APRIL 7, 1995

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 9

OBITUARIES

Mona Desmond

On Friday, March 31, Mona Desmond was laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetary in Akron. A memorial service was held that same morning at Our Lady of Peace Catholic

Mona Desmond

Church in Shaker Heights. Mourners filed past her casket and paid silent tribute to the much-beloved Cleveland singer and entertainer. Next to the casket were two framed photos of Mona taken at the pinnacle of her career, wearing the haute couture fashions that she modeled for many Cleveland fashion houses.

The crowd that turned out for the memorial service was reflective of the audiences that she entertained during her life. Male, female, black, white, gay, straight-everyone who loved her and whose lives she touched was represented.

In a touching moment, Isis Ervin spoke at the memorial service, remembering Desmond as a "grand lady."

"Mona meant a lot of different things to

different people,” Ervin said. “To me, she was a sister, a confidant and friend. Mona will never be forgotten, because a piece of her remains here with all of us."

Rev. Lucille Thomas officiated the service, saying that God invites people to "come as you are regardless of your lifestyle."

"Don't believe in the fallacy that because of your "lifestyle" you won't make it in [to heaven], because that's a lie," she said.

Mona Desmond passed away on Saturday, March 18 at the home of her friends Ken Barberic (Kimberly Adrian) and John Delpra.

Mona lived her life with vigor, entertaining both straight and gay audiences in Cleveland, as well as throughout the United States, with her sultry voice and great sense of humor. If you saw her and were in a sad or bad mood, she could bring a smile to your face with her quick wit. To describe Mona it is appropriate to say she was a lady. Mona was considered an entertainer's entertainer with her beauty, voice, costumes and voluptuous body. It has been said that if you have one of the aforementioned qualities you can reach the top in that profession. Mona had them all.

If you've ever been out with Mona, you know your evening was a great one. Just to watch straight men get nudged by their wives for going into a trance staring at her was unbelievable. She could talk to anyone with her great gift of gab. Many people have been touched by her in their lives-and from their own personal experience they have a loving memory to treasure.

Thank you, Mona, for having been a part of all of our lives. We shall always remember your beauty, your wit, you're smiling face, and especially you.

✓

Fourth Ponnual

Spring Roundup

April 21-23

Friday, April 21

Trail-in Dance

Rocky's (9208 Detroit Avenue) 9:30pm-2:30am,

Saturday, April Q

The Colonel's Ball

Grays Armory (1234 Bolivar Road at Prospe & E. 14th) 8:00pm-2:00am. Dance to the best country-western music this side of the Mississippi.

Sunday, April 23

Chuckwagon Brunch & Country Cabaret U4ia (10630 Berea Road) 11:00am-2:00pm. Full brunch buffet with entertainment.

Trail's End Dance

Ohio City Oasis (1429 W.29th) 8:00pm-Midnight Dancing at the home of the Rainbow Wranglers.

For more information about additional activities, contact Gerry at: (216) 671-0717

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April 7th Rock out with

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April 14th Cyclone Sisters

April 21st

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10630 Berea Rd. Cleveland (216) 631-7111

Between Detroit & Madison, East of 117th