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.

Celebration of Life of Mrs. Willie Mae Perry "Mae Mae" 2017

Willie Mae Perry
Source: Funeral Program
Courtesy of Mrs. Helen Lucky

Willie Mae Perry's earthly season began on October 22, 1921, when she was born to Alberta Caston and reared by Rev. D.J. Campbell, Sr.  She received her formal education in the Amite County School System in Liberty, Mississippi.  

In May, 1939, she married Louise Wilson, Sr., and the union was blessed with six amazing children. This season started the sowing of foundation and framework of success in which her family members developed and flourished. Willie Mae confessed hope in Christ early in life. As a member of Fluker Chapel Church, she was honored for faithful service rendered as the President of the Usher Board. She also served as missionary.

Willie Mae continued to sow good deeds as a member of the Eastern Star; this distinguished gentlewoman gave inspiration to many through her high ideals, morals, and deep concern for her fellow citizens. On August 25, 1968, she married Jimmie Perry, Sr., and resided in Amite, LA. Later she joined Grant's Chapel A.M.E. Church.

The angels of heaven received Willie Mae on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Hood Memorial Hospital. She had won the battle and the season of transition to her heavenly home began. As you say goodbye to Willie Mae, remember her as a Centenarian with magnanimous faith, an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness and kindness. She graced the world with her inner and outer beauty that resonated in everything she did. 

Wille Mae leaves to cherish her memories, her six children: Nora, Louis, Jr., (Edna), Delores, Bobbie Jean, Joe (Annie Bell), and Dallas; grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

The Going Home Celebration of Mr. Fred Phillip McCoy

Fred Phillip McCoy
Source: Funeral Program
Courtesy of Mrs. Helen Lucky

Brother Fred Phillip McCoy, Jr. was born tote late Fred Phillip McCoy and Zadine Robinson McCoy on April 6, 1929, in Amite, Louisiana. He was the ninth child of ten, five sons, and five daughters. He departed this life on February  23, 2006. 

He was united in Holy matrimony to Vernia Garrett on December 24, 1955. To this union, three children were born. He was a dutiful husband and a devoted father. He confessed his love for Christ at a very young age. He was a life long member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church in Amite, Louisiana. There he served in many capacities such as church secretary, treasurer, trustee and many other duties. 

He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War era where he receive many military honors, including the Purple Heart. He received many military honor including the Purple Heart. He received his education from public schools in Tangipahoa parish and Orleans parish. Fred was promoted from eighth grade to college, through the GED program, not having to complete high school. He received his higher education from Southern University A & M, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He taught public school in the Tangipahoa School District. Later, he received his principalship at Midway Middle School in Natalabany, Louisiana. He retired in 1986 with 25 years of service. He also received the NAACP Life Superior Achiever Award in February 2005.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving devoted wife of 50 years; on son, Roderick Black McCoy, Sr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three daughters, Corine Warren McCoy of Tracy, CA.,  Zandra Michelle McCoy of Amite, LA and Samaria Vandarose McCoy of Mesquite, TX; Johnnie M. McCoy, a niece raised by Fred and Vernia; six grandchildren; Fealty Starlingnad Sherelle Warren of CA, Roderick Jr., Lorenzo and Tracheal McCoy of Baton Rouge, LA; and Chardan McCoy of Amite, LA; three great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, other relatives and friends. He was affectionately called "Paw-Paw" by many and T.C.B" by others.

Celebrating the Homegoing of Xavier "Zabo" Smith Jr. 2012

Xavier' Zabo" Smith, Jr., was born to the late Xavier, Sr. "Zab" & Daisy Morris Smith on March 26, 1921. He was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish Public School. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. He was a veteran of World War II.

Xavier "Zabo" Smith, Jr. 
Source: Funeral Program
Courtesy of Mrs. Helen Lucky

He was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Helen Leonard Smith and of this union three children was born; Sarah Ann, Diane, and Faye Ruth.  Brother Zabo was converted and baptized at an early age at Grant Chapel AME Church in Amite, Louisiana which was the beginning of many years of dedicated service to God. He served on many auxiliaries of the Church. Bo. Zabo served as a Trustee when the new church was built and many years after.

Bro. Zabo attended upholster school and upon completion, he opened his own upholster shop. Later, he went into the monument work until his health began to fail. Hew as a jack of all trades. He loved fishing, hunting, raising animals and baseball. He also loved gardening and growing vegetables. He enjoyed sharing the vegetables with the community.

To cherish his memory: Two daughters, Sarah Ann of Amite, LA., Faye Ruth, Los Angeles, CA; one sister, Yvonne S. Coleman, Amite; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; one special grandson Demond McNealthy; one special nephew, Robert Coleman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preserved in death by his wife Helen Leonard Smith, a daughter, Diane Smith Chamber, a son, Ronnie Smith, two grand daughters, Rocquell Smith and Dianna McNealty; his parents Xavier "Zab" & Daisy Morris Smith; three brothers; Glenn, Clarence and Earl Smith; one sister; Dorothy Mae Smith  Himes. 

Homegoing Celebration of Bernard Lawson 2016

Bernard Lawson
Source: Funeral Program
Mrs. Helen Lucky

Bernard Lawson quietly departed this life in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center. He was born on October 21, 1921 and was 89 years old. Bernard was the only child born to the late Modena Loving Lawson and Booker T. Lawson in Amite,  Louisiana.

He accepts Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church all of his life.  He was known for his dedication and dependability and received great satisfaction from his services to others. Bernard served as Sunday School Superintendent for more than 25 years. He also served as president at one time. In addition to his responsibilities to the Sunday School, he would see to it that the church building was always comfortable for use, regardless of the weather; he would make sure the doors were opened and lock and that the lights would be turned on and off for any activity going on in church.

Bernard served his country for three years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He was was employed for a period of time with the Tangiphaoa Parish Health Unit and the Amite Nursing Home. He was also and exemplary volunteer for many years with the Tangipahoa Parish Council on Aging and served willingly in any capacity needed.

Having been a lifelong resident of the Ried's Quarter community, he was known for his cheerful attitude and sweet disposition. He loved to sing and strike harmonies with a tenor voice so distinct that it would stand out in a chorus.

He leaves to cherish his memory several first cousin, of whom Queen V. York served as a caretaker for many years; and a host of other cousin, relatives and friends. His Godchildren, Rev. Kenneth D. York and Deanne Foster, will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents.