“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” Pope Francis
We join with others across the globe and remember the life and legacy of the late Pope Francis (His Holiness and Bishop of Rome), Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who died on Easter Monday (April 21st) at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old and was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. Additional details will be shared in next week’s column.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Fritz “Fred” Moore, son of Mrs. Mary Louise Moore Hawkins and the late Roy C. Moore, who passed April 23rd. Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, May 2nd at Mt. Zion (Homewood) at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be on Thursday May 1st from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Evans Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Evans Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with his final arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the April 25th death of Alexis Margaret Herman, the 23rd Secretary of Labor, and the first African American to hold that office. Prior to this appointment, she (Delta Sigma Theta Soror) was the youngest-ever Director of the U. S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Congratulations to Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” Easterling on her retirement from the MS State Scott County Extension Office! She was celebrated and honored at her Retirement Reception on March 28th. Family, friends and colleagues (from the counties of Rankin, Leake, Copiah, Madison and Scott) showered “Miss Liz” with gifts and tributes. Scott County Extension Agent Rayne Arnold was the program guide. There was good food and fellowship. Cluster Club members attending were Dorothy Strong, Mary Lofton, Louella McConnell, Desiree Bradford, Dorothy Bradford, Cynthia Melton, Carolyn Macon and Connie Wash. Thanks to Mrs. Easterling for 17 years of service with the MS State University Extension and best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.
More than 60 descendants of Charlie and Laura Thompson Moore met on April 12th in Forest to celebrate their first family gathering. What is unique about this is Charlie Moore died 100 years ago leaving his wife with 6 small children ranging in age from 11 years to only a few months old. Through the Grace of God, she was able to raise them.
Her 3 daughters lived well into their 90’s and the 3 sons into their 70’s. They produced nearly 30 grandchildren, some of whom have died. However, since there had never been a formal Family Reunion, an attempt was made to bring as many cousins as possible together in Forest where it all began.
They came from California, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and various towns in Mississippi. Reach One on One hosted a wonderful day of fun, fellowship, food, entertainment, worship, and getting acquainted with many new cousins for the first time. Cousins from coast to coast produced a love-filled event.
Forest area families included James Chisholm, Grover Lee Moore, Patty Odom, Barbara Patrick, Lafayette Ward, and Willie Ward.
We enjoyed the Forest Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Luncheon held Wednesday, April 23rd at the Forest Baptist Church. The fellowship, delicious meal, and decorated tables added to the enjoyment. We especially appreciated the diversity of the audience, and the originality of the decorations.
Dr. Pharen Nelson, guest speaker, addressed the topic, “Resiliency but Grace.” She shared ingredients for her successful entrepreneurship and encouraged women to follow their dreams and be bold and innovative. Dr. Nelson distributed her “Women’s Strategy Think Sheet and Reflections” to the ladies in attendance.
Her family members, including her mother Dr. Delora Thomas Nelson, joined her at the guest table along with Mayor Chambers who introduced Dr. Nelson. Congratulations to the Chamber board members (Logan Alford, Melissa Barney, Brenda Bobbitt, Tarrah Cantner, Wendy Carson, Emily Castillo, Cindy Crudup, Roxann Harville, Chris Ingram, Kimberly Mitchell, LeeAnn Palmer, Michelle Risher, Edith Sequera and Sarah Wilbourne), and the Executive Director Jessica Brown Thomas for a job well done.
It was good hearing from one of our seasoned readers (90+ years) and former business neighbor, Mrs. Myra Harvey, who continues to read and enjoy our column after 30+ years.
Congratulations to Legacy Board Member Emeritus and MWFP State Park Director Andre’ Hollis for receiving the Key to the City of Morton and the Mayor’s Choice Award which were presented during the Mayor’s April 25th Breakfast. Others receiving Mayor’s Awards presented by Mayor Gerald Keeton were Frisky Roland (Outstanding Community Contributions), Sister Eileen Hauswald (Morton Community Learning Center) and Rev. Robert Boyd (Boyd Repair Shop). Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Lady Cats Volleyball Team and the Lady Cats Girls Basketball Team for their recognition by the MS High School Activities Association. They were recently recognized for their outstanding accomplishment and earned the 2024-2025 Scholar Athlete Team Award because each team has an academic average of 3.0+!!!! Their coaches, Josselynne Jones, and assistants Noni Davis and Madison Wilkes (volleyball), and Markesha Strong and assistant Halethe Brown (basketball) ensure their athletes soar on and off the court! The FMSD Board members and Superintendent Dr. Melanie Nelson expressed pride in their recognition and honored each member during the April board meeting.
Ladycat Volleyball teams members are seniors Nyah Davis, Claudia Felipe, Leonor Jimenez and Kearstin Gray; juniors Jamaria Derrick, Ahayliah Rudolph, and Letycia Alonzo; 10th graders Maleihya Jones, Sarah Overstreet, Juana Gomez Perez, 9th graders Ava White, Taraji Jones, Za’kariah Reed, Mariana Alonzo Perez, Anecia Seals, and Camyia Brown, 8th graders Khrystayjah Amos, Hailey Evans, Mia Jones, Jakya Canady, and Laurie Wilkerson, and 7th graders Ja’Miracle Patrick and Kennli Barlow; and managers Aerial Brown, Grace Boones, Kaeliana Jones and Jaliah Murrell. Ladycats Basketball team members are Nyah Davis, Nyzariah Buckley, Shaniyah Wells, Elizabeth Body, Temarius Gill, Ma’Naya Wash, Dha’Shonna Towner, Ta’Nia Bobbitt, Ava White, Latarrica Huffman, Taraji Jones, Camiya Brown, Jhai’Niya Reed, Mah’Raya Summers, Jamiya Nicks, and Anecia Seals; and managers Mikia McGee, Madiyah Booth, Genesis James, and Taraji Strong. Way to go Lady Cats, Coaches, and Managers. We salute these young athletes for their prowess in the athletic arenas and for their excellence in the academic world! We are so very proud of these young ladies! Way to go Ladycats!
During that FMSD Board meeting, the Volunteer Readers (Bearcat Buddies) were honored and recognized, namely, Susan Brown, Phylis Campbell, Kelly Chambers, Angela Crimm, Angie Dykeman, Chantelle Herchenhahn, Rita Jones, Sandra Jones, Tina Kimble, Cynthia Melton, Pat Reeves, Cindy Reynolds and Patty Reynolds. They enjoyed a beautifully decorated “Bearcat Buddies” cake. Congratulations ladies!
The Alcorn State University (ASU) Scott County Chapter Alumni announces its Scholarship Banquet to be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Forest Services Center. The speaker for this occasion will be Dr. Edward Rice, ASU Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. See any ASU member for tickets. Students are encouraged to apply for a scholarship.
Pastor Rev. Sheldon Thomas and members of the Little Rock Church invite our readers to celebrate Women’s Day with them on Sunday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Serenity and Grace Home Care invites our readers to their First Annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 31st, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kats Kave, 477 West 3rd Street. This is a free event with health vendors and community resources. Come learn, get active, and take charge of your health. For additional information, call 601-697-0194.
Happy Birthday to May babies born during the first week in May, namely, Georgia Faye Patrick (1), Lodena Holifield and Kennedi Patrick (3), Ke’Areona Rauls (4), Betty Myers (5), Regina Thomas (6) and Bobby Thigpen (7).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 820: Mr. George Wash was the first President of the Scott County NAACP Chapter, and he was followed by Alderman W. L. Slaughter who served until his death in 1981. Mr. Imogene Ward served for a brief period following Mr. Slaughter’s death.
Quiz Teaser # 821: What is the oldest African American owned business in Morton?
