Our community is saddened by the transition of former Morton educator, Mrs. Dorother Lloyd Sturgis, who transitioned Wednesday, June 24th at MS Baptist in Jackson. Mrs. Sturgis, an Alcorn University graduate, was the Social Studies instructor at Bettye Mae Jack High School and Morton High School and retired in 1992. Our prayers are with her children, Tammy, Tina, and Lloyd. Memorial service is Thursday, July 2nd at Wolf Funeral Home.
We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mother Temoria Kersh Harvey of the Evergreen community in Brandon. Memorial services were Sunday, June 28th at St. Hill in Brandon. Please remember her family, especially her children, Gwendolyn Kelley, Anthony, and Malcolm (Jessica) Harvey, in your prayers.
Mr. Lonnie Ray Shepard’s Graveside Services were held Saturday, June 27th at Sylvester U.M. Church where Pastor E. J. Shepard delivered words of comfort, Ms. Mary Hawkins delivered a beautiful song, Rev. Larry Reed shared the scripture, and Mr. Derrell Reed said the prayer. It was a beautiful and touching service. Our prayers continue to be with his family.
Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Emma Sanders who transpired June 24th. She was an Alcorn graduate, educator, businesswoman, Democratic delegate and committeewoman for many years. While employed by Congressman Wayne Dowdy, she was instrumental in getting the first federal building in the United States named after a person of color, Dr. A. H. McCoy Building. She was a special person and provided mentorship guidance to many during our youth. Our prayers are with her children, namely Everett (Lillie), William (Lela), Sarita (Charles) Donaldson, Antonio, and Johnathan (Kim). Lakeover Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are experiencing health challenges. Former Scott County Election Commissioner Fannie Bradford has been moved to MS Care Center in Morton; Mrs. Rosie Odom Harris is now resting at Leake County’s Baptist Hospital; Mr. Larry Bobbitt has been released and is recuperating at home; Mr. John Lee Evans is recuperating at home; and Mrs. Hattie Lou Robbins Robinson remains at Merit Hospital in Brandon;
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Albert (Lucy) Moore as they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary Sunday. The bride spoke with her groom via phone while he remains at the Veterans’ Home Center in Koscuisko. This World War II Veteran celebrated his 97th birthday April 25th. Mrs. Moore and her niece, Ms. Nettie Ware, enjoyed their visit with him during Father’s Day. Let’s continue to remember him in our prayers.
Congratulations to MS Highway Patrolman Joe Nelson on his retirement from the MS Highway Patrol. He has served this state for 35 years as a MHP, and we salute him. Family, friends, co-workers and supporters honored him with a Drive-Thru Retirement Parade at his home Tuesday. Thank you MHP Joe Nelson for a job well done in a fair and impartial manner.
As we continue to practice responsible social distancing during this pandemic, several Legacy In-School Mentees have inquired about the upcoming school term. Scott County Board of Education Member Greg Nicks advised that the Board continues to be concerned with safety of the children. He encourages parents to stay in contact with the School District. Officials are working to finalize plans to safely start school July 27th.
Students will attend in shifts with the safety of the students being their first priority. Forest City schools are scheduled to open, exercising social distancing protocol, August 6th. Officials likewise are concerned with the safety of students. Please check with local school officials to confirm these dates. Both districts will supply masks and other safeguards.
Lynch U. M. Church Pastor, Rev. Shirley Wilder, shared the Sunday Service message and focused on the Power of Sin. She referenced the following: What part do we play in what’s going on in this world; Who do we serve; How do we handle the worldly conflicts; Can the God in you be seen; Are we behaving like the children of God; and Get rid of old unproductive ways. She posed the question, “Are we reaping the benefits of God?” She shared a beautiful song, “God’s Grace” as her closing challenge. We look forward to next week’s message.
Following devotion by Little Rock M. B. Church Deacons Williams, Sanders, Nicks and Robinson, Pastor Sheldon Thomas opened with a beautiful song, “Falling in Love with Jesus.” His theme for Sunday’s message was, “Are You a God Chaser?” He cautioned that we need to chase and pursue God. During these days of COVID-19, God is testing our faith and allowing us to change as he continues to work in the midst of this pandemic storm. This storm is blowing us in the right direction, so we need to hold on, hold out and hold fast.
He reminded parishioners that “Now is your Season” and it is your season to be blessed. Since our souls follow Christ, know that we are pre-cut, pre-destined, and pre-determined. In closing, he reminded us that 2020 is no longer as comfortable as the previous years. Most of us have prayed more since the pandemic than we have in our entire lives. Let’s keep on praying and stepping through these problems. We appreciate and enjoyed Rev. Thomas’ message and look forward to hearing him next week.
Happy July birthdays to babies born during the first ten days in July, namely, Mary Nichols and Evelyn Nicks (1), Datodrick Pinkston and Ron Miguel (2), Latecia Parker and Joseph Nelson (3), Clay Martio, Lucile McGowan, Cedric Patrick, and L. J. Young (4), Jamie Nguten (5), Jefri Aguilar (8), Jaylen Burkes, James Nelson, Cheryl Ellis, Rashaan Butler, Clara Beltran, James Nelson and Carl Lamb (9) and, Zarion Ringo (10).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 574: The late Mr. Marvin Thames was the first African American Election Commissioner for the town of Lake, MS. Thanks to Dr. Marcus Townsend for the correct response.
Quiz Teaser # 575: Name the four (4) African American North Scott Attendance Center students who integrated Scott Central following the consolidation of Scott County’s public schools.
