Greeting Readers.

Daniel 7:14 and  Isaiah 33:22 speak about God’s control: “God was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all people, nations and men of every language worship him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, and the Lord is our king, it is he who will save us.”

I would like to congratulate my grandson Michael Anthony Harvey II for running the third hand off on the 4×400 meter relay team for Brookhaven High School. Michael was a replacement for his teammate Marte Jones who was out due to bereavement in his family. Michael ran with teammates Kewan Clark, Octarvious Scarborough and Randy Wilson and their winning time was 3:44.41 in the Natchez District Track Meet on April 17. When in a competition, a teammates’ best time comes from each person’s endurance. This team endured until the end of their competition. Thanks again Michael from your parents, Michael and Trelva Harvey; little sister, Myla Harvey; and grandparents, Kirby and Carolyn Humphries. Also, to your teammates from their families for a job well done by each of you.

There has been many deaths throughout the different communities recently, and today I would like to express sympathy to each family member. We salute the memory of Shirley Ann Robinson, the daughter of the late John Lewis and Ethel Mae Fairman. She was the oldest child of eight children. She was a former member of Macedonia M. B. Church in Brookhaven and later after marriage she united with New Hope M. B. Church where she remained until death. She attended Brookhaven schools and was a 1966 graduate of Alexander High School. She was married to the late David Earl Robinson and to this union four children were born. Shirley is sadly missed and her fond memories will forever be cherished by all who loved her.

Rev. James E. “Poochie” Blackwell Sr. was born on July 15, 1950, to Ganner Blackwell Sr. and Margaret Lyons Blackwell in Bogue Chitto, and he was the oldest of 12 children with four brothers and seven sisters. He attended Lincoln County Training School and Eva H. Harris School. He was a member of the New Zion Union M. B. Church in Bogue Chitto, pastored by Rev. Eugene Edwards. He was called into the ministry and attended several seminaries where he earned three theological degrees. He started Faith M. B. Church at Bogue Chitto. He was truly a faithful servant in many capacities in the church. He had a special way that warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him and he was a special blessing to them through Christ Jesus. His friendly smile will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. His faith in God gave him the strength to endure life’s battles. Rev. James Blackwell memories will forever be remembered, and his loving and fond ways will be cherished by his family members and friends who loved him.

Wilson “Wibby” L. Kees was born May 13, 1951 to the late Willie Lee Johnson and Carrie Mae Kees in Lincoln County. He was a 1969 graduate of Eva H. Harris School in Lincoln County. After graduating he moved to Los Angeles, California where he obtained employment and also attended college. In 1975 Wilson married the former Billie Richardson, and to this union one daughter, Shasta Williams, was born. At an early age he was baptized and became a member of Jericho Church of Christ in the Loyd Star community. He was a God-fearing man who loved going to church, reading his Bible and studying the Word of God. He was a very friendly person who did not meet a stranger. Wilson’s loving and fond memories will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends who loved him.

Mrs. Ethel Myers Coleman was born March 12, 1912, in Jefferson Davis County to the late Charlie and Pearlie Graves Myers. As a child she attended Progress Rural School, and she became a member of Progress M. B. Church in Bassfield. On March 11, 1950, she married Henry W. Coleman Sr. They were married for 42 years and reared two children, a daughter Ethel C. Turner (Ray) of Memphis, Tennessee and a son Henry Coleman Jr.  (Debra) of Brookhaven. She had one step-daughter Clara J. Butts (William) of Itta Bena. Mrs. Coleman later became a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and later moved her membership to Kynett Pilgrim AME Church now Kynett Pilgrim United Methodist Church. She served as a member of the choir, a member of United Methodist Women, a member of the altar guild. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Mrs. Coleman was about a month shy of being 103 years old, and she was a blessing to her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

James Earl Brown was born in Franklin County to the late Henry and Annie Bell Brown on Aug. 14, 1936. He graduated from Progress High School located in the Loyd Star community in 1955. James moved to Chicago, Illinois that same year, and he held several different jobs until he started working for American Airlines as a Fleet Service Clerk at Chicago O’Hare Airport. He also worked at Dallas Fort Worth International and Memphis International Airports before returning to Chicago O’Hare, where he retired in January 1996 after 26 years of loyal service. Upon retirement, James relocated to Brookhaven along with his wife Ester to care for his ailing father Henry. After his father’s passing in 2005, he moved to Schertz, Texas where he remained until his death. James enjoyed watching games shows and his favorite soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” Most of all he loved the Lord and enjoyed worshipping with his Agape Christian Church family, his kingdom man Bible study group, also his family and friends. He is truly loved and missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

May God Almighty bless and keep each of these families in his care as you go through your times of bereavement.

Eva Harris and Lincoln County Schools’ Alumni will meet May 5 and May 26 for their bi-weekly meeting to continue work on the upcoming school reunion for 2015. All faculty, staff members and former students are encouraged to come to these meetings. Each of you is important to the alumni committee and your help is welcomed.

If you have any Loyd Star area news to report, please call Carolyn Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.