Lena Grace Petersen February 26, 1933 – June 29, 2020
Lena Grace Powell Petersen, or “Oma,” as she was known to her children and grandchildren, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, June 29, 2020. She was 87 years old.
She was born to Irene and Forrest E. Powell on February 26, 1933, in Guilford, North Carolina and was preceded in death by three brothers: Forrest E. Powell, Jr.; Bobby Roy Powell; and Henry Ambrose Powell; and a daughter-in-law, Sonya Phillips Petersen.
Mrs. Peterson is survived by her husband of 65 years, Carl H. Petersen, Sr., of Jonesboro, Louisiana, and three sons: Carl H. Petersen, Jr., of Jonesboro, Louisiana; Forrest Petersen and wife Jo of Quitman, Louisiana; and Chris Petersen and wife Sherry of Richardson, Texas.
Oma had nine grandchildren: Casey Petersen and wife Michelle of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Jessica Fuller and husband Brandon of Monroe, Louisiana; Samantha Mercer and husband Adam of Ruston, Louisiana; Joanna Petersen of Quitman, Louisiana; Isaiah Petersen and wife Amelia of Seattle, Washington; Grace Jones and husband Jeremy of Alice, Texas; Sarah Self and husband Quentin of Renton, Washington; Blaine Chard of Plano, Texas, and Karian Chard of Austin, Texas.
She also had 10 great-grandchildren: Gracie, Adelae, Zeke, and Lyndee Petersen of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Sawyer and Lila Mercer of Ruston, Louisiana; and Faith, Elijah, Hope, and Noah Jones of Alice, Texas.
A graveside service was held at the Sweetwater Baptist Church cemetery in Quitman on Thursday, July 2nd with Brother Geary Phillips officiating.
Warren Dale Newsom August 18, 1952 – June 29, 2020
Mr. Warren Dale Newsom, age 67 of Jonesboro, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020. A veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army worked at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center and enjoyed spending time fishing. His family will always remember how he always had a bounce in his step and the smile that he wore wherever he went. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother and friend.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jessie Newsom, Wesley Newsom (Danielle), Zach Newsom (Keeleigh); grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Alana, Scarlet, and Warren Dale Newsom, II (on the way); mother, Sue Patsy Newsom-Carter; siblings, Anna Beth Crowson (Joel), Al Newsom, Lori Newsom; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Adrian Newsom; father, Warren Aubrey Newsom.
Funeral services were held at the Edmonds Chapel on Friday, July 3rd, with Reverend Marvin Denton officiating. Burial followed in Gayla Traina Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Timmy Decote, Ben Ledbetter, Jeremy Dark, Brent Mize, J.W. Tumlin, Ray LaBlance, James Smith, Jr., Billy Martin and Terry Diffey. Jackson Parish Correctional Center staff served as honorary pallbearers.
Jackson Parish law enforcement officials have identified the Sunday, June 21st , Caney Lake drowning victim as Gerardo Hernandez, age 28, who resided in West Monroe. According to reports a 911 emergency call was received from the State Park after several eye-witnesses thought the deceased was playing and splashing around while in the water at the beach site of the State Park but then went under water and did not come back up.
Friends immediately went in the water, located him and brought him back to shore. Attempts were then made to revive him but even though he was underwater for less than five minutes they were not successful. Additional CPR attempts were then made by the Ward 4 Emergency Response team and Wildlife and Fisheries personal at the State Park before he was transported to the Jackson Parish Hospital where he was declared dead.
It was bound to happen sooner or later. After all virtually every single Correctional Center across the United States had already experienced an outbreak of COVID-19. What the fact that it has taken so long to reach the Jackson Parish Correctional Center (JPCC) should say to area residents is that the protection program in place by JPCC officials is working very well.
To put it into perspective on June 3rd it was reported that the Winn Parish Correctional Center had 112 COVID-19 cases which was the second highest number among Correctional Centers in the nation. A few weeks before that the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe saw two guards die from the disease. Now almost three months since the outbreak first rocked America the Jackson Parish Correctional Center is reporting their first four cases among the detainees.
Across the rest of Jackson Parish the numbers looked like this as of June 28th: Positive cases tested – 205 Recovered – 91 Hospitalized – 0 Deaths – 15 Active cases – 99
Hallelujah! After weeks and weeks of waiting the summer leagues for the youth of Jackson Parish is finally beginning. Games actually began on Monday, June 29th: but due to press time reports will be provided next week.
What is shown below is the upcoming schedule from the dates beginning July 1st – July 8th for the three boys and girls leagues as well as Wee Ball and Tee Ball competition. What you can expect from the Jackson Parish Journal in the upcoming weeks is full game score coverage and standings in each league as the season progresses. You might even get to see you favorite youngster in a picture as well.
If you have a photograph you would like to see published please send pics to: jpjjacksonla.com
It is our goal to show as many pictures as we can each week in an attempt to let the youth of our parish have their day in the sun, so to speak. BATTER UP!!
Jackson Parish Recreation Department Games Schedule Week of July 1 – 8
Boys 7 & 8
3-Jul 6:00 SOUTHERN KUSTOMS MERCY MEDICAL FIELD 2
7:30 TRAINAS BAKERY SPS FIELD 2
7-Jul 6:00 TRAINAS BAKERY MERCY MEDICAL FIELD 2
7:30 SOUTHERN KUSTOMS SPS FIELD 2
Boys 9 & 10
2-Jul 6:00 RHODES FARMS HODGE BANK FIELD 2
6-Jul 6:00 HODGE BANK SOUTHERN KUSTOMS FIELD 2
7:30 HODGE BANK RHODES FARMS FIELD 2
Boys 11-13
2-Jul 6:00 SIX POINT ACADEMY MORTGAGE FIELD 1
7:45 PARDUE BUILDERS JONESBORO GLASS FIELD 1
6-Jul 6:00 PARDUE BUILDERS ACADEMY MORTGAGE FIELD 1
7:45 SIX POINT JONESBORO GLASS FIELD 1
Girls 7 & 8
3-Jul 6:00 JONESBORO STATE BANK LEACH’S LINE DRIVERS FIELD 3
7:30 JOHNNY’S PIZZA HEYHUNNER FIELD 3
7-Jul 6:00 JOHNNY’S PIZZA LEACH’S LINE DRIVERS FIELD 3
7:30 JONESBORO STATE BANK HEYHUNNER FIELD 3
Girls 9 & 10
2-Jul 6:00 PRO CAR SPARKLE & SHINE LEACH’S TURF DIVAS FIELD 3
7:30 EXTREME NUTRITION VANGUARD REALTY FIELD 3
6-Jul 6:00 PRO CAR SPARKLE & SHINE VANGUARD REALTY FIELD 3
7:30 EXTREME NUTRITION LEACH’S TURF DIVAS FIELD 3
Girls 11-13
6-Jul 6:00 FAMILY PHARMACY CATFISH INN FIELD 4
7:45 FAMILY PHARMACY LISTLE REALESTATE FIELD 4
7-Jul 6:00 CATFISH INN LISTLE REALESTATE FIELD 4
3 & 4 Wee Ball
6-Jul 6:30 JONESBORO ANIMAL CLINIC DODSON ENTERPRISES T BALL 1
7:15 J & L WORKS TRIPLE G CARRIAGE T BALL 1
6:30 MCGEE FARMS JONESBORO STATE BANK T BALL 2
7:15 HODGE BANK OPEN T BALL 2
5 & 6 Tee Ball
7-Jul 6:30 UPTOWN TANNING JACKSON PARISH BANK T BALL 1
7:15 LA FAM MEDICINE CLINIC PARDUE BULIDERS T BALL 1
6:30 GREG WILLIAMS LOGGING AVERY’S LEGAL EAGLES T BALL 2
For a novice thinking about fishing it is generally thought to be a relaxing thing to do. How hard is it, you say? All you do is sit in a boat and cast all day hoping to get a bite or two, right? That may be true after you have done all the prep work involved in just getting to the lake or your favorite body of water.
For those who fish regularly you know there is a whole lot more to it, especially if you have the boat you are going to fish in. There is nothing easy about getting prepped and ready to go. You have to get the gas, make sure the boat is in good working order, get your gear prepared, buy your baits, etc……
Then you have to deal with Mother Nature, especially this time of year. She can really beat you up. First there is the temperature you have to deal with as it regularly creeps into the mid 90’s. You haven’t been hot until you have been on the lake with the sun bearing down on your all day. Got to take precautions to stay hydrated and not get sunburned.
Then there are the summer “thunder boomers” that pop up seemingly every day. There is hardly a scarier time than getting caught on the lake with lightning and thunder popping all around you. It is no fun at all.
What is the option? Well, fishing at night is a good choice. It is recommended that you know the area you are fishing in really good though because things look different at night than during the day. It is also a good idea to take a scouting trip or two at night before you decide to actually go fishing.
Over the past several weeks anglers on Caney Lake have had the opportunity to try their luck at night each Thursday night at the weekly bass tourneys sponsored by Hooks Marina. To enter contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347 See below for results from the last two weeks. Also check out the pull up icon at bottom of article for tips on what is bringing in the fish at local waterways.
Final results for Hook’s Marina Thursday Night Amateur 3 Bass Blast on June 27th (27 teams)
1st Place: Brandon Brown & Braydon Brown (11.21lbs.)
See below for list of people arrested by law enforcement officials in Jackson Parish from the dates of June 22nd – June 29th.
1. Aaron T Johnson (Jonesboro, LA) – Resisting Arrest, Driving under suspended license, driving with switched plates 2. Derrick J. Harvey Jr. (San Pablo, CA) – Possession of drug paraphernalia, presenting false ID, possession of alcohol in a moving vehicle 3. Deon Wright (Monroe, LA) – Possession with intent to distribute Controlled Substance Schedule I, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of Firearm by a felon, Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, carrying of a weapon in presence of narcotics, resisting an officer by flight 4. Jailen J. Pikes (Monroe, LA) – Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding 5. Dylan P. Dautrevil (Youngsville, LA) – Following to close, No Driver’s License, Possession of Marijuana 6. Sophie K. Harrison (Lafayette, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 7. Treyvonne Campbell (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance 8. Christopher Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant, Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance, Turn Lamps 9. Nathaniel Lamkin (Montgomery, LA) – Warrant – Attempted Theft 10. Ray D. Atkins (East Hodge, LA) – execution of sentence
Black, tired, happy feet have been marching and protesting for “Black Lives Matter” causes in Jackson Parish for a long time because injustice is and has been alive and well throughout the parish. Racism still occupies a seat at the table of brotherhood. Marchers and protesters will continue the journey until Jackson Parish and surrounding communities are awakened to their voices crying out for change. The voices of these young marchers who are saying we have had enough, it’s time for change, must not yield to the pressure to silence and undermine their commitment to secure racial justice and equality for all people. People of all colors have the right to and must march peacefully and fight vigorously to end systemic racism. They must continue to fight until the walls of injustice and discrimination come tumbling down. May the young protesters be encouraged by the words of the Negro National Anthem, …let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us (black, white, brown, yellow) march on till victory is won…
History reveals that in the nineteen sixties Jackson Parish was considered a “hot spot” of racism and was the scene of months of civil protests and unrest created primarily by actions of fear and intimidation on behalf of the local KKK. It was also during this period that the Deacons for Defense came into existence, an organization that became the counter to the KKK. The Town of Jonesboro became a venue for and the center of direct action by citizens of color. Churches were burned, KKK demonstrations were routinely held, sit-ins were staged at local white owned restaurants such as M&D’s Café on main street, local white law enforcement actions were challenged, African American students were arrested for attempting to integrate the local library, and a large number of African American students were hauled off to jail in the bucket compartment of a garbage truck for protesting at a local white owned grocery store located in the Black community. Caravans of KKK cars with covered license plates frequently made their way through the streets of communities of color tossing out propaganda literature in their wake.
While Jackson Parish has no statues of confederate generals mounted on horses, confederate flags flying in public spaces, or parks and schools inundated with and named after confederate soldiers, research indicates that Jackson Parish was named in honor of President Andrew Jackson who was a slave holder, a supporter of state’s rights, supported the institution of slavery and he oppressed Native Americans. It was Andrew Jackson who removed Native Americans from their ancestral lands. Jackson parish is also cited for having taken over 40 years to settle a desegregation lawsuit filed by Margaret M. Johnson in 1969 against the Jackson Parish school board. More conspicuous research disclosed that African American citizens have never been employed in the Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters office, which provides another reason that black and white feet must continue to march and protest against injustice anywhere and everywhere.
I reflected upon a personal and an unforgettable experience I had in 1960. Sheriff Van Beasley, (in a make shift interrogation) threatened me and several of my teenage African American friends (with my dad at my side) with the words; “Boy, I don’t care who you are, who your daddy is, I am going to stomp a mud hole in you if you don’t leave white girls alone.” Those became chilling and fighting words and stemmed from an allegation of which I had no personal knowledge. The claim by Sherriff Beasley was totally inaccurate and based upon conjecture and false pretense. However, those words made me feel lower than a cockroach, which people stomp and kill. I felt that I did not matter, that I did not belong in Jonesboro or better yet, I had no place in America. That was one of the rare moments that my dad, a mild mannered personable man, well respected by both black and white citizens stepped up and said: “You will have to stomp a mudhole in me as well!”
After the confrontation and for whatever reason, Sheriff Beasley excused me and my dad but continued the interrogation of my other friends. Those words were etched in my memory and all these years later remain in my mind. Some thirty plus years later, in 1997, when we relocated to Jonesboro, Sheriff Van Beasley, (whom I want to believe now had a contrite and repentant heart) came to our house (totally unexpected) and parked his big white vehicle in our driveway. As he emerged from the vehicle, he greeted me and extended a hand of friendship, welcoming me back to Jonesboro. He then presented me with a deputy sheriff’ commission and badge which I held for many years. I am not sure how much contrition was involved, but I am sure it took a lot of courage for him to go to a guy that he was going to “stomp a mudhole in” and in his way, so to speak, apologize as he did in his own unspoken way.
Flash forward to 2006 when Leslie C. Thompson was elected as the first African American mayor of the Town of Jonesboro and two weeks after his election, a group of white citizens began a recall petition to have him removed from office. Six years later, in a second term, Mayor Thompson was indicted, convicted on three counts of malfeasance in office by an all-white jury and sentenced to serve 11 years at hard labor, plus five years of probation and pay $51,000 dollars in restitution to the Town of Jonesboro. Mayor Thompson served a total of four years, one half of which was served in state prison. Upon being released from state prison, Thompson successfully filed a writ of certiorari with the Louisiana State Supreme Court requesting the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling of the appellate court. The Louisiana State Supreme Court overturned all three counts based on prosecutorial misconduct due to racial bias. Nevertheless, Mayor Thompson was recently retried (February 2020) on one count of malfeasance in office which ended in a mistrial.
Looking back at past events and the history of racism in Jackson parish, reflecting on the fact that just a few years ago while African American citizens were protesting at the trial of Mayor Thompson, standing on the lawn of the court house expressing one’s right to peacefully assemble and protest, the court house sprinkler system was turned on to discourage citizens protesting.
The most recent protest march and rally in Jonesboro occurred on a Sunday in June2020. Days following the rally, I had a moment to talk with Mayor Leslie C. Thompson (who attended but did not speak at the rally) regarding the event. These are some of his reflections and thoughts about the marches and protests sweeping across the world after the public killing of men like George Floyd and most recently the murder of Rayshard Brooks, his thoughts about the endless murdering of young black men: “As we march and protest, the issue is not whether we are able to control the crowd but whether we are able to control our destiny moving forward. We, as a people have been crippled and then blamed for limping for far too long. Systemic, institutional racism has been Americas’ tool to demoralize and dehumanize Blacks in this country since slavery. George Floyd’s murder presents productivity for the first time in my generation, a legitimate intellectual dialogue, designed to confront and ultimately eliminate this evil from our society.”
I also had an opportunity to chat with Police Chief James “Spike” Harris about policing in Jonesboro in view of the killing of black men in America as well as the recent march and protest held at the courthouse square in honor of the life of George Floyd. These are some of his comments: ‘As the first African Amerian Chief of Police for the Town of Jonesboro, Louisiana, I must admit that the recent killings of young African American men by law enforcement has been exceedingly difficult to stomach. The recent protest march was led by many African American men and women who did an outstanding job of putting this event together. We have our problems here in the town of Jonesboro, however in light of everything going on around the world, I can honestly say from my perspective that this community is standing strong and we have yet to have any issues with rioting, killings, looting and destruction of businesses that we see happening in many cities across the nation and world We have a long way to go with race relations in the United States especially when it comes to education, economics, employment, housing, health care, racial injustice and other areas.”
Communities of color across America have suffered much too long under an oppressive regime of systemic racism, a system that judges Black people by outward appearances. African American citizens have had to contend with a system of discrimination that judges and devalues them based solely upon the color of their skin. May the rallies and protests produce a nation of repentant and contrite hearts that will bring an end to years of pain and suffering, years of intentional racial torture and poverty, years of exclusion from meaningful educational opportunities, decent housing and quality health care, and the years of lynching and killing of young men of color by police. May justice come for every American citizen.
The journey and fight to and for true freedom and overcoming injustice and racial discrimination is in the hands of young African Americans like Ja’Keshia Lard and a cadre of young black and white protestors who are marching around the world chanting “enough is enough.” The torch is being passed to them and the eyes of the nation are upon them. People struggling today in ghettoes and slums, in rural poverty, in a constant war for survival are depending on them. They have to take up the banner and lead the way for substantive change in the nation. It is their voice, their activism, their persistence for change that will make the difference.
Older African American citizens like me are standing on the sidelines, emotionally broken and teary eyed at the protests and marches, because we have tasted bitterness, worked the vineyards, been educated in the school of hard knocks. We are watching, encouraging and cheering them on. People are counting on them, people born and unborn are depending and counting on them to change the world and make America a better nation for all. We encourage them to keep the faith, to never give up on their hopes, dreams and aspirations, to fight a good fight, and to do justice to all mankind and we beg of them, please do not let this moment for criminal justice reform, for equality in America, pass or slip away without waging a vigorous fight for change. Fight for justice for George Floyd, and for people all over the nation to have the right to breathe.
This is their moment in history, their call to duty, their season and their opportunity to make lasting changes in Amerian politics. This is their moment to stand firm in addressing issues of structural and systemic racism, abject poverty, poor schools, blighted neighborhoods, police brutality, political and economic inequality that has kept people of color yoked to failure, pain and misery, oppression and caged in an environment that is hostile, and unforgiving. This is no longer acceptable. Together, let us once and for all send institutionalized racism and injustice back to the pits of hell from whence it came. A change must come!! God Bless and keep America.
Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
While COVID-19 has left many things uncertain, the Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana Health Department have worked together to give guidelines that must be followed if public and non-public schools in the state want to reopen.
The guideline requirements for reopening depends on what phase the state is in when school starts. When it comes to group sizes:
PHASE1: 10 people, including adults
PHASE 2: 25 people, including adults
PHASE 3: 50 people, including adults
Adults and students, 3rd grade and up, are required to wear face coverings during arrival, dismissal, in the classroom, and any other transition within the school building. Any child over the age of 2 may wear a face covering. Individuals with severe breathing difficulties should not wear a face covering.
High touch surfaces must be cleaned multiple times a day, including bathrooms. LDH suggests Hand washing at arrival, at least every two hours, before and after eating, before and after using outdoor play equipment, and at the exit.
According to the LDH guidelines, school bus transportation will also have requirements.
PHASE1: Bus capacity is 25 percent. One rider per seat, unless members of the same family. Every other seat will be empty.
PHASE 2: Bus capacity is 50 percent. Passengers will be distanced to the max extent possible.
PHASE 3: Bus capacity is 75 percent. Passengers will be distanced to the max extent possible.
In addition to the guideline requirements, the band and choir will not be able to practice until phase 3, as saliva can be transmitted easily. Athletic activities are allowed to resume with the recommendations put forth in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s guidance for opening up high school athletics and activities.
To see the full guidelines from the Department of Education, click HERE.
On a warm day in July, John Adams lay in his bed at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts. The aged former president had been unable to leave his bed for several days. The unmistakable sound of cannons firing in the distance got his attention. It was a sound he remembered all too well. His thoughts raced back to the events of the American Revolution. Following the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, it was he, then a 34-year-old Boston attorney, who successfully defended the British troops against charges of murder. None of the other local attorneys would take on the case for fear of reprisals. In the trial, Adams proved that an angry mob had provoked and attacked the British soldiers. The soldiers had acted in self-defense.
Although Adams had defended the British troops in the Boston Massacre trial, he spoke out and fought constantly against what he, and many others, considered unfair taxation and unjust attacks by the British Parliament. As a member of the First and Second Continental Congresses, he argued aggressively against Parliament’s ultimate control over the colonies. He was one of the first people in Congress to argue for total separation from Great Britain.
Adams’s thoughts raced back to his old friend, Thomas Jefferson. While Adams argued for total separation in Congress, Jefferson watched, absorbed everything, but said nothing. Adams had never heard Jefferson speak more than a word or two in Congress, and that was usually a simple aye or nay during a vote. Adams and Jefferson developed a friendship over the issue of independence. Before the Congress declared independence, Adams formed a committee to draft a formal Declaration of Independence. Reluctant at first, Jefferson completed a draft of the Declaration which the committee edited into the document’s final form. On July 2, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration. Adams predicted the second day of July would be celebrated annually throughout the country. Congress approved the Declaration on July 2, but officially declared independence two days later, which is why we celebrate independence on the fourth of July and not the second of July.
The war raged on until October 19, 1781, when the British General, Lord Cornwallis, surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia. America had won its independence. Adams, Jefferson, and the other founding fathers spent the next eight years developing America’s system of government. Adams and Jefferson had spent years as envoys in separate countries trying to garner support against the British, and, once the war was over, as ambassadors of the new country.
Adams and Jefferson wrote letters to each other frequently and spoke highly of their friendship in letters to others. In a letter to James Madison, Jefferson wrote that Adams “is so amiable, that I pronounce you will love him if ever you become acquainted with him.” Adams expressed his affection for Jefferson in a letter to him in which he wrote “intimate correspondence with you…is one of the most agreeable events in my life.” Their friendship grew stronger when Jefferson arrived in England on diplomatic business. Adams was currently serving as an ambassador to Great Britain. Adams and Jefferson toured several English gardens and visited William Shakespeare’s home. Adams recorded in his notes that they chipped off a piece of Shakespeare’s chair “according to the custom.” In 1789, the presidential electors cast their votes for the first President of the United States. The candidate who received the most votes became president and the candidate who received the second most votes became vice-president, a system that seems foreign to us today. George Washington won by a landslide followed by Adams. George Washington served two terms as president with Adams as his vice-president. All the while, Adams and Jefferson remained friends.
George Washington’s announcement that he would not accept a third term as president created a power struggle in Congress. The members of Congress broke off into factions, the Federalists and the Republicans. The Federalists chose Adams as their candidate and the Republicans chose Jefferson. Adams, who had argued and played a large part in convincing the Congress to vote for independence, and Jefferson, who had drafted the Declaration of Independence, were on opposite sides. When the electors tallied the votes, Adams won the election by just three votes. Adams became president and Jefferson became vice-president, the only time in American history where the president and vice-president were from opposing political parties.
Adams and Jefferson were often at odds over policy but remained friends. Adams served just one term as president. He lost his reelection bid to his old friend, Jefferson. Before he left office, Adams made several last-minute political appointments who were Jefferson’s political rivals. Due to the appointments, Adams and Jefferson stopped corresponding altogether. Jefferson served two terms as president and retired to his home, Monticello, in 1809. For eight years, the old friends had had no direct communication. They only heard about each other through friends. In 1811, Jefferson learned through mutual friends that Adams had said, “I always loved Jefferson, and still love him.” With this simple statement, Adams and Jefferson renewed their friendship with another series of letters which continued for the rest of their lives.
Upon hearing the cannons firing again, Adams was jolted back to the events of the moment. He inquired as to the reason for the firing cannons. Someone at his bedside answered that they were firing cannons in celebration of independence from Great Britain. It was the fourth of July. “It is a great and glorious day,” Adams replied. Newspapers reported that “he never spake more.” At around 6:00 p.m., John Adams passed away. Some historians have claimed that when Adams realized that death would soon take him, he uttered the phrase, “Jefferson survives.” Unbeknownst to Adams, Jefferson had died five hours earlier. John Adams, the man who convinced Congress to declare independence, and Thomas Jefferson, the man who drafted the Declaration of Independence, both died on the same day, July 4, 1826, … the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Sources: John Adams, “Notes on a Tour of English Country Seats, &c., with Thomas Jefferson,” April 4-10, 1786, in L.H. Butterfield et al., eds., Diary and Autobiography of John Adams (Cambridge: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1961), 3:185. Jefferson to Madison, January 30, 1787, in PTJ, 11:96. Adams to Jefferson, March 1, 1787, in PTJ, 11:190. Jefferson to Rush, December 5, 1811, in PTJ:RS, 4:313, 4:314n. The National Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), July 10, 1826, p.2.
One of the main goals of every high school football player is to win a ring. Most of the time that is only received after your team wins a state championship but for several outstanding players from Jonesboro-Hodge who graduated this past spring recently they got to enjoy adorning some jewelry as result of their participation in post season all-star games.
A few weeks ago Bowl Director, Andy Bryson came to Jonesboro-Hodge to bring Jaylen Kendrick, Caleb Hassen and Logan Webb their rings for being on the winning team in the 2019 Louisiana Gridiron Football All Star Bowl held on December 28th, 2019 in Alexandria, LA. Earlier A.J. Blundell received his ring from being on the winning team at the East/West All-American Bowl Game that was played at Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, TX on January 20th, 2020.
“I am very happy for these guys” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “They were great representatives of their school and they now have something they will treasure for the rest of their lives.”
Caleb Hassen, Louisiana Gridiron Bowl Director Andy Bryson and Jaylen Kendrick sporting bowl rings
A. J. Blundell with JHHS Head football Coach Terrance Blankenship at East/West All-American Bowl played at Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, TX
Ring earned by A.J. Blundell at the East/West All-American Bowl
Mary Elizabeth Morgan August 12, 1983 – June 25, 2020 Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Morgan, age 36 of Quitman, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020. Mary was born August 12, 1983 in Ruston, Louisiana to Sharon Stevenson Hines and her father Chris Robinson.
She is survived by her mother, Sharon Hines and step-father Skip Hines; daughters, Malia Snowden, Kailei Ramirez, Lily Ramirez; brother, John David Morgan; half-brother Mitchell Robinson; Grandparents, Jerry & Lillian Stevenson, Mary Morgan, Barbara Robinson; step-grandparents, Danny & Claudine Reihn; a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives and numerous friends and loved ones. Mary was preceded in death by her adopted father, John W. Morgan; grandfathers, Al Morgan, Billy Robinson.
Graveside services were held in the Beech Springs Baptist Church cemetery with Reverend Jim Lancaster and Reverend Tim Thomas officiating and under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Serving the family as pallbearers were Cole Stevenson, Darren Stevenson, Justin King, Matthew Nash, Michael Lowe, Noah Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Knox, Danny Knowlton.
Jerry L. Lowrey October 22, 1950 – June 24, 2020 Mr. Jerry L. Lowrey, age 69 of New Iberia, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Mr. Lowrey was born October 22, 1950 to the late Clyde Revis and Sybil (Hortence) Lowrey and was a resident of New Iberia for over 40 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a retired consultant after working in the oil field for many years. Enjoyment was brought by working around his house, fishing, reading and spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Mecca Tobar Lowrey; daughter, Dawn Lowrey-Meydam and husband Smith of Newport News, VA; stepsons Troy Fondon, Keith Fondon; stepdaughter, Renee Fondon; 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brothers, Jimmy Lowrey and Gwen of Quitman, Rickey Lowrey and wife Kathy of Quitman, Clyde Lowrey, Jr. and wife Ve-Ester of Winnfield; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service was held Saturday, June 27, 2020 in Antioch Presbyterian Cumberland Cemetery at 2:00PM with Reverend Bill Staples officiating with the burial following under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
What is known is that on Sunday, June 21, 2020 a man drowned at the State Park on Caney Lake. From there on out the details get sketchy as local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders have not provided any information despite several attempts to reach them.
One unnamed source indicated that the reason no information has been given is that the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) is still trying to determine the identity of the deceased who is believed to not be a resident of the Parish.
According to an eye-witness a man was seen going under while swimming and then retrieved from the water. CPR was provided by a concerned citizen who then gave way to Ward 4 Emergency Responders and Wildlife and Fisheries agents. From there the deceased was transferred to the Jackson Parish Hospital where it was determined he had expired.
Governor John Bel Edwards announced this past Monday that Louisiana will stay in Phase Two of reopening, as the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have started to rise in several regions across the state.
“It goes without saying that this is not the direction that we want to be headed in,” said Edwards. “We have to reduce case growth and hospitalizations. So today, I’m announcing that we will not be moving to Phase Three when the order expires at the end of this week.”
Louisiana is ranked seventh out of 23 states across the country experiencing an increase in COVID-19 positive cases. Edwards said that the Phase Two order issued back on June 4, 2020, will be allowed to expire on Friday and that a new order will be released later this week, possibly on Thursday. Gov. Edwards did say that the new order will be in effect for 28 days.
As of Monday, the state has reported a total number of 50,239 cases and 3,004 deaths while in Jackson Parish the numbers showed 187 positive test cases, 95 active cases, 15 deaths and one still being hospitalized. Seventy seven have recovered.
Effective July 6th personal property and business owners in the Town of Jonesboro will see a reduction in the cost of insurance. This is because the town has now earned a Class 3 rating by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL).
“I am very pleased to announce that the cost of insurance for personal and business property in the Town of Jonesboro will be less beginning next month,” said Jonesboro Fire Chief Brandon Brown. “I give thanks to our city government for allowing us to get the necessary equipment we needed as well as the full time fire firefighters we have on staff and the many dedicated volunteers who have helped us in reducing response time. “
The PIAL is a private, non-profit association comprised of all insurance companies licensed to write fire and certain coverages in the state of Louisiana. They are responsible for the evaluation of municipalities and fire districts to determine a Protection Classification as well as determine the Building Code Effectiveness Grading classifications fire protection capabilities.
Factors in determining what rating is earned is how up to date a municipalities fire-fighting equipment is, how much training has been provided and completed by staff and volunteers, response time shown and how effective a Fire Department is in absolving the situation.
Below are listing of arrests made by the law enforcement officers representing Jonesboro, Hodge, North Hodge, Quitman, Chatham, Eros and Jackson Parish from the dates of June 16th to June 21st
1. Martavius Wyatt (Hodge, LA) – Cruelty to a Juvenile, Child Desertion 2. Brandee Brazil (Hodge, LA) – Issuing of Worthless Checks (X4), Careless Operation 3. Megan Deville (Jonesboro, LA) – Cruelty to a Juvenile, Child Desertion 4. Othelle Hogan (North Little Rock, AR) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Simple Battery 5. Leonard Rhodes (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property 6. Kolby Williams (Quitman, LA) – Theft 7. Michael Willis (Hodge, LA) – Out of date Inspection Sticker, Window Obstruction, Driving under Suspended License, Possession of Schedule I drug, Possession of Schedule II drug 8. Donnie Ray Burns (Jonesboro, LA) – Criminal Trespass 9. Landon Austin – (Quitman, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property 10. Stoneshia Anderson (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property
For boating enthusiasts it is one of the most enjoyable times you can spend on the open water. Lots of fun and enjoyment will be had by all but you need to register as soon as possible to be a part of the annual Boat Flotilla that is part of the 4th of July Jackson Parish Freedom Celebration.
Sponsored by The Caney Lake Community Foundation boats will line up for the “water parade” at 9:30 AM at Hook’s Marina where judging for the “Best Float” will take place. The flotilla will then depart and follow the Smith Branch Shoreline.
A couple of years ago, Kay wanted a flower bed in a certain section of the front yard. The spot was perfect; it would get just the right amount of sunlight and shade for the lantana she had planned for the bed to grow lush and beautiful.
There was only one problem; the area she chose was already occupied. It was wrapped up in saw briars. I was assigned the task of removing the briars to make room for the lantana.
Have you ever tried to get rid of saw briars? You can cut them down to the ground and before long, they take off again. The solution is to dig up the root. Frankly I was shocked when I unearthed the root from the first briar I tackled. It was the size of a volley ball, big and white and almost scary looking.
Eventually, I was able to dig up all the roots and now the little bed is saw briar-free but it took quite an effort to make that happen.
Just exactly what is this plant? It has at least three names. I always called it saw briar while more professional plant gurus refer to it as green briar or if they really want to get fancy, smilax.
If you live anywhere in the country, I’ll bet you have it growing around the margin of your yard. It practically forms a border of my yard and if you happen to walk through a vine, you come out with blood dripping because two of the three names indicate what it is. Briar.
As obnoxious as the plant is to home owners, it’s a super source of protein for wildlife, especially deer.
One night I happened to look out the bedroom window and saw movement beneath the security light in our yard. There stood a doe and she was munching on a strand of saw briar growing there. After she moved on, a second deer came along to clean up the greenery the first deer had left.
I ran across an article recently that was singing the praises of this plant that provides up to 30% protein in spring and 10% in the fall. Many wildlife biologists consider green briar to be one of the most important native plants used by deer. Hunters sometimes manage thickets of the plant growing on their hunting lands since deer relish it as a favorite browse species.
In addition to retaining leaves all year long, the plant produces fruit-like berries consumed by not only deer but a variety of birds and wild turkeys.
Since I have your interest in utilizing green briar as wildlife food, is it possible to transplant it to areas where you hunt? You can’t find a commercial source for the seeds or roots (which technically are called rhizomes) but you can dig up the roots and plant them where you prefer. Most who have tried this method of transplanting find that the relocated plants take off with good results but you need to protect the new growth from over-browsing by deer and rabbits.
Late in deer season after a few freezes have killed most native forage plants making them unpalatable for wildlife, green briar just keeps on keeping on.
One biologist suggested that well-fertilized green briar thickets make good food plots and should be included in a wildlife management plan.
You need some root stock? My wife is eyeing another spot in the yard where she wants a flower bed, a spot wrapped up in briars. You want ‘em? You can have ‘em, just come dig ‘em so I won’t have to.
Call it saw briar, green briar or smilax. It can be a problem for flower beds but excellent forage for deer
After taking almost nine months to adopt a town budget last year it took only the June 9th public hearing and corresponding Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen meeting to agree to accept Ordinance #2020-002 which provided the city with an operating budget for the next 12 months.
After a short discussion Board members Nia Evans-Johnson, Devin Flowers, James Ginn, Robbie Siadek and Pete Stringer unanimously accepted the proposed budget provided by Mayor Leslie Thompson that showed the city to be operating on $3,123,199.00 in estimated revenue.
Estimated expenditures were shown to be $3,198,711.00 which gave the town a one year deficit in funds estimate of $75,512.00 but ending the fiscal year with a $461,976.71 positive balance after coming into the new term with a $537,488.71 beginning fund balance.
Resolution #2020-025 which allows for Denmon Engineering to move forward with the Municipal Airport project was also passed. Ordinance #2020-003, which would give the Council a raise, earned a Public Hearing set for July 14,2020 at the Jonesboro City Hall.
In final action following reports by the heads of the Fire, Police and Public Works departments the council agreed to look into the current Peddlers Licensing Agreement as well as declare surplus items.
In the 1930s, the small village of Saline, Louisiana, had a population numbering around 600 people, mostly farmers and sawmill workers. Its main claim to fame was its watermelons. The sandy soil provided the best environment for growing watermelons. The Saline Truck Growers Association began holding a celebration in the village each July to coincide with the watermelon harvest. People from all over the region converged at Saline to join in the festivities. Some reports estimated 8,000 people attended Saline’s second Watermelon Festival. For a small village of only 600 people to have an influx of several thousand people must have been a sight to see.
In 1932, Saline’s mayor and vice president of the Saline Truck Growers Association H.E. Sudduth shipped the two largest melons of the season by rail to then presidential nominee Franklin Delano Roosevelt and vice-presidential nominee John Garner. The melons weighed in at 110 pounds and 90 pounds respectively. Local farmer Webby Driggers grew the prized 110-pound melon. A few weeks later, Mayor Sudduth received a letter which stated:
“I have been a long time in writing to thank you for the most delicious watermelon which you sent me some time ago. Will you please extend to the association my appreciation of their sending me this extraordinary fruit? We have all enjoyed it, and are regretful that it is gone. Please also thank Mr. Driggers, and extend to him my congratulations. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt.”
All good things must come to an end. In July, 1933, Saline had a major incident which most people, even those who have lived in and around the small village all of their lives, have forgotten. Those who have not forgotten the event rarely speak of it. People arrived for the annual festival on foot, by wagon, by automobile, and by train. During the celebration, several conspirators pulled knifes at a predetermined time and slashed over 500 unsuspecting victims. Rather than running away, the crowd gathered closer. The conspirators slashed into the bodies of their victims and removed their insides. Let me remind you that this story is true and apologize for its gory nature. The wild crowd reached for the random bits and pieces of the poor victim’s insides and shoved whatever they could grab into their mouths. Men, women, and boys and girls of all ages ate the pieces of raw red meat, the heart being the most sought after.
Sheriff Henderson Jordan, mostly remembered as a member of the posse which two years later ended the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde, compared the slashing affray to the murders credited to England’s Jack the Ripper. One eye witness told the sheriff, “It was just slash, slash, slash. There weren’t many out of the 500 that weren’t hurt.” By the next morning, no evidence of the murders could be found. The conspirators disposed of the what remained of the victims’ bodies in an undisclosed location. Sheriff Jordan and his deputies spoke with several eye witnesses and questioned the conspirators but made no arrests.
Although watermelons have remained a staple crop from the area around the small village of Saline, the 1933 watermelon festival was the last of its kind held for fifty years. Five decades later, after many of the citizens who were present at the slashing had died, citizens of Saline revived the watermelon festival with moderate success. Without most of them knowing it, festival goers celebrate each year the slashing that occurred in the small village on that hot July day in 1933. If you visit the village during the festival, you will see all sorts of depictions of the slashing victims including signs, t-shirts, face paintings, and other paraphernalia. The slashing victims were watermelons.
Sources: The Shreveport Journal, July 29, 1932, p.14. The Shreveport Times, July 29, 1932, p.2. The Shreveport Journal, August 19, 1932, p.3. The Shreveport Times, July 4, 1933, p.4.
On Sunday June 7th a group of protesters headed by Ms. Ja’Keshia Lard held a peaceful Black Lives Matter march and protest in honor of the death of George Floyd. The march began at the site of the old abandoned Jackson High School, where I along with thousands of African American students attended. The protest concluded on the steps of the Jackson Parish Court House in downtown Jonesboro. While I was unable to participate in the march due to physical constraints and limitations, I attended the rally held at the courthouse and was quite surprised, pleased and moved almost to tears at seeing such a large number of young people participating in the march and rally, continuing the struggle against injustice and the senseless killing of African American citizens.
We want to commend the group of young organizers who hosted the march in honor of George Floyd. The protest drew a fairly large crowd of black and white citizens and received support from the Jackson Parish Branch of the NAACP, headed by President Windy Calahan. All did an outstanding job in hosting such an event. The rally included an opening prayer, readings by several youths, and observance of eight minutes and forty seconds of silence in honor of George Floyd whose life was snuffed out by white police officer Dereck Chauvin on Monday, May 25 in Minneapolis Minnesota. Following the senseless killing by the police officer with his knee on Floyd for nearly nine minutes, protests for justice for George Floyd have gone viral and have popped up all over the world. Protesters have taken to the streets in peaceful protest.
Noting that it has been years since a protest march or rally was held in the Town of Jonesboro, in an interview with Ms. Ja’Keshia Lard, I asked her to comment and enlighten readers on the rationale for hosting the march and rally. She noted: “the protest march was organized to give her generation a productive voice against systemic racism, police brutality, social and economic inequality that affect Black people all over world. Protesters gathered to take a stand against and condemn over four hundred years of oppression. We marched in solidarity as a community of color; black, brown, yellow and white to acknowledge that America has not done enough to aid African Americans in overcoming the never ending struggles of discrimination and racial injustice suffered by black people each day. We marched to honor the legacy of Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Emmett Till. We marched to mourn the tragic loss of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Alton Sterling and a host of others whose lives were ended by corrupt police officers .My generation is ready to stand for righteousness in a world that is full of wrong. Black lives do matter”
As we stood and as some sat on the steps of the Jackson Parish Court House, as we listened to speeches being made by local leaders, listening to the hopeful presentations being given by young black kids, black and white kids holding and waving banners, containing hand written slogans such as “Black Lives Matter, Justice for George Floyd, No justice, No Peace,” I began to have flash backs from stories told to me by my grandmother and confirmed by the late .Mr. Harvey Johnson. Both told me that in the early part of the nineteenth century seven black men were lynched in Jackson Parish. In 1925 three black men were lynched on the lawn of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, while four more were lynched at other locations throughout the parish.
Jackson Parish has had a long history of racial tension and unrest and has been in the lime light dating back to the early nineteen twenties when three black men were lynched on the grounds of the old Jackson Parish Court house. The history of racism continued through the sixties and seventies when African American citizens successfully sued the federal government and gained the right to vote in local and national elections in Jackson parish. During the summer of 1960, Governor John McKeithen (Big John) was forced to come to Jonesboro where he met with a crowd of concerned Black community leaders in the cafeteria of Jackson High School. He came with the intent and hope to quell what had become a volatile situation that could have easily erupted and led to civil unrest or a major and serious racial crisis. Governor McKeithen handled the situation and many demands were met.
Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
It doesn’t matter how many fish you catch sometimes you just get tired of fishing in the same old hole. Even when it seems you are pulling them in on seemingly every cast it is the bane of fishing. You just have to ‘move around”.
Often times it is satisfying enough to simply go to another part of the body of water you are on but invariably there are the times when you simply have the “urge to splurge”. You load up the boat and head to new horizons.
This usually happens this time of year so with that in mind this week we have provided a much larger and expanded fishing report so that no matter where you might want to go in Northeast Louisiana you can feel confident about your chances.
CANEY LAKE – With the weather turning warmer, bass are beginning to school with some topwater action taking place in breaking schools. Some bigger fish are being caught fishing the channel drops with deep diving crank baits or big plastic worms. Crappie fishing has been fair around the deeper tops sitting in 15-18 foot water. Shiners and jigs are picking up a few. Bream fishing continues to be good fishing the shallows with crickets and worms. No report this week on catfish. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278- 4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Bass fishing has been fair around the grass. Bream fishing continues to be good on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow to fair in deeper water. Contact 323- 8707 for latest information. OUACHITA RIVER – Bass fishing has been fair at the run-outs with current on spinners, topwaters and crank baits. Bream are in the back waters and river lakes and hitting crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing jigs or shiners in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass have been best fishing up the creeks around grass beds. Spinners, soft plastics, especially Carolina rigs and frogs are working in the grass and around the edges. Some have moved to the deeper channel holes and hitting deep diving crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are on the flats and have been fair on shiners and jigs fished 8-10 feet deep in 12-14 foot deep water. Bream are around bedding areas and hitting crickets and worms around the lake. Catfishing has been good on set hooks baited with bream with lots of smaller channel catfish caught fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are still biting jigs and shiners around the deep tops with best results coming early mornings. Bass have been slow to fair this week. Catfishing has been good on both trotlines and limb lines for flatheads with noodles and trotlines working on channel cats. The bream are biting worms and crickets just off the banks in 5 foot water. Stripers are slow. Below the spillway, a good many bream, crappie and catfish are being caught. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –Catfishing continues to be good on cut shad and cold worms. Bream fishing has been good on worms and crickets. Crappie are slow to fair on shiners and jigs. No report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – No report. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – Water is high but beginning to fall. No fishing reports this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE BRUIN – Bream fishing continues to be good. Bass, crappie and catfish are all fairly slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.
Louise Ponder Bott Tolar March 07, 1922 – April 06, 2020
Louise Bott-Tolar, age 98, passed away after a long life on April 6, 2020 in Parker, CO. She was born Elsie Louise Ponder on March 7, 1922 to Homer and Pearl (McMillan) Ponder and the oldest of twelve children: JoEllen (Jo) Ponder-Guffey, Beatrice Pearl (Bea) Ponder- Ayers, Laura “Mable” Ponder- Adams, twin sisters Vera Edle and Era Estelle Ponder, Hazel “Evelyn” Ponder-Jordan, Homer Gerald (Buddy) Ponder, Edsel Morris (Ed) Ponder, Billy Wayne Ponder, Velda Rae Ponder-Pennington, and Benola Joy Ponder-Robinson.
After growing up in Quitman she moved to Shreveport and went to work for Film Arbor Company, a film processing firm. There she met Charles D. Bott and married in 1955 and raised three children together. She later went on to have a long career with Sears and Roebuck. After working in various departments, she spent the last working years in the corporate level as a manager in the Sears Credit department before retiring after 35 years. When she wasn’t working, you would find her quilting, writing or reading. An avid reader, it was not uncommon for her to read 2-5 books a week. She was also a faithful member of Parker Church of Christ.
Louise leaves to cherish her memory, son Charles Phillip Bott and wife Karen; siblings Buddy and his wife June, Edsel and wife Carolyn, Billy Wayne and wife Nancy, Velda and husband Russ, Benola and husband Jerry; brother-in-law, Jim Jordan. She was affectionately known as “Grandmother” and “Mimi” to seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sisters Vera and Era, and sisters Jo Ellen, Beatrice,Mable and Evelyn; husbands Garland Eiland, Charles Bott and Maj. James “Jim” Tolar, daughter Elise Louise Eiland-Looker and son Garland “Butch” Eiland Jr.
Memorial graveside services will be held 10:00AM Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Ebenezer Cemetery with Bro. Freddie Shows officiating. Interment will be at the cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Louise Bott-Tolar.
*** In keeping with current health guidelines social distancing will be required***
Claudine Turnbow February 28, 1925 – June 19, 2020
Ms. Claudine Turnbow, age 95 of Quitman, made her journey through the heavenly gates Friday, June 19, 2020 after a period of declining health. Ms. Claudine enjoyed being outdoors, especially working in the yard and gardening. Ms. Turnbow found much joy in her pretty flowers that she grew and took pride in caring for them. She was a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church. Ms. Claudine was a beloved “Mime” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she loved spending time with them.
She leaves behind a daughter, Jo Ann Brown Ingram; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death are her son, Jerry Mac Turnbow; daughter, Joy Arnold; parents, Shug and Louie (McMillan) Womack. A graveside service was held on Monday, June 22, 2020 at Sweetwater Baptist Cemetery with Reverend Stuart Toms officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
