I was saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time friend and compatriot Danny J. Weems. Danny and I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, in East Garfield and spent many hours together playing softball and basketball. I can remember when we would play basketball at Marillac House and softball at Holstein Park. We also played softball on the playground of Dodge Elementary School and in the parking lot of the old A&P grocery store. It was Danny who came up with the name of our softball team "The Dodge Chargers."

I remember when Danny bought his first car on Western Avenue; it was a brown 1962 Oldsmobile. I also remember when he bought his second car; a gold 1968 Cadillac with a white convertable top. I remember when Danny, Chris, Ernest, Floyd, Cookie, Liz, and myself, we all worked at the old A&P grocery store on Jackson Blvd across the street from my house. I remember when his oldest son "Jerry" was born and when all of the "fellas" would sit on the front steps of my house laughing and joking with each other.

Danny was a consumate gentleman and very respectful to my mother. He always called my mother "Mrs, Penn" when speaking to her, but in our own conversation he referred to her as the "Big E" because my mom's first name began with the letter "E." In like manner, I would refer to his mom in our conversation as "Big E Number Two" because his mother's first name began with the letter "E" as well.

Often we would go to "Al's" on Lake and Francisco while listening to the Temptations sing "Run Away Child." Danny would sing the high notes, Chris would sing tenor, and I would sing bass. Sometimes we would sing "doo wops" together pretending we were the Dells. Whenever we would sing "Stay In My Corner" Danny would again sing the high notes of the song. One of his favorite songs of that time was "Are You Happy" by Jerry Butler

One of the funniest times I remember was when five of us (Sherman, Danny, Chris, Maurice, and myself) were coming from the old Sears YMCA after playing basketball one night. It was about 90 degrees and we were riding in Chris' 1960 Chevrolet. The car had no air conditioning but Danny said "Don't roll down the windows... We want everybody to think we got air!" Can you imagine how it smelled with five teenagers in a car who had just finished playing basketball in 90 degree heat?

Danny would often wear a black "Dobbs" hat and his tan trench coat during the fall which prompted us to give him the nickname of "Dubbs." I remember when he attended Marshall High School and I attended Crane High School. We would always bet "a dollar" when Marshall's baseball team would play Crane. I was the star pitcher for Crane and the second best high school pitcher on the West Side behind Caleb Glover who pitched for Marshall.

Finally, there are two things I remember most about Danny. The first is when I went to away college on a basketball scholarship and came home during the summer break. Danny said to everybody on the block "The college kid is back home and we are proud of him." He then said to me "My man, always do your best and keep on making us proud."

The second thing I remember most about Danny is that I asked him to be the "Best Man" at my wedding. One of my aunts asked me "Why didn't you pick one of your brothers to be your 'Best Man?'" I said to her without flinching, "I did pick one of my brothers... Danny is just like a brother to me!"

Hotep my Brother and Rest in Peace....

David C. Penn, Ed.S., Ph.D.
www.outskirtspress.com/DrDavidPenn 

 

The high moral standards you set for yourself has set the course of my life.  I will always remember you for the love, patience and kindness. You will always be in my heart.


Daniel Jerry Weems. your son 

We don't think of you gone away, your journey 's just begin.  Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.  We think of you as resting from the sorrows and tears in a place of warmth and comfort, where there are on days and years.  We know you must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.  We think of you as living in our hearts which you're touched for nothing loved is ever lost and you were loved so much.



Rochelle, Cynthia, Tanya, Clyde and Benny    

Condolence:   As I wipe away my tears,  I know that my uncle is gone to a better place.  I remember nothing but great times, filled with laughter family and joy.  I will miss you Uncle Danny.   I take comfort in knowing that you are with Grandma Ella Aunt Celesta,  Aunt Paulette and Uncle Alvin watching over us and keeping us protected.  I love and will miss you.

 Message to the Family:  
      "The Final Inspection" The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek?  To My church have you been true?"  The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.  I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent, because the streets are awfully tough.  But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep.... Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep.  And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.  And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.  I never expected or had too much, but if you don't.....I'll understand.  There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod.  As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgment of his God.  "Step forward now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well.  Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time well. " Author Unknown"
Thank you for your example as a police officer, your kindness as a brother in law and your laughter.  May God Grant you eternal Peace.               

 Marcella S. Solis               

A precious one from us has gone, A voice we love to hear, A hand we love to hold, A laughter we love to hear,  A presence we love near, a heart ... a loving heart that thoughtful, fine and true.  We know them all and love them all for they belong to you.  You are not dead..... not lost,  but gone on before.  Your love with us in memory will live forever more.  We miss you now, our hearts are sore.  As time goes by we'll miss you more.  Your Charisma, loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your special place.  Saying farewell is never easy, it's the hardest thing to do but what hurts us even more, It not the chance to say it to you!!!  The family chain is broken again and nothing seems the same.  But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.    God makes no mistakes......

Belinda Weems, your ex-wife  

My fondest memory of my big brother is when I was about 7 or 8 years old and he took me and my other brother Alvin for a ride in his brand new Fiberglass Trans Am He came by our house especially to take us for a ride.  I'll never forget that day we had a great time. I'll never forget that day just like I will never forget him.I remember going to Garfield Park to cheer for him during his baseball games and going to all of the classy parties he would give. I will never forget it just like I will never forget him.


So rest my "Big Brother" I know you are with Momma, Celeste, Paulette and Alvin.
I know you are at peace.  No more pain and no more worries.  I will never forget you, I will love you forever.  I will never say good-bye I'll just say " I will see you later my Big Brother"

Love Cynthia 
    

   Notice of Address Changes

                            Dear Family & friend 

I want to let you know I’ve moved.  I received a call from

God who informed me that my new home is ready and that

I could move in immediately.  You know that I’ve been sending

up my timber, packing  and getting ready to go, but there were

some final touches.  Well, my new home is finished and it’s such a

beautiful sight.  Behold!  It is located in an exclusive estate, and

it sits behind the “Pearly Gates”   of course, the streets are paved

with gold, and every day is Sunday.  I have lived in many places before

but none can compare.  There is peace, joy and happiness here and

I have no more pain.  There is sweet serenity everywhere.  I could go

on and on about my new home, but I have to get fitted for my new robe.

I look forward to seeing you….

With all my Love,

Let me give you my new address.

Daniel (“Danny”)

 61 Jesus Way

God’s Town, Heaven   03-02-13

P.S.  I don’t have a telephone yet, but just call God.

 If you don’t know this number, He is listed in the “Bible”

on every page!

Daniel Jerry Weems     1952 - 2013

 Dad;

I will never say goodbye to you, my Dad
because I know this is not the end for us to see each other.
You will only be going to a place where there’s no pain nor suffering.
I am happy for you but it hurts, for I know you will be with God.
For now we need to go in separate ways.
I remember how your arms helld me and that gave me strength.
You were there to listen, love, and defend me with mom
In my triumphs you were always proud.
I’m very grateful and proud to call you my Dad.
Here deep inside my heart you’ll always be.
I would give up everything I have just to hug you one more time.
I remember the last time I held your hand and how you looked at me in the eyes.
If only I could turn back the time I would have never let you go.
I felt my heart beating rapidly when mom told me you were gone…….How I wish I was only dreaming to hold your hands one more time  and hug you again.
Just like the rain; tears fell down from my eyes, I couldn’t speak for awhile.
Thank you Dad…for the time we had and no one can ever deprive or take that love and memories from me and you.  The greatest gift God gave me was YOU…….. My Dad…
It’s difficult to let you go but I must…I must return the gift God gave me…
Till then; See you in Heaven………Dad .. You’re My Guardian Angel.
I will miss you.

Your Son, Daniel Dewun Weems