Our community is saddened by the deaths of several citizens whose contributions to our community will long be remembered and cherished.
Our prayers are with the family of former Hawkins Middle School Principal James W. Harper who transitioned Saturday, July 6th. Mr. Harper, a 1963 graduate of E. T. Hawkins High School, returned to his alma mater as principal and upon his retirement, he maintained his home in Forest. Memorial services are incomplete and Mapp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Our prayers are with his children and siblings.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Alnard Lovelady who transitioned June 26th and was memorialized Saturday, July 6th at the Army National Guard in Forest. Mr. Lovelady, a 1964 graduate of E. T. Hawkins High School, served in the Army National Guard until 2014. During his Celebration of Life, Pastor Sheldon Thomas officiated and delivered the eulogy. Ms. Beverly Ware provided a beautiful solo. Please remember his family, especially his children Tonya Lovelady, Trina Lovelady and Consuelo Tracy Lovelady-West and Jayvis Craft, in your prayers.
A beautiful Celebration of Life and Legacy of Marie (Tiny) Denham Amos was held Saturday, July 6th at Mt. Zion M. B. Church in Conehatta. Mrs. Amos who transitioned June 29th was remembered with love by her family and friends. Pastor Jermaine Jones officiated and delivered her eulogy. Mrs. Ruby Wynn was the program guide. Her daughter, Darlene Norfleet and family, shared precious memories of her mother. Other program participants were John Lampkin , and Rishona Denham-Lamar. Beautiful music was provided by Gayle Johnson, Shekinah Denham-Taylor and the Mt. Zion M. B. Church Choir. Our prayers are with her family.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Edward Smith and his sister Mrs. Annie Smith Davis Smith, who were memorialized Saturday, July 6th at Long Pine M. B. Church in the Sand Hill community of Lena. Rev. Barry Owens officiated at this double memorial and delivered the eulogies. Please remember family members in your prayers.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Billy Sharp, former city of Forest road supervisor. He resided at the Veterans’ Home in Kosuisko. Our prayers are with his family
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges and special prayers for Mr. Albert Moore and his wife, Mrs. Lucy Moore. They are faithful readers of this column and we appreciate them.
Celebrating the 4th of July at Roosevelt State Park was a real treat! The Boat Parade, around the 150 acres lake, and the Children’s Parade were most enjoyable. The Explosion of the Sky with beautiful and colorful fireworks was “off the chain.” The crowd watched the fireworks with cheer and some in quiet amazement. Special thanks to Park Director Andre’ Hollis and staff. We enjoyed sharing this event with Mayor Keeton, Jody and Shawanda Matheny and family (Jody, Jr., Danielle and Daniel), Bonnie Grant and family, and the Hollis and Alderwoman Laster family. The food was delicious and the vendors offered many good deals. Congratulations to all who made this a successful event! We are looking forward to celebrating July 4th in 2020 at Roosevelt State Park!!!
Happy belated birthday greetings to Coach Datodrick Pinkston, Legacy Change Agent/ Advisory Board Member, who celebrated his special day July 2nd and enjoyed being loved and pampered by family and friends.
Fun Day in the Park was well attended and children appeared to enjoy the fun even in the hot and humid weather. It was wonderful to see family members, of all generations, enjoy fun time together. We appreciate the invitation from the Bowie family to celebrate this annual event which was held Saturday, June 29th. This day is held each year on the last Saturday in June. Thanks to the Bowie family for the invitation.
Local city officials attended the 88th Annual Conference of the MS Municipal League held June 24-26th in Biloxi. The theme of the Conference was “Hitting a Home Run with Home Rule.” Participating in this Conference, held at the Gulf Coast Coliseum and the Beau Rivage, were mayors, alderpersons, city clerks and attorneys, and MBC-LEO members. Locals attending were Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers and Morton Mayor Gerald Keeton; Forest Alderpersons Cynthia Melton, Matt Alford, Alan Atkinson, and Harry Robinson, and Morton Alderpersons Onedia Laseter, Marie Washington, Ryan Moore, Fred Johnson and Al Reeves; Forest City Attorney Evan Thompson and Morton City Attorney Hez Hollingsworth. Union Alderman and former Alternative School Assistant Principal Billy McCune, who was also in attendance, sent his best regards to our readers.
Thanks to organizations sponsoring and hosting Candidate Forums which enable candidates to share their platforms with voters. Organizations sponsoring forums include the Scott County NAACP Branch, Landowners Association Field Day, and the Forest Public Library’s Back Door event. The Committee for a Progressive Scott County will sponsor Meet and Dine with Political Candidates to be held at the Forest Services Center this Saturday, July 13th starting at 12:00 noon. Fried fish dinners will be served and all voters are invited to attend and meet the candidates.
Please also mark your calendars to attend the 8th Annual Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation Anniversary and Salute to Community Volunteers. This special event will be held at the Forest Services Center Sunday, August 4th at 4:00 p.m.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 494: Principal Marvin Morgan and his wife, Mrs. Viola Morgan taught at Sherman Hill/East Scott High School. Principal R. B. DuBoise and his wife, Mrs. Katherine DuBoise, were also a teaching/ administrative team at Sherman Hill and East Scott. Congratulations to Mrs. Charity Robinson, Mr. Granville Freeman, and Ms. Lorraine Jones provided the correct responses.
Quiz Teaser # 495: Following integration, who was the first African American principal of E. T. Hawkins High School?
