Our prayers are with the family of Ms. Sharon Bennett, 1989 graduate of Morton High School, who transitioned June 8th. She was the daughter of Mrs. Delois Boyd Bennett and the late Willie C. Bennett. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her children, Malcolm Jamal Bennett and Francesca Bennett. Memorial arrangements are incomplete.
Scott County School Board Member Gregory Charles “Greg” Nicks received a true steward’s farewell when family, friends and constituents paid their final respects to this beloved elected official in his home church of Little Rock M. B. Church on June 4th. Filled with standing-room only capacity, Mr. Nicks’ Celebration of Life touched all in attendance. Little Rock M. B. Church Pastor Rev. Sheldon Thomas delivered a eulogy tailored especially for Mr. Nicks where he passed the course and made the grade. Mr. Jimmy Robinson was the Master of Ceremony and Mrs. Myra Murrell Davis was the pianist. The Little Rock Choir provided beautiful music and Mr. R. C. Williams shared his musical talent with beautiful melodies for this Homegoing. Other program participants were Revs. Anthony Robinson, Walter Patrick and Johnny Qualls, Tony Sanders, Frank Taylor, Superintendent Alan Lumpkin, his brother Mr. Larry Nicks and Ms. Mattye Evans. Our prayers continue to be with his wife, Mrs. Evelyn Nicks, their children Akilah (Myron) Johnson, and Dr. Zakiya Nicks, granddaughters Amyrah and Lundy Johnson, siblings Larry and James (Marilyn), Ethel Deneise (Stanley) Thomas and Janet Williams. Holifield Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
The Newton Methodist Church was filled with family, friends and coworkers of Mrs. Donna Michelle Buntyn Logan who displayed much love and expressions of admiration, tears and farewells to a special lady and servant who touched the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Mrs. Michelle Logan, an Adoption Specialist for the Child Protection Services, Librarian, Teacher, and Church Administrator, was remembered as “one of God’s sweetest and kindest angels.” Officiating at her Homegoing Celebration were Rev. Phillip Dearman, Dr. John Cash and Rev. Tom Buckley. Her oldest granddaughter MaryEllen shared a special tribute to “Granchelle” as she represented the remaining eight grands. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her husband, Judge Robert Logan, children Megan (Daniel) Bounds, Madeline (Spencer) Cash, Zachary (Jenny), Jeffrey (Claire), grandchildren, and mother-in-law Mrs. Louvenia Logan.
A beautiful Celebration of Life for Mrs. Wilma Jean Chaffee was held June 8th at Cade Chapel M. B. Church with Rev. Marvin Powell officiating and delivering her eulogy. It was a special farewell from family, co-workers and friends. More than half of those in attendance were her coworkers from UMMC where she served as an ER Tech, and RN for over forty-plus years until her full retirement in 2020. She was remembered as a “gentle lady” who gave and commanded respect, and who was a very caring person to many people she met during her journey. Her son, Cedric Chaffee shared special reflections and his daughter Kreshaun Chaffee wrote and read a poem for Mrs. Chaffee. Participating on her program were Deacons Lee Walker, Willie Wright, Jr., Sam Thornton and Marcus Gentry, Toi Flora Johnson, Keith Martin, and Alberta Johnson. Our prayers continue to be with her family especially her son Cedric (Denise), sisters Bobby Jean (Willie) Greer and Patricia Allen, uncles Paul (Joyce) Harris and Edward McGowan, aunt Mary Harris, niece Carmen (Melvin) Hunt and nephew Brian Greer. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Please continue to remember our readers who are experiencing health challenges, namely, McArthur Cotton, Don Bell, Margaret Wodetzki, Gwen Gary, Q. McClendon, Bobby Carter, Gail Lee, Martha Reed, Connie Sorey, Rita Wash, LaToya McClendon, Diane “Tooty” Herring, Robert Jennings, Melvin Hodge, Linnie K. Lofton, Deon May, Jr., Mel Roland, Shelley Joseph, Vera Patrick, C. J. Polk, McArthur Robinson, Jamisha Denise Benton, Irene Lyles, Nancy Myers, Travis Ward, Eleanor Longmire, Rubin Ruiz, Curtis Derrick, Jordan Crump, Albert Lee Payton, Timothy Crudup, Kenard Bowie, Jr., Connie Lewis Williams, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, Thomas Anderson, Cliff Qualls, Jr., Kristie Ware, Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, Henry Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, Sidney Ellis, Sammie Jean Webb, Anderson “Yellow” Stingley, Dorothy Mae Patrick Tigar, London Thompson, Melba Dixon, Mitch and Mary Nichols, Lucille Flex, Laura Jackson, Roseann Lynn, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, Nicholas Jones, John Norman, Renea Taylor, James Earl Nickson, Juanita Jones, Roosevelt “Shane” Smith, Elijah Ickom, Vernette Owens, Diane Williams, Dashell Earnest, Sherry Holmes, Will Hughes, Billy Jack Evans, Otha Herrington, Douglas Braggs, and other readers who are facing health challenges.
Congratulations to Dr. Delore Thomas Nelson on her recent retirement from the educational field after 40 years of service, including special education instructor, transition specialist, Migrant Recruiter, ESL and gifted instructor. Dr. Nelson graduated from Forest High School, Jackson State University (JSU) and Walden University. Her Retirement Reception (June 1st) was a beautiful expression of love and appreciation for her years of service. Program participants were her daughters, Dr. Pharen Nelson and Ms. Joesilk Nelson, JSU’s Dr. Arron Richardson, colleague Mrs. Jackie Ward, mentee Mrs. Krishna Moore and JSU President Dr. Marcus Thompson. Her nephew, Pastor Sheldon Thomas, shared a beautiful prayer and blessed the food. Best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.
Taylor Longmire and James “Tre” Burwell, III enjoyed S.M.I.L.E Camp this past week at the UMMC Dentistry Campus. This was Tre’s second year and both young men are looking forward to returning next year. Taylor is the son of Tammy Longmire and James is the son of Constance and James Burwell.
The Scott County MHV Leader Training Program was held May 28th and President Dorothy Strong welcomed attendees. Ester Perry and Cynthia Slaughter Melton provided devotion. Other program participants included Donna Beliech, Florence Measells, Carolyn Harrell, Rayne Tate, and Natasha Haynes. Other members attending were Carolyn Macon, Connie Wash, Desiree Bradford, Dorothy Bradford, Sharon Smith, Sig Miles, Dianne Kirk, Kathy Warren, and guest Louella McConnell. Thanks to Elizabeth Easterling and Jason Hurdle for their assistance. There will be no leader training in June. The July training date will be shared in future columns.
We appreciate the invitation to the Rand Family Reunion held June 1st at the Forest Community Center. Family and friends enjoyed good food, fellowship and fun. The highlight of the Reunion was celebrating the “59th” You Do the Math Birthday Party for Mrs. Aretha Riley “Rand” Gray. She thanked all in attendance and promised to celebrate “Another ‘59th’ You Do the Math Birthday Celebration.” Thanks to coordinators Kathy and Ann Gray. A good time was had by all.
Don’t forget to join us at Gaddis Park this Saturday, June 15th from 10-4:00 p.m. to celebrate and pay tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Juneteenth! The Celebration promises to be packed with fun, fellowshipping, and food! Looking forward to your presence, participation and prayers for a successful event!
Happy Birthday greetings to babies born during the third week in June, namely, Rashad Odom (12), Ruth Weems and Ja’Mya Henry (14), Myra Tucker and Alejandra Lopez (15), Caelyn Funches, Akayla Wilson, Tim Ringo, and Ashley Dawn Rhodes (16), Marcus Johnson and Syble Horton Rule (17), LaToya McClendon, Margaret Bates, DeAngelo Shepard, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, and Joyce Collins (18), Felisha Temple and Cartrellis Warnsley (19), and Mrs. Loyce Collier (20).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #776: Mrs. Rosie Mayers Kersh, who taught school her in Forest for more than 25 years, has received numerous honors and awards from the State Conference of the NAACP, including Mother of the Year for 2013. In 2023, this Jackson State University graduate received and was honored as the Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer Award Recipient! Congratulations to Legacy Change Agent Mrs. Kersh for her excellence in teaching diversity to all her students. She continues to keep the faith and work with youth and others in need of assistance and support.
Quiz Teaser #777: Who was the first African American to be elected Miss Forest High School?
