Birdaree Friend

Birdie (Birdie) Friend, 101 years old, passed peacefully in her sleep on April 16, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, mother and a grandmother. In her 101 years, she touched many lives with her wisdom, humor, food and strong faith in God.

She was born on February 10, 1925, in Akron, Ohio to parents Estelle (Weems) Sherfield and William James Sherfield.She lived much of her life in Akron, Ohio before moving to Phoenix in 2013. She was a 1943 graduate of Akron South High School.

She married Johnny, bore five children and bought a home on Bristol Terrace, in Akron, which became a gathering place for family, friends and cookouts for many years. She worked as a Day Worker, providing cleaning services, and established many long term and loyal clients. She was also a Foster Grandparent with the Akron-Summit Community Action agency. Birdaree was involved with her family and her community over the years, serving as the secretary of the Akron Weems Family Club and a member of the Ed Davis Senior group. She was also a faithful member of the Community Fellowship Chapel, Akron, Ohio.

Birdaree was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny; daughter Cynthia; brothers: John, Eddie, Myles, Melvin, Marvin; sisters: Arlene, Vivian, Mary Esther, and Joyce.

She is survived by her sister Carol Gray of Warrensville Heights; sons: Merlin Friend of Maryland, daughter, Tamara Friend of Arizona; sons: Keith Friend of Florida and Kevin Friend of Arizona. She leaves three grandsons: Michael (Carolyn); John (Stephany) all of Arizona, and Vince, of Akron; Four granddaughters: Monique, of Tennessee; Jocelyn, Lauren (Fredric), and Chantel (Herman), all from Maryland. There are nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be greatly missed and remembered forever.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for the cards, calls, and expressions of sympathy during this time of sorrow.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29th from 11:30am-12:00pm at Adams Mason Funeral Home (791 E Market St., Akron, OH).

Funeral services will begin Wednesday, April 29th at 12PM. Interment to follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330)-535-9186