Alberta Louise Bingham Proctor

Mrs. Alberta Louise Bingham Proctor, 97, of Youngstown, transitioned to her heavenly mansion on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at her home with her loving and devoted family at her side.

Mrs. Proctor, affectionately known as “Louise,” was born May 11, 1929 in Salem, Ohio, a daughter of William Stanley Bingham and Maretta Louise Johnston. She was educated in the Salem School system. Louise worked several jobs throughout her lifetime, namely Perskey’s Department Store as a buyer in Salem; Barnetts Motel as a cook, just outside of Salem; and a domestic technician for several families. Louise retired as a caseworker with the Stark County Jobs and Family Service in Canton, Ohio, retiring after 14 years of service. Because of her love for books, she shared that her dream job would have been a “librarian.” Her favorite saying was “there is nothing like a good old book and turning the pages.”

Louise loved to cook and prepare family meals, and was very creative in the kitchen. She enjoyed music, especially at Christmas time. Her passion was preparing and cooking delicious meals while listening to the sounds of Mahalia Jackson which swelled the house. She also enjoyed the Messiah and older originally scored hymns. One of her favorite songs was “How great Thou Art.” Louise also played the piano and was a self-taught violinist. It was amusing that she would say that she could not sing, and that was so true.

Louise was part of the Salem African-American History Project Research Committee in which she helped collaborate and contribute to the making of the book “People of Courage,” African Americans in Salem, Ohio with the Historical Society; or as she referred to it as the “Hysterical Society.” She was also involved in a book club called “Loose Leaf,” which often had us traveling to meet in Moon Township for lunch and fellowship with friends in the book club. She would always say, “and you have to read the book.”

Louise was a former member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Salem, Ohio until the early 1970s, when she found a new place of worship at the Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown, under the pastorate of the late Bishop Norman L. Wagner. She remained a faithful member under Bishop C. Shawn Tyson until her passing. Although she was not involved in committees due to her living out of town and her age, she would often say, “but I can pray.”

Louise was married to Richard M. Proctor for 62 years, who was her best friend, provider, the love of her life, and prayer partner until his passing on August 20, 2010. To this union eight children were born.

She leaves to mourn her passing, but to rejoice in her wonderful life and legacy, five children, K. Elise Proctor (Greg) Andrews, Paul D. Proctor and Barbara E. Proctor-Archey all of Youngstown, Joan M. Proctor-McCullough of Massillon, and Joy L. Proctor-Rios of Akron; nieces, Loretta Bingham of Atlanta, Ga. and Jessica Bingham of Cleveland, Corrennia Price and Jannell Price Carter; nephews, Mark Carter of Poland, Ohio, James Bingham Jr. of Columbus and Robert Bingham of New Mexico, Terry and Jerry Price; great-nieces, India, Ezra, Tamara and Rachel; a great-nephew, Jason Bingham; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of family, church family and friends.

Besides her parents, and her husband; she was preceded in death by two sons, Gregory A. and Peter A. Proctor; a daughter, Cassandra K. Proctor-Butler; two sisters, Wilma Carter and Shirley Price; and three brothers, Gerald, Robert and James Bingham.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1812 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Beloit, Ohio.

Ministry of comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

6/10/26