Our hearts are saddened by the transition of Rev. Jerry Norris of Jackson. He was a native of Smith County and was a United Methodist Minister whose last assignment was at Lynch Chapel. A graduate of Jackson State University and Gammon Theological Seminary, he was one of the original students to participate in the Southern Legal Rights Association headquartered in Forest. Our prayers are with his family. His graveside service was held April 14th at the Percy and Josie Norris Cemetery in Raleigh which is adjacent to Mt. Nebo Church in Raleigh.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Slaughter Library/Legacy supporter Mr. Freddie “Bobby” Jolley of Florence, SC. This Pelahatchie native was active in the civil rights movement of the 70’s and worked with the Rankin County Community Relations Project. Our prayers are with his family.
Please remember the family of the late Mr. Lawrence Turner of Jackson. Mr. Turner was a long time Jackson resident and businessman and was proprietor of Turner Awards for the past 45 years. He had many customers in the Scott County area. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Mrs. Otelia Turner and children. His graveside service was held April 7th at Autumn Woods Cemetery.
We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mr. Ovid S. Vickers, former English Department Chair at East Central Community College, author, poet, and public speaker. His graveside service was held April 4th at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Philadelphia. Among his many honors was the naming of the Fine Arts Center at ECCC months before his retirement. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Mrs. Carol Vickers and their children.
Please remember, in your prayers, our readers who are facing health challenges including Mr. John Lee Evans, Mrs. Cora Odom, Mrs. Flo Chambers, Mrs. Mary Nichols, Mrs. Gertrude Walk, Mrs. Bessie Walker, Mrs. Barbara Norris Nicks, Mr. Robert (R.V.) Patrick, Mr. Bo Butler, Mrs. Willie Ruth Melvin, Mr. R. C. Williams, Mrs. Julie Mae Wilson, and Mrs. Sandra Bates Gallaspy.
Congratulations to Christian Hollis, son of Mr. Andre and Mrs. Anitra Hollis of Morton. This first year honor student at the University of MS was recently recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization. This is a national leadership and honors organization. We applaud Christian for this honor and for preparing himself by his excellent academic performance and his commitment to providing community service for at least the past 10 years. We’re proud of Christian! Way to go!!!!
We enjoyed visiting, via phone, with Mrs. Mildred Thames of Lake, Mrs. Loyce Collier of Morton, Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Billistris) Minor of Olive Branch, and Mrs. Margaret Bates of Forest.
While reviewing files, papers and photographs, we came across a letter, dated March 24, 1984, written to Dr. Margaret Walker Alexander from Mrs. W. L. “Olivia” Slaughter. In that correspondence, nine students, in addition to Mrs. Slaughter and her daughter Constance, of the Slaughter Memorial Foundation’s Enrichment Class thanked Dr. Alexander for speaking with them when they visited her home. Students signing and expressing appreciation were 11th grader Evett Patrick, 9th grader Shauronda Harper, 8th graders Furlina Laster, Henry Wayne Gray, and Paul Hughes, 7th graders Michael Holifield and Valerie Lacy, 6th grader Teselyn Melton, and kindergartener Constance Olivia Harvey. We noted they were all smiles as they relaxed at Dr. Alexander’s Guynes (now Medgar Evers Drive) Street home in Jackson. Dr. Alexander was the author of Jubilee and “For My People.”
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19th, gave us an opportunity to participate in three services, either via video, livestream, or teleconference. Catholic Mass was televised from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, and the celebrant’s homily addressed the need to remain prayerful during this pandemic and to seek God’s mercy.
We then enjoyed teleconference services from Lynch Chapel U. M. Church where Pastor Shirley Wilder praised God and encouraged her members and visitors to also share in the praise. Her sermon was entitled, “Believe and Trust God” and her question was “Do You Believe HIM To Be the Risen Savior?” This informative and thought-provoking sermon stressed the importance of having faith and being in daily touch with our Savior. Rev. Wilder ended her sermon with a beautiful song of praise. We are looking forward to next week’s message.
“The Graduate Level of Grace” was the theme for Rev. Sheldon Thomas’ sermon at Little Rock M. B. Church. Dressed in his son’s graduation cap and robe, he encouraged seniors to not be discouraged because they will not march across the stage, but to use this time to “get better, not bitter.” “Be humble instead of prideful, and don’t be defeated” were messages shared. He encouraged those in attendance to “Take the high road because there is less traffic there.” Brother Greg Nicks provided prayer, Brother Tony Sanders provided scripture, and Brothers Johnny Rushing and Derek Baker provided beautiful melodies, “He Kept Me” and “Jesus Is Mine.” We are looking forward to next week’s message.
The Scott County JSU Alumni Association President Albert Gray advised that their Spring Banquet, originally scheduled for April 24th, has been postponed to a later date. Further information will be provided at a later time.
Earth Day will be celebrated Wednesday, April 22nd and this is the 50th Anniversary of this day. We encourage our readers to serve the planet this week. Suggestions are cleaning litter around your house or on your walk, planting a tree, walking through the woods in search of a wildflower or just to observe the beauty of the earth.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 563: The late Andrew V. (A. V.) Bates was the first union organizer of poultry workers in Scott County. His activities occurred in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. He was a 1958 graduate of E. T. Hawkins High School.
Quiz Teaser # 564: Which local family has produced more than 10 athletes, including one NFL player?
