Gardening bring me great joy

 

As a child, I lived on the twenty acres of land that my maternal grandmother Emma had purchased in 1896. Long before I was born, the land was used for farming and raising livestock, chickens, and hogs. The land was dotted with a variety of fruit trees. During their season, black walnut and pecan trees provided us with fresh nuts. Reminiscing about picking blackberries for our mother's delicious blackberry dumplings and wishing for those days again. 

My mother often spoke about her father Jasper and farming. When my grandfather Jasper died, I was around two years old so I don't remember him at all. My siblings and I worked in the field with his brother Palmer Harrell, who was also a farmer, during those long hot summer days. We helped him plant and harvest beans, potatoes, corn, and peas. One that is for should we always had fresh vegetables to eat.  Matter of fact we was surrounding by planters and farmers.  Right across the pasture is where my Cousin Doris lived with her husband and family. Her husband Henry Wheat grew all types of vegetables and always sent us something fresh. Yes, that was the old days that have lone been gone. When I'm in my garden I think about them often. 

"Farming instilled in me a deep appreciation for gardening and the cycles of nature. These are traditions that I hold dear to my heart. Each spring season I look forward to planting, and learning various ways of gardening." Expanding my garden each season is my goal.  Each season adding a touch of art and vintage items to give my garden character. The vibrant color from the flowers add beauty to the garden while attracting butterflies, and bees. 

Currently, I'm harvesting mint tea for preservation. Some of the mint is boiled for a glass of fresh delicious tea or a cup of hot tea. A fresh aroma fills the house as the tea boils. My mint teas are all organic. The plants are not treated with pesticides. My peace of mind also comes from knowing what is going into my body. Mint tea has numerous health benefits. It can aid digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and relieve headaches due to its calming properties. Mint tea is rich in antioxidants, which boost the immune system and promote overall well-being. The teas I enjoy most are ginger, peppermint, turmeric, and jasmine. Well, to be honest, I like all teas.

Hidden History Treasures in Grandma's House

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. 

The Rich History and Legacy of Esaw Lawson of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Esaw Lawson

Esaw Lawson was born 1848 in Louisiana  to Henry and Arsena Lawson and his wife Malinda Tom Lawson was born in Clinton, Louisiana. According to the 1870 Unites States Federal Census. He was living in the house with A.D. Henkel and his family.  Esaw was living in Ward 1,  Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. He was a laborer and he could read and write. He and Malinda was married on March 13, 1873. They were the parents of: Willie, B.T. Viola, Chancey, Sallie, Robert, Rosa, Eddie, Arthur, and Mary Lawson. 

Esaw died at the at of ninety-two. He worked at Gullet Cotton Gin Company for years under Mr. King and Mrs. Rostick, he also worked for the Rieds, Kopflers, Sanders and Vernon family, for the city and many other places.

Esaw was the head of the first public school building for colored children. He was the the head of the first Old Fellow Hall building in Amite for colored people. Superintendent A. C. Lewis asked Esaw to call a meeting for the Tangipahoa Parish High School to be built here in Amite, but the colored people voted against the school being built in Amite. The Superintendent gave placed in in Kentwood, Louisiana,

He asked Esaw to give him the name of someone he knew that could hold the principals position. Esaw highly recommend Oliver Wendell Dillion for the position at the Negro Tangipahoa Parish Color School because he knew that he could handle the position.

Corrine Burton Holloway (1905-1995)

  

Corrine Burton 

Courtesy of blackwaltersr 

Ancestry

Corrine was the daughter of Tom and Martha Thomas Burton. Her birthplace was Liverpool, Louisiana.  She married John Holloway. According to the 1940 United States Census they ware the parents of: Oscar, Pearlie, Lizzie, Harriet  Holloway. I found on the 1930 United States census she also had a daughter named Emma. In 1930,  she and her family was living in McComb, Mississippi.  She died in 1995 an was buried in Venable Chapel Cemetery in Liverpool, Louisiana,  Her funeral services were held at Oak Grove AME Church in Kentwood, LA.

Collis Temple, Sr. Obiturary

Collis Benton Temple, Sr. was born in Greensburg, Louisiana on August 12, 1912, to the union of John and Ida Butler Temple who preceded him in death. three brothers; Herberts, Sr., Leon and Oscar and two sisters; Margaret and Alice, also preceded him in death.To the marriage of Collis, Sr. and Shirley Cross Temple Temple were born Shirley Collen, Benita Elaine, Sandra Janice, Valeria Antoinette, Brenda Joyce and Collis, Jr. 

Collis Sr. positively influenced his community throughout his lifetime as a husband, a father, and educator, a farmer, a political  leader and businessman. He was a pioneer, and activist and a visionary. He was an exemplar church member and a citizen who works to build and strengthen  institutions that uplift and improve the condition of his his people. He was a compassionate leader who expect3d the best of himself and others. HE commanded the respect of his peers. He love this family and friends. Above all, he loved the Lord.

During his lengthy illness, he continue the fight for this life until he surrender to God. He peacefully entered a new dimension of life at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 1996. Mourning his death are his wife and six children; three sons-in-laws. Mrs. George Magee, Mr. Theodore Long, Jr., and Mr. Knox W. Tull, Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Soundra J. Temple.; seventeen grandchildren; on grandson-in-law; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. Fulton Temple; two uncle, Mr. Robert Temple and Mr. Walter Temple, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Affiliations:

Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, New Farmers of America, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, Prince Hall Masons, Louisiana Education Association, National Education Association, School Principals' Association, Boy Scouts of America, (Silver Beaver). Southern University Alumni, Michigan State University Alumni, Regina Ceolia Headstart Council, Tangipahoa Parish and Louisiana Council of Aging, J.K. Haynes Educational  Foundation, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, NAACP.

Professional Accomplishments

Organized Rural War Production in Tangipahoa Parish during WWII, President Sixth District LEA; Founder-Organizer Tangipahoa Parish Training School Fair/Tri Fair; Lay Leader and National Board Member- African Methodist Episcopal Methodist Church; Political Candidate State Representative/State Senator; Participant with Mr. J. K. Haynes in Effort to Equalize Salaries for Louisiana Black Teachers; Co-Founder-Harmony Center, Inc., Co-Founder Southern Heights Residential Development; Business Entrepreneur. 

Berlin Gorman of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Berlin Gorman was born on March 30, 1861, in St. Helena, Louisiana. His parents were Henry and Julia Ann Huff Gorman. He had four brothers and seven sisters. He lived more than 100 years old in Kentwood, Louisiana, at the age of 106 and buried in Greensburg, Louisiana. 

His siblings were; Louisa, Frank, Henry, Jr., Emelia, Safa, Isaac, Nancy, and Harriet.

Source: Holiday4045

Willie M. Chaney, Sr. of Kentwood, Louisiana.

O.W. Dillon Training School
Willie M. Chaney, Second Row: Right End
Photo Courtesy: David Chaney

 A couple of weeks ago, David Chaney, the son of Willie McKinley and Edna Chaney, shared a little history about his father.  Willie Mckinley Chaney was born in 1918 to Clarence Chaney and Mamie Bentley Tobias in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Willie died in 2008 in Kentwood, Louisiana. He was buried at Oak Grove AME Church Cemetery. 

Willie enlisted in the United States Military on January 14, 1943, in New Orleans, LA., and discharged on February 12, 1946. He served as a Private in the Branch Immaterial, Warrant Officers, USA.  The term of his enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergencies, plus six months, subject of the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law.  He had two years of high school. He worked at Brown Morris lumber yard in Kentwood. He and Raymond Coleman became the first African Americans to own a taxi service company.  Raymond Coleman also owned a movie theater in Kentwood. 

This picture was submitted to Nurturing Our Roots Blog by David Chaney.  Willie is standing on the right end on the second step, second row. 

Willie McKinley Chaney

A History Road Trip with Family

Bernard mailing his African Ancestry DNA in
Virginia

When my youngest son Bernard was a child, we visited many, archives, libraries, and museums.  By the time he turned twelve years old, he had traveled to twenty-two states. Tasting different food and meeting new people along the way. Sometimes we flew, and for the most part we would drive so that we could stop and visit some of the major attractions. 

With a big smile and his luggage packed he was all ready to travel on our summer adventure.  We made plans to take a road trip for two weeks driving up the East Coast and ending up in Washington, D.C, at the National Archives.  He was too young to go into the National Archives, so my ex-husband took him around College Park while I did some genealogy research.  I don't know how much of the history lessons he was retained at that time. I know I had to teach and expose him.

It was one of the best summer vacations we can remember. We purchased a map for him to follow along. We packed books and some of his favorite things he enjoyed playing with and hit the road headed  east.  During that time they didn't have a GPS to guide us on our trip. We made sure to purcahse postcards in each state to send back to the family at home. 

Reading records 

Years later we took another road trip with Moussa Albaka, a well known Tuareg silversmith to meet other Tuareg people from Niger, Africa who moved to Greensboro, North Carolina.  We're welcome with big smiles and hugs by the Tuareg people. We had dinner and wonderful conversation before head to the Atlantic ocean so that Bernard could take his African Ancestry DNA test.

He faced the ocean and imagined the ships coming to the Americas with his ancestors on it. We held each other in hopes that he will find out where in Africa his paternal ancestors come from. Six weeks later he finds out that his paternal lineage connected him to Nigeria, West Africa. 

Learning about our family history had taken us many beautiful places to meet some wonderful people and new family members along the way. As I write this blogpost, I can't help but think about the time Bernard and I drove to Chicago to visit our Harrell family member with my Uncle Raymond.  Bernard has just met his 3rd maternal cousins. He met cousins that his maternal grandmother hasn't met. I was happy that we took this trip that summer.

Uncle Raymond played one of his old-time gospel songs again and again. It seems like he played that song from the time we left Louisiana to we arrived in Chicago. Bernard asked him why did he keep playing the same song over and over again?  During our stay in Chicago, Uncle Raymond wanted us to meet the descendants of my great-uncle Warner Harrell.  So the three of us drove up to Wisconsin and met new family, and we really enjoyed our visit with cousin Dan Harrell and his family.

One week the white lines on the highway were calling me again. I asked Bernard if he wanted to go and visit the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee? He said yes and was eager to go. We packed our luggage on a sunny Friday afternoon and drove the five-hour trip. We went west to visit Alex Haley House Museum in Henning, Tennessee first.  We took the guided tour and took pictures before traveling back to Memphis to get dinner and checking in the hotel. 

The next morning after breakfast we headed to the National Civil Rights Museum and spent the day touring the Museum. What better way to teach a child about the history? He had a lot of questions to ask about the Civil Rights Movement.  I hope when he becomes a father, he'll take road trips with his children and teach them their history. One thing for sure the road trip we took by driving meant that we could stop all along the highway and get some good tasting food and site see. 

I hope he holds these memories dear to his heart like I hold them in my heart. This was our time spent together. Now that he is an adult we haven't taken a road trip and just because he is all grown-up, doesn't mean we shouldn't.  My grandchildren are taking road trips with me now.   They'll soon  become teenagers and they will have other plans. But the beautiful and sweet memories I hope will never be forgotten. 

I enjoyed taking him places with me and having him to be a part of the many events we went to. The only thing I regret is I wish that we could have had more time in his formative years. The time went by quickly that once little boy is now twenty-five years old. 

I want to make it a family tradition that we all take a road trip to visit museums, antique shops, fun attractions, and enjoy family time spent together. 

Sarah Johnson of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Sarah Johnson was married to Joe Johnson. She is the grandmother of Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack.

Sarah Johnson

Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack of Kentwood, Louisiana

Mrs. Vera Womack

Today I met a beautiful woman named Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack in Kentwood, Louisiana., She told me that she just celebrated her 99th birthday. All I could do was just look at   her. My eyes couldn't believe that the lady I was looking at just made 99 years old.

We sat and talked for a long time. I went to talk with her about Tangipahoa Parish Training School in Kentwood. She told me about her school days and how she walked one mile to get to school. She recalled how the boys would make a fire in the old pot belly stove to warm up the class. Mrs. Womack left school after she couldn't keep up due to the fact that she had to miss too many days to work in the field picking cotton, strawberries, and other agricultural produce. 

Mrs. Womack has lived to see five generations. She is one of seven children born to the union of her Mr. Fred and Mrs. Emma Buckhalter. After she left school to get married, she and her husband opened the only African American store in the community. She started off by selling snowballs and candy and from there she and her husband added other items to the store. She operated the store up until her 80s. The Womack's are a pillar in the Kentwood community. 

Emma Johnson Buckhalter

I enjoyed looking at all the family photographs on her walls and the many beautiful bouquets of roses and flowers she received from her family and loved ones. We both felt like we knew each other all our lives.

According to Mrs. Womack her mother, Mrs. Emma Buckhalter was the first African American teacher in Kentwood.  She taught at Sweet Home Baptist Church when the school was held in at the church.  Emma was born around 1883 in Tangipahoa Parish. Her father Fred was born in St. Helena Parish in 1886. In 1910 the family was living at  the Amos Kent Lbr & Brick Co Quarters. He is listed as a mulatto according to the 1910 United States Federal Census.

She proudly talked about her late husband's determination to overcome being an amputee and how I remind her of him. "He never gave up, he made all the kitchen cabinets and other woodwork," said Mrs. Vera. 

Mrs. Womack was an entrepreneur at heart. She was a hairdresser by trade as well. She went back to the only African American beauty school in Kentwood and earned her certification to become a licensed cosmetologist in 1964. She proudly displays her diploma on her wall. When she started school she told the owner that she didn't have a certification but she knew how to do hair. The owner told Mrs. Womack that she groomed and styled hair better than some women who were licensed.  She was determined to do what it took to help support her family. 

I really enjoyed sitting and talking with her. I hope to live to see her age and most importantly I would like to be in good health like her. Mrs. Vera out lived all her of her sibling. But the memories of her deceased loved one will forever live in her heart. 

Odile Beauty School
Mrs. Vera B. Womack

A Life Celebration of Nezzy "Knotrocker" Womack

1913-2005

Nezzy, a faithful servant of God, was called from his earthly woes to his eternal rest on Saturday, October 15, 2005. He was born to the union of Green and Luvenia Womack, on July 24, 1913.

Nezzy, joined church at an early age at Venable Chapel A.M.E. Church in Liverpool, LA. He and his siblings grew up and went to school in Liverpool. When Nezzy was thirty on, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in World War II, earning several metals for his service, the highest one being the World War II Victory metal.

Nezzy united in holy matrimony to Sister Vera Buckhalter, fifty six years ago. He spent a life of bliss with his wife and eight children in Kentwood, LA., Nezzy joined Oak Grove A.M.E. Church after returning from the army. He served there faithfully, as a trustee and dutiful servant of God. Shortly before celebrating their fiftieth year anniversary. Brother Nezzy decided that he and wife should worship God together, as member of the same church, so he joined the Orange Grove C.O.G.I.C.

Nezzy was one of the first black businessmen in Kentwood. Their store, "Nezzy's Grocery",  served as a landmark in our community. For many years Mr. Nezzy as he was affectionately called, loved serving the children when they came into his store. He was also a skilled cabinet maker, excelling in many kinds of woodwork.

Brother Nezzy Womack has a deep passion for singing, he was the bass in the Orange Grove Gospel Quartet. It was in the Quarter that he developed a love for his lifelong favorite songs, The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow", "Precious Lord"and" He Never Left Me Alone".

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Vera; eight children, John Peavy, Emma Cleveland, Kentwood, La.; Eugene Peavy(Geraldine), Chicago, IL; Gwendolyn Clifton (Charles), Kent, Wa.; Althea Mitchell (Raymond), LaPlace, La.; Artis Cohn (Floyd), Baton Rouge, La.; Cassie Dennis and Brenda Holmes (Special Children), Audrey, Jackie, and Martina; two brother, Leon Womack, Baton Rouge, La., and Green Womack (Geraldine), Atlanta, Ga; three sisters, Bessie Stanford, Evirda Shipp, Baton Rouge, La., and Reba McIntyre, Kentwood, La; five sister-in-laws; Elice, Ola, Sally, Lilian and Doris Womack; two brother-in-laws, Arthur and Woodrow Buckhalter; thirty-five grandchildren, fifty-two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and good friends.

Brother Nezzy Womack was preceded in death by his mother and father, Luvenia Taylor and Green Womack; a daughter, Patsy Womack; two sisters, Bertha Montgomery and Helen Imes; seven brothers, John, I.W., Sonny, Walter, A.C., Charlie, Paul and Ray; also a son-in-law, James Cleveland.

In Loving Memory of Maye Pennella Richardson Hall

1918-1992

She was the second daughter of the late Emma Lou Elder Washington and the late Horace Joseph Richardson, Sr.; their baby girl. Maybe Pennella Richardson was born May 2, 1918 and she passed May 11, 1992; having resided at the same residence from beginning to end. She was the beloved wife of the late James Arthur Hall and devoted sister of the late Albert "A.L.", the late Amel, the late Vanzie Wilhemena and the late Horace Joseph Jr. "Pete". She was the loving mother of Jacquelyn Augusta, Vanzie Catherine, Marvin Othel, and Jimmi Lorraine, grandmother of their ten children and great-grandmother of their nine grandchildren.

Homegoing Services for Stacey Andrea Gordon

1963-2015

Stacy Andrea Gordon was the baby children of 12, born on November 10, 1963 to the late Adam and Susie Marie Hookfin Gordon. On March 8, 2015 she was called to her eternal resting place with our Lord and Saviour.

Stacy was raised in Kentwood, LA. She declared her faith of God at an early age, attending Orange Grove Church of God in Christ (COGIC). She later moved her membership to Emmanuel Church of God in Christ (COGIC) where she was an active and dedicated member. Stacy was involved in many auxiliaries, and formed a great passion for the choir and youth ministries.

She was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System and graduated from Kentwood High School. Stacy graduated from the Ruth Cook's Computer School. She became a para-professional at Kentwood Elementary School where she enjoyed working with children. Stacy was employed by Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court office. She enjoyed her job; bringing joy and laughter to the her co-worker until declining health led to retirement.

In 1987 Stacy married Jerry Bryant. To this union, daughters Jerrica and Kelsey Bryant were born. Besides these two lovely daughters, both of Kentwood, LA who cherish her memory, Stacy is survived by her four sister; Dorothy Daniel of Houston, TX, Mary A. Harrell of Amite, LA, Bettye J.
Jackson of San Leandro, CA and Sharon Gordon of Missouri City, TX and by her seven brothers; Willie Neal Gordon and Alvin Gordon both of Kentwood, LA, Nolan Gordon, Redger Gordon, Herman Gordon and Chris Gordon all of Houston, TX and Glen Patrick Gordon of Slidell, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, aunts, uncles and other family members.

Stacy is preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Susie Marie Gordon and her brother, Bobby Gordon. Stacy loved people and her humor brought light in many places. Her laughter will forever be remembered.

The Home Going Celebration for Mae Louise Miller

Mae Louise Miller
1943-2014

Mae Louise Miller was born August 24, 1943 to the late Cain Walls, Sr., and Lela Mae Holden Walls. She was married to Wallace Miller for twenty plus years. She accepted Christ early in her life and attended Orange Grove C.O.G.I.C., then she later joined Deliverance Temple C.O.G.I.C., She truly the Lord.

She was an inspiration to all she met and known for her big smile and caring spirit. Her most precious gift was her motherly love for all children. She also had an open door attitude for all who came to her home.

She traveled to several states on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement speaking and meeting notable people: Martin Luther King, III, Susan Taylor-editor of Essence magazine, the late Dr. Ron Walters, Dr. Ron Daniels, the late Min. Harold Muhammad, Dr. Leonard Dunston, and former Councilman Oliver Thomas.

She appeared in People's magazine (2007), Nightline News, and About Time magazine. She spoke on the Travis Smiley Radio Talk Show, Bev Smith Radio Talk Show, and FM 98 Radio Talk Show, Warren Ballentine Radio Show, and Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show with host and producer Antoinette Harrell.

She leaves to cherish her memories; 4 children-Terrine (Christopher) Steele, Burkhalter, Joe (Angela) Hill, Tausha' Steele; all of Kentwood, LA-Kerry (Tamika) Steele of Raleigh, NC; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren, 2 sisters; Annie Miller and Idell Walls of Kentwood, LA; 2 brother; Arthur( Willie Mae) Walls of Varnado, LA and CW Walls of Kentwood, LA; a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved and help raise as her own children, other relatives and friends and a special cousin, Minnie Dillon.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cain Walls, Sr., and Lela Mae Walls, a sister; Ernestine Hills, and a brother Cain Walls, Jr.

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.

Women Making History in Kentwood, Louisiana

Irma Robertson taking Oath of Office

As National Women's History Month approaches in 2015, I know several women who are making history. This years theme: "Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives," bring to mind two women in Kentwood, Louisiana., that made history this year. The newly elected Justice of Peace Irma Robertson, Ward 1 and Mayor Elect Irma Thompson Gordon. Matter of fact three women named Irma was elected this past election. Irma Holloway Clines was elected to serve on the Kentwood City Council.

Nurturing Our Roots Blog salute these courageous women who took Oath of Office to serve the people and Town of Kentwood, Louisiana. Irma Robertson was sworn in by Attorney Ethel M. Clay. The inauguration was held at the Lion's Club. Irma defeated incumbent David Sellers.

The Town of Kentwood, Louisiana Elected Its First Woman Mayor

Kentwood First Elect Female Mayor

Irma Thompson Gordon is no stranger to the Town of Kentwood Louisiana for services rendered. She retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System after dedicating thirty-years educating children. Many students she taught at Kentwood High School remembered her at the voting poll this past election.

She is the daughter of the late Jimmie and Bertha Thompson. She's the proud mother of two children and the grandmother of five grandchildren. She attended O.W. Dillon Memorial High School and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1969. She earned a B.S. Degree at Southern University in Baton, Louisiana., and a Master's Degree at Southeastern Louisiana University.

She served on the Kentwood City Council for twenty-years; sixteen of which she held the position of Mayor Pro-Temp.  As Mayor-Elect, she plans to work hard to bring new business, small business chains, and social services to the Town of Kentwood, La., One of the issues we discuss was the outdated website that needs to be updated immediately so that the citizens of Kentwood, Louisiana can use to get updates and access information that is vital to the Town of Kentwood. One of her goals is to plan various activities for the youth, seniors and the town that will promo education as well establish entertainment entitles for families and children.

Mayor-Elect Irma T. Gordon and offsprings.

"She is the first female elected as Mayor of Kentwood, Louisiana., although as previously said she is no stranger to serving our community." It's surprising that she would choose her ninety-eight-year-old aunt to hold the bible that she used to be sworn on December 28, 2014, inauguration. She has a great respect for the elderly people in the community. One of her platform missions is to bring more programs to the Town of Kentwood for the elderly citizens.

I couldn't help but think about the time in which Ms. Geneva was born, a time when women didn't have rights. Many women of color fought for the right to vote.  The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women's Right to Vote was passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote.  Now Ms. Geneva was witnessing her niece being sworn in as the first female mayor elected to the Town of Kentwood. Although women in Kentwood, Louisiana., has been elected as Town Council members.

Please follow Mayor Gordon at
https://www.facebook.com/IrmaGordonforMayor?fref=photo

The Obituary of Gussie Fluker of Kentwood, LA.

Gussie Fluker

A long life, useful and fruitful, a Christian life, tells the earthly story of the late Sister Gussie Fluker. She was born in Kentwood, LA., January 29, 1883, the daughter of the late Bro. Wallace McGee and Sister Josephine Cutrer McGee. She was united in hold wedlock to the late Curtis Fluker and to this union was born two children. After the passion of her, she took the responsibility for the rearing of her five children. All of whom she became mother.

She became a member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church at an early age and remained a faithful soldier in God's Army until she was called to rest on August 19, 1972. She was a member of Stewardess Board No.1, The Household of Ruth No. 1619, and Tangipahoa Christian Benevolent Association No. 3., She is survived by one daughter, Hollis Butler, one son Erwin Fluker, bout of Kentwood; one foster brother, Edward Eley of Chicago, III.; I grandson Percy Fluker, Kentwood; six foster children, and Wallace of Chicago, Frank of Glenburnie, Md., Eugene, Berkley, Calif., T.D. and Edmond of Kentwood; four great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Please note that the information in this post is printed just as it is on the obituary. No correction or change has been made.

Source: Bernice Alexander Bennett

Berlin Childress Gordon of Kentwood, Louisiana

Berlin Childress Gordon

On Monday evening the angel of silence invaded the Gordon family and with chilling fingers sealed the lips of a superannuated A.M.E. Minister and the oldest citizen of Kentwood, Louisiana. He was 102 years old.

Berlin C. Gordon, the son of the late Mrs. Julia Huff ( Gorman) Gordon and Mr. Henry Gordon, was born free on March 30, 1865 in Greensburg, Louisiana.

He was converted under the Rev. T.A. Wilson at Cross Roads A.M.E. Church, presently Turner's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Greensburg, Louisiana.

 He pastored 22 years in Mississippi and missed only one Conference; served 23 years in Louisiana and converted many souls during his service for the Masters. He was joined in Holy Matrimony three times, five children were born by the first union; none by the second and nine the third union.

He leaved on mourn a wife, Mrs. Sarah Singleton Gordon of Duck Hill, Miss; three sons: Hurley Gordon of Kentwood, La.; Milton Gordon of New York City, NY; Nathaniel Gordon of Vallejo, Calif; three daughters: Mrs Beatrice Sykes of Grenada, Miss; Mrs. Gladys Mondy of Duck Hill, Miss; Katherine McDougal of Clarkdale, Miss.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Berlin and Sarah also had a son named Berlin.  In 1920 the younger Berlin was living in East Feliciana, Louisiana in Police Ward 6, in the household with mother Sarah and his siblings; Alis, Oscar, Beatrice, Persillia and Moses Gordon.

Sources: Berlin's Gordon's funeral program obituary and the 1920 United States Census.