Our community is saddened by the death of retired educator Mrs. Juanita Odom Banks who transitioned Sunday night in Brandon. Mrs. Banks inspired many including students, colleagues, and her neighbors. She dedicated more than 30 years to the students at Midway, North Scott and Scott Central Attendance Center. Our prayers are with her family and friends. Memorial arrangements are incomplete and Holifield Funeral Home is in charge. We will miss Mrs. Banks and will always treasure her friendship and love.
Our prayers are with the family of Mother Mattie Helen Watts who transitioned Saturday morning. Mrs. Watts was a pillar of our community and will be missed. Our prayers are with her family, especially her children, who continue her strong legacy of love, compassion and service. Memorial services are incomplete.
Our prayers are with the family of retired educator and day care owner, Mrs. Margie Odom Wilson, who was memorialized Saturday, December 14th at Pocahontas Baptist Church. Mrs. Wilson was a graduate of Midway High School, Tougaloo College and Jackson State University. Our prayers are with her family including her children, Attorney Wendy White, Warrick J., and Warn J. Please keep her family in your prayers.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Ms. Donnie Cooks Hughes who transitioned Saturday. Our prayers are with her family especially her husband Jamie Hughes, and children, Terri Donald, James Cooks and Angie Sloan. Her siblings, Rev. Allen Cooks, Sandra Gallaspy, Willie Cooks and Tangela Gilbert, are also included in our prayers. Her memorial will be held Saturday, December 21st at 11:00 at Pilgrim Rest in Morton. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Our prayers are with the Ragsdale and Wash families with the loss of Evangelist Elizabeth Ragsdale who was memorialized Saturday, December 14th at Holifield Funeral Home. Minister Rose Batiste officiated and delivered the eulogy. Nykemia Brown was the mistress of order. Other program participants included Rev. Willie Ward, Rev. Timothy Ringo, Ms. Lillie Ward, and Mrs. Josie Gammage. Our prayers are with her family, especially her daughter, Alice Morgan, and grandchildren Tosha Bobbitt and Shelia Spivey. Please keep them in your prayers.
Our prayers are with Mr. Artis Ray Harper, 1964 Hawkins High School graduate, and his family with the loss of his wife, Mrs. Lula Harper. Her memorial services will be held in Albany, GA Friday, December 29th. Please continue to remember them in your prayer
A beautiful memorial celebration was held for Mr. Hilmon “Shack” Moore who transitioned Saturday, December 7th at Pine Forest Nursing Center in Jackson. Mr. Moore was born February 24, 1916 and looked forward to celebrating his birthdays. He was a farmer, logger, county worker and other occupations. His last retirement was at the age of 86. Rev. Lee Crosby officiated and delivered words of comfort. Mrs. Elaine Robinson was the program guide and other program participants were Mrs. Louella McConnell, his daughter Mary Price, and nephew Rev. Johnny Sims, Our prayers are with his family, especially his children, daughters, Kitty Yates, Willie Mae Crawford, Doris Banks, Nannie Moore, Dorothy (Jackie) Bradford, Mary Price, and sons Clabe and Larry; his brothers Oliver and Bishop Sammy Rankin. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Please continue to offer prayers for our readers who are facing health challenges including Mr. Albert Moore who has been transferred to the Veterans’ Home in Kosciusko; Mrs. Authuls Crout who is resting at home, Mr. Theoplis Hayes and Mr. Ronnie Thomas, both of whom are at Lackey; Mrs. Phyllis Harper who is resting at home; Mrs. Flo Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell (Mary) Nichols, Sisters Marie and Obdulia, Angel Martinez, Ms. Berdie Harvey, and Ms. Janiya Gilbert.
We enjoyed the Christmas program at Concord M. B. Church Sunday where Mesdames Bobbie Hollins, Dorothy Hollis, Marquita Patrick, and Sylvia Wilson served as coordinators. Mrs. Lisa Darby introduced Mrs. Renita Lay who was the mistress of ceremony. Ms. Latoya McClendon welcomed and shared the occasion. Adult readings were from Evangelist Crystal Moffett, Alderwoman Cynthia Melton, and Ms. Tonya Pickens. Concord youth also shared readings. Their performance in the play “Christmas Through Music” was excellent!! Mr. Dennis Hayes was the narrator. Mrs. Bobbie Hollins shared remarks and Rev. Henry Patrick, Concord pastor, blessed the food after expressing pride in the youth and appreciation for those in attendance.
We enjoyed the Ragsdale Christmas Celebration held Sunday, December 15th at the Gatewood Gallery. In addition to the delicious home-cooked meal and warm hospitality, we received gifts and fruit/candy bags which were expressions of appreciation from Barbara Gatewood and Ragsdale adults. The Gallery decoration was beautiful and first class. We appreciate the invitation from Mrs. Bettie Ragsdale Robinson and family. Merry Christmas!
The Homemaker/Cluster Club met Tuesday, December 10th at the MS Extension Center. Ms. Annie Stewart provided devotion. The business agenda was to wrap up business and projects. Members present were Mesdames Annie Stewart, Carolyn Macon, Connie Stewart, Dorothy Strong, Ester Perry, Cynthia Melton and Desiree Bradford. Christmas Greetings!
Please mark your calendars for the third Monday in January (20th) and plan to participate in the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk. Additional details will follow.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 556: The late Alderman James “Bo” Clark and Mrs. Pearl Clark were honored during the 2019 Forest Christmas Parade by the Alcorn State/Jackson State Scott County Alumni Chapters. It was a beautiful tribute.
Quiz Teaser # 557: Which Scott County African American educator has a local gymnasium named in his honor.
