“Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Our community is saddened by the death of Rev. (Elder) Arthur Kennedy who passed at his home on May 24th. Please keep his family in your prayers as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Our prayers are with the family of Ms. Tisha Latoya Beamon who passed on May 21st. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 2:00 p.m. at Concord M. B. Church (244 North 1st Avenue, Forest); and her visitation will be on Friday, May 30th from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Evans Memorial Funeral Home which has been entrusted with her final arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Mrs. Vestina Bailey. Her life will be honored on Saturday, May 31st at 12:00 p.m. at Sylvester U. M. Church. Mrs. Bailey’s visitation will be on Friday, May 30th from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Evans Memorial Funeral Home which has been entrusted with her final arrangements.
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Johnny L. Dinkins whose life will be honored on Saturday, May 31st at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (289 Zion Church Rd, Lake, MS). His visitation will be on Friday, May 30th from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Evans Memorial Funeral Home which has been entrusted with his final arrangements.
Special thanks to church leaders who shared the news of No Menthol Sunday on May 18th with their church families, namely Susie Jackson Boyd, Kathy Sanders, Myla Sanders and other members of New Bethel Church; Patsy Bland, Stacie Murray and other members of Greater Deliverance COGIC; Cynthia Slaughter Melton and other members of Lynch Chapel UM Church; Eloise Graham Reed, Kristal Eirby, Janiyah Eirby and other members of Abundant Grace Temple of Deliverance, and Denise Stowers and other members of Midway MB Church. They encouraged members to refrain from smoking and vaping, and to getting tobacco and addiction out of our communities. Tobacco is still the number one killer. This awareness campaign was sponsored by MS Tobacco Free Coalition of Rankin, Scott and Simpson Counties through its local partner, Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation, Inc. Additional information on the hazards of smoking and vaping may be obtained from Legacy by calling 601-469-0990 or by calling the Tobacco Free office at 601-768-7204. Beware of the hazards of smoking and vaping!!
“The right place at the right time” was the theme for Black’s Chapel Men and Women’s Day Program on May 18th. James Burwell III, (Mr. Black’s Chapel 2025 introduced the guest speakers, who happened to be his parents, Rev. James and Sis. Constance Harvey-Burwell. They thanked the people for “not just walking the Christian talk, but for walking the Christian Walk” of discipleship and exhibiting grace and love in all ministries. Rev. Burwell lifted the triple AAAs of allegiance, awareness, and alignment and stated that if we trust God, He will get you to the right place at the right time to receive a blessing.” JSU Chief Communications Officer Dr. Tangelia Kelley, niece of Sister Burwell, joined Constance Slaughter-Harvey as guests of the speakers. Former Forest resident Deacon Ted Cross sent his best regards to friends and former colleagues in Scott County.
The MHV State Council Meeting was held on May 20-22nd at the Central MS Regional Extension Center in Raymond. Capital Area President Dorothy Strong and State Junior Director Cynthia Slaughter Melton attended the Monday meeting. Melton spoke on the many activities of volunteerism in Scott County and acknowledged that recruitment is going on in the county. South MHV Coordinator Latoya Evans recognized Melton for her recognition of Volunteer of the Year. MSU Scott County Coordinator Rayne was also in attendance for the State Council. There are no MHV meetings in June. The next Cluster Meeting is July 18th, and the hostesses are Carolyn Macon and Connie Wash.
Scott County JSU Alumni Association met on May 22nd and discussed plans for the HBCU Family and Friends Day to be held at Gaddis Park on June 14th. All members are asked to contact Vice President Cynthia Melton for picnic food donations at 601-624-3997. Members present were President Albert Gray, Bonnie Stowers and Janet Williams. Members look forward to seeing you at Family and Friends Day.
Congratulations to Donovan Thomas, son of Rev. Sheldon and Mrs. Regina Thomas, who received his master’s in jurisprudence from Drake University. After providing paralegal services for more than ten years, he is looking forward to teaching paralegal studies for law school. We’re proud of Donovan!
Congratulations to Local Teachers/Instructors/School Personnel who recently entered the “Retirement World” and received expressions of appreciation, receptions, banquets, and retirement gifts. Little Rock Church was the venue for honoring three retirees on Sunday, May 18th, namely Mr. Manorris Odom, Mrs. Shirley Watkins and Dr. Rhonda Kelley. It was a community and church expression of appreciation for their roles in preparing our future leaders. School board officials Longmire and Evans and Administrators Nelson and Holbert expressed appreciation on behalf of FMSD.
Forest High School honored three retiring teachers on Friday, May 23rd in the Forest High School Cafeteria. Among those honored and appreciated were Mr. Mark Davis, Mrs. Luellen Hawkins, and Mr. Manorris Odom. It was a beautiful celebration which was filled with expressions of appreciation from co-workers, students and community representatives. The honorees were presented beautiful and sturdy “rocking chairs” and they promised to enjoy “rocking” during their retirement.
Later Friday morning, Dr. Rhonda Kelley was honored and gifted at the Forest Community Center (Kats Kave) by colleagues and members of the community. Her favorite color purple was highlighted by gold, and she was truly surprised when she entered the Center and was greeted by more than 100 supporters. Mrs. Susie Jackson-Boyd was the Mistress of Ceremonies and welcomed well-wishers to share their expressions. Mr. Joe Tucker shared his musical tribute for Dr. Kelley and the “Darby Ladies” reflected their appreciation for Dr. Kelley through their delicious food. The music and food were enjoyed by all in attendance, and Dr. Kelley was showered with much love, appreciation, and gifts.
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.
Local HBCU Alumni Chapter Presidents Longmire and Gray invite our readers to join them in celebrating HBCU Family and Friends Day which will begin on June 14th at 10:00 at Gaddis Park. Additional details will be shared in next week’s column.
Pastor Rev. Vincent D. Hopkins and members of the New Bethel M. B. Church invite our readers to join them for their Father’s Day observance on June 15th at 10 a.m. Rev. James A. Burwell, II, will be the guest speaker.
Weather permitting, our readers are invited to browse for furniture, appliances, dishes, linens, clothes, books, baskets, containers, pictures, and other goods and items at the Legacy Landing (Slaughter Block) at 859 East 3rd Street (Highway 80 E.). The Sale will be held on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31 from 8 until 5.
“May Baby” Cynthia Slaughter Melton continued her May 9th birthday celebration on May 17th at Ichiban in Flowood. Family and friends gathered to continue to celebrate her birth including Sandra Bates Gallaspy, Phylis Campbell, niece Dr. Kelly Ellis, and daughter Attorney Teselyn Melton Funches and daughters Caelyn and Courtney Funches. Melton was surprised with a Birthday Cupcake and the Happy Birthday song. She thanks family and friends for the celebration.
Happy Birthday greetings to May babies born during the last week, namely Akili Rankin (29), Lavonshae Spivey, Erma Pace, Rubin Brown, and Demetric Mitchell (30), Diana Moore and Rita Parker (31), and the first week in June, namely Evelyn Lewis, Felicia Futch, Tim Major and Amani Pinkston (1), Zachery Reed, Sandy Wash, Bobby Brown, Bobbie McBride and Rosie Kersh (5), and Cortay Ragland, Malek McNair and Cameron Mapp (6).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 834: Herman Patrick was the first African American to be elected to public office in Scott County when he was elected Constable on November 4, 1975. He died January 23, 2018.
Quiz Teaser # 835: Who was the first African American from Scott County to serve as camera man and operations manager at a Jackson television station?
