Birdaree Friend

Birdaree (Birdie) Friend was 101 years old and passed peacefully in her sleep on April 16th, 2026, in Phoenix Arizona. She was a daughter, a sister, a 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. She was a graduate of South High School Akron 1943. She lived much of her life in Akron Ohio before moving to Phoenix Arizona 2013.

She married Johnny and bore five children and bought a home on Bristol Terrance in West Akron which became a gathering place for friends’ family and cookouts for many years. She worked as a Day Worker (cleaning Services) over the years and established many long term and loyal clients. Birdaree was involved in her family and her community over the years. She was a long-time member of the Ed Davis Senior Center as well as Secretary for the Akron Chapter of the Weems Family Club and she was also faithful member of Community Fellowship Chapel.

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

Birdaree is survived by her sister Carol Ware, Warrensville, Ohio; son Merlin Friend, Maryland, daughter Tamara Friend, Arizona, son Keith Friend, Florida and Kevin Friend, Arizona; three grandsons, Michael (Carolyn), Arizona, John (Stephany), Arizona and Vince. Akron; four granddaughters, Monique, Tennessee, Jocelyn, Maryland, Lauren (Fredric), Maryland and Chantel (Herman), Maryland, 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. 

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