Long-time San Diego resident, Era Cass, passed away on July 22, 2024. Born on August 5, 1938, she and her husband Manuel made San Diego their home in 1963. She was very active in the community and was always willing to help people. She was a long-time member of Bayview Baptist Church, initially under the leadership of the late Pastor Timothy J. Winters, now Pastor Terry W. Brooks. Era was active in various ministries in her church.
She was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 5179 Ladies Auxiliary. She held the office of President for two terms, along with secretary and treasurer positions. She was also involved with organizations such as the American Legion, Eastern Star (5th Degree), Red Hat Society, Black Businesswomen of San Diego, and the Women’s Civic League.
Era worked as an educator at San Diego City School until her retirement in 2003. She retired as a proud Lincoln High School Hornet educator and assisted hundreds of kids over the years. Her final service was as President of the residents at La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation. She was known for her sense of great fashion and was recognized as one of San Diego’s 10 Best Dressed. She loved visiting the sick and shut-in at the local VA hospitals and convalescence homes, she donated her famous quilts to the facilities and her loved ones, and if you were special, you got one of her delicious famous lemon cakes.
She enjoyed attending various events, including birthday parties, Gospel/Jazz concerts, Padre baseball games, and football games. She loved sports and loved her football squares. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Era was an advocate for senior citizens and always looked out for them. She had a quick wit, and always spoke her mind.
She has earned her wings, and there is no more pain.
Era was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ella Warwick, Manuel C. Cass Sr., son William Cavin, and stepson Ronnie Cunningham Sr.
She leaves behind to mourn daughters; Yolanda Hill (Kenny Hill), Daphne Cass, and Priscilla Ford (Edward Ford Jr.), son Manuel C. Cass Jr. (Freda Hudson), sisters; Viola Scott and Yvonne Bolden, brothers; William Scott (Barbara) and Julius Scott, sister-in-law Norma Jean Beavers (Rev Beavers), grandchildren; Tione Cass-Ford, Antonique Rankin, Manuel D. Cass, Manuel C. Cass, Rashad Hill, Amaya Marrs, Amadi Cass, Kayla Andrews, Ronnie Jr, Jessica and Manuel Roy Cunningham, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, adopted sons and daughters, as well as lifelong friends who loved her like a sister.
