Our hearts are saddened with the passing of the “Lavender Queen” Mrs. Ester Roberson, who was featured in last week’s column with her 103rd Birthday Party. Mrs. Roberson fell at her home and later died August 1st at the Jones County Medical Center. On August 5th, a beautiful Homegoing Celebration was held at her home church, Galilee M. B. Church, with Pastor Lee E. Crosby officiating and delivering her eulogy. Mrs. Patricia Sims was the Mistress of Ceremony and other program participants were Revs. Sheldon Thomas, Johnny Ray Sims and Christopher Derricks, Pastor Hannah Cowling, Ms. Sheila Bobbitt, Woodrow Cox, Sr., Ms. Stephany Minor, and the singing Hamilton Sisters. This Celebration of Life was special because Mrs. Roberson was prepared, as she often said, to meet God after serving as Christ’s hands for the past 103 years.
She was known for her tea cakes and fried apple pies, handmade baby blankets, quilts, wedding gowns, purses, lingerie, suits, and curtains. She was one of the best seamstresses in the county. Her Life’s Reflections in her Celebration program truly reflect this Lavender Queen who was the oldest living resident in Smith County. Please remember her family and friends in your prayers, especially her children, Freddie, Winnie Dixon, Dorothy Davis, Mary I. Bond, and Marvia Robinson. Her services were entrusted to Bay Springs Funeral Home.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Joe “Tiny” McKee, Jr. who passed July 26th at his home surrounded by his family. A beautiful Celebration of Life was held at Bethlehem M. B. Church in Lena. Pastor DeWayne Bloodsaw officiated and delivered his eulogy. Ms. Gladys Jean Slaughter was the Mistress of Ceremony and other program participants were Ministers Benjamin Lewis and Sylvester McKee, Antonio Chambers, Pastor Eric Jones, Angela McKee, and Princess Sharpe. He was remembered as a hard worker (Tyson for 30+ years), and one who smiled with a heart of gold. Please keep his family in your prayers, especially his wife of 42 years, Mrs. Edna McKee, and their children, Patsy-Ann Boyd, Joann McKee, Yulonda Smith, Arkebia Harris, Jasmine Barnes, Marcus Warnsley, and Joseph McKee. W. F. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Joe Nickson who departed this life July 30th with his family at his side. A beautiful Homegoing Service was held August 5th at Mount Zion M. B. Church in Conehatta with Rev. Jermaine Jones officiating and delivering his eulogy, “A Time to Die.” Ms. Regina Yarborough was the Mistress of Ceremony. Other program participants were Ms. Deidra Pickens, Gail Johnson, Deacon John Lampkin, Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton, Ruby Warnsley, Ann Brown, Brenda Riley, and Brenda Burnside. Mr. Nickson was remembered as one of the best plumbers in this area, and a man who was helpful and loved his community. He also had a special sense of humor. Please keep, in your prayers, his wife, Mrs. Eddie Mae, and their children Joey O’lay and Kellie Nicole. W. F. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
Family and friends of Mrs. Kathryn “Kitty” Colbert gathered at the Ott & Lee Chapel to pay final respect to “Miss Kitty.” Brother Reggie Tatum officiated. Her son, Dr. Don Colbert, Jr., shared memories of his mother’s life which were mixed with tears and smiles. He thanked his brother Dan who cared for Miss Kitty and his sister Kitzi Norman for relieving her brother on weekends. His uncle Thomas and Ann were also thanked. Two of Miss Kitty’s songs were beautifully performed by Mrs. Christy Rushing. Mrs. Lessie Smith, Vice President of Community Bank, shared special memories of Miss Kitty when she was the operator, reception, and ambassador at the bank. She described Miss Kitty as “the Shunammite Woman.” In closing, Brother Tatum shared precious moments spent with Miss Kitty and her late husband, Don, Sr., and remembered her as the “most beautiful lady, inside and outside.”
Please continue to remember our readers who are experiencing health challenges, namely, LaToya McClendon, Rubin Ruiz, Bonnie Russell Hodge, Don Bell, Gail Lee, Jordan Crump, D’Tahj McClendon Lewis, Timothy Crudup, Kenard Bowie, Jr., Bobbie Carter, Connie Lewis Williams, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, John “Butch” Wilson, Dianne Cox, Thomas Anderson, Kristie Ware, Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, Henry and Marquita 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, Beverly Hollingsworth, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, Nancy Myers, Nicholas Jones, and other readers who are facing health challenges.
Saint Michael Catholic Church parishioners celebrated the Transfiguration of the Lord on the first Sunday in August. Acolyte Roy Acourt presided and addressed “Flashes of Grace” and he challenged us to ponder, “How has the grace of God sustained us?” Matthew 17:2 was his Scripture reference. Prayers for Fr. Adolfo who is on vacation.
Lynch Chapel U. M. Church members celebrated the first Sunday in August with a message from Pastor Shirley Wilder. Her message was “How Many of You Believe There is Something About the Name of Jesus.” Her Scripture reference was Acts 4:12.
We enjoyed the “Bingo Event” which was held at the Forest Library at 2:00 p.m. on August 3rd. The fun, food, gifts, and bingo cards were the highlights of this event. Special thanks to Library Director Diane McLaurin and Laura Grice from Ott & Lee Funeral Home. We’re looking forward to the next “Bingo Event” in October!
Legacy’s FA/CPR Kids Bootcamp was held at the Legacy Center/Slaughter Library on August 5th and participants attending this Bootcamp received Certificates of Participation. They were Michael Walden, III, James Burwell, III, Raigen Walker, Mahkyla Walden, Erin James, Av’Anna James, Addison Lyles, Nathaniel James, Zaniyah Brazzle and Autumn Jones. Congratulations! Thanks to Mrs. Jessica Willis-Ridgeway of Vital Hearts, LLC for such a wonderful Bootcamp.
We enjoyed the MS Association for Justice’s Lunch and Learn CLE “Saturday Session with the Bench held August 5th at The Denton. Featured speakers were Justice Jim Kitchens, Judges Virginia Carlton, Latrice Westbrooks, and David McCarty. Local Attorney Brandi Gatewood was the hostess and provided an enjoyable learning and relaxing environment.
MHV Cluster Club members met on August 1st at the downtown Extension Office. Mrs. Esther Perry was the August meeting hostess. Members discussed several community projects. Ladies in attendance were Carolyn Macon, Dorothy Strong, Cynthia Melton, and Desaree Bradford. Mrs. Perry provided a delicious old-fashioned meal to go. Thanks, Mrs. Perry, for the great hospitality and food.
The Scott County MHV Training was held July 25th with President Frisky Roland welcoming members. The Morton Club provided devotion and Amanda Blakney presented “How to Make a Terrarium.” Kathy Warren shared minutes. July babies Connie Wash and Esther Perry were honored. The Homemaker’s Fair/Lunch & Learn is September 13th and the Creative Christmas/MHV Baking Contest is November 9th to be held at the Forest Community Center.
Legacy’s Executive Director Constance Burwell announces the Legacy Connections Youth Leadership (LCYL) Program which will be held the first three Saturdays of August, September, October, and November from 10-2 at the Slaughter Memorial Library/Legacy Center. There are three slots left and you may call 601-469-0990 for additional information.
The first LCYL Session, held August 5th, was successful, and participants enjoyed their learning activities. Special thanks to Dr. Rhonda Kelley who volunteered and assisted, along with E. D. Burwell, in conducting this inaugural session.
Happy Birthday greetings to August babies born between the 10th – 17th, namely, Charles Brown (10), Nickerri Nicks, Michael Johnson, Raphael Nicks, Denise Sweet Owens, Constance Olivia Harvey Burwell, Justice Michelle Reed and Elisa Rigmaiden (11), Marcus Johnson (12), Destiny Foster, Brandon Harris, Kathy Sanders, and Marquavious Bradford (13), and Tony Sanders, Tammy Longmire and Ethan Hunt (14).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #732: Datodrick “Todrick” Pinkston follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, former Election Commissioner and Forest High School Coach Roy Pinkston. Coach Datodrick Pinkston is the Forest High School Basketball Coach. We wish him well this coming year! Thanks to Melba Catching for the correct response.
Quiz Teaser # 733: Who is the only African American Physician/Doctor in Scott County?
