Our community is saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Bobby Thompson who transitioned Saturday, February 22nd. Our prayers are with her family especially her children, Vicky Towner, Portia Lee, Christen McDonald, Danny and Christopher. Memorial services are set for Saturday, September 29th at 2:00 at her home church of Union Grove M. B. Holifield Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A beautiful Celebration of Life was held for Attorney Oliver B. Triplett, II, Friday, February 21st at the Forest Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mark Smith officiated and delivered comforting words of comfort. Mr. Triplett’s favorite songs (“I Will Sing The Wondrour Story” and “It Is Well With My Soul”) were sung by those in attendance. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Mrs. Carolyn Triplett, and son, O. B. (Ingrid), III, and children, Olivia and O. B. (Beamon), III. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Friends and family paid tribute to Ms. Debbie Ann Evans who was memorialized Saturday, February 22nd at New Mt. Calvary. Her cousin, Rev. Randy Murrell, officiated and delivered her eulogy. Our prayers are with her family especially her two sons, Marl and Marqueal (Jannett), and sister, Ugie Murrell Crudup. Evans Memorial Funeral Home was in charge.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are facing health challenges. Special prayers for former Laurel councilman Manual Jones who is receiving therapy at Jones County Nursing Home.
Black History Celebrations were held Sunday, February 23rd at several local churches. Ms. Rhonda Carter was the guest speaker at the Green Grove U. M. Church and shared a powerful and informational speech on “Local Black History Makers.” She was introduced by her niece Amorie Gray. Ms. Shelia Burkes was the mistress of order. We are proud of former Slaughter Scout Carter. Rev. Dino Terrell is the pastor.
Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the guest speaker for the Midway M. B. Church Black History Celebration and she was introduced by long-time friend, Mrs. Patty Ward Odom. She paid tribute to the unsung heroes in the Midway Community. Among those being celebrated were Election Commissioner Delie Stowers Shepard and MWFP Lt. Jody Matheny. Rev. Wesley Griffin delivered a soul-stirring sermon and the choir music was excellent.
Church youth departments were in charge of Black History programs at Concord M. B. Church and Lynch Chapel U. M. Church. Male mentors and Youth Department leaders Chris Macon and Coach Datodrick Pinkston shared moments of local Black History through musical and oral expressions. It was a moving programs and we applaud the talents of these young mentors. Rev. Henry Patrick is the pastor.
Lynch Chapel’s Youth Department shared Black History facts by portraying civil rights icons. Special thanks to these youth, praise team members, and their youth leaders/coordinators Debresha Qualls, Debra Qualls, Ramonda Patrick, Katlyn Patrick, Casell Reed and Yolanda White. Pastor Shirley Wilder was recognized as being Lynch Chapel’s first female pastor. She was presented a gift by the youth and church family.
Mount Moriah M. B. Church youth presented historical Black History facts as they celebrated Black History Month. Youth adult leaders were Ray Harper, Anthony Pickens and Roy Lowery. It was an enjoyable and informative program. Rev. Ralph James is the pastor.
Hawkins Middle School principal Marcus Holbert was the featured speaker for the Black History program at the Bettye Mae Jack (BMJ) Middle School Tuesday, February 18th. He shared his perspective on the meaning of Black History with students attending BMJ where he was a student. He was introduced by Rev. Johnny Qualls. Representative Tom Miles was the program guide. Other program participants were J. T. O’Cain, Assistant Principal Shelly French, Mayor Gerald Keeton, Denasica Lewis, Principal Miles Porter, Superintendent Tony McGee and Tony Blackshear. Beautiful music was provided by the Morton High School Jazz Band and the East Central Community College Gospel Choir.
The Cluster Club met Tuesday, February 11th at the Extension Center. Mrs. Ester Perry provided prayer and shared Black History facts. Connie Wash provided a delicious meal and gifts. One of the highlights was “Ladies Modeling Scarves.” Lady models were Carolyn Macon, Dorothy Strong, Cynthia Melton, Mary Lofton, Ester Perry and Connie Wash. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 10th at 3:00 p.m.
Members of the Legacy Health Is Wealth Gathering celebrated their Valentine Healthy Lunch Thursday, February 13th at the Slaughter Library. Among those attending and enjoying the healthy home cooked meal were Mesdames Dorothy Strong, Rita Parker, Dorothy Pinkston, Shonnette Kelley, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Bobby Ringo and Brenda Jones. Special thanks to Alderwoman Cynthia Melton for her delicious healthy contribution.
Special thanks to Miracle Patrick of MS State University who volunteered in the Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation office this past weekend.
We enjoyed the presentations by Dr. Emma York at her Book Signing, Friday, February 21st at the Morton Library. Her publication, “Reflections in Prose and Poetry,” is a collection of poems and poetry written over the past several years. She was introduced by columnist Frisky Roland and assisted by her sister April York. Copies are on reserve at the Morton Library and the Slaughter Library.
Seniors and other ‘Baby Boomers’ were treated to a special pampering session Friday, February 21st at the Excel Center in Morton. The food, fellowship, and “tip swapping” were enjoyable. Special thanks to Sister Eileen and the Excel volunteers and board members.
Please mark your calendars to attend the JSU Alumni Association meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 5:30 at the Forest Services Center.
Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation will sponsor several activities during the upcoming Spring Break. Camp CARE will be held at the Legacy Office and Slaughter Library Monday and Tuesday (March 9-10) and Camp ZiWE on the following Wednesday through Friday. For additional information, call 601-469-0990.
Answer to Black History Quiz Teaser 2020-3: Bessie Coleman was denied entry into the pilot school in America and she taught herself French and moved to France. There she earned her license from Caudron Brother’s School of Aviation in just seven months. Mrs. Stephanie Rhodes was the first caller to provide the correct answer.
Black History Quiz Teaser 2020-4: Which African American created the gamma cell which is the core of cell phones?
