We are sorry to learn of the death of Ms. Marion L. King who died June 28th and whose “Life was Celebrated” August 13th at Union Grove M. B. Church. She was affectionally known as “Big Red” and worked at Nissan in Canton for 20+ years, and later worked as Forest High School Cafeteria Supervisor. Rev. Rochelle Wright officiated and delivered her eulogy. Other program participants were Mistress of Ceremony Roshunda Glasper, Ronnie McCoy, Morton Alderwoman Marie Washington-Laird, Kentress Washington, and Kawan Jefferson. Our prayers are with her family, especially her children, Corie “Pebble” (Rondarius) King, Shavonda King, and Andrea (Joshua) Eastwood. Wolf Funeral Home was entrusted with her final arrangements.
A beautiful Funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson for Mr. Micae Le Anh Dung, former St. Michael Catholic Church parishioner, on July 8th with Fr. Anthony Quyet Nguyen officiating as Celebrant. Co-Celebrants were Frs. Joe Dyer, Andrew Phuong Nguyen, and Joseph Chau Nguyen. Others participating in his Funeral Mass were Di Ve Nha Chua, his daughter Amy Le, Nguyen Phung Michael, Hoang L. Dien, Cha Anthony Quyet Nguyen, son Andrew Le, Cua Le Cay Trong, Trong Cay Chua, Ngay Ve, and Theresa Thao Nguyen and Thanh Thuy Nguyen. Bishop Joseph Kopacz provided words of comfort. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife Theresa, and children Amy and Andrew; and for the peaceful repose of his soul.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Renee Chambers McLemore, daughter of the late Mrs. Florence “Flo” Chambers. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church July 29th at 10:00 a.m. Our prayers are with her family, especially her son, Justin.
Our prayers are with the family of former MSU Head Coach Nikki McCray-Penson, two-time All American and SEC Player of the Year, who passed July 7th. She was a head coach at Old Dominion and assistant women’s basketball coach at Rutgers. Coach McCray-Penson was the first African American Girls Basketball Coach at MS State University. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her ten-year old son, Thomas Nikson Penson.
Please continue to remember our readers who are experiencing health challenges, namely, Rev. Henry and Marquita Patrick, James Meredith, Rubin Ruiz (who is recuperating at home), Jimmy Butler, D’Tahj McClendon Lewis (who is improving and sporting a cast), LaToya McClendon, Bonnie Russell Hodge (who called and expressed appreciation for our prayers), Don Bell, Gail Lee, Timothy Crudup, Kenard Bowie, Jr., Glenda Viverette, Drexella Ward, Billy Hughes, Bryce Pittman, Bobbie Carter, Rhonda Carter, Connie Lewis Williams, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, John “Butch” Wilson, Dianne Cox, Thomas Anderson, Kristie Ware, Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, 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.
St. Michael Catholic Church parishioners celebrated the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Times with Mass in memory of Micae Le Anh Dung. During his homily, Fr. Adolfo asked if we knew God. We were invited to come and know God and ask him to help us get to know him. God will deliver us from heavy burdens if we only “Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord. “
Lynch Chapel U. M. Church members enjoyed Pastor Shirley Wilder’s message, “There is Faith and Hope for Every Season” which was delivered July 9th. Her scripture was Hebrews 1:1-3. Following service, a ‘Celebration of Welcome Back Pastor’ was held. Pastor Wilder will continue to serve and minister, as Pastor, the Lynch Chapel, and New Chapel families! Congratulations Pastor Wilder!
Kudos to the Sherman Hill – East Scott School 2023 School Reunion and Scholarship Presentation coordinators for wonderful celebrations beginning Friday, July 7th and ending Sunday, July 9th. Their theme was “Reunited and Back Together Again.” More than 75 people attended the Saturday night program and almost 50 at the Friday event. Both events were held at Foothills in Forest. The school mates praised God on Sunday as they enjoyed Pastor Sheldon Thomas at Little Rock M. B. Church. The Friday night “get-together” found classmates reminiscing and enjoying being alive. The Saturday night program was conducted by Steven Denham who served as Master of Ceremonies. Other program participants were Rita Parker Johnson, Allen Gray, James Walton (“Peter Rabbit”), Past President Willie Earl Jones, President Charlie E. Walker, Josephine McNair, Howard Ramsey, and Elizabeth Thames Martin. Special thanks to Howard Ramsby who provided beautiful musical tunes and shared pamphlets regarding the history of Scott County schools, and history makers from Scott County.
Congratulations to Director of Park Operations for the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks who was honored by the MS Legislature, House Resolution 200 for his distinguished and meritorious leadership and service to the state. Representative Tom Miles presented the resolution during the Roosevelt State Park Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on July 4th. Way to go Legacy Change Agent Hollis. We’re proud of you and your commitment to our youth.
Congratulations to Jimmy Dale Robinson, husband of Sandra Battle Robinson, who was the guest of honor at his Retirement Luncheon July 2nd at Little Rock M. B. Church. He worked at Tyson Food, f/k/a McCarty and State Pride Processors for 44 years. Pastor Sheldon Thomas presented a Proclamation from the Little Rock M. B. Church family. We wish him well as he enters the retirement world!
Ward 4 Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton was one of many invited to a Memorial Birthday celebration for Mrs. Christine Gore on July 1st at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Randy (Betty Gore) Jennings, a/k/a “Family Home” on East First Street in Forest. Mrs. Gore’s son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Embra Jackson, blessed the occasion and the food. There was wonderful fellowship, good food and fun. The entire home was filled with much joy and love which reflected the spirit of Mrs. Gore. The living room area served as the “hot topic” room where timely topics were discussed. Thanks to Mrs. Gore’s family for such wonderful hospitality, especially the host family, Randy and Betty Jennings. Out of town guests were Gail Gettis, Carmen Castilla, Esq., Asia Starks, and Emmanuel and Ashley Jackson. Others attending were Mrs. Gore’s children, Daisy Smith, Roy Ousley, Rosie Jackson and Eva Singleton and their family members. Happy heavenly 89th birthday (July 3rd) to Mrs. Gore.
Special thanks to Mr. Howard Ramsby and the East Scott Class of 1969 for their gift copy of “A Salute Honoring the African American Legacies of Scott County,” a copy of which is on reserve at the Slaughter Library/Legacy Center. Our readers are welcome to read and enjoy it.
Happy Birthday greetings to babies born during the third week in July, namely Tamarrow Jones and Malchi Rayford (15), Eunice Lee Slaughter (16), Patricia Stewart Holland and Jenifer Perez (17), Shirley Harris McGowan and Makiya Denise Jones (18), and Nytezia Donald (20).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #728: Rev. Sheldon Thomas was the first African American to serve as City of Forest Sanitation Department Supervisor. The correct response was provided by Mrs. Susie Jackson Boyd.
Quiz Teaser # 729: Who was the first African American to serve as City of Forest Street Department Supervisor?
