Lonnie Minter

After a brief illness on July 14, Lonnie Minter stepped through the threshold of what we call death. In reality, he stepped over into the threshold of the Lord's house. Lonnie Jay Minter was born December 27, 1946 to the late Leverne Minter and the late Irma Sumpter. He was the second child of six children. Two of his brothers, Leverne Jr. and Reginald Minter, preceded him in death. Lonnie attended the Cleveland Public School System and enjoyed playing football in his youth. He also displayed a natural talent for being an entrepreneur, by distributing and selling Jet Magazine and selling the Call & Post Newspaper. Later, he became employed with J&L Steel as a crane operator. He finished his career with Modine Corporation, where he was a laborer and later promoted to delivery driver where he retired. Lonnie developed skills for cooking to assist in the care of his siblings. Cooking soon became a hobby that Lonnie loved and became a connoisseur and later became the chef of his own family. In 1970, Lonnie met the love of his life, who would be his lifelong partner, Ms. Sharon Joyce Wingo. In 1972 Lonnie married Sharon and to this union one child was born. Lonnet Sharon Minter. Lonnie also has a son from a previous relationship, Michael Moore. Lonnie (or Papa) as his wife and grandchildren lovingly called him, was a very strong and loving family man, who took pride in helping others. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age and dedicated his life to Christ. He became a member of the Living Truth Center for Better Living Inc., under the leadership of Rev. Maurice C. Bowens. Papa lead a very active lifestyle by traveling and going to the Health Club with his Best Friend & wife ''Joyce". His greatest joy was spending quality time with his daughter, communicating with his son, protecting and playing with grandchildren, Joi, Anthony and Laila. Lonnie departed this life on July 14, 2011 at Fairview General Hospital from an illness. In his passing, Lonnie leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, best friend and love of forty years, Sharon Joyce, his mother-in-law, Rose Byrd; his two sons, Michael and Kevin, (Darrion Gandy, who was a god-son to him); two brothers, Mark (Katrina) and Timothy (Vanessa); one sister, Kimberly Henderson (Rogers) . He leaves five grandchildren and has only one living aunt, Dorothy Swain and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends LONNIE J MINTER'S HOME GOING SERVICES BEGIN AT 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY JULY 21 at Watson's Funeral Home, 10913 Superior Avenue.