More than 45 law enforcement officers paid tribute to their fallen brother, Deputy Sheriff Julian M. Parker, during his Memorial Tribute held at the Forest Elementary School Auditorium Saturday, February 18th. These officers were joined by more than 450 family members and friends who displayed their love and affection for this “gentle giant” who was the son of Mrs. Rita Parker Johnson. It was not a funeral but a celebration of his life and legacy. Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey, one of his godmothers, was the mistress of ceremony. Other Tribute Program participants were his cousins Roger Grisle, Freddie Parker, and Yvonne Grisle Shepard, friend James Burwell, Jr., classmate Darryl Evans, teacher Mayor Nancy Chambers, and colleague/supervisor/friend Deputy Sheriff Marcus “Pete” Tingle, Pastors Larry Reed, Shawn Croff, and Sheldon Thomas, who brought words of comfort. Mr. R. C. Williams provided the musical tributes to Deputy Sheriff Parker. One of the most impactful and memorable pieces of this Tribute was the “End of Watch Call for Deputy Sheriff Julian Parker SO 25” which brought tears to our eyes and hearts. Thanks to Deputy Sheriff Tingle and other members of the Sheriff’s family, including Sheriff Mike Lee, for this presentation.
Special thanks to those who loved “Our Julian” and to those who provided medical care and attention during his last days, namely Christy Bell, Accent Care, Pam Smith, Rani Bunkley, Gary Morris, Janice and Barry Stevens, and Sasha Stewart. A very special thank you from his sons, Nicholas, and Mathew. Addition expressions of appreciation for loving “Our Julian” will be shared in next week’s column.
A beautiful Celebration of Life was held for a beautiful soul and sweet spirit, Ms. Kei’Erika Rocha Harris at the True Light M. B. Church on February 18th. Dr. Larry Weathers is the Pastor and Rev. Marcus Mann officiated and delivered the eulogy. Mrs. Grace Moore Davis was the mistress of ceremony. Other program participants were Rev. Sheldon Thomas, Bank of Forest (B/F) President Drew Kenna and B/F E-Services Officer Evangelist Lottie Towner, Mickie Parker, Meridian Community College’s Mrs. Prashala McGee and Tiara Henry, Mrs. Tanya Evans, and Ms. Meece Lindsey. Her beautiful children, Karleigh, O’Neal, and Isaiah Robinson drew pictures of loving tribute to their loving mother whose radiant smile was her trademark.
Our prayers continue to be with her parents and other family members who were identified in last week’s column. Whitehead Funeral Services was entrusted with final arrangements.
Our prayers continue to be with Greg and Janice Johnson in the transition of their son, Sean Johnson. His Memorial Service is Saturday, February 25th at 3:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 3029 Greenfield Road, Pearl, MS. There will also be a zoom tie in with Meeting ID 983-3488-1506, password 027807, and Dial in Number 769-209-1066, pin 607626. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Anthony Robbins, Jr. who died February 2nd. His Homegoing was held February 11th at Pleasant Gift in Morton. Rev. Reginald McCoy officiated and delivered his eulogy. Joshua Little was a program participant. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with final arrangements.
We continue to remember our readers and supporters who are experiencing health challenges, namely, Former President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter, LaToya McClendon, Bonnie Russell Hodge, Don Bell, Gail Lee, Bryce Pittman (grandson of Charles Longmire), Bobbye Carter, Lawrence Smith, Rev. Floyd McConnell, John “Butch” Wilson, Rev. Willie Ray Pinkston, Thomas Anderson, Kristie Ware, Kaleb Walker (grandson of Charlie and Mary Walker), William Edward, Jr. (father of Susie Jackson Boyd), Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Carolyn Knowles, Ledora Benton, Henry and Marquita Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, Kitty Colbert, Sidney Ellis, Sammie Jean Webb, Anderson “Yellow” Stingley, Dorothy Mae Patrick Tigar, London Thompson, Melba Dixon, Mitch and Mary Nichols, Lucille Flex, Laura Jackson, Roseann Lynn, Brandi Sharp, Beverly Hollingsworth, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Thelma Haskins (sister of the late Mrs. Olivia Kelley Slaughter), Representative Alyce Clark, and other readers who are facing health challenges.
St Michael Catholic Church parishioners enjoyed Fr. Adolfo’s Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Times homily. He encouraged parishioners to trust in the Lord and asked, “How much do you love the Lord?” If we love the Lord, we must not hate our brothers and sisters. Following the Lord, we must give as he gave and let it be genuinely from our hearts. During this Lenten season, we should try to love others as God loves us. Ash Wednesday services are 5:00 p.m. at Forest and 12 noon in Newton.
Lynch Chapel U. M. Church family enjoyed Sunday Service where Pastor Shirley Wilder addressed the theme of “Prayer Is the Key to Heaven, but our Faith Unlocks the Door.” Her scripture was Jeremiah 33:3. Spring Revival will begin March 6th and run through March 8th with the theme “The Time for Change is Now.” Evangelists are Monday, Rev. Kevin Clark (Canton), Rev. Cynthia Cross (Jackson – Aldergate), and Rev. E. J. Shephard (Union Grove and Sylvester U.M.), Our readers are invited to attend.
The Scott County JSU Alumni Association met February 18th and members discussed upcoming events, including the March Madness Fundraiser and the JSU Spring Banquet. More details are forthcoming.
The Women’s Day program at New Chapel U. M. Church, pastored by Rev. Shirley Wilder, in Pulaski centered around the theme, “Women Hand in Hand Walking by Faith with Jesus.” Speakers were Pastor Shirley Wilder, Evangelists Melody Reed, Sommer Moore, and Andrea Duncan.
The Cluster Club (MHV) held its February 9th meeting at the Downtown Extension office. The main agenda item was ladies filling Valentine bags for youth at Oakdale Apartments. Members present were Carolyn Macon, Connie Wash, Ester Perry, Mary Lofton, and Desaree Bradford. These Valentine bags were delivered by members Connie Wash and Cynthia Slaughter Melton the day before Valentine’s Day. The next leadership meeting is February 28th.
Not only was Valentine’s Day special for lovers, but it was a special day for a special surprise birthday party for Eloise Reed. She was totally caught off guard when she returned to the Legacy Center after delivering Valentine Love Gifts to Bedford Convalescent residents in Newton. Participating in the “Surprise” were Glenda Graham, Betty Jo Weidman, Nida Graham, Bonnie Stowers, and Joyce Graham. Her daughter, Jerrice Reed Graham, and Constance Olivia Burwell assisted in planning the Surprise.
Legacy Connection Change Agents tried their skills at Legacy’s effective communications and critical thinking workshop with learning tools gifted by Legacy Agents and Attorney Colette Oldmixon. The workshop was Saturday, February 18th under the tutelage of Legacy Executive Director Constance Olivia Harvey Burwell. The next workshop is the first Saturday in March. Among those Change Agents participating Erin Derricks, Coven Shepard, Azaeliyah Lyles, Addison Lyles, Calynce Shepard, Breyial Joseph, Nikem Nicks, James Burwell, III, Av’anna James, Philanecia Stowers and Aniyah James.
We enjoyed our visit from one of our original Legacy Change Agents Kentavious Marbuary who received his basic training at Parris Island, and is now a Marine. Congratulations Marine Marbuary and we are so proud of you. He is the son of Ms. Louise Washington.
Happy birthday greetings to babies born during the first week in March, namely, Lillian Gray and Kendrick Haralson (1), Bobby Harris Greer, Undrae Evans, Mary Patrick, Shonda Sanders, Latia Brantley and Joseph Greenhouse (3), Alex Brown and Sherrita McBride (4), Dr. Ramona Strong, Letitta Ringo and Dezavian Evans (5).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #708: Coach Maurice Bowie was the first African American Basketball Coach at East Central Community College. He is presently serving as Morton High School Basketball Coach after having led the Lake Basketball Team to a State Championship. He has received many honors including Coach of the Year. Additional accomplishments may be found by Googling him.
Quiz Teaser # 709 Which Scott County African American football player (s) played in a Super Bowl game?
