ZACHERY T. ELDEMIRE, 26

Zachery Tefari Eldemire, OCTOBER 17, 1993 – FEBRUARY 2, 2020

Software engineer had bright future

Zachery T. Eldemire, age 26, a graduate of University School Class of 2012 and Miami University Class of 2016, died suddenly at his home February 2, 2020 in Florissant, MO, where he was employed as a software engineer for Boeing. The cause is unknown at this time, but is believed to be related to complications arising after he had oral surgery.

Survivors include his parents, Marlene and Gauntlett S. Eldemire, Jr., two siblings, Antoinette and Gauntlett III, and a host of extended family members and friends.

Zachery was born October 17, 1993 and grew up in Shaker Heights. Consistent with the high value his family placed on education, Zachery  was a University School lifer, attending University School from kindergarten through his high school graduation in 2012. He played varsity soccer there, lettering as a junior and senior. Standing a good 6’3”, his long legs enabled him to stride speedily across the field to thwart attacks on his team’s goal.

Notwithstanding his good looks and athletic prowess, Zachery was happiest nurturing his  passion and exceptional talent for computer programming. He had a penchant for showing up unannounced to help a friend, sometimes departing so swiftly the “thank you” would still be wafting in the air.

Once, when his sister called home from Chicago to say she had to move unexpectedly, Zachery, without alerting a soul, jumped in his car and drove 300+ miles, sleeping in the car until she arose the next morning. He proceeded to help her pack, move, and get settled, before returning home the same day.

Zach’s love of video games fueled his early interest in computers and technology. It wasn’t long before his computer skills and technical expertise were recognized. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2016, he headed off to St. Louis where he was rising rapidly as a software engineer. He was planning on returning to school this fall to obtain a master’s in computer science.

Zach’s best friend, Kendall Pleasant, describes him as a quiet sort, somewhat shy until he got comfortable in his surroundings. An independent spirit, Zach enjoyed an occasional night out with friends over a good steak and a beer.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 22 at 11am at Horizon Health Services, 13001 Cedar Rd. [44118], followed by a Celebration of Life service at noon. Arrangements by E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, 25900 Emery Rd.[44128].

Zachery loved his pit Bexley. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Zachery can be made to the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, https://standupforpits.us/

Members of the Eldemires' Hathaway Brown and University School families have set up a page to assist Zachery's family with the immediate expenses related to his unexpected passing.  Any amount is appreciated. Visitors to the page are invited to contribute any amount, share the link and/or leave a memory or message of love and support for the Eldemire family.

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Social Worker, Teacher, Banker, Musician, and Civil Servant Recognized as Maple Hts. Pathfinders

Five Maple Hts. HS alumni win recognition

Event celebrates Black History Month

Five accomplished graduates of Maple Heights High School are being recognized this week at the school's 16th annual Pathfinders Assembly for their success in the areas of education, humanitarianism, citizenship/government, business, and the arts and sciences.

Marcyline L. Bailey, LCSW

Maple Hts. HS '78

The Humanitarianism Award recipient is Marcyline L. Bailey, LCSW [Class of 1978].  The Pathfinders Humanitarianism Award honors those in the fields of social and community service who dedicate themselves to the betterment of others and to helping others to reach their happiest, greatest potential.

Bailey attended Northwestern University where she earned a B. A. in Linguistics.  She later earned a Master’s of Social Science Administration from the Mandel School of Social Work at Case Western Reserve University.  Currently Bailey is a certified social worker at Glynn County Schools in Brunswick, Georgia, providing assessments, interventions, and coordination of community support services to students, families, and school staff.  In addition she is the owner of M.L. Bailey Consulting, Inc. where she provides psychotherapy and therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, families and group.   She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Citizenship and Government

Phillip E. Beasley
Maple Hts. HS '01

Phillip E. Beasley is the recipient of this year’s Citizenship and Government Award. Beasley received his B. S. in technology from Kent State University and went on to earn a M. S. in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

Beasley serves as Logistics Readiness Officer with the United States Air Force – Air National Guard, as well as a Lead IT Acquisition Specialist for the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General. Beasley specializes in helping people to maximize their potential and thereby increase organizational effectiveness through the use of strategic leadership principles, effective communication skills, and management of organizational resources.

Beasley’s work experience has included being an Investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an IT Manager for General Service Administration Federal Acquisition Service, and an IT Project Manager for the United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service.

Education

Jalen M. Brown
Maple Hts. HS '13

Jalen M. Brown, valedictorian of the Class of 2013, is winner of this year’s Education Award.  Brown is presently an assistant principal at Lander Elementary in Mayfield. He began his teaching career in his hometown as a social studies teacher at Milkovich Middle School, after receiving his B.A. degree from Miami University. He has gone on to earn his master’s in education administration, teach  abroad in Luxembourg, and start a nonprofit mentoring group, Unleashing Black Minds. He joined the Maple Heights school board last month, after winning election by a landslide in November.

While in high school, Jason was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the student council, and served as Vice President of Future Educators of America at both the State and National levels. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Business

Purnell Sweeney
Maple Hts. HS '03

Purnell Sweeney, currently a Vice President/Project Manager, Sr. for JPMorgan Chase in Columbus, is the recipient of this year’s Business Award. He earned his B.A. in business administration from Urbana University before going on to earn his master’s in management from Ohio Dominican University.

Sweeney oversees collaborative teams that develop and implement client focused strategies aimed at building strong client relationships with business partners. His career highlights include being named as one of 60 branch managers in the Nation selected for an executive management program specializing in high complex branches and winning recognition as the top banker in the region while at Woodforest National Bank, where he began his career as a personal banker.  Cochair and co-founder of Mid-Ohio Central District Diversity Council, Sweeney also takes time to mentors new associates. Sweeney is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the founding president of Urbana University’s black student union. 

Arts and Sciences

Leon Turner

Leon Turner, currently music director for R&B superstar, Gladys Knight is this year’s Arts and Science Awards recipient. Turner travels with Gladys Knight’s R&B Shows, Piano Duo Shows, as well as her Grammy-winning gospel choir shows. He produced and played on Gladys Knight’s gospel album, “Where My Heart Belongs,” which won an NAACP Image Award. Last year, he had the honor of arranging the National Anthem for SuperBowl LIII. 

Music has always been a part of Turner’s life.  Born and raised into a musical family in Cleveland, he performed with the family ensemble, the Turner Singers from grade school into high school. In 2006, Turner began his professional career with gospel sensation J. Moss, specializing in keyboards.  He has gone on to work with such illustrious acts as Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Yolanda Adams, Eddie Levert of the O’Jays, Donnie McClurkin, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill.  No music genre seems foreign to him — whether jazz, R&B, gospel, classical or country. He is also the owner of Turner Productions, LLC.

The Pathfinders Program was created to recognize individuals who have found or created a path of success for students to follow.  In addition to recognizing outstanding graduates, the annual assembly, coinciding with Black History Month, is designed to inspire students to achieve goals they set for themselves throughout their lives.

This year’s assembly is being held today from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the school district’s Wylie Athletic Complex, One Mustang Way [44137].

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