“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” “The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Emmitt Love, a 1962 Hawkins High School graduate, who died in his hometown of Atlanta on November 21st. Our prayers are with his family, especially his brother, Mr. Ernest Love.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Jimmy Dale Wagner of Lake, who will be memorialized on Wednesday, November 26th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Evans Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Evans Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, which is entrusted with his final arrangements.
Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Florence Lloyd, who passed away on November 17th. Memorial services were held at Pleasant Gift in Morton. Holifield Funeral Home has been entrusted with her final arrangements.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Johnny Malone Newton, whose memorial was held on November 17th at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton. Evans Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
A beautiful Celebration of Life was held for Miss Sharonna Wilson, who received her wings on November 10th and was memorialized Sunday, November 16th, at the Union Grove M.B. Church with Pastor Rochelle Wright officiating and delivering her eulogy. Mrs. Ira Payton was the Mistress of Ceremony. She was remembered as a sweet and deeply compassionate young lady who greeted each day with a smile. Our prayers are with her family, especially her mother, Mrs. Lillian Patrick, and siblings Tawonna Patrick, Aaliyah Wilson, Raleigh Wilson, Karanika Patrick, and her stepfather, Tony Futch. Evans Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
Please continue to remember those who are facing health challenges, namely, Phyllis Thomas Harper, Kathy Hollingsworth, Gwendolyn Harvey Kelley, Dorothy Pinkston, Clarice and Don Bell, R. C. Williams, Howard Burkes, Robert Jennings, Wells Gray, Connie Sorey, LaToya, Q and LaTasha McClendon, Bobby Carter, Jo Taylor, Linnie K. Lofton, Ruby Warnsley, Iris O’Neal Warnsley, Shelley Joseph, Vera Patrick, C. J. Polk, McArthur Robinson, Irene Lyles, Nancy Myers, Eleanor Longmire, Jordan Crump, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, Thomas Anderson, Cliff Qualls, Jr., Virginia Hannah, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, Henry Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, Sidney Ellis, Anderson “Yellow” Stingley, Dorothy Mae Patrick Tigar, London Thompson, Melba Dixon, Mitch Nichols, Lucille Flex, Laura Jackson, Roseann Lynn, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Lillian Gray, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, John Norman, Juanita Jones, Vernette Owens, Diane Williams, Dashell Earnest, Sherry Holmes, Will Hughes, Billy Jack Evans, Otha Herrington, Robert Loper, Annie Curry, Margaret Davis, Ruby Helen Moore, Ken Ormond, Eileen, Annie, Elijah, and Symone Ickom, Linda Martin Solomon, Ruthie Lay, Clark Jackson, George Tucker, Thorton Gray, Bobby Hodges, Wayne Lindsey, Patsy Bradford, Marie Graham, Rita Wash, Willie Wash, and Margaret Bates.
Thanksgiving’s history traces back to the 1621 harvest feast between the Plymouth colonies and the Wampanoag people. Puritan colonists held a three-day harvest festival and invited members of the local Wampanoag tribe. This festival did not lead to an annual tradition. In 1846, Sarah Hale began a long letter-writing campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. It didn’t become a national holiday until Abraham Lincoln declared it one in 1863, officially designating the last Thursday of November as a national Thanksgiving Day during the American Civil War.
Congress officially set the modern holiday date to the fourth Thursday in November after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation in December 1941. Roosevelt had previously moved the date to earlier in November in 1939 to boost the Christmas shopping season when the month had five Thursdays, leading to the change being codified. The history also includes traditions developed over time, such as parades and football, and is viewed differently by some Native Americans who observe a National Day of Mourning.
Some Native Americans observe a National Day of Mourning to honor their ancestors and their struggles, recognizing the historical events that followed the 1621 feast, such as massacres and the loss of land.
Congratulations to Jackson State University 2025 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees. Special congratulations to Sidney Ellis, former son-in-law of the late W. L. and Olivia Kelley Slaughter. Other honorees include Michael Ventress, Wayne Williams, Creig Charles, Robert Kent, Thomas (TC) Taylor, Corey Bradford, Curtis Hardy, Michael Stewart, Maxcell Spriggs, Ben Norris Heard, Frederick McRae, Theresa Smith, Anthony Appoy, John Miller, and Brittany Bailey. These honorees received their honors and special recognition on Friday, November 14th, in the JSU Center Ballroom. Honoree Ellis was accompanied by his daughters, Dr. Kelly Ellis and Crystal (John) Ellis McFarland.
Congratulations to Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers, who claimed the Soul Bowl (November 22nd at Veterans’ Stadium) and punched a ticket to the SWAC Championship Game after defeating Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves with a final score of 27 to 21. JSU gets to the SWAC Championship arena on December 6th against Prairie View A & M.
We enjoyed our visit with Legacy Change Agent/Liaison Pastor Hannah Cowling and her brother, who provided transportation. We thank her for her assistance in providing coats to youth in Jasper and Smith Counties. Special thanks to Morton Community Center and the Knights of Columbus for donations and assistance. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Mrs. Bobbie Carter celebrated her special day on the 21st at her home. Her children and brother showered her with love, cards, and gifts. She was also remembered by two of the Six Cees (Constance and Cynthia), who recalled her as a loyal customer at the store. In fact, she received a framed photo of herself in her car outside the Superette.
We enjoyed hearing from Legacy Change Agent/Donor Dr. Sheldon Graves, who sends his best wishes to our readers.
The Naomi Dean Williams, RN Memorial honoring and remembering November “Babies” was held at Lackey Convalescent Home on November 20th. During this event, the staff and residents were treated to delicious birthday cake, ice cream, and chips. After singing Happy Birthday, the honorees received gifts. November babies remembered were Bonnie Russell Hodge, Bobbie Moore, and Richard Slaughter Moman. Those honored were Minnie Williams, Betty Jean Russell, Eddie James Rigsby, Tawaina Adams, Keisha Bobbitt, Desiree Bradford, Louella McConnell, and Bobbie Carter. Two residents were also honored. Hostess Cynthia Slaughter Melton called each name and mentioned their relationship to her. She donated refreshments and gifts and shared Bags of Joy with all. Melton thanked the staff for their assistance.
Happy Birthday greetings to November babies born during the last week, namely, Louella McConnell (26), Rev. Henry Patrick and Ephraim Ringo (27), Tylashia Pinkston (27), Dr. Selika Sweet and Francis Patrick (30), and December babies, Lakendra Scott and Lakenya Scott (1), Jean McCuster, Kimberlyn Cager, and Andre’ Hollis (2), and Josh Pinkston, Rengo Salas, and Jody Mathney (3).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #860: Some members of the “Old Negro League Baseball Forest Fairgrounders” included Petro Burge, Percy Williams, Alark Lovelady, Hubbie Neal Glover, Dick Lovelady, and John Wesley Smith.
Quiz Teaser #861: Which Hawkins High School graduate worked with SCEF and other woodcutter associations across the state and south and was instrumental in getting fairer labor standards in plants, including woodcutters and industries in Forest and the surrounding areas?
