J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc. - Youngstown

Obituary For Mr. Milton Blue

Farrell A homegoing celebration in honor of Mr. Milton Blue will be held Monday October 24, 2022 at 12pm at Valley Baptist Church, 500 Sharon New Castle Rd in Farrell, PA . The family will receive friends Monday from 10-12pm at the church. Milton Blue, 69, of Farrell, PA was born on July 7, 1953 and went from labor to eternal reward on October 16, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the Late Willie Sr. and Lucille McKoy Blue. He was a 1971 graduate of Farrell Senior High School, attended Slippery Rock University, earned an Associates Degree in AS from the former Shenango Valley School of Business and earned a Phlebotomy Certificate from Sharon Regional Medical Center. He was employed at Westinghouse, Sharon Steel, Sharon Regional Medical Center, UPMC and General Electric, Grove City. Milton, affectionately known as “The Director”, was an active and faithful member of Valley Baptist Church, Farrell, Pennsylvania, where he was Director of the Inspirational, Mass Choirs and the Male Chorus, Co-Chairman of the Number 2 Usher Board, President of the Men’s Usher Ministry, Chairperson of Friends and Family Day, Pastor’s Anniversary, Church Anniversary and Soul Food Dinner. Milton was anointed with the talent needed to decern melody, harmony and rhythm, making him the perfect choir director. Because of this anointing, he was passionate about directing choirs, so much that it was almost an obsession. Milton began his chorale roots very early in life as a member of the “Buds of Promise” Choir of the Second Baptist Church on Market Street in Farrell, PA under the direction of Late Mrs. Etta Ragster and the Pastorate of the Late Rev. L.C. Collins. It was there that he was baptized and set eyes, focused his attention and admired the Senior Choir Director, the Late Juanita Baker. Shortly after the call of the Late Rev. Anderson T. Tatum, as a child he came to Valley Baptist Church in Wheatland, PA in 1965. He became a member of the Inspirational Choir and again focused his attention on the Inspirational Choir Director, the Late Viola McQueen-Williams, who became his mentor as he began directing at the age of 15. When she moved from the area, she assigned the responsibility of directing the choir to Milton. Milton loved directing with all of his ability and credits his growth to God and choir nights of many years ago with directors and singers such as Lady Phyllis Bolling, and the Late(s) Juanita Baker, Francis Campbell, Viola McQueen, Carrie Wheeler, Sarah Hailstock, Pearl Gillespie, Rev. Charolotte Stewart, Mrs. Annie Adams and Mrs. Myrdis Ledbetter. He sang with the Late Johnny Holland while continuously learning and constantly attending choir workshops in various cities including the Thomas A. Dorsey Workshop. One of his greatest accomplishments was in 1976. Milton was invited by Vernon Jordan, Jr, Executive Director, National Urban League, to attend the National Urban League Conference held in Boston, Massachusetts. He was tasked with forming and directing a Shenango Valley Urban League choir (Mrs. Myrdis Ledbetter, Accompanist). The choir directed by Milton performed the only musical selection at the conference. Milton was recognized for his service in 1993, 2005, 2011 and 2014. Milton would allow the holy spirit to direct him, resulting in spiritually filled services. He understood his directing ability had nothing to do with him, but it was a gift from God. Therefore; he gave of himself tirelessly, faithfully and humbly to share it throughout the community and where ever it is requested, never seeking reward from man or any accolades. Milton loved and supported his community and was always present at community events, revivals, benefits and other special church services. Milton also loved cooking and baking and is well known for his pound cakes. Milton had a deep love for his family and jumped at every opportunity to host a family dinner or take charge when planning large dinners. Nieces and nephews that had a special relationship with Milton where given nicknames. He rarely called them by their actual names. Milton was always calling or texting friends to stir up friendly trouble or to do a welfare check. He was a faithful Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Milton fought and overcame many illnesses and has inspired all of us during his life. His courage and faith in God remained strong until his last breath. As he’s stated many times, “Maybe the miracle isn’t on this side, but on the other side.” He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving siblings, Willie Jr (Bertha) Blue, Sharon, PA, Benjamin (Laura) Blue, Hermitage, PA, Norman (Funder) Blue, Clifford Locke, Jr, Farrell, PA, Crystal Blue (Tony) of North Las Vegas, Hyldia (Johnny)Smith of Clarkton, NC; his nieces and nephews whom he considered his children and gave special names, Shelly Doris "LL Cool J", Iesha (Esnesto) O’Kane (Renny), Jennika (Antoine) Davis "Jenny Craig", Alesha Blue "The Goose", Christopher Blue "Fingers", Norman Blue Jr. "Uncle Nick", Hadiya (Felicia) Jackson Blue "Peggy", Diamond Lesane, Pamela McDowell, Tonya Williams, Andrew Robinson, Anthony Robinson, Gwen Rodgers, Rick Clemmons, Desmond Scales, Jason Page Sr., Clifford Locke III, Nijya Justice, Boris Powell and Johnny Smith Jr.; Robert and Cory Brodie who he loved as his sons, Kirk and Kelvin Henry whom he tagged as his grandchildren; his godchildren, Jaren Sims and Shawn Whitman, Jenyce Batchelor, Chaella Gregory; a host of great and great great nieces, nephews and dear friends including his special friends, Debbie Sims, Stan and Yvonne Sims. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Earl and Henry Lee Robinson, Barbara L. Blue Harrold, Naomi Melvin; and his loving adopted sons, Bobby Brown and Brian Brodie. A visitation in honor of Mr. Milton Blue will be held on Sunday October 23, 2022 from 4-6pm at Washington Funeral Home, 1059 Hamilton Ave in Farrell, PA. Friends will be be received at the family home, 112 Hamilton Ave in Farrell, PA.

Guest Book

Sending my prayers and condolences to the Blue family I worked with Milton at UPMC for a short period of time. He was such a pleasant person to work with and he had such a sense of humor. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Deborah Ferrell

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From Raquel Roberts

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So sorry 4 ur loss im continuing 🙏 praying the ur family.Milton was a pillar & inspiration n Gospel Music. Alot of memories growing up @ Valley Baptist.💙 U All.

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Rest in peace our beloved friend. We are going to miss that smile of yours love you always. Angela Askerneese Chavers.

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Prayers of Peace, Strength and Love sent to the Blue family.. RWG Bro. Milton Tracey Boamah

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You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cathy, Carl, Buck, Sheila & Ankie

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Praying with and for you all

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I will miss the love you shared not only to myself but my entire family unconditionally love. You will be missed dearly. You have earned your wings and I know God is proud of the work you have done. RWG Love Tamara Buchanan-Martin

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NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 1604 WHITE PLAINS CHURCH ROAD, CLARKTON, NC 28433 WISH TO SEND OUR PRAYERS and LOVE TO Deacon Johnny Smith and DEACONESS HILDA SMITH and THE BLUE FAMILY during this time of sorrow. THE 54th CHAPTER of Isaiah verse 10 says FOR THE MOUNTAINS SHALL DEPART AND THE HILLS BE REMOVED; BUT MY KINDNESS SHALL NOT DEPART FROM THEE, NEITHER SHALL THE COVENANT OF MY PEACE BE REMOVED, SAITH THE LORD THAT HATH MERCY ON THEE. WE "LOVE" YOU! SAFE TRAVEL HOME. PASTOR ANDREW PABON, CHAIRMAN DEACON RONNIE BLANKS and YOUR NEW HOPE CHURCH

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Our condolences to the Blue family on the passing of Milton. Milton was a wonderful person and was our friend. Rest in Peace.

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My heart is truly saddened over the lost of my friend and brother in Christ Milton Blue there isn't enough words to explain the love and laughter and that smile that would light up a dark room Milton was a true servant of God He will forever be a shining light and continue to direct in God's Heavenly Chior Amen

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When I heard of Milton's passing, my heart literally ached. Still does. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this painful time. He was one of kind and will be missed. Samantha Chavers

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Our deepest condolences to all the Blue family members. We both graduated with Milton and I worked with Milton at both Sharon Steel and GE for years. He was a good person and always in a good mood. He will be missed by all who knew him and may he rest in peace . Brock & Vannie Morocco

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Milton you are so loved by everyone. You will be missed RIP

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all💙🙏🏾 Lovingly remembered, Henry & Crizelle Scott

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TO THE FAMILY OF MR. MILTON BLUE -- We wish to convey our deepest sympathy in the passing of a dear friend and precious soul. May God help you and hold you during this grave hour of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs. Etha Price, and Family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc.