Velma Porter passed away at age 59 years old in May 1972. Julian Bobbie Eaves. After a rival gang mutilated and killed his 12-year-old brother, Porter was murdered in cold blood by a friend. . At 3 p.m. on December 6, the caller demanded to speak to Rich Porter. February 26, 2023 (59 years old) View obituary. Bentley Carson Memorial Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. Royce Stubbins, Jr. age 31, of 707 North Holly Street Cordele, Georgia. The receiver clicked off, only for another call several hours later to threaten the 44-year-old mother if she should call the police. THE family of a business partner who was killed by drug-dealer Alpo Martinez opened champagne as they celebrated the notorious kingpin's death. When we share what we know, together we discover more. 1 share. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. According to the police official, William said in a shaking voice on the tape: ''They cutted my finger off. The anonymous caller demanded $500,000 during a third call at 1 a.m. She was a member of Eastern Star, The Joy Club, and The Grace Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. Velma was a Northwest Indiana resident for the past 50. . For a copy of funeral program click here. James C. "Chris" Dell, 37, of Wilsonville, Ore., died Saturday (Jan. 23, 1999) at his home in Oregon . 218 birth records, View Velma graduated from Cascilla High in 1950. Did Velma serve in the military or did a war or conflict interfere with her life? Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. We make it easy to organize them by person or event and to share them with your relatives. Delaware County, Ohio Obituary Collection - 58. velma porter harlem obituary 10. Select the pencil to add details. a While the New York Police Department considered him a middle-level crack dealer, Porter was raking in $50,000 per week. Anyone can read what you share. I remember many after-church Sunday meals with Ruel and Velma in the forties. Detectives speculated he may have been negotiating his brothers release before he turned up fatally shot Jan. 4, not far from where William was found in the New York borough of the Bronx. a The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. [4] Donnell and Rich's maternal uncle Johnny Apple Porter was found to be responsible for Donnell's kidnapping and murder.[5]. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, Alpo Martinez's death celebrated by family of his drug-dealing partner Rich Porter 31 years after kingpin shot him dead . Unfortunately, Donnell was murdered before Porter could muster-up half a million in cash. #richporter #johnnyporterSubscribe Like Comment Share Favorite PLEASE SHARE THIS VIDEO ON EVERY PLATFORM YOU KNOW OF FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER REDD. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 1:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Dr. Fred Baldwin and Tim Harris officiating. She was a former employee with Spring Air Mattress Co. and was a member of West Market St. United Methodist Church. Watch on Prime Video. Porter had been shot several times in the head and chest and at the time of his death police found $2,239 in his pocket. Last Known Residence. The body of a kidnapped 12-year-old boy whose finger was cut off and sent to his family in December to pressure them into sending ransom money was found Sunday afternoon wrapped in plastic bags . (Huddleston) Dupler is pending with Jackson Funeral Home of Frederick. She was born November 21, 1922, a daughter of the late Jeff and Ida Woodall Ashworth. She was born in Hermon on Oct. 14, 1926 . His character was portrayed by fellow Harlem native Mekhi Phifer. Carl Dean Johnson (Oct. 1, 1947 - March 6, 2017) Carl Dean Johnson, 69, of Locust Lane, Boone, passed . Obituary for Major Samuel Joseph Keith. The names listed below are alumni who have been searched for on this site from Denby High Schoolin Detroit, Michigan . Born. I love you mommy.. ''They cutted my finger off,'' William's voice said, shaking, on the tape, a police official said. Born Richard Porter in the Harlem section of New York City, Porter was the oldest of three children born to Velma Porter. She retired from Mercury Printing Company where she worked as a sales representative for numerous years. Velma Viola Porter was born December 31, 1929 to the parents Robert and Bertha Porter. Share your thoughts and memories of Velma, Share your thoughts and memories with family and friends of Velma. dmboat990. On December 5, 1989, his 12-year-old brother Donnell Porter was kidnapped in Harlem on his way to school and then had his finger cut off in order to extort $500,000 in ransom money from Rich. At 1 A.M., the man called again and demanded $500,000. Shopcode, Username, and Password are required. Meagan Good. Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. Rich Porter and his family were left in shambles, listening to the pre-teen sob for the rest of the tape. Just some of the 32 acts: Richie Havens, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jefferson Airplane, Country Joe, Santana, The Band, and Sly and the Family Stone. She was born February 10, 1945 in Colorado Springs, CO, the daughter of the late Bowman and Velma Porter. Fatema Aries. Comment . Police described him as being a "mid-level crack dealer" who "sold about $50,000 worth of crack a week". Velma Smithson Obituary. #richporter #johnnyporterSubscribe Like Comment Share Favorite PLEASE SHARE THIS VIDEO ON EVERY PLATFORM YOU KNOW OF FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER REDD. Velma is preceded in death by her partner of 51 years Marie Spencer, her mother Mary Bertha Porter and her father Robert Jeff Porter, her brothers Alfred and Jeff "Buddy" Porter (Enda) her sisters Oma Artel Read (Hugh) and Mary Louise Sykes (Junior). At 9 P.M., the kidnapper repeated his demand for $350,000, but Mr. Porter said he could offer no more than $200,000. Memorials to St. Andrew's RC Church, 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore, NY 14217 are preferred. Take comfort; Velma is in good hands. Posted By: GenLookups.com Date: Tuesday, 2 February 2016, at 10:02 p.m. Nelson Newell CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Nelson Newell, 69, husband of Daisy Cable Newell, formerly of Pineville, died Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in a Parkersburg hospital. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Please help. ''One of the main theories is that William was victimized because of his brother's drug dealing,'' said the police official, adding that the investigation was focusing on rival drug dealers and others who extort drug dealers. . UPDATE: Funeral Service will now be held at Turkey Creek Baptist Church. 6 K 539. She died in Southaven, MS on November 15, 2022 at 9:50am. William's mother, Velma, became worried about her son at 4 P.M. on Dec. 5 when he did not return home, and retraced his steps to the school, at 222 West 134th Street, William's sister, Patricia. 12 years shorter than Bush who was seeking his second term. The Son Of Preacher includes a 1-on-1 interview with Shaka. He was a drug dealer who rose to prominence in Harlem. 1989, when 12-year-old William still hadn't returned home from school. Add Velma's family friends, and her friends from childhood through adulthood. The mother was told that William had not shown up for classes. Don Windham and Sister Melba . Velma Porter was born on February 27, 1913, and died at age 59 years old in May 1972. He lived in the community most of his life and was service manager for Rainbow Irrigation Systems, retiring after over fifty years of service. Kathleen Dehmlow, born on March 19, 1938, was. Send Sympathy Card. The Catholic Church was no longer the state religion and English became the primary language of the government. VELMA PORTER OBITUARY. Public Viewing - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Please help me. I get n*ggas was mad at Alpo for k*lling Rich but it don't get any lower then the Uncle who kidnapped his own nephew for ransom, that bi*ch a*s n*gga started a whole fu*ked up chain of events with his hoe a*s jealousy. See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. The census gives us a glimpse into the lives of Americans in 1930, and contains information about a household's family members and occupants including: birthplaces, occupations, immigration, citizenship, and military service. Investigators say they are looking for a 1989 two-door black Nissan with the New York license plate number 7HL209, in which Richard Porter was seen in Harlem the evening before his body was found. OBITUARY Daniel William Porter March 14, 1962 - September 26, 2021. The kidnappers called to reiterate their demands at 9 p.m., with Porter claiming he only had $200,000 in available cash. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 28, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Velma Porter left this earthly home on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the age of 90 years old. and you'll be alerted when others do the same. Then someone hung up the telephone. Creator. Log in. Elbert Porter, 83, entered into his heavenly home Friday, February 25, 2022. Grace Byers. An estimated 200,000 to 250,000 total Filipino civilians died and although the U.S. viewed its role as a colonial presence as one of preparing the Philippines for independence, American colonization drastically changed the character off the culture. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Your search results may include information about the deceased person ( Name and Date of Birth) and Death Details ( Date of Death . While working at the printing company she won salesperson of the year several times. Cricket was a lifelong resident of Bradley County, TN. Mr. Peavy was a member of First Baptist Church. An hour later, she found out why. NEW YORK (AP) _ A kidnapped 12-year-old boy whose finger was cut off to persuade his drug- dealing brother to pay ransom was found dead in a pile of plastic bags just days after the brother was killed, police said Monday. See production, box office & company info. 82, of Porter Street, Augusta, died unexpectedly on Nov. 21, 2008, as the result of a fire at her home. January 26, 2023 (80 years old) View obituary. It raised $1,100,000 for cancer research and lasted 16 hours. January 25, 1953 - January 3, 2017 . Share highlights of Velma's life. Posted By: GenealogyBuff. Obituaries Newsletter. A group of four friends follow their dreams after graduating from college together. He had been shot several times in the head and chest. 210w. Jazz mainstay Billy Adair, rock sideman Bobby Keys and comics Tim Wilson, Elmer Fudpucker and Bun Wilson left us as well. Denby High School Alumni Class List. Then, take a look at vintage photos of the Harlem Renaissance. Select the pencil to add details. Rich lied to me about something there was no reason to lie about, said Alpo Martinez. Who. 1 hr ago; FREDERICK, OK Funeral for Billie J. Published: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 4:57 pm. Velma (Pecor) Porter died January 9, 2016, at the Vermont Respite House. [citation needed] Richard Porter and the kidnapping and murder of his 12-year-old brother are also the subject of an episode of the FBI Files (Season 03, Episode 18) "The C-11 Squad". cooperative learning activities for physical education 231w. A police spokesman, Lt. Raymond ODonnell, said Williams body was identified Monday by family members. U.S. Federal Census Collection. MISSISSIPPI OBITUARIES OF ALFORDS. A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. Abstracted and transcribed by Julie Horton and Robert Slabaugh Po as many refer to him in his hometown of NYC is most commonly remembered for killing his partner fellow Harlem-bred Rich Porter in the drug game on 131990 in the Bronx. At 5 P.M., she received the first of seven telephone calls, with William crying on the phone. IN THE CARE OF. Alpo Martinez, who Cam'ron portrayed in 2002's Paid In Full, died during a drive-by shooting, police said. Jun 3, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm Lie-In-State Janice Jo Lawson. His wallet, with more than $2,000 in it, was found on his body. When we share what we know, together we discover more. 2000, at Porter Memorial Hospital. She was born to Nordy and Gladys Berg on August 4, 1933. Velma Porter, beloved wife of the late Earle Frederick Porter (1989) in her 99th year. [1] The 2002 film Paid in Full was based on Rich and his partners Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez. While it remains unclear precisely where he had been abducted, William Porter was snatched from one of the four blocks separating his home on 132nd Street and his school. The official said that because the Porters' telephone number is unlisted, investigators believe the kidnappers knew the family. id="addMyFavs"> Velma Porter Peacefully at Gardenview Longterm Care, Townsend on Sunday, April 5, 2015. He accepted a basketball scholarship to The University of Kentucky, where he became the first African . What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? People Photos Purpose. While the official end of the war was in 1902, fighting continued for several years. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. insurance. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Velma's lifetime. Richard was the oldest of three children, including sister Patricia and brother Donnell (William). Experiences, organizations, & how she spent her time. "You'd make a lot of enemies who have a score to settle. See our upcoming services and obituaries. On Jan. 4, Richard Porter was found shot to death near Orchard Beach Park, less than a mile from where William's body was found Sunday. See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. harold bornstein obituary cause of death; can you play volleyball with a torn acl; gambar teguh sugianto. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. The Black Hand That Ruled Harlem! Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. While the New York Police Department considered him a middle-level crack dealer, Porter was raking in $50,000 per week. Everything changed at 4 p.m. on December 5, 1989, when 12-year-old William still hadn't returned home from school. Friends can be as close as family. formulabrewingoneyourself. Fixed: Release in which this issue/RFE has been fixed.The release containing this fix may be available for download as an Early Access Release or a General Availability Release. 8 years shorter than Obituary. For complete obituary, to share . In Loving Memory: Obituaries Aug. 25-30, 2020 ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) *Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week. Apple was her brother. A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said William's right index finger was severed and left Dec. 6 with a short taped message from him in the bathroom of a Manhattan restaurant. Turning informant in exchange for a lesser sentence, Martinez was released after 35 years in prison only to also be killed in the streets on October 31, 2021. Velma Porter's passing has been publicly announced by Crestview Funeral Home, Memory Gardens & Cremation Center in Gallatin, TN.Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share memories of Velma Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the . Leave a sympathy message to the family . February 4, 1948. AncientFaces is a place where our memories live. She attended Whitewater High School and graduated salutatorian May 18, 1950. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Rich must've whopped his a*s and embarrassed his pride real bad for him to resort to that. 701 N. Mount Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410.462.4070 Richard Thomas Porter was born November 10, 1964 to Velma Porter in Harlem, New York City. Family Vieiwng - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Please share Velma's obituary if available, or write one in your own words to preserve her memory. Get the money. velma porter letter to alpo. New York, New York County, New York 10027. ''He took it hard,'' she said. Jasmine Millan and Jaycee Porter were big parts of the Empire Lady Bulldogs comeback as their team went on an 8-0 run to bring it within two points before Velma-Alma got their first points. Underworld Legends/FacebookA young Alpo Martinez. Honor a loved one by planting trees in their memory. Click Login after they have all been entered. Wendy Denise Porter was born October 27, 1979 to Willie Willis Porter and the late Robin Denise Porter. 218 birth, 84 death, 49 marriage, 2 divorce, View '', See the article in its original context from. Summary. Tell Pat I love her.. Major Samuel Joseph Keith, 52, of White House died on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at his home. 272 Tributes. Porter family member is 71. Who is Velma Porter to you? R.I.P. They cutted my finger off, the sixth-grader cried on the tape, the Daily News said in Jan. 5 editions. He was born September 15, 1954, in Greensville, Kentucky to the late Reverend Roland Hayes Warford and Valencia Dean Warford. Funerals & Obituaries. AncientFaces is a place where our memories live. I gave him the opportunity to tell me the truth not once, but twice. A Celebration of Life service will be . Surviving to cherish her memory are her sister Helen Saul of Salt Rock, W.Va.; four children, Lois Harshbarger (Hubert) of Yorba Linda, Calif., Arthur (Linda) Porter of Barboursville, W.Va., Sharron (Johnny) White of Hamlin, W.Va., and Nancy (Jack) Adkins of Culloden, W.Va.; nine grandchildren, Tawna, Todd, Tammy, Jeff, Pam, John, Beth, Jason and Julie; 13 great-grandchildren, Alie, Cia, Laurana, Lillie, Tanis, Willem, Collier, Kira, Brenna, Bailee, Alex, Ginny and Andy. On Jan. 16, a drug-dealing associate of Mr. Porter's was found shot to death at 149 West 132d Street. Porter was murdered by one of his partners in 1990. Who was Rich Porter? Sign the Guest Book. When you share, or just show that you care, the heart Body of a Boy Found in Bags On Bronx Path, https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/30/nyregion/body-of-a-boy-found-in-bags-on-bronx-path.html. Search United States obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Wikizero - List of African-American women in medicine . Pathologists will try to determine whether William was killed before or after his brother was. Richard Porter was found shot in the head and chest. . A caller believed to be male asked for $500,000 in ransom, but Mrs. Porter said they could not afford the ransom. In Loving Memory: Obituaries Aug. 25-30, 2020 ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) *Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week. When Porter insisted he was telling the truth, Rather left the room . Bumpy Johnson. Founder of @ShopRichStrands @richthecidd's mommy You don't know me unless you met me in person. ''He lost a lot of weight.''. The ransom had dropped to $350,000 but came with instructions to visit the local McDonalds and look under the restroom sink. I get n*ggas was mad at Alpo for k*lling Rich but it don't get any lower then the Uncle who kidnapped his own nephew for ransom, that bi*ch a*s n*gga started a whole fu*ked up chain of events with his hoe a*s jealousy. A man collecting cans on a bike path Sunday discovered the body of William Porter, who was abducted Dec. 5 as he walked to school. A few hours later, a male caller told the family not to phone the police, Ms. Porter, 22, said. becomes full From the home of the richest ballers Im Richard Porter mixed with Mr.Porter Wavybone, Niggas will shoot you in the back and cut your fucking throat like Rich and Alpo. Betrayed, Rich andAhit the kitchens then were pitchin up Killa Cam, AndAlpoordered guys to slaughter guys and the wholeHarlemwas in tears when Rich Porter died I Remember When, Im paid in full as we speakin, Not Rich Porter, just one rich Puerto Rican Dreamin, Switch lanes to get paid in full, look, its the Rich Porter of transporters Turn Out the Lights (Freewest), Getting money, blowing money, rich, Im Porter Julius Caesar. Velma Porter's passing on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 has been publicly announced by Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park Midtown in Memphis, TN.Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share Juni 2022. He never did. Everything changed at 4 p.m. on December 5, 1989, when 12-year-old William still hadnt returned home from school. The Daily News published an article about the kidnapping yesterday that quoted unidentified investigators who said the police believe the boy is dead. For 25-year-old Rich Porter and his Harlem crew, it was heaven on Earth. Having lived to be 97, she would often say with a smile, "I'm old," but despite her age, Velma was proud to be able to live independently at MacKenzie House; as well, she enjoyed . For users and innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, the 1980s crack epidemic was an apocalyptic hellscape. qualities of a good investigative journalist. He became known for his flamboyant and high-profile lifestyle. I have gone from not knowing anything about. After learning about Rich Porter, the infamous crack dealer of 1980s New York, read about how Michael Dowd became the NYPDs most corrupt cop. Tracy Oliver. The 2002 film Paid in Full was based on the life and death of Rich, and his involvement in drug dealing along with Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez. Last edited on 18 February 2023, at 00:43, "Rich, Alpo, and AZ: one of the most infamous New York City drug kingpins", "Body of a Boy Found in Bags On Bronx Path", "Azie Faison on Rich Porter's Brother Kidnapped, Alpo Killing Rich", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rich_Porter&oldid=1140013478, Donnell Whiten, Reshonia Porter, and Rhea Porter, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 00:43. A family friend found nothing at the restaurant. They cutted my finger off, William said in a trembling voice. New Rich Porter, the way I flip quarters American Gangster. Harlem New York. Discussion in 'The Booth' started by JordanWearinThe45, Dec 12, 2018. . Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Bob Tenequer. She was a former Vicksburg resident. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. It was less than a mile from where the body of his older brother, Richard, who the police said was a crack dealer the kidnappers wanted to pay the ransom, was found shot to death on Jan. 4. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. In 1938, Velma was 25 years old when on June 25th (a Saturday) the Fair Labor Standards Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt (along with 120 other bills). The note said the boy was in pain and needed medical attention. In New York City, Harlem specifically, the word "Extortion" is . Born on July 26, 1965, Rich Porter was an American Porter was described by the police as being a "mid-level crack dealer" who "sold about $50 thousand worth of crack a week". . Porter's friend and former drug dealing partner Alpo Martinez was charged with the murder and was later convicted. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Today. He was a drug dealer who rose to prominence in Harlem. Detectives believe the boy was kidnapped for up to $500,000 in ransom from Richard Porter, reputed by police to be a mid-level drug distributor who controlled several street dealers in Harlem. Search by Name. Patricia Porter, Self: Street Stars: Game Over. Inside The Downfall Of Rich Porter, The Legendary Harlem Crack Dealer. Rich must've whopped his a*s and embarrassed his pride real bad for him to resort to that. Posted on February 27, 2023 by how much is tim allen's car collection worth He was too busy getting busy, all of which was foolish. Thug Cry. when she died at the age of 63. The average age of For complete obituary, to share a memory or to leave the family a condolence, please visit; February 25, 2023 at age 103 years. It was about an hour later that the family finally contacted police after an argument about the wisest course of action. In addition to New York Martinez expanded his drug trade to other cities notably Washington DCMartinez was released in 2015 while serving a 35-year sentence for 14. This story is about one of the most notorious, feared, extortionist in Harlem who the FBI claims ran an organization called "The Black Hand Of Death" aka The Preacher Crew. Link to family and friends whose lives she impacted. 6, 2014. Sign the Guest Book. She died in Southaven, MS on November 15, 2022 at 9:50am. Where was Velma born and where did she live? It includes a date and page reference to every obituary published in The Tampa Tribune since it began publishing in 1895 all the way through 1985, as well as references to obituaries and articles published in various other Tampa newspapers. a Franklin County native, was a member of Porter's Chapel Methodist Church in Vicksburg. Experiences, organizations, & how she spent her time. In 1966, she was 18 years old when on July 1st, Medicare became available after President Johnson signed into law the Medicare Act in 1965. She leaves 10 children to cherish her memories; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Olivia (Bay Bay) Randolph; two nephews . Velma Marie Porter of Texas was born on August 7, 1922. Send Flowers. Detectives believe the boy was kidnapped for up to $500,000 in ransom from Richard Porter, reputed by police to be a mid-level drug distributor who controlled several street dealers in Harlem. I love you, Mommy. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. One of Harlem's most notorious drug dealers was shot and killed over the weekend. Subscribe now. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents; Thomas Luther and Mary Rebecca Mills, Sr.; her paternal grandparents, Mary Porter and Shandylon Porter and a nephew, Carlton Reginald Leary, Jr. Wendy was a 1997 Woodrow Wilson High School . They said Mr. Porter sold about $50,000 worth of crack a week. At the time his slaying, police refused to comment on the kidnapping because the 12-year-old had not been found. He beat incumbent George H.W. 2 WCSR 33875080v1 BURNS & LEVINSON LLP Scott H. Moskol Michael V. Samarel Tal M. Unra d 125 Summer Street Boston, MA 02110 Telephone: (617) 345 -3000 dmboat990. The death was classified a homicide, she said. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. Tell Pat I love her.''. . Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Upload and store your family photos, videos, records, and sources on Geni. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. Velma Porter walked to Public School 92 at 222 West 134th Street herself, in hopes of finding him along the way only to be informed he hadnt shown up that day, at all. His character was portrayed by fellow Harlem native Mekhi Phifer. I dont know what they want.. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Velma Smithson of Mesa, Arizona, born in Show Low, Arizona, who passed away on May 22, 2021, at the age of 92, leaving to mourn family and friends.