Life Celebration for Josephine Jackson

Josephine Jackson
Source: Funeral Program
Courtesy of Mrs. Helen Lucky

I was the last sibling of 18 children born to John and Mattie Banks Jackson on August 25, 197. I grew up in Rocky Hill community of Greensburg, LA. My Christian life began at an early age of thirteen at Rocky Hill A.M.E. Church in Greensburg, LA. Later I moved to Grant Chapel A.M.E. in Amite with my one year old daughter Beatrice in 1935.

On this life journey I began my father business by working in the church. I served diligently as an Usher, Choir member, Class leader for Board One and Two. Trustee Board Missionary, Stewardess and Church Delegate to the Annual Conference. I worked because I was saved not because I was trying to get saved.

I was employed my entire life as domestic aide and nanny to the Stern's family children for many generations. The Stern's were prominent entrepreneurs, owners of the former Stern's Department Store of Amite. I traveled throughout the United States with then as a nanny, a preparer of gourmet meals and the management of the home, being exposed to antique furnished and gracious living, etc. I met many people along the way in my life and tried to reflect these things in the way I lived, shared, and served in eloquence and dignity. I also served for thirty-nine years with the Stella Chapter #2 Eastern Star beginning on May 14, 1974. I thank God for the good, bag, ugly, pretty and all he allowed me to be during this life long journey. To God be the Glory.

Using social media to share family photographs with family members

Antoinette Harrell Photograph Collection

This time of year, I spend considerable time reviewing files. My focus this time was on the family photographs. I share my family photographs on social media to keep them safe for others. It is simply a matter of downloading the image. It can be printed or stored in the iCloud. Not only do I have my collection, but I also have my mother's collection after she died. Thanks to my brother Micheal, I can now preserve her collection and share it with my family. As far as he was concerned, he knew exactly who should receive them.

Furthermore, giving photographs to family members while I am still able to do so is extremely important to me. It is not uncommon for photographs to be disposed of after a person has passed away. This is because the person browsing through the items may not recognize the person or people in the picture and discard them. I want to ensure that my family members will have these memories to cherish long before I die.  It is for this reason that I have decided to share my photos with my family and give them to them. My goal is to preserve our family legacy for future generations.

When I share photographs online.  Knowing that the photograph will be preserved gives me a sense of release. I regularly hear people say that the family photographs were thrown away or that the person who has them does not wish to share them with other family members. This makes me sad, as these photos are often the only tangible reminders of our ancestors. We should all strive to make a conscious effort to treasure and pass on these precious memories for future generations.

Rev. Vernia Garrett McCoy Obituary 1938-2022

Rev. Vernia Garrett McCoy ws born in Franklinton, La., to Isaac James Garrett, Sr. and Vander Anthony Garrett. She was batptized at Winans United Methodist Church. She was educated in the Washington Parish School System and earned here hight school diploma from Washington Parish Colored School in 1952. She furthered her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., where, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Counselors Education. She taught school for thirty-two years in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. She was united in marriage to Fred McCoy on December 24, 1955. This union was blessed with three of their own children and a niece thy raised as their own child.

She was a faithful, hardworking member of Grants Chapel AME Church. She answered the call to preach and was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the  Eighth Episcopal District in the Louisiana Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She studies at the International Theological Center and earned a Certificate of Theology. Rev. McCoy was licenses to preach in 1996 and was later appointed to St. James AME Church Airport Rd. She served there until her retirement. After retirement, she returned to Grants Chapel AME Church and continued to serve in many capacities.

Rev. McCoy was a member of Shady Grove Order of Eastern Star #134 PHA. She served as  Chaplin and was a past Worthy Matron. She joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and remained active in the Theta Theta Zeta Chapter. She diligently served with North Oaks Hospice for over 20 years. SH was a m ember of the Golden Tones Choir for the Hammond Recreation Department.

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her children: Roderick McCoy Sr., Zander McCoy and Samaria Rose McCoy; one special daughter, Corriene McCoy; siblings Ella Rose Brookins, Catherine G. Brown and Jerry Garrett (Mary); four grandchildren; five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Fred McCoy; siblings; Purvis Garrett, Isaac Garrett, Jr., Willie Dean Brickman, Betty Blackburn, Shirley Garrett Martin, David Garrett, Melvin Garrett, Sr., Benjamin Garrett and Rodney Garrett; and niece she raised as her own, Johnnie Mae McCoy.

The Watt family of Tangipahoa Parish

Photo Courtesy of 
Karen Hart Stewart

Front Row: Earl Watts, Ed Watts, Clara Hollins Watts, Celeste Watts Wagner, Adouloh Watts. Back Row: Alfred Charles (AC) Watts, Clara Belle Watts White, Ruth Watts Hart, Fannie Watts Muse.  

Amanda Breland Richardson and Great granddaughter Isabel Harrell Cook

Amanda Breland was born in 1862 and died in 1937 in St. Helena Parish.  Her  husband was Thomas Richardson, Sr.,  There were five children born to them: Sophia, John, Thomas, Jr., Golene, and Annie Richardson. The picture shows my mother Isabell Harrell Cook when she was about seven years old. Her picture standing with her maternal great grandmother was photoshopped. My mother was born on December 25, 1939 and died on March 30, 2020.

Mr. Quincy Walker a Local Farmer in Tangipahoa Parish

Quincy Walker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Quincy Walker was born in 1937 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Nathan and Frances Walker. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Walker years ago. On a bus tour of farms in Lexington, Mississippi, I sat next to this griot. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed every minute of it. My goal was to get as much information from him as possible about family history, local history, and farming.  

Nathan Walker was born in 1919 in Bolivar, Louisiana to Albert Walker and Monnie Walker. Earnesteen Walker, Luella Walker, Esterrann Walker, Millie Walker, Charles Walker, and Lula Walker were their children. 

The year of Albert's birth was around 1888.  Mr. Quincy often spoke of the lessons he learned from his grandfather Albert, whom he called "Pa". He used many of the lessons he learned today. His grandmother used herbs to heal the family and community when they were sick, and he shared some of the things she taught him about herbs as part of his Native American heritage.  Albert's parents were Harrison Walker and Phillis Walker.  Harrison was born around 1859 in Mississippi. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, he was living in Police Jury Ward 2, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Harrison was a farmer  by occupation. He could read and write. He was rented his home. Harrison and wife were the parents of a large family; Fetus Walker, Handy Walker, Florence Walker, Albert Walker, Charley Walker, Flancy Walker, Elizabeth Walker,  Geneva Walker, Jessie L. Walker, and Mary E. Walker.  Harrison Walker died at the age of 84 on January 29, 1939.

He is no longer able to do things he used to due to his advancing age and health problems. Upon turning 60 years old, he began farming. He regrets not starting sooner. Growing up on a farm, he had no interest in farming, so he went to college to get an education. Formerly, he was a teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. 

Dr. Antoinette Harrell Reveals Family History to Publisher and Editor of the Drum Newspaper

Eddie Ponds
The Drum Newspaper 
Publisher

Dr. Harrell spoke with Eddie Ponds, owner and publisher of the Drum Newspaper about his family history. Eddie expressed his desire to research his family history with Dr. Harrell, a renowned genealogist and local historian in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Eddie explained to Harrell that his father's side fo the family originated from Plaquemine, Louisiana during the course of their conversation. In a matter of minutes, Harrell began searching for information about his ancestry. A gift that she want to give to Mr. Ponds, because he gives so much to the African American community.

Harrell invited Mr. Ponds to join her at the Amite Library Genealogy Department to research his family history utilizing Ancestry on the computer. He was excited to find information on his father and his grandparents.  Mr. Ponds father Eugene Ponds was working at the Louisiana Cypress Lumber Company in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. "According to the 1920  United States Federal Census, Eugene was 28 years old and his birthplace Louisiana." He was living in the Police Jury Ward 4, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was living on Bayou Sarah Road. He was laborer at a sawmill and lived as a boarder in the home with Stirling Fields, Bertrand Hampton, Alfred Scale, Eli Allen, Baurnyard McDaniel. 

Eugene Ponds
Military Registration Card

They discovered that Eddie's father Eugene Ponds, Sr.  was born around 1892. According to his military
registration card, he was 27 years old at the time and he was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  His race was African, and he was married. Eugene was married to Ida Mae Davis Ponds. They were the parents of ten children: Mary Loui Ponds, Ella Mae Ponds, Eugene Ponds, Jr., John Wesley Ponds, Isiah Ponds, Paulette Ponds

Eugene's parents were Severley Ponds. Severly was born in around 1860 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His wife Isabella Roner Ponds was born around 1868 and died in 1958. I was happy that Mr. Ponds walked out of the Amite Genealogy Library with some new information on the Ponds side of his family. We'll continue to research his family lineage on his paternal side of his family, 

West Feliciana Genealogy Connection with Gaynell Brady

Richardson Family History for the Louisiana Florida Parishes with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The Hands That Keep On Giving

 

The Hands of Mrs. Ella Baton
Photo Credit: Jo'elle K. LaCoste

Several years ago, I was introduced to Ms. Badon by Dr. Kingsley Blaine Garrison, one of her former students. We spent several months and many long hours discussing local history. I learned so much from Ms. Badon, and she was generous in sharing what could remember. Despite being in her nineties, she maintained a sharp and sound mind. I hope that if I lived to see her age, my mind would be half as sharp has hers. I love this picture of our hands holding the book that our minds gave birth too. Throughout the process of writing and publishing this book, she played a major role in the success of the book. So many social, educational, and humanitarian activities were carried out by her hands. 

Honoring the Beautiful Memory of My Dear Cousin Juanita Harrell Stewart

Juanita Harrell Stewart, my maternal 2nd cousin removed, was such a stunning, elegant woman, well poised, gracious, and elegant person. Throughout our relationship, she blessed me with so much love and support. She never hesitated to express her pride in my accomplishments. 

She was born to Edgar Harrell and Minnie Nolan Harrell in 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She died in 2008 in Kentwood, LA. Juanita was married to Isaac Stewart and they were the parents of two children: Michael Stewart and Gwendolyn Lorraine Stewart. 

She was a lifelong member of Petty AME Church before Hurricane Katrina.  She served as a secretary for the church for many years. In New Orleans, she belonged to a variety of civc and social organizations. In fact, she had so many talents including being a seamstress and having for sewing. In addition, she preserved an extensive collection of family photos and other documents relating to the Harrell family.

I was cleaning out my files today and I came across the guest book for her Homegoing Service. I reread some of the cards and floral cards that were left. Her church family, church district family, and countless of other people, relatives, and friends loved her dearly. I for one, I will never forget my beautiful cousin.

An Interview with St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff Denise Geoffrey

Denise Geoffrey
St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff

The St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court is located in Greensburg, Louisiana. Greensburg in the parish seat. The Clerks of Court is where genealogist and family historian can find a wealth of original documents. Documents such as Marriage Records, Civil Record, Chattel Property Records, Succession Documents, Crop Liens Records,  Land Deeds and other records can be found in side the Clerk Office. Since there are no public computer terminals available, most of the documents can be located by indexes. As Clerk of Court for St. Helena Parish, Mildred T. Cyprian and her staff have done an excellent job of maintaining the court records and documents. 

During an interview with Denise Geoffrey, a member of the staff. She informed me that the courthouse has never been damages by fire and she believes that the vault is a secure place for the documents if a fire was to occur. On another note she said that the earliest records date back to 1807 and some older records can be found in Spanish and French. 

I enjoy conducting genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Geoffrey is a New Jersey resident and has no connection to St. Helena Parish; however, she had discovered the name Geoffrey in the courthouse and wonders if thee is a family connection with the Geoffrey's from New Jersey.  During the slave trade and sale, Africans and Africans born in America was sold and transported down south. I would like to think is she certain hard enough she just might find a connection. What's really amazing is Flying Ghost Production Film company owner has family ties to St. Helena Parish as well. Fagan Davis, Jr., is family are the Richardson, Knighten, and Lee families. 

West Side High School Class of 1958

 West Side High School was located in Amite, Louisiana.

Source: https://africanamericanhighschoolsinlouisianabefore1970.com/contact/

Wicker Water Owned by Harvey "Champ" Wicker

Harvey "Champ" Wicker

Harvey was born in 1921 to Ida and Milton Wicker. There were six children born to the couple. Milton was born in Greensburg, Louisiana in 1889. Milton lived in Alexandria, Louisiana before settling in Pensacola, Florida.  At the age of fifteen, Harvey left Pensacola, Florida after he meet his benefactor named R. Bethel. Heavery served as Bethl's chauffeur. His grandson Harvey contacted me to talk about the history of his grandfather whom he spent a great deal of time with as a child growing up.

He was married to Blanch Batte, they were the parents of four children: Harvey Anderson, Sr., Anita Louisa, Donald Edwards, SR, and Debra Ann. He went into the Army at the age of seventeen. He was a boxer, he began in boxing career in Detroit, becoming the Golden Gloves "Champ" in the Bantam Weight Division for the the state of Michigan.

Harvey started the Wicker Water business. He me Angie Dickinson, President Kennedy and Nixon. In a newspaper interview Harvey talked about his vegetables on Wicker water. The water came from an artesian week in Inyo County, owned and worked by Harvey himself.  Wicker spoke about most water we get from our taps, contain all kinds of substances. He proved a copy of a chemical analysis of Wicker water for eery bottle.

For years Wicker donated water to Pacoina Memorial Hospital. He serviced other recipients with Wicker Water. Some wrote letter about Wicker water stating that the drinking water cleared up problems such as Insomnia, indigestion, constipation and heartburn. Wicker mission was  to get the drinking water in the home coolers and on the supermarket shelves. Emmett Culligan was working on a marketing program for the water. The sales from Wicker Water Company could have make Wicker a very wealthy man. 

Source: The Funeral Program of Harvey A "Champ" Wicker & Harvey Wicker, the Grandson of Champ

Deputy Ed Toefield Jr, and Deputy R.A. Kent Memorial Highways

Photos Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Facebook Page

On November 12, 2021, a large crowd of Tangipahoa Parish Elected officials and family and friends of Deputies Ed Toefield, Jr., and Richard A. Kent III was honored as portions of Highway 51 in Amite and Highway 38 in Kentwood was dedicated in their memories. Former Sheriff Ed Layrisson gave a beautiful insight on the lives of Deputy Toefield and Deputy Kent. Members of both of their families spoke. Parish President Robbie Miller and Sheriff Daniel Edward spoke at this memorial event. 

The Life of Edward Dyson of Tangipahoa, Louisiana

Edward Dyson

Edward Dyson was born to Eloise Bringgs and Climmie Dyson on March 19, 1943 he was born and raised in Sunny Hill, LA and was a life-long resident of the Village of Tangipahoa. He married Sarah Myers and to that union reared three ambitious daughters and one devoted son. He was the first African American Chief of Police in Tangipahoa Parish and served with justice and truth for 20 years and honor. Ed serviced the Tangipahoa Parish School as a bus driver for the last 12 years of his employment. He was a member of the John T. Hilton Masonic Lodge # 44. He was baptized by Rev. Haywood Andrews and reverenced the Lord in his everyday walk in life and in some of this most infamous words. "Even and animal on the street is due a hello." He was preceded in death by his father Climmie Dyson.

His memories will be cherished by his mother, Eloise Dyson and his beloved wife, Sarah. Three daughters and a son. Margaret(Steven) of Kentwood, LA; Carla, Rhonda (Gregory), Michael Dyson (Vanessa) of Tangipahoa, LA. Nine grandchildren> Steven, LaToia, Brandon, Kevin, Jasmine, Michael, Alexis, Malik, and Adrien. Three Brothers, Woodrow (Merle). Nathan (Mary) of Indianapolis, Indiana; Joseph, and one sister, Betty both of Tangipahoa. Louisiana. Nine brothers-in-law, Teal Jr., Dallas (Nola), Eddie (Jacqueline), Alfred (Mildred). Willie Ray, Walter, Marvin, Archie, and Aaron Myers all of Tangipahoa, Louisiana; four sisters-in-laws, Lena Mae and Doretha of Tangipahoa, Louisiana, Mary of Hammond, Louisiana and Gloria of New Orleans. Special family friends, Richard Banks, Amber Allen, Mary Theresa Lewis, Abbey Gallien, Makitta Darbonne, Geil Jacobs and a host of family, friends, nieces, and nephews. 

Handy Burton of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Handy died on May 6, 1984 in Kenner, Louisiana. His services were held at Community Chapel Methodist Church in Fluker, Louisiana. He was married to Carrie Boykin Burton. . His parents were Green and Elcy Taylor Holden. Handy and Carrie were the parents of: Lula Mae, Charles, Helen, Margaret Alice, Charles W, Eural, Lorena, Lela, Henry Lee, and Douglas.  They had a total of 15 children. All are not listed here. 

Handy Burton Military Draft Card
Courtesy of Ancestry

Elzie Burton the Son of Nathaniel and Julia Wilson Burton

Elzie Burton
World War II Draft Card
Courtesy of Ancestry

Elize was born on May 5, 1922 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. He left St. Helena and made New Orleans, Louisiana his home,  He was living at 3710 Thalia Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. He list Irene Burton as the person who always knew his address. He was employed by R.P. Farnsworth in Harrahan, Louisiana. He was 20 years old when he signed or wrote his named on the U.S., World War II Draft Card. 

Elize died on February 20, 2012, he is buried at Venable Chapel Cemetery. The U.S. Find a Grave Index, 1600s-Current only listed one child and that child was Ernest Lee Burton. 

Absalom Burton and Edna Montgomery

Marriage License for Absalom and Edna
Source: Ancestry/Jane Holiday

Absalom Apps Burton was born around 1817 in Louisiana. He and Edna was the parents of 16 children;  Green, Harriett, Alps Absalom, Hester, Martha, Gabriel, Moses, Jane, Polly,  Violet, John, Minney, Agnes, Julia, Jackson, and Corriene Burton. Absalom also had one son with Dotia Wicker named Louis Burton. Louis Burton in 1842 St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

Louis was married to Malinda Burton. They were the parents of 9 children: James, Dotia, Martha, Celia, Mary, Ellis, Louis, Edna, and John Burton.  Louis and Malinda is my direct line. Their daughter Martha married Jacoh "Jake" Boykin. Martha and Jake are my father grandparents. 

My paternal 2nd great grandmother Martha was born around 1868 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Martha died at the age of seventy-eight. in 1946 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. 

Funeral Services for Bro. Jim Williams

1885-1962, to be held at  Church of God in Christ, Amite, La. on Thursday, February 1, 1962 at 1:00 p.m. 

Order of Service

Master of Ceremony.....................................................................................................Supt. Monroe McGee 

Presiding.............................................Elder Alex Richardson, Pastor, Church of God in Christ, Amite, LA

Song................................................................................................................Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

Invocation.............................................................................Rev. Leroy Thomas,  Pastor of Church of God

Christ Dell Chapel, Independence, Louisiana

Talk by Family..................................................................................................................Bro. Monroe Perry

Talk by Friends...................................................................................................................Deacon C. Wheat 

Solo.................................................................................................................................... John E. Forman

Eulogy..................................................................................................Elder J.J. Johnson, Pastor of Church of God in Christ Darlington, Louisiana.

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Jim Williams

Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite

Notes: 

Jim was married twice, first to Lillie Edwards Williams  and secondly to Emma Vining Williams was his second wife. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census, he and his family were living in Amite, La. on Highway 103. His occupation was a farmer and they rented their home. According to the census, he never attended school. He and Emma was the parents of: Ethel, Arthur, Jim, Jr., and Dorothy Williams. He was the stepfather of: Alexander, Josephine, Alma and Rosabelle Richardson.      

Jim and Lillie were the parents of; Viola Williams, E.D. Williams, and J. D. Williams. Jim is buried at Mount Zion also known as Greater Refuge Temple and Bear Creek Cemetery in Montpelier, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.   

According to his U.S. World War 1 Draft Registration Card, he was born on December 14, 1879. A slender build man, short in height, black hair and black eyes.