We are sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Linda Sessums, a long time florist, who designed and decorated floral arrangements at Petals. She transitioned Friday, November 9th and was memorialized Monday, November 12th. Our prayers are with her family.
Beautiful memories were shared by those who knew and loved Mrs. Barbara Nell Curry Ormond Saturday at New Friendship M. B. Church. Rev. Sheldon Thomas officiated and delivered a special eulogy where he encouraged all to remember Mother Ormond’s life as being ”Good to the Last Drop.” Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the mistress of ceremony and other program participants included Pastor Raymond Johnson, Jr., Pastor Calvin Smith, Alderman Cynthia Melton, Deacon Randy Pearson and Deacon Edward Patrick. Rev. Bobby Stapleton, Jr. provided an uplifting musical spiritual and was assisted by musician/pianist Mrs. Myra Murrell Davis. Our prayers are with her family including her husband, Otis, Sr., and children Kenneth, Angel (Christopher) Rash, Otis, Jr., Barbara (Chuck) Patrick and Christopher Curry. Evans Memorial was in charge of arrangements.
The life of Mr. Josephus “Joe” Willis was celebrated Friday, November 16th at Mapp Funeral Home Chapel. It was a beautiful celebration where Rev. Paul Cox from Houston, TX officiated and provided the eulogy. Rev. Walter Patrick and Evangelist Spring Williams-Cox were program participants. Beautiful musical selections were provided by the Willis family. Please remember his family, especially his children; Susie Lois McDonald, Francis Dean (Willie Ruth), and Joe Isaac (Cornelia), in your prayers.
Our community lost a religious and spiritual giant and pioneer with the passing of Pastor Roy Tavia Murray November 6th. A beautiful Celebration of Life was held Saturday, November 17th at Greater Deliverance COGIC with Bishop Daniel Littleton officiating and delivering the Voice of the Jurisdiction. Elder Thomas Bryant was the master of ceremony and program participants included Pastors J. J. Thompson, Larry Henderson, Charlie Jones, Rickey Viverette, Timothy Croft, Terry Frazier, Nathaniel Henson, Anthony Norwood, Scharvin Grizzell, and Clyde Johnson. Other participants were Missionaries Clinese Roberts, Doris Henson, Mary Henson, Nancy Scott and Mother Frankie Murray; Renessa Bryant, Dana Ricks, Rotoniya Kendrick, and Abraham Jones also participated. Music was provided by the Jurisdictional Choir and Jason Viverette. Supt. Bobbie Henson delivered the Proclamation of Hope. Our prayers are with his family including his wife, Lillie Murray, and his children Katie Frazier, Emma (Leonard) Shadwick, Levi (LaDonna), Hubert, and Leroy (Earline). Please keep his family in your prayers.
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges, namely Julian Parker, Patty Reynolds, Connie Stewart, Shawanda Matheny and others.
Members of the W. L. Slaughter Subdivision Homeowners Executive Committee met Monday, November 5th at the Slaughter Library where president Carl Lamb presided. Plans were finalized for the Subdivision Sign dedication. Secretary Barbara Gray, Treasurer Lena Glenn, Mae Lizzie Jones and Rita Wash were in attendance. Homeowners are reminded of the Holiday Potluck Party to be held Sunday, December 9th from 1-4 p.m.
Members enjoyed the Health Is Wealth/Historical Society Fall Luncheon Program where retired Navy Petty Officer Shirley Sykes was the presenter with the subject, “Accepting the Healthy Life Style Challenges.” Enjoying this program and the delicious food were Rev. Charles and Ester Watkins, Henry Slaughter, Marquita Patrick, Bonnie Floyd Stowers, Rita Parker, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Elizabeth “Liz” Ferrell, Dorothy Pinkston, Andrew Crudup and Ester Perry.
The Scott County JSU Alumni Chapter hosted its Annual JSU Little Miss/Master JSU Pageant November 4th at the Forest Services Center. Chenita Perry was the mistress of ceremony and other program participants were President Maxine Gilmore, Jordan Stewart, Chris Derrick, Ester Perry and Cynthia Melton. Club member Carolyn Macon was also in attendance and provided assistance. Congratulations to participants and winners! Bella Evans, daughter of Pam and Andre Evans and sponsored by Carolyn Macon, won the Little Miss JSU and was the second place fund raiser. Chance Kincaid, son of Adrianna Derrick and Chad Kincaid and sponsored by Cynthia Melton, won the Little Master JSU. He was the overall Pageant fundraiser winner, and Praydden McGee, son of John and Parshala McGee and sponsored by Patsy Bland, was the runner up to Little Master JSU. Congratulations to these youths, their parents and sponsors!
Legacy mentors Crudup, Slaughter, Kelley, Strong, Dawson, Sykes, Slaughter-Harvey, and Pinkston enjoyed the delicious Thanksgiving feast at Hawkins Middle School. We also enjoyed breaking bread with local law enforcement, fire department officials, and the Hawkins Middle School family. It was a great meal and we applaud the students for their behavior.
The County Bar Associations of Scott, Newton and Jasper in conjunction with Chancery Clerks from those counties, will host a Retirement Reception for Second District Chancellor H. David Clark. Chancellor Clark will retire December 31, 2018 after 29 years of quality and committed service to the citizens of Scott, Newton and Jasper Counties. The event will be held Thursday, December 6th at 1:00 at the Scott County Courthouse (Circuit Court Courtroom). This invitation is extended to our readers and the public. Additional details will follow.
Let us pause and remember to thank God for His goodness during this Thanksgiving Season and in so doing, remember that courtesies and kindness to others are not “seasonal virtues” — they should be shared and visible every day. Happy Thanksgiving!
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 470: James “Bo” Clark succeeded W. L. Slaughter and became the second African American Forest Alderman. Otis Boyd succeeded Imogene Ward and became the second African American Morton Alderman.
Quiz Teaser # 471: Which former Hawkins Middle School Principal was an outstanding football player for the Black Bearcats and graduated from E. T. Hawkins High School?
