We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mr. Enoch Earl McCurdy, Sr., on May 18th. Graveside services were held Friday, May 22nd at Sylvester U. M Church with Pastor E. J. Shepard officiating. Our prayers are with his family especially his children. Evans Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mr. Kevin Carson of Carthage. Mr. Carson was the son of Mrs. Dorothy Carson and the late Mr. Norris Carson. Our prayers are with his family, especially his mother, and his sister, Mrs. Gwen Carson Morgan, who lost her husband earlier this month.
Our prayers are with the family of the late Mrs. Murtis Mae Kidd who transitioned May 8th. She was memorialized by Graveside Services at Greater Corinth Cemetery in Newton on May 16th. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her brother, Mr. Robert Kimble. Arrangements were entrusted to Holifield Funeral Home.
We are sorry to learn of the death of East Scott High School graduate Mr. Robert Lee Derrick of Flint, MI who transitioned May 20th. Visitation is May 27th at Banks Funeral Chapel in Flint, MI. Final arrangements are entrusted to Evans Memorial Funeral Home. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are facing health challenges, namely, Ms. Gail Wilson who had outpatient surgery and is recuperating at home; Mrs. Authula Crout who is recovering from a fall; Mrs. Kitty Colbert who is recuperating at home; Mr. Larry Bobbitt who was hospitalized following a fall from a moving vehicle; Mr. Lewis Lyles, Mrs. Brenda Hubbard, and Angel Martinez.
Special thanks to the essential workers, including doctors, nurses, health care workers, first responders, law enforcement officers, and others who are providing services to us during this pandemic. We also thank local officials who are providing masks and sanitizers to local residents. Working together, we can end this epidemic.
Congratulations to local seniors who graduated via social distancing and who accepted their diplomas wearing and overwhelmed with joy and excitement.
We’re proud of Christian Hollis from Morton who was recently named to the University of MS Spring 2020 Honor Roll lists. He was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll which is reserved for students who earn a GPA of 3.75-4.00. Chancellor Boyce applauded Hollis’ effort saying his success is the result of an incredible amount of hard work and dedication and truly showcases his commitment to the pursuit of academic and personal greatness. Christian is the son of Andre’ and Anitra Hollis of Morton. Way to go Christian!!!
Mrs. Loyce Collier shared good news regarding the graduation of her great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jokori, who are the children of Cory and Amanda James. We’re proud of Olivia James who graduated with honors (3.5 GPA) from Pearl River Community College. This Lady Wildcat basketball player intends to pursue a career in physical therapy. Congratulations to Jokori Leshan James who graduated from Pearl High School in the top third of his class. This three time Clarion Ledger Track (Cross Country) All Star formerly attended Bettye Mae Jack. He received a cross country scholarship to Wallace State Community College. Way to go!
Mrs. Addie Russell’s great-granddaughter, Shyanne Lakee Hodge who is the daughter of Mary Bratton and Sean Hodge, graduated with honors from Clinton H.S., and plans to attend Alcorn State and pursue a nursing degree. Forest native Bonnie Russell Hodge and Melvin Hodge are proud grandparents. Congratulations!
Legacy salutes Legacy Change Agents who successfully completed high school and received their 2020 Diplomas. We’re proud of Rubin Brown and Kentavis Marbuary who both graduated from Forest High School. Basketball team member Rubin, son of Eddie and Tina Brown, has been accepted in the Air Force family. Football team member Kentavis is the son of Louise Washington and intends to attend East Central. We are proud of these young men who became members of the Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation five years ago. Both have continued to invest in themselves, their families and their communities. Way to go!
Congratulations to DeVaughn Spann, son of David and Lucy Spann, who will graduate with honors from Morton High School, and has an outstanding record of service to others. For many years, he provided community services at his Mt Moriah Church and Crudup Ward Activity Center.
We salute Kayla Sanders, daughter of Randy and Kathy Sanders, who will graduate from Lake High School as valedictorian, having maintained a 4.00 GPA from K-12. For more than 10 years, this Beta Club member served others as a Girl Scout, and worked with her New Bethel Church family and community. She intends to attend ECCC and concentrate on surgical technology and later pursue a medical degree.
Congratulations to Brianna Reed, daughter of Rodney and Morilyn Reed, who graduated with honors from Forest High School. She was honored during Youth Services Sunday at Lynch Chapel.
Ontario’s Catholic Mass celebrated Ascension Day (Ascension of the Lord) and referenced that the Ascension is the beginning of what is to come, a cause for hope in a world that all too often is gloomy about its own future.
We enjoyed Youth Sunday Services at Lynch Chapel via teleconferencing and FaceBook. Pastor Shirley Wilder paid tribute to the graduates in her sermon entitled “Crossing Over — Moving to the Next Chapter of Life.” She referenced challenging times ahead as graduates venture out into the world in uncharted territory. Her advice to them was to Trust in the Lord; Don’t leave your power source behind; Be the Best at whatever job you have (referencing the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Street Sweeper Message”; and Be strong, courageous and stay connected. She closed on a beautiful musical note by singing “I just can’t give up now — I’ve come too far.”
We enjoyed the Memorial Day tribute from Little Rock’s Pastor Sheldon Thomas which was transmitted via YouTube and FaceBook. He honored those whose lives were sacrificed for our country and thanked their families. A video entitled “ I want to go back to Church” was shared prior to the sermon, where the theme was “You Can Turn to Normal or You Can Turn to Jesus.” He referenced that “We are taking lightly what God takes seriously; Keep your mind stayed on Jesus; We are our own worst enemy; Turn away from peer pressure and focus on walking in the light; and Walk with God and choose the safe type of life which involves coming out on faith.
SCTS/ETHHS/FHS Alumni Association President Susie Boyd announced that the Reunion has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The association members look forward to the 2021 Reunion and the theme, “Roaring ‘20” will celebrated. Special thanks to the Planning Committee members for their hard work.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 568: Mrs. Henrietta Horton, a Forest native, who now resides in Clinton with her daughter Barbara Longmire, was born October 7, 1914. What an accomplishment and blessing!!
Quiz Teaser #569: Which African American Veteran served his country in World War II and now resides at a Veterans’ Home?
