We join local citizens and others across the world in remembering the life and legacy of the late Elijah Eugene Cummings, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, who transitioned October 17th at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Our prayers are with the family of this courageous and fierce advocate for the most vulnerable people. We will miss his guidance during these difficult times.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Ms. Debra Reed, daughter of Ms. Daree Reed and the granddaughter of the late Dave and Emma Ward. Memorial arrangements are incomplete.
Mrs. Bettye Mae Viverette Nicks received a beautiful and loving Celebration of Life Saturday October 19th at her home church of Little Rock M. B. Church. Family and friends gathered to pay special tributes to this beautiful, loving and classy lady. Rev. Pastor Sheldon Thomas officiated and delivered her eulogy and Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the mistress of ceremony. She was such a special lady and four ministers saluted her in their messages, namely Revs. Jessie Sanders, Smith Butler, Ricky Lindsey, and Ronald Regan. Evangelist Janice Darty provided words of comfort. Mattye C. Evans, Vernard Murrell, Susie Boyd, Rhonda Kelley and others paid tribute to her life. Her son, Larry, also paid tribute to his mother on behalf of all of children. Music was provided by the Little Rock Choir and the Sweet Pilgrim Praise Choir. Our prayers are with her family especially her children - Larry, Gregory, Ethel, James and Janet. The Nicks family expressed appreciation to those who offered prayers, tributes, and attended their mother’s homegoing. Holifield Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
A beautiful Homegoing Service for Joyce Ann McKeller Hughes was held Saturday, October 19th at Lone Pilgrim M. B. Church with Pastor Timothy Croff officiating and delivering the eulogy. Mattye C. Evans was the mistress of ceremony. Other program participants included Rev. Tony McKeller, Minister Rosa Burkes Bastiste, Mrs. Elaine Hughes and the Lone Pilgrim Church Choir provided the music. Our prayers are with her family, especially her husband, Ellis Ray Hughes, and children, Phyllis Anderson, Jason, Lasenia Martin, Jordan Anderson, and Darlene Reed. W. F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Clarine Croft Edison who transitioned October 10th and was memorialized Saturday, October 19th at Morning Star Baptist Church in Newton. Her son, Rev. Shawn Croft, officiated, and her other son, Rev. Jeffery Croft, delivered her eulogy. Mistress of ceremony was Monya Fletcher and other program participants were Revs. Jason Cole, Greg Walker, Perry Fletcher, Charles Hughes, Ecclesiastes Goodwin, and Carolyn Brantley, Joyce Milton, and Chris Hall. She was a gracious and beautiful First Lady when Rev. Willie Croft was at her side. Please remember this educator’s children, Jeffery, Shawn, Gail Hall, Shunda McWilliams, and Patricia, in your prayers.
We enjoyed the 20th Anniversary of Excel Center in Morton. It was an enjoyable event for all especially the beneficiaries and the Sisters. Sisters Eileen and Pat and Ms. Marie were hostesses and made certain all felt welcomed. The soup and dessert were just right for the weather and the stomach. Excel Board Members and local officials including Mayor Gerald Keeton and Representative Tom Miles were present. A resolution from the MS Legislature was presented to Excel for providing services to our community, especially our children. Kudos to the Sisters, Excel Board of Directors, and volunteers.
College students from Creighton University continued the tradition of volunteering their services to our youth in an educational environment. Students appeared to enjoy the special pampering and volunteers felt good about sharing their talents with our youth. Following Mass at St. Michael, students travelled to the Legacy office and to Slaughter Memorial Library. Here, they were welcomed by Legacy President Constance Slaughter-Harvey who shared her perspective on our community and her experiences. This is an annual tour.
We enjoyed visiting with Kitty Colbert and many others at the Annual Community Bank’s Customer Appreciation Tailgate Friday, October 18th. The weather was beautiful, and the hospitality was great. Kudos to the ladies of the Bank and special kudos to the “men on the grills.” We enjoyed burgers, hotdogs, cake, popcorn and beverages. Thanks to the Forest High School football team and the cheerleaders. We are looking forward to the 2020 Community Bank Customer Appreciation Tailgate!
We enjoyed meeting candidates for local, district and state offices Saturday, October 19th at the District Building in Morton. Registered voters are encouraged to cast your ballot Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please contact Circuit Clerk Becky Gray’s office at 601-469-3601 for questions concerning absentee voting and other voting concerns.
We extend a belated happy birthday shout-out to Ray Walker who celebrated his 41st birthday October 16th. He was treated to a birthday dinner by his mother, Mrs. Molly Qualls, and his sisters Nicole, Patricia and Shalene.
Our readers are invited to attend Choir Day the 4th Sunday of this month (October 27th) at Mt. Moriah M. B. Church. The event starts at 2:00 p.m.
Don’t forget to shop during the Legacy Parents’ Harvest Sidewalk Sale Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 on the Slaughter Block. Additional details will follow in next week’s column.
Happy birthday greeting to October babies born from the 16th though 31st, namely Jackie Reed and Viola Morgan (16), Veonshay Harper and Christopher Lopez (17) Amberly Young, Michael M. Robinson, and Mosie Wash (18), Mykeria Hayes, Hannah Henry,and Adrienne Edwards (19), Boris Bradford and Ivory Youngblood (20), Mikella Daniels, Willie Perkins, Clarissa Spivey and Kalyndezeyia Gray (21), James Perkins (22), Labriski Rayford (23), Wykersha Parrott (24), Cruz Wileliazar (26), A. Ficklin, Hannah Massey, and Joyce Rigsby (28), Whitney Patrick, Marcus Bland and Ann Brand Colbert (30), and Cindy Craft (31).
Answer to Quiz Teaser 509: Mrs. Amber Gray Dean, daughter of Ike and Lois Gray, is the only female from Scott County to work for MDOT Law enforcement.
Quiz Teaser # 510: Who was the first certified African American Police Officer in Morton?
