Our hearts are saddened with the transition of Mrs. Kimberly Spivey Ickom who was fatally injured in an accident Sunday, March 8th. Our prayers are with her family, especially her husband, Larry Ickom and children, Bianca Spivey, Jeremiah Spivey and Fanca Spivey. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe (Sherry) Spivey. A beautiful homegoing celebration was held Saturday, March 14th at Little Rock M. B. Church where Rev. Sheldon Thomas, pastor, officiated and delivered her eulogy. W. F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Louis Beverly who transpired March 2nd. He was a JSU graduate and EEOC officer with the MS Employment Security Commission. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Bettye Beverly. Memorial services were held Saturday, March 14th on the JSU campus.
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges including John Lee Evans, Rev. Henry Patrick, the most vulnerable to the Coronavirus COVID-19, and those workers who continue to provide health care, police and fire services, and others public servants.
The SCTS/ETHHS/FHS Reunion Planning Committee met Sunday, March 8th at the Odessa Graves Education Building. The committee’s work focused on finalizing plans for the 2020 Reunion to be held July 10-12 at the Marshal Longmire Gymnasium. The next meeting is Sunday, April 19th at 5:00 at the Little Rock M. B. Church. Members attending the March meeting were Susie Boyd, Marquita Patrick, Carolyn Knowles, Mattye Evans, Booker Mitchell, Ernest Love, Cynthia Melton, and Linda and Vincent Solomon. Ernest Love was the door prize winner which was donated by Linda Solomon.
Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, sponsored Camp ZIWE during Spring Break. Monday and Tuesday was dedicated to reading, learning about wildlife, safety, hunting and fishing in addition to preparing an outline to speak and think on your feet. It was held at the Slaughter Library from 8-5 and was conducted by Constance Burwell of the Olivia Group. Change Agents who attended this portion of the Camp received priority in attending the following 3-day Camp.
On Wednesday, Change Agents left the Slaughter Library and checked into Roosevelt State Park Camp Ground. During this camping experience, Change Agents enjoyed exploring wildlife, hiking, fishing, watching wildlife videos, movies, eating, learning about hunting and gun safety, studying wildlife habitat, eating, playing basketball, group puzzles, and many other activities.
Change Agents participating in Camp ZIWE were Grace Boone, Marcus Boyd, Aerial Brown, James Burwell, III, Jennifer Galicia, Hellen Galicia, Ridavious Graffenread, Zamir Grant, Marquez Hayes, Mykeria Hayes, Willashia Jackson-Lewis, Gregory Keeton, Jr., Ananias McBride, Jadarius McClendon, Jon Carlos McGee, Summer Martin, Xavier Martin, Kalani Naki, Mariah Nicks, Kali Pinkston, Samone Pinkston, Jordan Ramirez, Skylar Rushing, Ivyonna Spivey, MahRaya Summer, Anmad Summers, Jr., An’Maya Summer, Euniya Taylor, Temiah Thames, DhaShona Towner, Tanzia Townsend, A’maricle Turnich, Alivya Walker, Jadasis Wash, Jaden Wash, Skylar Watkins, and Stalyssia Wells. These Change Agents represented Scott Central, Newton’s Pilate Middle, and Hawkins Middle School very well.
Special thanks to Mayor Gerald Keeton, Deputy Julian Parker, Henry Slaughter, Shirley Sykes, Liz Douglas Ferrell, Dorothy Pinkston, Andrew Crudup, D. L. Bennett, Shonnette Kelley, Dorothy Strong, Wanda Pinkston, Barbara Dawson, Dorothy Strong, Constance Harvey, M. R. and Tanya Reagan, and the staff of Roosevelt State Park especially the nutrition and cooking personnel. A very special thanks to parents who provided transportation and offered chaperone services.
Congratulations to Mrs. Odena Shepard on her recent Recognition Day and Dinner at Concord M. B. Church Sunday, March 14th. The theme was, “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Jomiski Nelson was the mistress of ceremony. Other program participants included Tonya Pickens, Lillie Mae Ward, Dorothy Pinkston, Carolyn Knowles, and Rev. Dewayne Gammage. Pastor Rev. Henry Patrick provided final remarks and a salute to Mrs. Shepard.
As we continue to observe the Lenten season, we pause to reflect during this third week of Lent. Lent is not just about making sacrifices but about growing in love for God and neighbors through our sacrifices. May our Lenten practices prepare our hearts to rejoice in Christ’s resurrection on Easter Day.
Answer to Women History Quiz Teaser #2002: Antonia Novello, who was appointed in 1990 by President George Bush, was the first female to serve as U. S. Surgeon General. She was also the first Hispanic to hold that position and she served until June, 1993. Congratulations to Mrs. Charity Robinson for providing the correct response.
Women History Quiz Teaser #2003: Who was the first female to run for the U. S. House of Representatives? Who was the first woman to be elected to Congress?
