Richardson Funeral Home of Amite, Louisiana Preserving History Through Funeral Programs

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. CEO & Staff
Photo Courtesy: Antoinette Harrell

When a loved one passes away in the African American community, writing a funeral program about the person's life is very important in making the final arrangements. Funeral programs became an essential part of funerals in the early 60s. There is a lot of detailed information about the deceased. You will find their full name, birthday, the name of the parents, siblings, spouse, and children if they were married.  If it was a married one woman passed away, her maiden name is documented.  Sometimes it will also state where the person was employed, and the they school attended. It will provide additional information that the death certificated can't offer. 

My mother had a collection of obituaries in her keepsakes. Most of the obituaries in her collection were of family members. Like most older people in the communities, some have a very extensive collection in their homes. As a genealogist, I'm always delighted when someone allows me to look at  and scan their collection. 

Several days ago, the CEO and Owner  of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., in Amite, Louisiana, called me to informing me that they were cleaning out some boxes at the funeral home and was wondering what to do with all the obituaries. My maternal first cousin, Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier, suggested that they call me to see if I wanted them. Well, you know what my answer was, of course, I will take them off your hand. Earl Scotty Richardson called me to tell me that he would drop them off at my home. 

Funeral Programs

I was thinking about their motto, "We Provide A Little More Than Services, We Care!" I couldn't agree more.  I know for a fact, they do a back-to-school giveaway and other things that they do to services the community, just like Earl's father, Earl. His father Earl did a lot to help people in need. 

In many genealogy seminars, conferences, and workshops, we have discussed how important the role that funeral homes can play in preserving our history though funeral programs. After I create a database of the funeral programs, I will donate them to the  Center For Southeast Louisiana Studies. I recently learned that I can all so add them to the FamilySearch database. Most of the funeral programs are of people who died in Tangipahoa Parish,  St. Helena Parish, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., of Amite, Louisiana, are taking a new approach, and documenting these records. The entire staff made a wise decision in one of the Board of Directors meeting to not throw away these programs. Jo-Ann is a family griot, and she understand the importance of preserving history. She had  supporting my genealogy research in any way that she possibly can. 

Uncle Martin Was A Undertaker

Martin Berry
Photo Courtesy of: Lillian Bates

Martin Berry was born in circa 1870. According to the 1930 United States Federal Census. He was born in Mississippi. In 1930 he was living in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He owned his own home and the home valued at three thousand and five hundred dollars. He was married to Almeda Berry. Martin and his wife had a grandson by the name of Willie living in the household with them. Martin and his brothers were carpenters.

In the 1910 United States Census, he and wife were the parents of Thomas, Clarence, Alfred Berry.  A little girl named Bertha Brown was living in the house. Martin was able to read and write.

On the back of the photograph, it is written that he was a professional undertaker. (Uncle Martin, a mortician), Edward John Berry's brother.

Greater St. James A.M.E. Church Architect A.C. Evans

Greater St. James A.M.E. Church, Hammond, LA

Greater St. James A.M.E. Church was first established in 1867 by a newly freed slave Charles Daggs. Daggs fought for the Union Navy during the Civil War, he was shot in the back, falling into the Mississippi River, and picked up by the Union sailors. After he was discharged from the navy, he worshiped at New Orleans St. James A.M.E. church for three years before moving to Hammond. Daggs became the first pastor of the Hammond church.

Charles Daggs was a powerful voice in the African American community after the Civil War. He advocated strongly for the voting rights of freed slaves, and once protested and testified at the courthouse in Greenburg, that potential black voter was  being threatened by whites and the loss of their jobs and worse if they didn't  vote 'the right way." In 1923 the present site of the church, 311 East Michigan Street, was bought by two of the church members, Israel Carter and Albert Gibson, achieved by mortgaging their homes. The architect, Alexander Cornelius Evans, and the builder, John Noble, were also church members. The church construction was completed in 1925. The cornerstone of the church, include the names of Carter, Gibson, Evans, Nobles and Charles Daggs' son, Lewis.

Alexander Cornelius Evans
Greater St. James A.M.E. Architect

An obituary for A.C. Evans, the architect, on July 31st, 1936 issue of the Vindicator newspaper read as follows:

"Death claims a Good Colored citizen here. Death last Friday morning at one o'clock claimed A.C. Evans, one of the best known colored citizens, who has resided here for thirty years. Evans took much interest in church work. A.C. Evans was laid to rest in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Evans was an advocate for education, three of his children were educators. I interviewed Evans granddaughter Debra Castille and great grandson Juan Rigo Castille. Debra's mother is the daughter of A. C. Evans. Her mother told her that the building in the Heat of the Night was built by her father A.C. Evans. 

Evans was born in 1875 to Charles and Eliza Jackson Evans in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He was married to Mattie Holloway. On his United States World War I Draft Registration Card 1917-1918 he was employed as a brick layer. According to the 1930 United States Census, Evans and his wife were the parents of nine children; Annette, Charles, Alvin, Mattie, Timothy, Roy, Ruth, Louise, and Edmund Evans. The family was living in Hammond, Louisiana.

Bibliographical Resouces

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form

Photo Courtesy: Juan Rigo Castille

1930 United States Census: Family Search

The Vernon Family Reunion "The Legacy Will Never End"

 Photo Credit: Jo'elle Lacoste

The Vernon family held their 2016 family reunion in Tangipahoa Parish this past weekend. This year's theme "The Legacy Will Never End." They're the descendant of a former slave named Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, whom purchased his own freedom and the freedom of two of his children.  Free Bob was the father of seventeen children. He was married four times: Nellie Thompson, Martha Ann Morris, Catherine and Mamie last names are not known. His mother was named Hariett Booker and they called her "Grandma Booker."

My keynote address was "Maintaining the Legacy" of Free Bob. Maintaining the legacy of  wealth, educations, economics, employment our history and our future is what every family should be discussing. Every family reunion needs to educate their family members about the legacy left to them by their ancestors. What are the family heirs of, how do we maintain our inheritance is the big question that every family sure have the answers too.

He donated land to build the first African American School and church in Arcola, Louisiana. There is a community named Vernon Town. Bob purchased twenty-three acres of land, each time one of his children got married, he would give them a hundred acres as a gift to get them started.

If the Vernon family would've incorporated their town, they would have been the Rosewood and Tulsa of Tangipahoa Parish. They would've had their own infrastructure with their own elected officials, police department, banks, stores and schools. Free Bob laid down the foundation for this kind of freedom. He knew what the shackles of slavery sound like and he knew the sound of the freedom bell. 

I took a census of all the educators in the room last night because Free Bob couldn't read or write, but he kept a lot of books around him and he donated land to build a school for African American children in the community. About fifteen Vernon educators raised their hands. Enough educators to start their own school again. 

When Fairy Hannaibal starting sharing the Vernon history with the children they all gathered around

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

her as she set in her rocking chair. Their little eyes was locked directly on her and their little minds were going back in time. Fairy is the 4th oldest grandchildren to Rev. Robert Vernon III. "What a great way to past down the family history to the youth!"

After the tasty dinner of smoke chicken, potatoes Au-gratin, seasoned green beans, toss salad and rolls and delicious homemade peach cobbler and warmed bread pudding with vanilla sauce, everyone turned their attention to the photograph slideshow presented by Madelyn Walker Collins. I enjoyed looking at the old photographs of the Vernon family. Someone really preserved the family photographs. Everyone was so happy to see their loved ones. For those that has passed on, seeing the pictures really brought back fond memories.

The host for the evening was none other than Glyniss Vernon Gordon, the daughter of the late Dr. Willard Vernon and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon. Many door prizes was given away to the family. Gwendolyn Vernon recognized the family member who traveled the fastest, family members with the most children. The oldest and youngest family member was recognized.

The Vernon Family History Book
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

She Was One of Twenty Three Children

Ms. Maxine Knighten

I saw this petite and certainly neat lady several places in the community. She has strongly resembled by maternal cousin Wille K. Gordon, Jr., wife. One time I thought that was my cousin's wife. Mostly, I've seen her in the library with young children. Today I finally got a chance to sit down and talk with her.  Her name is Ms. Maxine Knighten.

After her church service, she stopped over to tell me about her experience at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for Colored. She graduated in 1952 from the school and went on to become an educator herself in Chicago. She was so beautiful in her blue suit and with her matching blue hat and happy to tell me that she was in her mid-80s.  "Could it be in the Kentwood water?" All the elders in the Town of Kentwood is very healthy and their mine are full of history.

When she started telling me about things that happen in the 50s, I could do anything but listen and write. She told me that she was one of twenty- three children and that she was one of seven sets of twins.  "Twenty-three babies, I said!" I thought about a classroom of twenty-three children.  Several of the children didn't survive and died during childbirth.

Mahalia Jackson

Ms. Knighten survived all of her siblings. I could imagine  being born in such a large family and surviving  all my sibling. She still has a lot of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  She recalls  hearing Mahalia Jackson and gospel singer Joe May sing at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for the Colored. She remembered paying her dollar to get in to hear the concert.  That was one of the questions I had to ask her. "Mahalia song so beautiful," said Ms. Knighten. I never forget that day,
it was so nice.

We started talking about the teachers who worked there during her time at school. She talked about Mr. Thornton and how hard of a teacher he was because he expected only the best from you. I remember Mr. O.W. Dillon using that left hand because he was left handed. The subject of use books was the next things she pointed out to me. She couldn't understand why all the white kids got new books and the negro students had to get the used books. That was the way it was when I was in grade school as well.

Two other people said that they were there that day with Mahalia Jackson came to the school. As she reflects on days that she probably had forgotten about up until now. The hardship of life is one thing she stressed to me. "Yes it was hard and I mean hard," she said. "We alway had food, because daddy grew produce and we had milk cow," she said.

But sometimes we had to go and work in the fields picking cotton, beans, and other produce. "I hated and I mean I hated because I wanted to go to school," said Ms. Knighten.  But daddy did want us to go to school.

I can't wait until Thursday for another history lesson for Ms. Knighten. Click below to hear gospel singer Joe May and Mahalia Jackson youtube,

Joe May

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c

Mahalia Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c

O.W. Dillon Tigers of Kentwood, Louisiana

The Dillon Tigers of Kentwood, under  Coach Monroe Perry assisted by J.J. Williams and George Magee.

Photo Credit: Jenkins

Squadmen that make the Tigers go are: James Innis, Lanny Vernon, Lionel Patterson, Arvell Buckhalter, Clyde Walls, Hollis Robinson, Jimmy Washington, James Parker, McTha Turner, Woodrow Dyson, Bennie James Gordon, Conrad Wyre, Hurley Gordon, Elijah William, Nolan Gordon, Felix Braxton, Eugene Peavy, James Cook, Charlie Dunn, Fate Irving, Stanely Cooker, Charlie Robertson, Willie Chaney, Edmond Thomas, Lonnie Hookfin, J.D. Morris, Felix Johnson, and Charlie Johnson.

Source: This article appeared in a local newspapers. The date and name of the newspaper was not documented. I assumed it had to be the Kentwood Ledger.

In Loving Memories of Delores B. McCormick

Delores Bush McCormick, 31 of 5114 Brooklyn was born June 3, 1943 in Independence, Louisiana. She passed away March 30, 1975. She was united in marriage to Mr. Samuel McCormick on June 1, 1969.

She was employed by the Kansas City Public School District, where she worked at Pasco High School since 1969 as a Vocational Business Teacher.

She was a member of Leonard Chapel A.M.E. Church in Amite, Louisiana. She later joined the Bethel A.M.E. Church on February 22, 1970, where she was a member of the Voices of Bethel Choir. She was member of Celestial Chapter No. 102, Order of Eastern Star, where she held a the post of Past Secretary;

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Samuel McCormick: her mother, Mrs. Vallera Bush; six brothers, Mrs. Charlie Bush, Jr., Mrs. Ray Bush., Mr. Hollis Bush, Sr., Mr. Harold Bush, Mr. George Bush, and the Mr. Amos Bush; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Theodore and Gladys Chapman Dunn Family Reunion

Theodore and Gladys Chapman Dunn

This years Dunn family reunion was organized by Paulette Gilmore Sims, the daughter of the late Charlie Gilmore and Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore. Paulette and her committee organized a one day event that displayed family photographs, the Dunn History, a slideshow presentation and family fun. This years theme was " We Are Our Brother's Keeper".  The reunion was held as Jellystone Park in Robert, Louisiana. 

Theodore Dunn was born in 1906 in Amite County, Mississippi to Hezekiah and Gertrude Atkins Jackson Dunn. According to the oral history of his oldest son Leon Dunn, Sr.,  his father Theodore moved his family to Kentwood, Louisiana in the 1940s. 

Theodore was killed in a truck accident in 1957 in Easlyville, Louisiana. He was a farmer and logger by occupation. He worked hard to save money to purchase the land that is still in the Dunn family today.  To their union of Theodore and Gladys Dunn, eight children was born; Leon Dunn, Sr., Willie Mae Dunn Williams, Gertrude Dunn Perry,  Gena Mae Dunn Chapman, Will Henry Dunn, Charlie Dunn, Theodore Dunn, and Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore.  Three of their offsprings has passed away: Gertrude Dunn Perry, Charlie Dunn, and Gena Mae Dunn Chapman.

Leon Dunn, Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore, Theodore Dunn

Hezekiah Dunn and Gertrude was the parents of Bernice Dunn Hampton, Elouise Dunn Collins, Everlee Dunn Clark, Leon Dunn, Theodore Dunn and Otis Dunn.  Gertrude has children by her first husband. The children ware Rufus Jackson and Laura Jackson Banks according to the Dunn Family tree that was complied in 2009. Hezekiah was known by family members as Hizzie.  Leon said that his father Theodore passed down a lot of oral history to him about the Dunn family. He also said his father Theodore told him that that Hezekiah was of Indian descent. 

Hezekiah is the son of Andrew Dunn, no one knew the name of Hezekiah's mother. I checked U. S. census to see if I could locate her. Andrew was listed as a widower. Hezekiah's brother and sisters were listed as Maggie, Malinda, Mary, and Madison. 

Well over a hundred descendants of Theodore and Gladys attend this years family reunion. Lot of home cooked food, homemade ice cream and prizes was given out.  Everyone was so happy to see each other and to meet new family members. Two of Theodore's brother and sister offsprings also was present.

Elouise Dunn Collis and Odis Dunn offsprings express their desire to learn more about their family history. There were discussions of organizing an upcoming event of all eight branches of Hezekiah and Gertrude Dunn.

Looking at the younger generation work to make this years family reunion a success was beautiful.  Some of the family was reflecting on the days when the family reunions was held in grandma Gladys front yard under the two oak trees in Kentwood, La.

Now the younger generation are stepping up to the task and organizing the family reunions to keep the family together. It was so good to see family respecting and sharing love with each other.

Photo Credits
Walter C. Blacks, Sr.

Mrs. Lillie Daniels and Martha James of Amite, Louisiana

Queen Mothers
Lillie Daniels and Martha James

This is one of my favorite pictures here. I was wondering if this is Walter Daniels grandmother or relations? I know Queen Mother Martha James was the daughter of the founders of Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Amite, Louisiana.

If you know which one is which, please let me know.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Finn Family of Amite, Louisiana

Melvin & Ora Finn

Samaria, Shirra, Tigia

Source:
The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders.
Submitted to Nurturing Our Roots Blog and Television Talk Show by
Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

Funeral Service for the Late Mr. Johnnie Robinson

Johnnie Robinson

Johnnie Robinson was July 30, 1920 to the late Mr. Horace Robinson and Mrs. Virgie Robinson in Amite, LA. Departed this life on Thursday, November 28, 1974 at approximately 9:30 a.m., at his home, 410 East Palmetto Street.

He united with and was and active member of Butler's Chapel A.M.E. Church. He leaves to mourn his demise, a wife, one son, mother, four aunts, one uncle, and ha host of other relatives and friends.

Johnnie will be missed by all who knew him. Sleep on and take your rest. We all love you, but God love you best.

Notes: Active Pallbearers Members of Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Department: Rogers Dangerfield, P. West, Floyd Miller, Freddie Benton, Julus Quinn, Melvin Finn, Charles Dixon, Charlie Muse, Herbert Williams, Otis Brumfield, Leon Dunn, L. J. Hurst. Freddie Johnson.


Source: The obituary collection of the late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the late Delores Levy. Submitted by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Funeral Services for Sis. Clara Hollins Watts

Sis.  Clara Hollins Watts

Sis. Clara was born to the late Jerry Hollins and Vinnie Hollins in Amite, LA. on July 1, 1889. She as united in marriage to the late Ed Watts, Sr., To this union eight children were born.

Sister Watts was converted at an early age and became a member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served until she was unable to attend. She took care of her obligation to God, her pastor, and to her church until death.

Two brothers Joe and Jack Hollins and one sister, Bertha Carter preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing: Celeste Wagner, Fannie Muse and Ruth Hart of Amite, Louisiana; Clara Belle White of Ponchatoula, La.; Earl Watts of Amite, LA.; Adolph Watts of Ponchatoula, La.; Ed, Jr., of Petersburg, VA.; A.C. of Chicago, ILL.; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Notes: Sis. Clara Hollins Watts funeral services were held on Saturday, October 20, 1984 at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. Rev David Bowles, Jr., Pastor

The Death Certificate of Thomas Richardson

Thomas Richardson is my maternal great grandfather. He was born on April 28, 1886 in St. Helena Parish, La.,  to Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson. He was married to Emma Vining Richardson. They were the parents of Josephine, Alexander, Rosa, and Amanda Richardson. Thomas is buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery in St. Helena Parish, La.

Please click on the link below to see if your family member death certificate is listed. Thank you Jane Holiday for your contribution.


http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/sthelena/photos/documents/death/death.htm

Tom Richardson Death Certificate
August 22, 1958

Yellow Water Baptist Church in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Yellow Water Baptist Church

Yellow Water Baptist Church is located on Fred Clark Rd in Tangipahoa Parish. The church is said to be at least one hundred years old. Fred Clark Rd was named for Fred Clark, son of Benjamin and Jane Clark.

Benjamin Clark was the brother of Caroline Clark Kimble-Daniels, who was once married to Walter Kimble. Milton Miller affectionately known as "Uncle Joe" who is eighty two years old. Uncle Joe said the church was also the school for colored children. It was the very first school that he attended as a young child. He  recalled his grandmother walking him to school.

One of the things he wanted the family to know is both wives of Walter Kimble; Caroline Clark and Janie Battie raised their families together.  Uncle Joe was blessed to have two grandmothers and he called them both grandma.

Behind the Yellow Water Baptist Church is the Clark Family Cemetery were many of the Clark family members are buried, including Caroline Clark Kimble-Daniels and to his knowledge at least one of the her three children with Walter. They could get to the burial because of high grass and wild brushes.

Source: Milton "Uncle Joe" Miller & Kimble Family-Louisiana

Civil Rights Case in Montpelier, Louisiana

Department of Justice Files

Several years ago I was looking in the Department of Justice files at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., I came across a complaint that was filed with the Department of Justice on August 18, 1964.

There was an unknown objects thrown at the school bus windshield near Rocky Hill School in Montpelier.

My family lineage is deeply rooted in Montpelier, La., dating before 1853. My maternal 3rd great grandfather Thomas Richardson was born in St. Helena, LA., A lot of my family members are buried at Rocky Hill cemetery and some of them attended Rocky Hill School. I haven't met anyone who spoke about this incident that took place in Montpelier, LA., on August 18, 1964. Just thinking about an unknown object that was thrown at the bus full of children is frightening. We are graceful and thankful that no one was hurt or killed.

If anyone in Montpelier can recall this incident please contact me.

The History of the Irving Family of Roseland, Louisiana

Dora Curry Irving

When I was a child growing up in Amite, my mother used to take my three brothers and I to Big Zion cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana, to clean the graves of my grandparents. The two wooden building across the road from the cemetery caught my eye. All my life I wanted to know more about those two buildings.

So I decided to knock on somebody door to get some information about the two building. The door that I knocked on was a lady by the name of Sandra Watson Turner. I asked her could she tell me something about those two building. She said I grew up in the two story building and the little house next door was a packing house for produce. I felt like a kid in a toy store! I can't explain how excited I was to talk with someone who had first hand information.

The first thing she told me was about her "Papa Will." She said that her Papa Will and all his brothers were farmers. I searched for them on the census and found Wilbert, his wife and children in the 1940 United States census. Wilbert and Dora had six children; Ora Belle, Lois, Wilbert, Irene, Gloria, Leontine Irving.

Irene Irving Watson Turner

Wilbert parents Lemuel and Susie had eleven children; Wilbert, Alice, Ethel, Lucy, Alma, Ralph, Lemuel, Robert, Tom, Charles Edward & Roscoe Irving. Lemuel was born in 1854 and died on July 18, 1942 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Lemuel donated the land for Big Zion A.M.E. Church in Roseland, Louisiana.

Lorriane Lizana provided information about the occupations of Lemuel and Susie McKnight Irving descendants. Alice Irving Vernon was a farmer seamstress, Wilbert Irving, Sr., a carpenter, Roscoe was a carpenter, Lucy Irving Collier was a midwife, Alma Irving Wood Perry was a farmer and school teacher.  Lemuel Irving, Jr., a farmer and  factory worker, Ralph Irving, Sr., farmer, was a school bus driver. 

Sandra went on to tell me about her Cherokee grandmother Dora. Dora was a midwife and a natural healer. I asked Sandra if she had a picture of her grandparents, she said yes. I was delighted and anticipated looking at the photograph of the woman who delivered so many baby in the area. She came back with a picture of her grandmother Dora. Sandra recalled how her grandmother Dora healed her and her sibling when they were ill. I wish that someone would have record the knowledge and information Dora knew about natural healing. Irene Irving Watson Turner is Sandra's mother.

When I got home I went straight to "Family Search" to look at the census records to search for Dora's parents. Her parents Peter and Delilia had twelve children; Franklin, Victorine, Katie, Oscar, Soloman, Joe, Samuel, Annie, Richard, Clara, Dora, and Laurence Curry.  Peter was born in Mississippi and Delilia was born in Louisiana. According to the 1900 United States census, Peter was fifty-two and Delilia was thirty-three. Dora was born in 1896 and died in August of 1981 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana., she is buried in Big Zion Cemetery.

The History of Little Bethel Baptist Church of Amite, Louisiana

Little Bethel Baptist Church

Little Bethel Baptist Church begin with a few dedicated Christian followers in a small log cabin one mile West of its present site, some of the pioneer members were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Frances Johnson, Sister Betsy Carpenter and, others, Rev. Guy Beck and Rev. Newton Johnson were the leaders.

In 1881 Rev. Riley Vernon officially organized this group into what was called the Little Bethel Baptist Church. He was the first official Pastor with the above named persons as charter members. He served faithfully for several years. During his administration he purchased the site where the church now stands for the amount f$10.00 and gave it to the church. The second pastor was Rev. C. Wright, he served faithfully for several years.

Rev. James R. Vernon became the fifth pastor and served faithfully for twenty-one years.

Rev. James R. Vernon

During his administration the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and under his leadership the church made great progress spiritually and numerically. He purchased the site for the Activity Building under his administration. Some of the active members during his pastorate were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Lucy Morris, Sister Lydia J. Richardson, Bro. Willie Watkins, Sister Katie Land, Bro. Frank James and George Pinkney were the Deacons.

Rev. James R. Vernon was released to accept a church in Bogalusa and Rev. Willie Porter was called to pastor. He served faithfully for six years, and passed on in death. After the death of Rev. Porter, Rev James R. Vernon was elected as pastor elected. The church has made great progress in all phases of service. The pulpit had been his "throne" and through a sustained program of dynamic preaching the members have been inspired to go forward. The church has grown spiritually, financially, and numerically. The membership have grown from one hundred to three hundred at present. 

Dr. Willard Vernon A Man With A Vision in Amite, Louisiana

Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon

Dr. Willard Vernon was born on August 5, 1918 in Roseland, Louisiana to the late Rev. and Mrs. James Robert Vernon and Pearlie G. Briggs Vernon. He was one of eight children, three girls and five boys.

“Bill”, as he was called then was educated in the elementary and high schools of Tangipahoa Parish. He received his B.S. Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has done further study toward a Masters Degree in the same area of education at L.S. U. and U.S.L.

Rev. Vernon was also recognized as one of Southern University finest tennis players, which he also brought back with him and taught in the school system, where he was known for his great athletic abilities.

While serving in the United States Army, “Bill” was known for his beautiful tenor voice he used to sing and perform in the military Glee Club. Also while serving in the military and most important of all,  he was called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world. Dr. Vernon was the Pastor of three great churches, Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, La., New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Clifton, La and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon, LA.

With all three projects and programs and still found time to serve his community.  He served a as teacher in the public school systems for 24 years, President of the Parish Teacher’s Assoc. a Coach, FFA Leader, Chairman of the Christian Minister’s Relationship, Founder of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Franklinton, Louisiana.

Source: The Obituary of the late Dr. Willard Vernon.

The Legacy of Dr. Willard Vernon

Reverend Doctor Willard Vernon was born in Roseland, LA., Reverend James R. Vernon and Pearlie Briggs Vernon on August 5, 1918.  Dr. Vernon died on October 5, 1994. He attended elementary and high school in Tangipahoa Parish. Dr. Vernon attended Southern University, graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture Education and worked toward a Master's Degree at Louisiana State University and University of Southern Louisiana. He was a World War II Veteran.

He received his Master Degree of Theology at Inter Baptist Theology Center in Houston, Texas. Doctor of Divinity, Inter Baptist Theological Center of Houston, Texas. 

He served as President of the 3rd District Bogue Chitto Baptist Missionary Association. He also served as President of the Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission Baptist State Convention. 

He worked as a teacher in the public school system for 24 years and President of the Parish Teacher's Association. Dr. Vernon was the pastor of the Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, LA., New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Clifton, LA., and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon, LA. He worked and coordinated the building of the Good Samaritans Nursing Home in Franklinton, LA. He was married to Alma Harrison Vernon. He was the father of one daughter, Glyniss Vernon Gordon and the grandfather of two grandsons. Vernon and Christopher Gordon. 

Dr.Willard Vernon standing in the middle