We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Anthony Patrick, Sr. who transitioned September 2nd and was memorialized Saturday, September 7th at the W. F. Mapp Chapel. Pastor Sheldon Thomas officiated and delivered his eulogy and Mrs. Minnie Hudson was the program guide. Our prayers are with his family, especially his children Anthony D. Patrick, Kamisha Patrick (Josh) Thames, Antonio Patrick, and Austin Kincaid.
Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Gladys Rankin Lofton who passed August 26th at her home. Her Celebration of Life was held Saturday, September 7th at Greater Deliverance COGIC. Pastor Curtis McAfee officiated and delivered her eulogy. Min. Molly Wilborn-Jackson was the Mistress of Ceremony. Other program participants were Pastors Odee Aikens, Van Wilborn, Dino Terrell, Shirley Wilder, Evangelist Summer Moore, Sis. Vernece Gaines, Trente Bailey, and Bro. Ben Brantley. She loved to bake sweet potato pies and shared her cooking talents with the Raleigh School family as Cafeteria Worker for more than 35 years. Please keep her family in your prayers especially her daughters Earlene Jones, Linda Bender, Rebecca Ickom, Dorothy Cousin, Bettye Gaines, Vanessa Murphy; sons Billy, David, and Roger Dale; and siblings Oreadus (Rita) Wash and Frank Rankin. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
Please continue to remember our readers who are experiencing health challenges, some of whom have improved, namely, Ruby Warnsley, Delie Shepard, Iris O’Neal Gray Warnsley, Dorothy Pinkston, Wells Gray, Robert Jennings, Ken Ormond, Timothy Crudup, Gail Lee, McArthur Cotton, Don Bell, Margaret Wodetzki, Gwen Gary, Q. McClendon, Bobby Carter, Ruby Helen White, Martha Reed, Connie Sorey, Rita Wash, LaToya McClendon, Jo Taylor, Melvin Hodge, Linnie K. Lofton, Deon May, Jr., Shelley Joseph, Vera Patrick, C. J. Polk, McArthur Robinson, Jamisha Denise Benton, Irene Lyles, Nancy Myers, Travis Ward, Eleanor Longmire, Rubin and Belsy Ruiz, Curtis Derrick, Jordan Crump, Albert Lee Payton, Kenard Bowie, Jr., Connie Lewis Williams, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, Thomas Anderson, Cliff Qualls, Jr., Kristie Ware, Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, Henry Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, 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, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Lillian Gray, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, Nicholas Jones, John Norman, Renea Taylor, James Earl Nickson, Juanita Jones, Roosevelt “Shane” Smith, Elijah Ickom, Vernette Owens, Diane Williams, Dashell Earnest, Sherry Holmes, Will Hughes, Billy Jack Evans, Otha Herrington, Douglas Braggs, Robert Loper, Brittany Jones and other readers who are facing health challenges.
We are thankful that Mrs. Cora Coleman Towner is improving after having sustained serious injuries from the April tornadoes. She is thankful that she is making progress and returning to a normal life, and she is appreciative of all assistance and prayers received. Mrs. Towner was one of the first JTPA students at the Slaughter Library where Alderwoman Slaughter-Melton was her instructor. Please keep Mrs. Towner in your prayers.
The New Bethel M. B. Church Fall Revival was inspiring, encouraging and touched our souls. The Speakers/Evangelists for the week were Rev. J. R. Jennings from Newton’s Shiloh M. B. Church and Rev. Curtis Laster, Jr. from Morton’s Mt. Carmel M. B. Church. The Pastor is Vincent D. Hopkins, and the theme was “Revival and Reformation.” Devotion leaders were Deacons Douglas Barber, Ernest Love, Larry Brown and Thomas Smith. The New Bethel Choir provided beautiful revival and reformation music. We appreciate the invitations to share in these Revival Services and commend the Church family for “Reaching God’s People One Soul at A Time.”
The life and legacy of Debra Lewis Wilson was honored and celebrated on Saturday, September 7th at the Old Carthage Elementary School on Van Buren Street. The celebration was from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Her mother, Mrs. Minnie Yancy, welcomed all in attendance and thanked supporters for their many years of prayers. WLBT Anchorwoman Maggie Wade was the Mistress of Ceremony, and Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the Keynote Speaker. She was introduced by her friend of many years, Justice Court Judge Ruby Graham. Debra’s sisters, Evelyn Lewis Brown and Renee Lewis Hamilton, and her son, Andrew Lewis, coordinated the program with the assistance of Ruby Hill and other local citizens. Program participants were Rev. Kenneth Clayton, Carol Peoples, former Mayor Mary Ann Vivians, Mayor Laurie Henderson, Gabrielle Carson-McElroy, Evangelist Tonj Carter, Andrew Lewis, Cliff Harris, and the Free Mission Church Choir, her classmate Sharon Grimes, Debra Body Stewart, Leake County Marching Band, Brenda Stokes Reid, Robbin Coulon, and Sherri Ash. We enjoyed the “Live Re-Enactment” of the Walk into the School on September 7, 1964.
The Celebration touched all in attendance and tears filled many eyes as memories, reflections, songs, poems, and recollections of pain surfaced. Debra was indeed a brave little 6-year-old Black Girl who only wanted to go to school, and that she did —she graduated from Carthage High School in May, 1976!!! Her smile and her cheerful disposition, coupled with her bravery, was the definition of Debra Lewis. As she left for school that first day, she reminded her parents, lawyers, and Justice Department officials that she was ready to go to school by asking, “What are we waiting on? I’m ready to go.” Locals attending this Celebration were Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton, and nephew James A. E. Burwell, III. Among the more than 200+ attendees were Congressman Bennie Thompson, MHSP Pioneer R. O. Williams, SNCC activist McArthur Cotton from Attala County, and Kempton Derand Horton, grandson of Mrs. Winson Hudson. Legacy salutes Debra Lewis, her mother Mrs. Minnie Yancy, her father the late A. J. Lewis, and the local supporters and bodyguards, who, like Debra and her parents, believe that all children are created equal and should be afforded the same opportunities, rights, and privileges. Thank you, Smiling Beautiful Debra, for continuing to serve as the “Beacon Light.”
The September Cluster Club will meet on Tuesday, September 17th at 3:30 at the MHV Extension Office on Davis Street. Connie Wash will host the meeting. See you there.
The Scott County JSU Alumni Chapter will meet on Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 at the Forest Services Center.
Our readers are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in October by enjoying the Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival to be held October 12th at Farris Park in Morton. Legacy partners with El Pueblo to recognize, celebrate and appreciate our diversity in Scott County. One of the focal points is to celebrate family fun and provide a safe space for all. Music, authentic food, fun, soccer and other games, face painting, storytelling, heritage dances, and loads of additional fun top the festival agenda. Stay tuned for additional information.
Our readers are invited to join the Christian Banner United Methodist Church family as they celebrate the 4th Anniversary of their pastor, Rev. Vinson Jenkins, on Sunday, October 13th at 11:00 a.m. This church has a rich history of religious, social, and civic involvement in our community and in the United Methodist Church. We look forward to seeing you there.
Legacy salutes and honors Legacy Change Agent Grandparents who make worlds go “round and round” as they infuse their grands with love and more love. We shared Special Hugs and Kisses for Grandparents who are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re there. We hope you enjoyed your Special Day – Sunday, September 8th!!!!
Happy Birthday greetings to August babies born during the third week. Namely, Martha Stingley (16), Mandie Reed Hardy (19), Keon Boyd (20), Jacques Jones (21), and Angel Laster, Dr. Lorraine Dozier, Charlotte Moman, Casey Futch, Ruby Anderson, and Quita Barrett (22).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 788: Among the elected officials residing in District One were/are Myra Murrell Davis, Rebecca Gray, Mrs. Fannie Bradford, Roy Pinkston, Sherell Brown, Jackie Bradford, Greg Nicks, John Kelley, Jerutha Steptoe, Mrs. Bertha Stowers, Dr. Locord Wilson, Monzell Stowers, Johnny Owens, Michael Robinson, and Mattye Evans.
Quiz Teaser # 789: Which Scott County African American owned business has operated for more than 60 years? Who is the owner?
