. During her tenure as an elementary school teacher, she obtained her credentials to be a reading specialist and earned her Master’s degree from St. Louis University. She left the St. Louis Public Schools in 1971, moving to the Normandy School District as a Reading Specialist. She later gained her administrative credentials while employed by the Normandy district. She retired from the district in June 1994 as Principal of McKinley Elementary School. While at Stowe Teacher’s College, Glenda pledged into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and crossed into their sisterhood in May of 1952. She proudly became a 60-year member of Delta in 2012. In life, many of us are fortunate to find one true love. Through her sisterhood with the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Glenda was privileged to find another. Her love for the women of Delta and what that tremendous organization stands for carried her through life. She lived her life by the guiding light of Delta, as do her sisters. Glenda was united in marriage to Leroy J. Adkins for over 57 years. To this union, two sons were born (Kevin LeRoy and Alfred James). With her life partner, Glenda loved to travel and enjoyed and relished many friendships. They traveled to most of the 50 states, and set foot on four of Earth’s continents. She was a member of the Sociables Social Club and the Quettes. She was an Associate Member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), a member of the Vashon High Class of 1951 Alumni Association, and an ardent supporter of the St. Louis Gateway Classic. She was also a passionate member of the St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church. Glenda departed this life on March 4, 2014 after a battle with cancer. She leaves behind to mourn her passing: her mother, Donie LaGrone; a sister, Audrey Townson; her husband, Leroy Adkins; sons Kevin LeRoy Adkins (Maureen) and Alfred James Adkins (Stephanie); grandson Clayton Ryan Adkins ; granddaughter Olivia Marie Adkins; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and, without a doubt, her plethora of adored and beloved friends. To Heaven, she carries a piece of each one of you. Ralph Frank Richter Long time labor representative R. Frank Richter passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014, after a courageous fight against cancer. Frank served as a Field Representative for the American Federation of Teachers in the St. Louis Public Schools. Working for AFT St. Louis -Local 420, AFL-CIO Frank successfully served union members, worked on labor management issues and recruited hundreds of new members to the local. Mr. Richter was passionate and skilled in his advocacy for organized labor and union members. His encyclopedic knowledge of St. Louis Public Schools policy and the labor/ management agreement between the district and the union enabled Frank to serve members with distinction. His renowned debate skills and research acumen more often than not aided Frank in his ability to resolve complex issues to the mutual benefit of both parties. He was respected by both labor and management for his skill, wit and charm. Before accepting his union assignment Frank taught at Vashon High School and helped initiate the VIPER program for students in science with his colleague (and lifelong friend) Ray Cummings under the direction of Dr. Charles Granger at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Mr. Richter also served as coach of the Vashon debate team. Frank was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and a skilled photographer. He was quick to hand friends and colleagues copies of his remarkable photographs. In his photographic work captured people in action ranging from presidential candidate Barrack Obama to catcher Yadier Molina with a remarkable ability to “catch the precise moment” in time. He was also well-known for his story telling, humor and his support for having a good time. Frank is survived by his sister Merrilee Lobos, and his brothers David, Daniel and Gregory. Contributions to “Cardinals Care” in Frank’s memory are appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the attention of Ray Cummings, AFT St. Louis, 2710 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139. Obituaries Pamela Wells Eugene Harris Attention St. Louis American Readers As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.
