Mark 11: 22-24 speaks about the power of prayer when you have total faith in God. The scripture reads as follows: “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

As this year rapidly comes to an end and the holiday season starts, I will start acknowledging some of the late family members and friends who were not recognized at the time of their demise. First, we will take a glimpse of  some memorable and wonderful times that have gone by and the legacy of some dear loved ones and special friends who have touched our lives in many different ways.

Arlean  T. Shelby was born in Jackson to the late Marion and Ida Tillis Tarrio being one of ten children. While in Jackson Arlean confessed Christ as her personal savior and attended New Strangers Home Baptist Church. Upon moving to Brookhaven, she attended Ebenezer AME Church in Loyd Star. In 1994, Arlean united with St. Paul M. B. Church in Brookhaven, where she served faithfully in many capacities. Arlean was united in holy matrimony with the late Charlie “Chuck” Shelby Jr. on Aug. 16, 1965 and to this union seven children were born. Arlean is truly missed by her loving children, James (Valerie), Eunice (Melvin), Linda, Dennis (Florence), Michael (Joyce), Valerie (Donald) and Ramone; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two adopted children and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly.

Christine Bowman celebration of life begins with her birth on Monday, March 9, 1953, to the late Jack and Maude Bowman in Brookhaven. At an early age she confessed her belief in Christ and united with Greater Mount Olive M. B. Church. Christine completed first through six grades at Progress School. She completed 4.5 years at Eva Hall Harris School and was a 1971 graduate of West Lincoln High School. Shortly thereafter, Christine began her EGG courses with the American Heart Association to become a certified monitor technician. Upon completion of a six-week course from Franklin Memorial Hospital, she became a nurse’s aide. She was employed by King’s Daughters Medical Center as a monitor technician. There she faithfully worked and served the community for over 40 years until her health failed. Her memories are remembered by her loving sisters, Irene and Annie Ruth; her sister-in-law, Pankie Mae; a special nephew, Michael Smith of Mobile, Alabama; and nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers. Christine is gone from this life, but she will never be forgotten.

A fond celebration of life was given for James H. Banks to remember his life and his legacy. James H. Banks was born  Nov. 4, 1932, to the late Mattie Paxton and the late Joseph Banks in Brookhaven. He received his graduated from Progress High School. He continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi Valley State University. He later attained a master’s degree in education. James was a wiz in math, and he had a deep love for history. He was known as the historian of his family. As a teacher, James loved what he did. He taught geography and history at Lilly Mae Bryant High School in Meadville. He dedicated many years to the Franklin County School District. James served in the U.S. Army and was located in Korea and received an honorable discharge in 1955. James had a Christian up-bringing, and this led to a deep belief in Christ. He was baptized with Galilee Church, where he served as a deacon. After his health failed, he moved to Chicago with his family. James also lived in Detroit, Michigan, with other family members after his health failed. James was married to Mamie Thompson Banks on June 28, 1970, in Brookhaven. Banks’ loving and fond memories will forever be remembered by his sisters, Carol Diane, Cheryl and Kathy (Lawrence); brother, Joseph (Shelley); sisters-in-law, Johnnie Mae and Ora D. Wilson; godchild, Trelva Humphries Harvey; special niece, Tiffany Paxton; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins. 

Some fond memories of Sharon Denise Adams Gordon begin with her birth on April 11, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charlie and Bernice Adams. Sharon graduated from Morgan Park High School in the Class of 1975. She was a graduate of Kennedy King Junior College in their food service department. Sharon married Lee Edward “Fuzzy” Gordon on July 13, 1996. She confessed her faith in Christ and united with First Temple M.B.C. in Chicago, Illinois. She later moved to Copiah County and joined Mt. Shady Grove M. B. Church. Sharon was a professional cook by trade, and she shared her talents of cooking in various places, such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago. She has worked part-time at McDonald’s in Brookhaven, but her most recent  career was with Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she served for some 17 years. Sharon is greatly missed and her loving memories will forever be remembered by her husband; her children, Sha, Tanya and Shanell; mother, Bernice; sister, Diane; brother, Steven; and grandchildren, other relatives, co-workers, neighbors and friends.

A celebration of a life well lived was given in honor of the late Mae Dell Woodard in 2016. She was born on Feb. 12, 1924, to the late Eugene Harris and the late M.L. (Tillman) Harris Markham. She was a graduate of Alexander High School Class of 1943 and later attended Jackson State University. She was employed by Mississippi Action for Progress Headstart Center in Franklin County from 1969 to 2006. She was also employed by the County Home Demonstration Agent Program. She also worked as a substitute teacher in the Mt. Olive schools as well as the Franklin County School District. During her tenure at MAP and the County Home Demonstration Agent Program, Woodard made a positive impact on the lives of many young boys and girls. Woodard accepted Christ as her savior and united with Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church in Brookhaven at an early age. She was married to Joseph Woodard who preceded her in death. Woodard’s loving and fond memories will forever be remembered and cherished by her children, Patricia, Rickey, Pamela (Willie) Brenda and Ronnie (Cassandra); aunt, LaPearl Goosby; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

Eva Harris Alumni are now selling grocery raffle tickets throughout the various neighborhoods for $1 each. There will be five chances for you to win. There will be lots of grocery items and a turkey or a ham in each of the five baskets. If you have not purchased a ticket, you may see one of the Eva H. Harris/Lincoln County Schools alumni members to buy you one or more. The alumni group would like to thank all supporters during their recent fish fry.

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