Donald Cleveland Otey

Donald Cleveland Otey, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 12, 2010 after God wrapped His arms around him, whispered in his ear and led him to the Pearly Gates of Heaven. He was born August 6, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia, the youngest child of the late William “WG” Otey and Beatrice Johnson Otey. Donald accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Providence Forge, Virginia. He was educated in the Richmond Public School system and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1960. After graduation, he joined the military and served in the United States Air Force until 1963. He served his country proudly and returned home from the military with an honorable discharge and went to work as a truck driver and machinist. He relocated to Newark, New Jersey in the early 1970s. Donald went to work for Local 1135 (formerly Local 699), the Construction and Building Trade Union as a laborer, until he became disabled in 1995. Through the years he enjoyed worshiping at various churches in the Newark area. He joined Greater Friendship Baptist Church last year where he was a Missionary, feeding and cooking for the homeless shelter and giving out clothes. It was evident that he truly loved the Lord and he worshipped him faithfully. For many years he was an avid bowler. His other hobbies included playing pinochle with family and friends, and spoiling his grandchildren. Donald loved being around family both in Newark and Virginia. He enjoyed family events and would travel back “home” whenever possible. His last trip “home” took him on a journey to our Lord and Savior. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, Donald is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Charlene Otey; one daughter, Iris Streat (Gerald) of Green Bay, VA; three sons, Donald C. Johnson (Cassandra) of Midlothian, VA, Lonnell Tuddles Otey (Malia) of White Hall, PA and Michael J. Otey of Newark, NJ; eleven grandchildren, Tiffany Streat, Courtney Streat, Donte Johnson, Donesha Frazier, Danika Johnson, Kelsey Jones-Johnson, Xavier Johnson-Carr, Kylen Johnson-Carr, Imani Wongbe-Tuddles, Malachi Tuddles, Janya Otey; and one great-granddaughter, Briella Garcia; two brothers, Ulysses G. Otey (Jean) and William Otey (Carolyn); three brothers-in-law, Robert Tuddles Jr., Roland Tuddles and Ronnie Tuddles; three sisters-in-law, Ernestine Swain, Patricia Settles and Debbie Tuddles Garrison; cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of other friends and loved ones.

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Donald Cleveland Otey

August 6, 1941 - June 12, 2010