Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the death and transition of Mrs. Bonnie Jean Russell Hodge on Saturday, February 17th. Our prayers are with her family, especially her husband, Mr. Melvin Hodge, and son, Tavares. Mrs. Hodge was a longtime Legacy Change Agent who shared her talents and gifts with the Legacy children and other beneficiaries. Memorial arrangements are incomplete.
We are sorry to learn of the death and transition of Mrs. Linda Suwinski, former resident of Forest and the widow of Don Suwinski. Please keep her family, especially her son Mark, in your prayers.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Bianca Patrick, Forest High School graduate, who died in an auto accident February 11th. A beautiful Homegoing Celebration was held Sunday, February 18th at Antioch Baptist Church in Lake. Pastor Willie Robinson officiated and delivered her eulogy. Ms. Ruby Robinson was the Mistress of Ceremony and other program participants were Pastor Tim Ringo, Jay Bell and several friends who shared precious memories. Our prayers are with her children, Shinyya, Za’Kerri and Shyheem Patrick, her parents, Audrey Patrick, Herbert (Tracey) Riley and Richard Wright, and other family members. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Pauline Bryant whose Life was Celebrated February 17th at Mt. Carmel M. B. Church with Superintendent Tracy Boyd officiating and delivering her eulogy. Mrs. Betty Earby was the Program Guide, and other program participants were Pastors Willie Jones, Curtis Laster, Jr., Rochelle Wright, and Carlos Wilson, Ms. Annquenetta Simon, Mrs. Jacqueline McDougle, her daughter Mrs. Portia Simon Brown, and grandson Eldredge Simon, III. The Mt. Carmel Choir provided beautiful music in her honor. Mrs. Bryant was a classy dresser and loved to provide services to those in need especially Excel (Morton Community Center) beneficiaries. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her daughter Portia Simon Brown and son Eldredge Simon, Jr. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
Please keep the family of Mr. Johnnie “JROCK” Finderson in your prayers, especially his wife, Mrs. Shyria Smith Finderson. Mr. Finderson, a graduate of Cornerstone Christian School, died February 10th and his Life was Celebrated February 17th at Abundant Grace Temple of Deliverance Church. Bishop O. D. Akins officiated and delivered his eulogy. Ms. Melody Reed was the Mistress of Ceremony and other program participants were Mrs. Hope Lucious, Pastor Lillie Randall, Ms. Monique Carter, and Ms. Natasha Smith. Our prayers are with his family, especially his wife, daughter Khaliya Evans, and his mother Mrs. Shirley Ransom. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
We enjoyed hearing from Mrs. Roseann Lynch who called to extend Valentine love to all.
Kudo to 4-year-old Elijuwan Johnson for his display of good manners. Young Johnson accompanied his grandmother and mother to a store and held the door open for customers. He even volunteered to display his athletic prowess by illustrating his “push-up” agility. He is looking forward to attending Pre-K next year. He is the son of Courtney Williams of Forest.
Congratulations to Antarral M. “Dee” Pinkston on his scholarship to Jones Community College in Ellisville. He is the son of Arnedral “Nee Nee” Pinkston and Cedric Pace. Way to go Dee!!!!!
Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the guest speaker at the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on February 17th at the historic St. Paul United Methodist Church. The theme was “Why the Movement Matters.” She was introduced by Attorney Angela Given Williams. Other program participants were Sorors Melvia Jackson, Jammieca Godfry, Irene Williams-Jones, and the classy performers in “The Dance Place.” There was a reception following the program which featured “Deltas in the Movement” Poster Exhibit. Prizes were presented to the winners. Special thanks to Constance and James III (Tre’) Burwell for accompanying Attorney Harvey, who was showered with roses, fruit basket, plaque, and other gifts. Members of the “African American Attorneys in the Pine Belt Area” were present to participate in honoring Attorney Slaughter-Harvey, and they, too, showered her with love and gifts. Special thanks to the “Nicks Family” for their support and presence, namely Janet Nicks Williams from Forest, Ethel Deneise Nicks Thomas, and Larry Nicks from Hattiesburg.
The “Evening of Excellence” held Sunday, February 18th at the Lynch Chapel U. M. Church was indeed an evening of celebration of excellence. The event featured and honored members of the Forest Inspirational Singers who have performed for more than 45 years under the leadership of founders, Rev. Walter and Mrs. Faye Patrick. Mrs. Susie Jackson was the Mistress of Ceremony, and other participants were Pastor Shirley Wilder, Ms. Brianna Payton, Mrs. Minnie Holifield, Mrs. Myra Murrell Davis, Charles Longmire, Jackie Bradford, Vincent Solomon, Dillion Thomas, the Patrick Family Singers, and Tributes were given by Charles Longmire for Dr. Marshall Longmire, Jackie Bradford for his mother, Mrs. Fannie Bradford, Vincent Solomon for Pearl and James Clark, Dillon Thomas for Theoplis Hayes, and Constance Slaughter-Harvey for W. L. and Olivia Slaughter. The Smiling Rose Gospel Group, organized by the late Clifton Qualls, performed several gospel songs, one of which was “I’m Pressing On.” Rev. Sheldon Thomas, who was the guest speaker, shared remarks that were most encouraging and historical in nature. He was followed by Rev. Walter Patrick who expressed appreciation to those in attendance. The highlight of the Evening of Excellence was the performance of a skit written by the late Mrs. Olivia Kelley Slaughter, entitled “Reflections of Days Past.” The actors were Arnold Gary, Braylon Hughes, Faye Patrick, Walter Patrick, Xzavior Patrick, and Jenia Turner. Mrs. Slaughter would have been very proud of these actors as they performed the 40+ year play. Thanks to the Forest Inspirational Singers for their dedicated service to our community.
Happy belated birthday to Evangelist Eloise Graham Reed who celebrated her birthday on Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. She expressed appreciation to God, family, and friends as she was gifted with another year.
Please mark your calendars to attend the SCTS/ETHHS Reunion Planning Committee meeting to be held February 24th at 3:00 at Hawkins Gym.
Black History Month will be celebrated at the Christian Banner U. M. Church in Morton on February 24th at 5:30. The special guest speaker will be Mr. Ralph Peterson, a 1967 Freedom of Choice student. Dr. Stephanie York Rhodes is the sponsor and Rev. Vinson Jenkins is the Pastor.
The Green Grove Church in Lake (1689 Norris Homewood Road) will sponsor its Black History program Sunday, February 25th at 11:00 a.m. Forest Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton will be the guest speaker. Rev. Johnny Sims is the Pastor.
The MHV Fashion Revue and Leadership Training will be held on Tuesday, February 27th at 1:00 at the MSU Extension Scott County Office Downtown. The Cluster Club will be in charge of devotion.
Happy Birthday greetings to February babies born during the last week, namely Latrevious Pinkston, Garnetta Harrison and Chase Norman (21), Aseanti Palm (22), Renee Reyes (24), Zakiya Nicks and Gary Butler (25), Joetta Sanders (26), Martavious Odom, Luchiano Campuzano and Jadarius McClendon (27), Andrew Murrell, Ollie Darby, Betty Jones, Loretta Brown, Brian Kimble, Alexus Rasco and Violetta David (28).
Answer to National/State Black History Quiz Teaser #760: Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Well was elected the XI Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and her ordination will take place on July 20th. Bishop Sharma D. Lewis is the Resident Bishop of The Mississippi Episcopal of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was assigned to Mississippi on January 1, 2023. Both Bishops are African American women.
National/State Black History Quiz Teaser #761: Which U. S. Coast Guard Captain was recently promoted to Rear Admiral and is leading The Port of New York? That promotion is recorded in the U. S. Coast Guard history?
