Congratulations to all participants of the 2010 Gamma Beta ZetaChapter of the 24th annual Debutante Presentation and Cotillion onMarch 6 at Alexander Junior High School. The participants wereSwawanna Buie, Rachael Faust, Sharonica Henderson, Angela Jones,Nicolette Porter, Shequida Selmon and Jamie Swington. The specialentertainment was a pleasure for everyone’s enjoyment.Congratulations to Nicolette Porter (third place), SharonicaHenderson (second place), and Rachael Faust, who became the newMiss Debutante 2010. A special salute to the Gamma Beta Zetachapter members for allowing these young people to have this”Charismatic Experience”

Congratulations to Thomas Turner on his recent official retirementon Feb. 28. Thomas said that when he first started at his workplace the name was St. Regis, and through the years the namechanged to Georgia-Pacific and later the name changed another timeto Koch Industries PLLC. He worked through all three name changesand there were many co-workers with whom he worked throughout theyears with this paper mill, where he served 39 dedicated years.During his tenure with the mill, he received several awards,including Perfect Attendance certificates. He had not missed anydays from work in more than 20 years. He said he went to workthrough the rain, heat, sleet, snow, and even sometimes when hewasn’t feeling well. There were no holiday shutdowns because thedoors never closed. This was a 24/7 job, with work in shifts.Throughout the years, Thomas worked in the technical department,and his duties were a “tall-oil operator.”

Thomas attributes his success with his job to Almighty God, whosustained him as he traveled to and from the mill each time, and ashe worked day after day. This job was a challenge for him and itallowed him to make a good living for himself and his family. Itallowed him to get many of the things that he wanted and everythingthat he needed to get where he wanted to be in life. He thanks Godfor allowing him to have this job and for letting him retire with agood portion of health and strength.

His retirement goals are to ride his motorcycle more, when theweather permits; work in his yard and do some planting; and do alittle traveling. His main goal is to spend more time with hisdaughter, granddaughters, family and friends with whom he has notbeen able to spend much time.

Thanks, Thomas, for allowing me to write about your work historyand retirement. May God continue to bless you and your family, andmay you have a blessed retirement.

Sincere and heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Blackwell/Holmesfamilies in the recent death of their loved one, Mynelle BlackwellHolmes. She was born and reared in Bogue Chitto, where she receivedher education. She excelled in academics and was noted for herexcellent speed and performance in basketball. She, along with hertwo sisters, Mary Lou and Nelma, led the Lady Tigers at LincolnCounty Training School to many victories. Mynelle is sadly missed,but her memories and legacy will live on through her many familymembers, church members and friends who loved her

If you have any Loyd Star area news to report, contact CarolynBeard Humphries at 601-833-5753.