Our community is saddened by the death of Mr. William Gray who transitioned Monday, April 29th at the MS Baptist Medical Center. His Home Going Celebration was held Saturday, May 4th at his home church of Lynch Chapel. Pastor Rev. Shirley Wilder officiated and delivered the eulogy. Her remarks focused on the question, “Are you ready?” Rev. Sheldon Thomas shared words of comfort and love. Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the mistress of ceremony and other program participants were Rev. James Chisolm, Tony Lyles, and Ever Gray Moore. Beautiful and moving songs/hymns were provided by Tony Patrick and nephew John Husband. Musician was Jonathan Long of Hattiesburg. Our prayers are with his family, especially his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Lillian Ann Maxwell Gray, and their children, Mary Ann (New York), Henry Wayne (Dallas) and William Wells (Forest). Please keep them in your prayers. Holifield Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Our hearts are saddened by the death of local businessman and veteran, Mr. Joe C. Lyles who transitioned April 29th at the MS Baptist Medical Center. His Home Going Celebration was held at Balucta M. B. Church Saturday, May 4th with Rev. Melvin Lyles officiating and delivering the eulogy. Mrs. Agnes Lyles was the mistress of ceremony. Other program participants were Rev. Charles Watkins, Deacon Myrt Lyles, Mesdames Sherell Taylor, Jan Brown, Nicole Lyles, and Alicia Lander. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Mrs. Betty Ree Lyles, granddaughter Nicole (CA), and grandson Jamar (CA). Please keep his family in your prayers. Holifield Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
A beautiful memorial Home Going was held for Mr. Anderson Robinson Tuesday, April 24th at the Reach One on One in Forest. The celebration of Mr. Anderson’s life was a great tribute to his life and legacy and a historical record for his family and friends. His nephew Ernest Love was the master of ceremony. Rev. Sheldon Thomas provided scripture and a moving prayer. Grandson, Rev. Willie Robinson, officiated and delivered the eulogy. He expressed appreciation to his grandfather for his great legacy and reminded those in attendance of the importance of leaving a positive and productive legacy. Mrs. Lula McConnell performed beautiful music through song. We will miss Mr. Anderson and are comforted in knowing that his great legacy lives on. Please continue to remember his children in your prayers, namely McArthur (Dorothy), Harry (Diane), Larry, Bernice (Randy), Tony (Pauline), Ray Charles (Tonya), Joan (Charles), Brenda (Roosevelt), and Pamela (Ronny). Holifield Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Doris Louise Holifield who transitioned April 19th at home surrounded by her loving family. Her Home Going Celebration was held at Midway M. B. Church where Pastor Christopher Derricks officiated and delivered the eulogy. Other program participants included Tevin Nichols, Akeem Harrison, and Kathy Johnson. Please remember her family in your prayers, especially her parents Mattie and Oliver Holifield, children Felicia, Eboni (Tommy) Luckett and Gelisa Patrick.
A beautiful Memorial of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Edward Hightower was held Saturday, April 27th at Greater Belmont Church in Raymond. Dr. Elbert Craig, Pastor, officiated at this memorial event. Program participants were Judy Evans, Revs. Larry Rimpson and Ollie Shaw, Dr. Clarence Elam, Wayne Daniels, Mt. Moriah Deacons Andrew Crudup and Elmer Lowery, and Frank Figgers. Rev. Hightower was pastor at Mt. Moriah for more than 15 years and provided excellent spiritual leadership for the Pulaski community. Our prayers are with Rev. Hightower’s family.
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges, namely Mrs. Betty Nicks who is recuperating at home, Sister Maria Eugenia who is hospitalized at St. Dominic Medical Center, Mrs. Flo Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell (Mary) Nichols, John Kennedy, and Angel Martinez.
We enjoyed celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the University of MS (Ole MS) Black Law Student Association (Constance Slaughter Harvey Chapter) Friday, April 26th. Former Judge Robert Gibbs and former BLSA president was guest speaker and addressed the theme, ”Raising the Bar: Honoring our Past, Igniting our Future.” Other program participants were Elise Mimms, Michael Gorden, Jason Brookins, Kiara Hester, Naomi Short, Da’Shaun Parker, Conisha Hackett, and Professor Karen Peairs. Dean Sandra Duncan received the Award of Distinction. Slaughter-Harvey brought greetings on behalf of other national BLSA founders.
Congratulations to Patrolman Michael Holifield who graduated from the MS Highway Patrol Academy Wednesday, May 1st. He was sworn in with other new cadets as MS Highway Patrolmen at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl. His family, especially his parents, Amos and Minnie Holifield, beamed with pride and happiness.
Congratulations to Mrs. Carolyn Macon for her recognition and honor as Scott County Girl Scouts Unit Parent of the Year! Mrs. Macon received this award Sunday, May 5th during the Annual Mother/Daughter Tea held at the Concord M. B. Church Fellowship Hall. Mistress of ceremony was Troop 3268 Leader Jomiski Nelson. Guest speakers were Edneshia Evans and Constance Harvey. It was a wonderful tea and the fellowship and food were first class. The Scouts, dressed in their Sunday frocks, looked so pretty and displayed perfect charm. Among those participating were Brittany Hunt, Peyton Reed, Adrian Ormond, Jakaylee Brown, Shakenna Wells, Makayla Ducksworth, Nakayla McClendon, Brianna Hunt, Kayara Nicks, Beautiful Carr, Kelsi Ormond, Jamerica Patrick, Aaliyah Spivey, Rori Heard, Jayla Brown, Jana McBeath, A’maricle Turnich, Jasayjza Holifield and Tarrd Heard.
We send a very special thanks to Girl Scout leaders and parents. Legacy salutes Service Unit Manager Pamela Smith, and Troop Leaders Shelia Spivey (5880), Kelli Sistrunk (4132), Jackie Patrick (3205), Renee Crimm (3260), and Jomiski Nelson (3268).
Please mark your calendars to attend the Head Start Completion Program May 14th at 7:00 at Forest Elementary Auditorium. See you there!
Answer to Quiz Teaser #486: Ms. Bettye Mae Jack was the first and only Jeanes Supervisor in Scott County. Morton’s Bettye Mae Jack High School was named in her honor. Thanks to Marcus Johnson was the correct response.
Quiz Teaser # 487: Who was the first African American dentist to practice in Scott County?
