“At Christmas, we see Jesus as a little babe — helpless and poor. And he came to love and be loved. How can we love Jesus in the world today?” Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Our hearts are saddened by the death of Dr. Elaine Baker of Mound Bayou, MS. This Legacy Change Agent was a graduate of Tougaloo College and Atlanta University. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are facing health challenges, namely, Vernal Williams Breashears, Dr. Sheldon Graves, 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, Margaret Bates, and Lillie Mae Rodguiez Stewart.
Congratulations to Cinnamon Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie (Cindy) Williams, who was recognized and honored by the Mississippi Care Center in Morton as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) of the Month. According to this honor, “She goes above and beyond daily to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care. She maintains strong communication with nurses and other team members, ensuring consistent and safe care. She always wears a smile and shows a positive attitude and strong work ethic.” Cinnamon is a graduate of Hinds Community College and Jackson State University (B. A.) She participated in and completed summer programs at Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation, and we’re proud of this Legacy Change Agent!
Congratulations to Parris Ringo, a Raytheon employee, who received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University on December 13th. We are proud of Parris and extend our best wishes to this young man who graduated with a Cum Laude honor. He was a three-year Volunteer with the Slaughter Library and Legacy.
Ladies of the MHV – Cluster Club met on December 20th at Penn’s Restaurant for their Christmas Lunch. Louella McConnel blessed the food and following dinner, they exchanged gifts. They finalized plans for their January 8th meeting. Attending this meeting were Carolyn Macon, Dorothy Strong, Mary Lofton, Cynthia S. Melton, and Connie Wash. Christy Evans was a guest.
The winner of the W. L. Slaughter Subdivision Yard/ House Decoration Contest will be announced in next week’s column.
The Naomi Dean Williams, R.N. Memorial Honoring and Remembering December Babies was held on December 18th at Lackey Convalescent Home. Residents enjoyed cake and ice cream. Joy Snacks were donated by Cynthia Slaughter Melton. December Baby Clark Jackson was the honored guest. Susie Ickom was the winner of the “Right Left Christmas” game prize. Those honored were Dr. Clarice Slaughter Bell, Susie Jackson-Boyd, and Delores Harper. Carolyn Slaughter Fuqua, Clark Jackson, James “Tre” Burwell, III, Embra Jackson, Jr., Patrice Clark (Fox 40), and Ernestine Evans. Thanks to staff for assistance.
We enjoyed the Forest Head Start Preschool Early Head Start Center “Gingerbread Christmas Program on December 17th. It was a beautiful Christmas program where the Gingerbread Man was in action...house, housetop, and the cookie dance. Holiday Ballerinas and Elves Dancers performed to the “Jingle Bells” music and they ended with a closing song/dance – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Merry Christmas greetings from the Forest Head Start Family.
We received a special Advent surprise when we spoke with longtime Slaughter Library Volunteer Tambria Ware Lowe from Lincoln, AL. She continues to support the Library and Legacy, and we thank her. We were also pleased to hear from her family including 2-year-old Lux, who loves to read. She is the daughter of Ms. Barbara Ware who is also a supporter of Legacy.
We received another Advent surprise when we spoke with Sister Rita Goedken who worked with Excel Community Center in Morton for many years with Sisters Camilla and Eileen. She sends Advent and Christmas greetings to all.
Congratulations to Rev. Henry L. Patrick who was honored on December 14th for his 35 years as Pastor at Concord M. B. Church. Brother Dennis Hayes was the Program Guide and Rev. Bill Flowers, Pastor at New Friendship M. B. Church in Walnut Grove, was the Guest Speaker whose theme was, “Come too far to Turn Around.” Other participants were Evangelist Crystal Moffett, Elder Jeffery Chambers, Sisters Jomiski Nelson, Daphine Baker, Annette McClendon, Carolyn Macon, Zoetta Lindsey, Lisa Darby, Dorothy Pinkston, and Daphna Rodriguez, Brothers Joe Nelson, Chris Macon, Terrance Hollins, and Henry Williams, Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton, Dr. Delore Nelson, and Pastors Ralph James, Sheldon Thomas, and Walter Patrick. Rev. Patrick’s wife, the late First Lady Marquita Crudup Patrick was remembered for her grace, strength, love, gentle spirit, and unwavering support which uplifted the pastor and church family.
Members of the Legacy Education and Community Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors held their final 2025 meeting on December 14th at the home of Chief Master Sergeants Delano and Melissa Barney. Board Members expressed appreciation for the leadership of Executive Director Constance Olivia Harvey Burwell during their business meeting. Following the meeting, they enjoyed a delicious meal hosted by Chief Master Sergeants Barney. Board Members in attendance were Lt. Col. Robert Kincaid, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Chief Master Sergeant Delano Barney, Joni Pace, and Francis Richmond. Dr. Stephanie Rhodes and Verna Manning Myers were out of town and unable to attend in person. Board Emeritus Rev. James Burwell shared a special Advent prayer. Legacy Intern James “Tre” Burwell and Legacy Scholar Halle Pace were in attendance and shared Advent/Christmas cheers.
Please keep Mr. and Mrs. (Tiffany) Mosley in your prayers as they prepare for the birth and arrival of their four babies.
Randi Jennings and Regi Moore were honored at their Baby Shower held December 13th at Kat’s Kave by her parents Betty and Randy Jennings. It was hosted by Dr. Katelyn Jackson who also designed the invitations; coordinated by Latasha Singleton; and decorated and designed by Ebony Nance and Rosia Jackson. Jyniah Gore, Danah Harris, Rosia Jackson, Betty and Randy Jennings provided the food to more than 45 guests. It’s a GIRL!
Happy Birthday greetings to December Babies born during the last week, namely, Lakarshia Robinson (26), Rakethea Coleman and Latoya Derricks (27), Stephanie York Rhodes and Leonard Horton (28), Kaleah Pinkston, Dominque Young, Linda Darby Fleming and Brenda Darby (29), Susie Jackson-Boyd, Carolyn Slaughter Fuqua, and Oreadus “Rita” Wash (30), and Bobbie Ringo (31).
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 864: The late Mrs. Fannie Proctor Bradford, the first African American Scott County Election Commissioner, was elected in 1984. Mrs. Bradford was an effective community advocate prior to, during, and after her election. She served for 29 years and retired in 2013. She was married to the late Leon Bradford and was the mother of 7 children, one of whom followed in her footsteps as an elected official. Jackie served as Scott County Supervisor, and upon his retirement, he was appointed to the Scott County Board of Education to fill the term of Gregory Nicks, who died in office. Elder Melvin Moore provided the correct response by naming Mrs. Fannie Proctor Bradford as the longest-serving African American elected official in Scott County.
Quiz Teaser # 865: Who was the first African American movie star from Scott County? Which film/movie star from Scott County is currently engaged in acting and directing?
