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William Okafor
Young Funeral Home
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Mr. William Okafor died July 31 at Atlanta Medical Center. The son of Carlotta Okafor Sharp and Ike Okafor, he was born in 1988 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Mr. Okafor was a bright student and teacher’s pet in primary school. He graduated with high honors from Newton High School with a 4.0 GPA in 2006. He was studying business at DeKalb College and loved playing basketball and always thought that he could play better than some of the pro players. He was a very hard worker, working 12-hour shifts to help make a change in his life and for his sons. He worked for Berry Plastics of Covington, where he was well-loved, always willing to work overtime and be part of the team. Mr. Okafor was a fearless defender of his female relatives, never wanting anyone to take advantage of them. He was a good father to his two little boys and would do anything for them.

Surviving are parents Mr. and Mrs. Ike (Shirley) Okafor, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie (Carletta) Sharp; children Malachi M. Tutherland (2), Isaiah D. Okafor (1); grandparents Magdalene Ferguson, Barbara Shiffield, both of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters Rachael, Contessia and Tanaya; brothers Kenneth Jr., Carvelle, Ardelle, Xavier, Demonté and Dominique; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins nieces, nephews, friends, and special people in his life.

Funeral services were held Aug. 9 at Greater Love Fellowship Church, Conyers, and Aug. 15 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Stone Mountain, with Pastor Timothy Smith and the Rev. Jesse Johnson officiating. Interment was a Lawnwood Memorial Park.

Obituary: Otis Daniel Criswell
Otis Daniel Criswell

Otis Daniel Criswell, age 72, of Covington, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on February 26, 1953, in Athens, Georgia to Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell and Veeda Claire Kirkland. 

A proud graduate of Newton County high school, class of 1971. Otis went on to join the army National Guard, serving 6 years. He dedicated 30+ years of his career as a senior Claims representative for George Farm Bureau.

Beyond his professional life, Otis was a passionate University of Georgia football fan. During football season, he could always be found on the deck grilling with family and friends with at least two TVs playing the game. He also loved traveling with his family for martial arts tournaments across the country and cherished time spent relaxing on the beach.

Otis is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell, Veeda Claire Kirkland and brother, Duane Criswell.

Left to cherish his memory or his children, Jamie (Tony) Pascale Loganville, Georgia, Brian (Carlie) Criswell of Barnesville, Georgia, and Matt Criswell of Covington Georgia; Grandchildren: Kayla and Emma; sister, Donna Criswell Hiett; brother, Dallas (Robin) Criswell; nieces and nephews, Michael, Kimberly, Kevin, Brandon, Preston, and Destiny. 

Otis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched. A celebration of Otis ‘s life will be held at Faith Tabernacle Church. 631 Ralph Rd - Conyers, Georgia 30094 on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3:00 pm.