Proverbs 31:10-29 speaks to God’s people about how to work while the day is nigh because tomorrow is not promised, and it reads: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but mother, you surpass them all.” Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and special aunts. Have a blessed day.

The man who we knew as Rev. Robert C. McCall Sr. was better known by his family and peers as Rev. R. C. McCall. He was one of 13 children born to the late Deacon Sherman and Emily McCall in Lincoln County in August 1942. His educational background began at Progress School in the Loyd Star Community, and he was a 1963 graduate of Alexander High School in Brookhaven. While attending Alexander, he was the basketball manager, played in the band and was a bus driver. He furthered his education at Co-Lin Junior College in Wesson where he received a certificate of welding.

During the Christmas holidays on Dec. 28, 1963, Rev. R. C. McCall was united in marriage to Willie Pearl Newson and to this union they were blessed with five children. His work history included Sears & Benoits stores, Jacobsen Manufacturing Company and Texas Eastern/Duke Energy Pipeline Company where he was the first African American to work. He retired in 1999 from the position of Senior Operator.

Rev. McCall was called into the ministry in 1976 and was licensed and ordained at Mt. Zion 550 M. B. Church off Highway 550 in the Caseyville community. He served as pastor of Norfield Bethel M. B. Church in the Norfield/Bogue Chitto area for some 13 years and at Society Hill M. B. Church in McComb for 23 years. During his tenure as a pastor Rev. McCall furthered his spiritual education at Harper Baptist Seminary in Magnolia, where he received his busy pastor degree, bachelor and master of theology degree, English Bible degree and honorary doctorate degree. Rev. McCall was blessed to have his son, Rev. Robert C. “Chuck” McCall Jr., to also be called to preach God’s Word and is now the pastor of Faith M. B. Church in Bogue Chitto.

Rev. R. C. McCall had a great love for preaching God’s Word, and he always wanted to do his very best when doing so. His love for his family was huge and awesome and what a love he had for fishing, hunting and gardening. Rev. McCall was instrumental in organizing the Brookhaven for Youth Development  that met on Saturday mornings. He always liked to make these sessions fun and interesting for the young people and the older ones alike who were participating. There were Bible bowls that were fun competitions between the children that were involved from the various churches: the adults were involved because they were assisting the young people. I was excited to attend these sessions, and I looked forward for Saturday to come because the children and the adults learned how to quote the scriptures in the Bible during these development sessions.

Rev. McCall also, enjoyed implementing May Day activities into this curriculum during the first Friday or Saturday in May for the students and the community involvement and for their enjoyment. He also implemented the Lincoln County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in this area. He was also a member of Mission Pike County and of the Ministerial Advisor Board for McComb High School.

Rev. McCall was preceded in death by his parents, some of his brothers and sisters, his father and mother in-law and his son, Norman Boarden. His fond and loving memories will forever be remembered and cherished by his loving wife of 52 years Mrs. Willie Pearl McCall, his children, Rebecca, Carmen and Demetra McCall, Pamela McCall Williams, Rhonda Boarden (Paul) Moore and Robert C. McCall Jr. (LaShae); his sisters, Alean Eley and Mary Frances (Willie) Bell; brother, Luther (Bernice) McCall, three special additional children, Emily Chess, Tracy Smith and Dr. Charles Newson; sister in laws Ruby Newson and Ollie Ruth Newson; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; daughter in-law, Margzellas (Jeffrey) Thomas; nieces; nephews; extended family members, Claudette Brown, Annie Pearl “Lo” Johnson, Frances Banks, Earnest Gray, Marvetta and Samuel Harris; many pastors, ministers, cousins, classmates; his godchildren and his many friends who loved him dearly.  Rev. Robert C.  “R. C.” McCall Sr. is gone from this side of earth, but he will never be forgotten by his loved ones and by his friends.

Mrs. Willie Pearl McCall and the McCall family would like to acknowledge each of you for your many acts of kindness that were shown to them during the illness and the death of their dear loved one. They are thankful  for the love and support that have been presently given to them by friends like you. Your prayers, calls, food, monetary gifts and even the warm smiles or just a  thumbs up made a difference in their lives. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Hall, Dr. David Carner, Dr. Ray Montalvo, Dr. Harper Stone, KDMC staff, Courtney Owens and Fresenius Medical Services. Special thanks to Ivy Sanders, John Allen, Lucious Franklin and Earnest Gray for your special help. Special thanks to all who participated on the program during Rev. McCall’s services on Sunday and on Monday. Also, special thanks to Rev. Larry Jointer and the Saint James M. B. Church for your love, generosity and support during the services and to Tyler Funeral Home Services for the professional and efficient services rendered. The McCall family is eternally grateful to God Almighty for blessing their lives with the life of Rev. Robert McCall Sr. “ Be blessed in the Lord.”

Students as this school term nears the end, don’t forget to exemplify safety in all aspects of your lives while at home, at school, driving, on a trip, or whatever you and your friends and your family may do. Be aware of using your cell phone at inapprociate times. We wish for God’s speed to be present as you go to and from daily.

Special love is extended to all sick and shut-ins and to all bereaved families who are going through this time. May the love, the understanding and the peace of God be with each of you daily.

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