Our prayers are with Mrs. Susie Jackson Boyd and family with the death of her father, Mr. Robert Edwards who transitioned June 2nd in Memphis. Memorial services were incomplete at press time. W. F. Mapp Funeral Home has been entrusted with his final arrangements.
A beautiful Celebration of the life of Mr. Alfred Ray Darby was held June 3rd at Mt. Carmel M. B. Church in Sebastopol. Pastor Andrew Walker officiated and Pastor T. J. Dear was the eulogist. Among the program participants were Ms. Gayle Johnson, Pastor Sheldon Thomas, Ms. Shenella Carlisle, Deacon R. C. Williams, Ms. Hazel Ware and Ms. Shelia Robinson. He was remembered as a dedicated worker and driver for Gatewood Wholesale for 45 years, and after retirement, he continued to work hard and became owner of Darby Transportation. Our prayers are with his family, especially his wife, Mrs. Lula Darby, and children, Jerome Tucker, Stephen Fulton, Javyion Walker, Aundre Walker, Malcolm Walker and Nieshia Walker. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
St. Michael Catholic Church parishioners celebrated The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Fr. Adolfo reminded us of the nature of the Trinity – The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis reminded us on this day in 2022…” Today we can ask ourselves…do I, who profess faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, truly believe that I need others in order to live, that I need to give myself to others, that I need to serve others? Do I affirm this in words, or do I affirm it with my life?
Lynch Chapel U. M. Church members enjoyed Sunday’s message where the theme was “What is your Motive?” Pastor Shirley Wilder posed the question, “What is your Level of Maturity in the Church?” Her scripture reference was 2 Corinthians 13:11-13.
A Surprise Luncheon was held for Mrs. Rita Parker Johnson at Foothills on her May 31st Birthday. The luncheon was coordinated by her Godchildren, James, Constance and James III, of Jackson. Attending the luncheon were Sherry Moore, Eleanor Longmire, Yvonne Shepard, Kathy Coleman, Cassandra Flanagan, Glenda Viverette, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, and Bonnie Stowers who danced in with her “Keep On Moving Dance Ministry” members Pauletta Moore Lyles, Mary Moore Sanders, Joyce McClendon Graham, Patricia Gray Evans, and Jeannie Jones Moore singing Happy Birthday while dancing. These dancing ladies inspired other non-guests to join in the birthday fun line dancing. It was a fun-filled event and Mrs. Parker Johnson was caught off guard. Happy Birthday Rita!
“Roses for Rosa” was the theme for the Retirement Luncheon for Mrs. Rosa Batiste held at the Forest WIN Job Center Conference Room on May 30th. After 25 years of dedicated and professional public service, Mrs. Batiste joined the retirement force and hung up her hat as MDES ES Manager III (Employment Specialist.) The Retirement Program, coordinated by Mattye Evans, featured speakers who spoke of the beauty and legacy of Mrs. Batiste. Rev. Larry Odom delivered the invocation, Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers welcomed attendees, and Morton Mayor Gerald Keaton brought greetings. Tributes of appreciation, admirations and praise were presented to Mrs. Rosa by MDES Executive Director Robin Stewart, MDES Director Workforce Services Robert Freeman, MDES Area Director Connie Valentine, Workforce Administrator Marilyn Mina, Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Representative Tom Miles, Supervisor Jackie Bradford, and her daughter Attorney Ayanna Batiste Butler, whose remarks touched our hearts and gave thanks to her mother for being the best mother and the best public and religious servant. Before Mrs. Batiste gave her farewell remarks and thanks, Dr. Rhonda Kelley thanked her for being there during her medical challenges. Mrs. Batiste, in her “Rosa style,” humbly thanked those present and expressed her pain in leaving but she felt there were others who would continue to steer the ship and provide invaluable services. We will miss Mrs. Batiste and wish her well as she enjoys her precious grandchildren.
Congratulations to Mrs. Lucille Patrick on her honors and accolades received during a special program sponsored by the Scott County District Missionary Baptist Association May 28th. Her son, Rev. Walter Patrick, presided as more than 200 people attended to show their love and appreciation. Showing her love and respect for this 95-year-old matriarch was Mrs. Sharon Cox who was the program guide. Others participating in this love and appreciation program were Mrs. Yvonne Shepard, Ms. Chineta Perry, Rev. Charles Bell, Mrs. Jacqueline McDougle, Rev. Willie Jones, Rev. Rochelle Wright, and her son, Rev. Walter Patrick who was introduced by his wife, Mrs. Faye Patrick. What a beautiful expression of love, admiration, and appreciation for Mrs. “Mother” Lucille Patrick.
Congratulations to Makayla Odom, 15-year-old Scott Central Sophomore, who was crowned Miss Mississippi Junior Teen on May 29th in Opelika, AL. She is the daughter of Reginald and Michelle Odom, and the granddaughter of Katie and K. C. Patrick and Mable Odom. We are so very proud of our Miss Mississippi Junior Teen and wish her well with the National American Miss Pageant in November. Way to go Makayla!!!
The MHV Cluster Club met on May 16th for its final spring meeting at the Extension Office. Cynthia Melton, who was honored as the May Birthday Lady, was the hostess and provided a meal for the ladies. Other members in attendance were Carolyn Macon, Connie Wash, Mary Lofton, Desiree Bradford, Esther Perry and Dorothy Strong. Winners of the door prizes, donated by Connie Wash, were Esther Perry and Mary Lofton.
The May MHV Leadership Training was held May 30th and program participants were Frisky Roland, Desiree Bradford, Kathy Warren and Debra Gibbs. A Creative Art presentation was enjoyed by all. Karen Ingle, Scott County MHV Council, was the guest presenter. She demonstrated the art of “Raised Bed Gardening.” She also provided complimentary plans to club members. There will be no leadership training in June.
We enjoyed the Friends of Children of MS, Inc. Forest Head Start/Early Head Start Center’s 2023 Transition Program on May 23rd and 24th. Thanks to teachers Carolyn Macon, Sharon Oliphant, Judy Thompson, Titania Robinson, Andrena Alford, Ann Bryant, Teresa Waltman, Faye Patrick and Parashala Bland. Thanks to all involved in this production. A table filled with wellness information was available for all.
The Scott County Courthouse was the site of the Memorial Day Service on May 29th. The ceremony paid honor to those military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the price of freedom. Rev. Mark Smith, Forest Presbyterian Church, delivered a moving message — “Forgiveness and Vengeance.” Other program participants were Bill Lovett, Terry McMillian, Tom Wilson, Bruce Warren, James and Marilyn Gibson, and Ryan McGough. Other veterans and guests were present. Local elected officials present were Judge Bill Freeman, Representative Tom Miles, and Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton. Military honors were held outside which included laying of the Memorial wreath, three-gun salute, taps, reading of names of soldiers killed in service, and raising of the flag.
We inadvertently omitted Forest Head Start Area Director Sheila Youngblood Brown from the list of Legacy’s Save Our Youth Through Community Action as a representative of Friends of Children of Mississippi Head Start. Our apologies to Mrs. Brown!
Calling all alumni and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) … Join us at Gaddis Park this Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 a.m. for the annual HBCU Picnic/Family Day. There will be plenty of good food, fun, games, and fellowship! See you there with your colorful collegiate paraphernalia!!!!
Happy birthday greetings to babies born during the second week in June, namely, Ike Crudup, Laderrick Scott, and April Robinson (9), Janet Williams and Dorothy Pinkston (11), Rashad Odom and James Watkins (12), Ruth Weems (14), and Alejandra Lopez and Myra Tucker (15).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #723: Bettye Anne Lovelady, graduate of Hawkins High School (1966) and Purdue University, worked for the MS School Board Association for more than 20+ years (one of the first African Americans) and continues to volunteer and provide services in her Clinton community.
Quiz Teaser #724: Who was one of the first African Americans to work with the WIN Job Center in Forest, and later retired after 20+ years as MDES ES Manager III (Employment Specialist)?
