Greeting Readers, The Book of Proverbs 3: 5-6 speaks to mankind’s spirit about the Lord’s guidance, and it read: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Many, many families, neighbors and friends are still in bereavement throughout Brookhaven and the surrounding areas; our sincere and heartfelt sympathy goes-out to each of you. To the Littleton family in loving memory of your dear family member J. B. Littleton the son of the late Marco and Annie Lou Littleton. J. B. was the fourth child born to this union along with six other children. He was a member of Damascus Church throughout his rearing in the Loyd Star community; he also, attended Damascus School and Progress High School. J. B. moved to Omaha, Nebraska and started a new life, while there he worked for Frontier Bag Company. Later he moved to Chicago, Illinois and worked for Acorn Corrugated Box Company until his health declined. He attended Look Up and Live International Ministry where he served as a loyal and faithful member. He leaves to remember and cherish his loving memories his wife, Trulie Washington Littleton; one daughter, Deborah Jean; three sons, James, Jimmy and Robert Earl, all of Omaha, Nebraska; 16 loving grandchildren; three sisters, Annie Ruth Levy of Chicago, Emma Harris and Bettie Smith, both of Brookhaven; three brothers Andrew of Chicago, Illinois, J. Hue (Carolyn) of Columbus, Ohio and Eddie (Frances) of Jacksonville, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Eva Hall Harris and Lincoln County Schools’ President Curtis Tyner and Vice-President Mozel Jackson are encouraging all former students, faculty and staff members to attend the next two meetings for 2015 on Oct. 20, and on Nov. 24, at the public library at 6 p.m. During the October meeting there will be an election of officers. There will also, be a Thanksgiving grocery raffle on November 24 during the meeting. If you have not purchased a ticket for a grocery basket you may do so from an alumni member. The baskets will include a ham or a turkey plus grocery items; and you will have four chances to win for only $1 per ticket.

Luther Bernard Roberts was born in Brookhaven on June 22, 1945 to the late Luther and Beulah Roberts. He was the second of seven children. He united with Ebenezer AME Church in this community at an early age. He later became an AME Minister. He also later united with Avery Chapel AME Church in Brookhaven where he remained a member until his death. He leaves to cherish his fond memories one brother Virgil (Cora) Roberts; three sisters, Augustine Steward of Waco, Texas, Catherine Tillman of Brookhaven and Janice Smith of Jackson; two aunts, five nephews, two nieces, one great-nephew, five great-nieces, a host of cousins and many friends who loved him.

Leon Hartwell was born Feb. 19, 1947, to J. C. and Linnell Hartwell in Arms. Leon was the middle child of 10 siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert & Willie C. Hartwell and sisters Verleana Williams and Alice Faye Jones. Leon married his “Doll” Marilyn “the love of his life and high school sweetheart,” on March 9, 1968. From this union, five children were born, Deborah, Daniel, Dinah, Divine and Crystal Hartwell. Leon and Marilyn moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1968 and lived there for five years, before moving to Ullin, Illinois and later they moved to Grand Chain, Illinois where they lived until January 2013. Their first priority was family, therefore they decided to move to St. Louis, Missouri in January 2013, to be closer to their children and their grandchildren. “He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and he cherished every moment with them instilling morals and values. He not only took pride in caring for his family, but he would help anyone who needed his help or support..”  His hobbies were fishing, playing cards, shooting pool, bowling and outside work and he enjoyed every minute when he could do one of his hobbies.  Leon’s funeral service was held Aug. 8 in St. Louis, Missouri with Rev. Shafer officiating and Brother James Autery as the eulogist. Leon leaves to remember and cherish his loving memories, his loving wife of some 47 years, his children, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters, a wonderful family of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

There were once two guys, who became friends, neighbors and then classmates. One guy was named Luther Bernard Roberts better known as Bernard, who was born into the Loyd Star Area. The second guy named Leon Hartwell migrated into this area with his parents and siblings from Monticello. While in the Loyd Star Area Leon and his family lived in front of the Willie and Dessie Ree Beard family home and their children were, Dorethen, Lawrence Lee, Tyrethis, Willie Ann, Alberta, Carolyn, John Curtis and Lurline. Leon’s siblings were Willie C., Verleana, Betty Lou, Alice Faye, Loretta, Jessie Lee, Louvella, and Zebedee. Robert was the oldest child and had already moved away from home at this time. Lawrence Lee remember their families becoming closer throughout the years; they played together, did some of their chores together, attended church together, rode to town together or walked to town together, and they just enjoyed playing ball games and other games together. Lawrence Lee stated how he could see the abilities and the competitiveness that Leon had when playing sports and he always enjoyed participating. Lawrence Lee, Leon & Robert Newton, John & Jerry Collins, L. C. Dixon, Melvin Levy all of the Loyd Star community along with others were very close friends to both Leon and Bernard throughout their growing-up years. They attended Progress School where Bernard was a member of the class of 1964 and later he and Leon became two members of the class of 1965. At Progress they were classmates with such people as: David Wilcher, Katherine Black, Jo Shirley Bowman, Joe Louis Smith, Annie Pearl Braxton, Mary Lee Collins, Annie Lee Henderson, Celestine Hooker, Paulette Scott, Argola Smith, Lou Ida Smith, Jeanette Williams, Ruth Williams, Archie Williams and others. These two classmates later attended the new Eva Hall Harris School across town; where they met many new classmates and friends and formed lasting friendships and relationships. Leon found his wife Marilyn Tillman there and they formed a lasting bond. Bernard and his family lived up the road from Leon, but he was at Lawrence Lee’s house often. Lawrence’s parents disciplined Bernard as if he was one of their children, and Mr. and Mrs. Roberts did not mind their guidance. Bernard had a sense of humor and it was a hoot to be around him.

As young people these two guys intermingled on the playgrounds, in the classrooms, on ball courts, at the card tables, at the dinner table, at church, at school, during graduation and just throughout the community. In life they went their separate ways and had their own destinies, ambitions and goals.  But when God saw fit to call them home he called them by two less than two months apart. Rev. Luther Bernard Roberts died July 10, and Leon Hartwell died Aug. 2. Their class celebrated their 50^th year anniversary during the Eva Hall Harris and Lincoln County Schools’ Alumni 10^th Reunion July 10-12, 2015 where each member was honored.

The Eva H. Harris Class of 1965 along with other alumni members, teachers, neighbors of the Loyd Star community along with other friends extend special love and sympathy to the Roberts and the Hartwell families in the loss of their dear loved ones. May God continue to be with each of you.

 

If you have any Loyd Star Area News to Report, please call Carolyn Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.