We are sorry to learn of the transition of Mr. “Pep” Perry Coleman on April 9th. Memorial services were held Friday, April 14th at the Evans Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Robert Johnson officiated and delivered his eulogy. Ms. Monica Coleman was the mistress of ceremony and other program participants were Randy Coleman, Rev. Walter Patrick, Tracie Carter, and Tykeshia Fulton. Our prayers are with his family, especially his children Jamal (Emily) Coleman, and April (Timothy) Jennings, wife Chandra Coleman, sisters Joyce Spivey, Georgia Shepherd, and brothers Charles, William (Jerdine), Timmy (Renae), Randy (Monica), Steven, Stanley Coleman, and Rodney Murrell. His final arrangements were entrusted to Evans Memorial Funeral Home.
A beautiful Memorial was held for the late Mrs. Mary Annette Brown on April 15th at the Good Hope MB Church with Rev. Curtis McAfee officiating and delivering her eulogy. Mrs. Rosie Kersh served as mistress of ceremony and other program participants were Aprill Brown, Rev. Carrie Brown Meeks, Deacons Ross Coleman and Willie Parker, and Vincent and Linda Solomon. Mrs. Brown was a committed second grade instructor at Forest Elementary School for more than 30 years. Our prayers are with her children, Kenneth (Aprill) Brown, Willie (Lisa) Brown, Jr., Cassandra (Gary) Lewis and Stacey Brown, and other family members. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
Mr. Lawrence Smith received a beautiful Homegoing Celebration on April 15th at the New Bethel M. B. Church with Rev. Billy Ray Lyles officiating. Mrs. Susie Boyd was the mistress of ceremony. Among the other program participants were Deacon Ernest Love, and Tommy Joe Wash. Lawrence was remembered as a musical prodigy who could play any instrument and who loved to teach music. Our prayers are with his family especially his children, Paris (Walter) Love, Dexter (Phatasis) Harroll, Oreathia Smith, and Mya Smith, grandchildren, and his dearest friend, Mrs. Carolyn Knowles. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
A beautiful Homegoing Celebration was held for Mr. Frankie Darby, Jr. on April 8th at the Little Rock M.B. Church with Rev. Smith Butler officiating. Mrs. Patrice Statum was the mistress of ceremony, and other program participants were Rev. Sheldon Thomas, Deacon R. C. Williams, and Elder J. P. Viverette. Our prayers are with his children, Linda Fleming, Brenda Darby, Earnice (Dale) Smith, Vicky (Rodney) Harrington, Frankie Lee (Patricia) Darby, and Christopher Darby. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
We continue to remember our readers and supporters who are experiencing health challenges, namely, former President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter, LaToya McClendon, Bonnie Russell Hodge, Don Bell, Gail Lee, Rhonda Carter, Glenda Viverette, Drexella Ward, Billy Hughes, Bryce Pittman, Bobbie Carter, Rhonda Carter, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, John “Butch” Wilson, Dianne Cox, Thomas Anderson, Kristie Ware, William Edward, Jr. Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Carolyn Knowles, Ledora Benton, Henry and Marquita Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, Kitty Colbert, 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, Brandi Sharp, Beverly Hollingsworth, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, Nancy Myers, and other readers who are facing health challenges.
Congratulations to Coach Datodrick Pinkston and LaRicka Morgan on the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Sonja Rena, who was born Wednesday, April 12th at St Dominic Hospital. Little Sonja is named after Coach Pinkston’s mother who was killed in an auto accident when he was six months old. Will Baby Sonja be playing basketball when she is three?
The April luncheon meeting of Health Is Wealth was held April 13th at the Slaughter Library/Legacy Center. The theme was “Springing into Summer with Healthy Dieting.” Healthy tips were shared regarding exercising, healthy eating, and other information. Each of the participants received healthy reminder plaques and pictures. Attending this luncheon were Glenda Graham, Nytezia Donald, Susie Jackson-Boyd, Patty W. Odom. Martha H. Kincaid, Barbara Gray, Cindy Williams, Joyce Graham, Bonnie F. Stowers, Constance Slaughter Harvey, and Eloise Reed. The healthy and delicious luncheon meal was prepared by Mrs. Reed. The next meeting will be held on the second Thursday in June.
Mrs. Connie Parker’s daughters and grandchildren sat at the head table with her as she celebrated her 68th birthday on March 25 at Foothills. Others participating in this celebration were Janet Williams, Bonnie Floyd, Evelyn Nicks, Maggie Jennings, Mattye Evans, Katie Patrick, Brenda Burkes, Molly Bufkin, Lorraine Smith, Mattie Haralson, Lisa Butler, Shirley Wilson, Evelyn Murrell, Dorothy and Durlene Hayes, Shannon and Tiffany Burkes, LaShunda and Wandaa Edwards, Tammy Davison, Stephanie and Stassi Wells, Kim Cager, Jamala Johnson, Vanessa Norman, Sandra McClendon, Betty Myers, JoAnn Pierce, Vivian Sanders, Dorothy Jackson, Carla and Tonya Parker, Shalinda Futch, Madison Burkes, Paula Norris, Donnie Hughes, Shannon and Gerry Brazzle, Angela Parker, Inetta Nichols, Bryson Burkes, Duke Williams, Felisha Futch, Robbie Moore. Errius and Sheila Brown, Linda Youngblood, Kay Gray, Rhonda and Shonnette Kelley.
The “Barrett Twins” (Donny and Ronny) enjoyed their April 1st birthday celebration at the Old Country Club – Hope Well Point in Morton. The motif was western which was reflected in cowboy hats, boots, lanterns, boot cupcakes, and watering holes. The menu consisted of country and delicious food including finger-licking pulled pork and chicken, and plenty of homemade sides. The decoration was original, creative, and beautiful. Looking forward to the next party.
Mrs. Phylis Campbell celebrated her birthday in March, however two of her “buddies” forgot to mark the date on the calendar. The two friends gave her a “Tardy Birthday Party” at Garden Patch on April 10th. Attendees were the honoree, Willie Ealy, Sandra Gallaspy, and Cynthia Slaughter Melton. Mrs. Campbell decided to be “forgiving” after lunch. A homemade cake was the table centerpiece. Many folks stopped at the birthday table for hugs and well wishes.
Legacy Connection Change Agents paid tribute to the late Deputy Sheriff Julian Parker on his birthday, April 15th at the Legacy Center/Slaughter Library. Julian’s son Nicholas and mother Rita Parker joined Legacy Connection Agents in honoring Deputy Sheriff Parker. During this tribute, guest speakers shared advice and suggestions with Connection Agents. Among the speakers were FNP Cache’ Longmire, Faith Heart Homecare owner Tynishia Freeman, Sunny Day Home Care Owner Tiffany Mosley, and Constance Slaughter-Harvey. Deputy Sheriff Pete Lingle was presented a Survival Bag for deputies in memory of Julian. Legacy Office Manager Eloise Reed assisted Executive Director Burwell with this event. Connection agents participating were Breyial Joseph, Cadynce Shepard, Av’anna James, Addison Lyles, Aniyah James, James Burwell, III, Philanecia Stowers, Ni’kem Nicks, and Calen Shepard.
The Scott County JSU Chapter will meet April 20th at the Forest Services Center at 5:30 to finalize plans for the JSU Banquet.
The MHV Cluster Club ladies have been busy during the spring. The April meeting was held April 4th at the downtown Extension Office. Desaree Bradford was the hostess and the ladies enjoyed delicious snacks. They discussed future community projects. Cynthia Melton will host the May meeting on the 16th and time and place will be announced.
Mrs. Ester Perry and other members of the Mt. Olive M. B. Church invite our readers to join them in celebrating their Pastor’s 15 year anniversary on May 7th at 1:00. The speaker for this occasion is Rev. Kevin Patterson. They are looking forward to your presence as they celebrate Pastor Charles E., Jr. and First Lady Shakira Bell.
Happy Birthday greetings to babies born between April 23rd and April 30th, namely Harrison Smith, Hershayla Parker, Jane Morgan, Amaris Pinkston, Antarral Pinkston, Ruthie Coucn and Goline Reed (23), Henry Minor and Dillion Thomas (24) Juanita Crudup (25), Janifer Odom Gray and Brienna Payton (27), Aaron Barnett and Mary Johnson Battle (29), and Diane Patrick (30).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 716: LaSharron Pinkston was the first African American Librarian in Scott County. She was employed at the Morton Library following the days of Librarian Purvis.
Quiz Teaser #717: Who was the first African American Youth Court Administrator in Scott County?