Obituaries

Shafter Reedus, 93, passed away on March 8, 2025. Services will be held at Emmanual Baptist Church, 3815 W. Broadway beginning with visitation on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5-8 pm. Funeral will be 12 noon Saturday, March 15, 2025 with interment in Green Meadows Cemetery.

Shafter was born in Athens, Alabama on July 27, 1931 to AZ Redus Sr. and Modena Maclin Redus. He worked for Spalding Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service for over 40 years and maintained friendships with many of his co-workers throughout the years. He was also a member of the Drippers Social Club. Shafter knew his way around cars and was an excellent bowler who bowled on many teams. Watching baseball was one of Shafter’s favorite pastimes and he enjoyed cheering on his favorite team, the Cincinnati REDS. Shafter was known for his sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was a gracious family man and would do anything for anyone. 

Shafter was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Reedus; two sons, Jay Brown and Steve Runner; a granddaughter, Chassity Mack; a son-in-law, Louis Simms; siblings, John, George, Fannie, Allie Paul, AZ “Zebo” Jr., James Louis, and Zan; and two special cousins, Nina Harris and Dorothy Grigsby.

He is survived by three siblings: Thomas Redus (Deborah), Benny Redus (Barbara), and Doris Houston; a sister-in-law, Thelatha Harrison; seven children: Linda Simms, Mardina Nelson (Darnell), Jeffery Reedus (Angela), Evette Hudson (Gregory), Lydia Reedus, David Brown, and Danette Brown; 25 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-great grandchildren. They will all miss him dearly.