The Fayetteville Press Newspaper June 2010 Edition Page 11 OBITUARY PAGE Bryan Keith Farr Gary Coleman Gary Coleman, the adorable, pint-sized child star of the smash 1970s TV sitcom “Diff’rent Bryan Keith Farr was the third of four children born to James and Laurie Oliver on the 22nd of Strokes” who spent the rest of his life struggling on Hollywood’s D-list, died Friday after suffering a November, 1988 in Fort Benning, Georgia. He departed this life on May 19th ,2010 . brain hemorrhage. He was 42. Services were held at the R.L. Douglas Cape Fear Conference “B” Headquarters United Ameri- Mr. Coleman was taken off life support and died with family and friends at his side, Utah Valley can Free Will Baptist Church, Raeford N.C. Reverend George Campbell officiating. Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Janet Frank said. Bryan spent most of his life in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He went to school in Fayetteville Mr. Coleman suffered the brain hemorrhage Wednesday at his Santaquin home, 55 miles south graduating from Seventy First High School in the class of 2007. He attended Sanford Community of Salt Lake City. College, in Sanford, North Carolina where he studied telecommunications. A statement from the family said he was conscious and lucid until midday Thursday, when his Bryan joint First Baptist Church of Catron, Missouri at an early age but would move his member- condition worsened and he slipped into unconsciousness. Mr. Coleman was then placed on life ship to Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he would remain throughout the rest of his life. support. While attending Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church he served on the usher board, youth choir, and “It’s unfortunate. It’s a sad day,” said Todd Bridges, who played Mr. Coleman’s older brother, he cheerfully did what was asked of him for the church. Willis, on “Diff’rent Strokes.” He leaves to cherish his memories; Parents, James and Laurie Oliver of Fayetteville, two Broth- “Diff’rent Strokes” debuted on NBC in 1978 and drew most of its laughs from Mr. Coleman, ers, Ryan Farr of Fayetteville, and Cornelius Brydie of Chattanooga, Tennessee; one sister DeCourtney then a tiny 10-year-old with sparkling eyes and perfect comic timing. Oliver; two great grandmothers, Iodia Johnson of Howardville, Missouri, and Katie Brydie of Chatta- He played the younger of two African-American brothers adopted by a wealthy white man. nooga, Tennessee; one grandfather, Melvin Ross of Malden, Missouri; two grandmothers Gearlean Race and class relations became topics on the show as much as the typical trials of growing up. Farr of Howardville, Missouri, and Ossie Byrdie of Chattanooga, Tennessee; a host of cousins, rela- “He was the reason we were such a big hit,” co-star Charlotte Rae, who played the family’s tives, and friends. housekeeper on the show, said in an e-mail. “He was the centerpiece and we all surrounded him. He Burial was in the Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Raeford, NC. was absolutely enchanting, adorable, funny and filled with joy which he spread around to millions of Services entrusted to Cunningham and Sons Mortuary. people all over the world.” Cunningham & Sons Mortuary, Inc. Lena Horne WISEMAN MORTUARY INC. 3809 Raeford Road * Fayetteville, NC 28304 Singer, dancer and actress Lena Horne died at New York-Presbyterian "Dignified, Professional Hospital a hospital spokeswoman said. And Friendly Service (910) 433-2616 Horne was 92. She was one of the first African-Americans to sign a long-term movie Within The Means Of All" Licensed Funeral contract with a major Hollywood studio when she joined MGM in 1942. Horne’s expressive voice made her a singing star after Hollywood Complete Insurance Director failed to give her roles that might have made her a big screen starlet. Protection & Horne complained she was used as “window dressing” in white films, Mortician mostly limited to singing performances that could be easily edited out for Licensed Embalmers and play in southern theaters. Funeral Director Notary Public The light-complected Horne refused to go along with studio plans to Over 30 Years Complete promote her as a Latin American. 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She was given a screen test by MGM and signed to a movie contract after a studio scout saw her performing in a New York club. “I think the black boy that cleaned the shoes and me were the only two black people except the maids who were there working for the stars,” Horne said in a CNN interview. “And it was very lonely, and I wasn’t very happy.” Still, Horne said she was grateful that her World War II-era films — including “Cabin in the Sky” and “Stormy Weather” — were seen by black and white soldiers. “But after I realized I would only go so far, I went on the stage,” Horne said. erring Funeral Care & Cremations She has a son and daughter from a first marriage that ended in 1944. 2720 Murchison Road * Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301 Horne married again in 1947 to Lennie Hayton, who was then MGM’s (910) 488-6217 * Fax: (910) 488-9387 music director. Our motto is to provide quality, compassionate care She was an active supporter of the Rev. 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