Former educator Mrs. Juanita Odom Banks received a beautiful home going celebration Saturday, December 21st at the Midway M. B. Church. Pastor Rev. Wesley Griffin officiated and delivered a moving and eloquent eulogy. Her friend and mentee, Mrs. Patty Ward Odom, was the mistress of ceremony. Other program participants were Minister Madison Harvey, Elder Donald Harvey, and Tevin Nichols who shared two beautiful solos which were Mrs. Banks’ favorites.
She was remembered as a loving teacher (church and school) and an excellent seamstress. Mrs. Banks was one of the original supporters of the W. L. Slaughter Memorial Library and shared many memories of her association with Mr. and Mrs. W. L. (Olivia) Slaughter. We will miss her guidance and advice. Cherishing beautiful memories of Mrs. Banks are sisters Maxine Gilmore, Geraldine (Lewis) Rainey, Jamala (James) Johnson, and two brothers, John Odom and Jarod Odom. Please keep her family in your prayers.
A beautiful memorial was held for Mrs. Donnie Lee Hughes Saturday, December 21st at Pilgrim Rest M. B. Church with Pastor Rev. Willie Jones officiating and delivering a beautiful eulogy. Mrs. Bonnie Floyd Hornsby was the program guide. Other program participants were Rev. Flowers, Rev. Robert Moore, Rev. Walter Patrick, her brother Rev. Allen Cooks, Ms. Lisa Warnsley, and Ms. Linda Bland. Our prayers are with her family especially her husband, Jammie Hughes, children, Terri (Prince) Donald, Angela Sloan, James (Shunta) Cooks, and Montel Hughes; siblings Rev. Allen (Tammy) Cooks, Willie Cooks, Sandra Gallaspy, and Tangela (Aundrea) Gilbert. Please remember her family in your prayers.
We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mrs. Denail (Judy) Styles who was memorialized Saturday, December 21st at Mt. Zion M. B. Church. Officiating and delivering the eulogy was Rev. Dorcell Buckley. Our prayers are with her family, especially her daughter, Courtney (Josh) Ickom. Please keep her family in your prayers,
A beautiful memorial was held for Mrs. Mattie Helen Watts at her church, Greater Deliverance Church of God in Christ, Saturday, December 21st. Details will be provided in next week’s column.
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges especially Mr. Albert Moore who is enjoying spending time with fellow veterans at the Kosciusko Veterans’ Home; Mr. Mose Robinson who was released from the University Hospital and is recuperating at this mother’s home; and Mrs. Ruby Jones who has been released from Rush Hospital and is recuperating at home. Our prayers remain with other readers who have previously been referenced.
The membership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated sisterhood with their Annual Sisterhood Breakfast Saturday, December 14th. These Meridian Alumnae sorors enjoyed this celebration and fellowshipped at the E. F. Young Building. The Breakfast speaker was Constance Slaughter-Harvey who urged her sisters (sorors) to continue the Delta commitment of service, joy and power. Among those sorors participating in this Breakfast was Mary Ann Walker. Merry Christmas from Deltas!
The end of the Advent Season (which began December 1st) is the beginning of the Christmas Season and we celebrate the beginning of the Season with the birth of Christ on the 25th of this month. What a wonderful gift to our readers.
The ASU/JSU Alumni Scott County Chapters sponsored a float in the Christmas Parade where Alderman James and Mrs. Pearl Clark were honored. They honored this couple with Bella Evans representing JSU Pearl Clark and Kevin Johnson representing ASU James Clark. Thanks to JSU President Albert Gray who served as chauffeur in the parade truck. He was accompanied by Mrs. Amelia Patrick, mother of ‘lil Bo Clark.’ Thanks also to Ann Bryant, Patsy Bland, Vincent Clark, Carolyn Macon and Cynthia Melton. Stay tuned to 2020 for additional tributes to Coach and Mrs. Clark.
The ASU/JSU Alumni Clubs also put their heads together for the Christmas Holiday Gala held Saturday, December 14th at the Forest Services Center. A good time was had by all with good food, music by BoZo, and merry fellowship. Thanks to alumni for food donations and other services. Special thanks to Charles Longmire, Albert Gray, Peggy Sanders, Cynthia Melton, Mattye Evans, Bobbie Ringo, and registration volunteers Rose Anderson and Nettie Ware. The beautiful decoration was provided by Stacey Rasco and Sonya Wash. According to several young party-goers, they “enjoyed seeing their third grade teacher out on the dance floor.” Merry Christmas from the ASU/JSU Alumni.
Members of the Scott County Bar Association expressed appreciation to their staff during their Annual Christmas Gala Luncheon Thursday, December 19th at the Forest Community Center. It was a wonderful celebration with gifts, games, fellowship and a delicious meal catered by Quita’s. Bar angels enjoyed the traditional Bingo in addition to the Cakes, and Mississippi Towns games. Attorneys pampering their staff were Chris Gomillion, Todd Sorey, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Evan Thompson and Hez Hollingsworth. Angel staffers honored were Yolanda Odom, Dorothy Pinkston, Brenda Jones, D. L. Bennett, Tanya Tanner, Amanda Taylor, Judy Rhinewalt, Sarah Coman, Sandra Sorey, and Michele Reeves. Christmas greetings from the Scott County Bar Association family.
Members of the Scott County Democratic Executive Committee celebrated Christmas with their Annual Christmas Dinner/Party Thursday at Penn’s Fish House. Games, hospitality, carols and songs, and a delicious meal was enjoyed by all present. Best wishes for a blessed Christmas from the Scott County Democratic Executive Committee.
Congratulations to the Alcorn State University Braves for their performance in the Celebration Bowl played Saturday, December 21st in Atlanta. They scored well but lost to the North Carolina AT&T team who are the reigning champions. Kudos to Coach McNair, his staff and team! Christmas greetings!
Happy birthday greetings to babies born from December 27th to December 31st, namely, Rakethea Coleman (27), Stephanie York Rhodes and Andy Sistrunk (28), Kaleah Pinkston and Guillermo Lopez (29), Susie Jackson Boyd, Carolyn Fuqua and Patsy Brady (30), and Bobbie Ringo and Linnie K. Lofton (31). Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 556: Alderman James and Mrs. Pearl Clark were honored during the 2019 Forest Christmas Parade by the JSU/ASU Alumni chapter membership. Mrs. Charity Robinson and Mrs. Susie Boyd provided the correct response.
Quiz Teaser #557: Which African American Forest High School graduate presently serves as head recruiter of a local community college?
