James Stone

Kenneth Davis

" BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO WANDA WILLIAMS THOMPSON "

Patricia White (Watson)

Hey Wanda, Happy Happy Birthday. I hope you woke this morning with a heart filled with joy. I love that music Kenneth.  

Kenneth Davis

" DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF HENRY DANIEL LESTER "

Obituary for Henry Daniel Lester

     Henry Daniel Lester, 68, died June 19, 2020... Born August 31, 1951 to Fred and Savannah Rivers-Lester in Memphis, TN at the Historic Black Collins Chapel Hospital. Graduate of Booker T. Washington High School 1970. Serving 4 years in the U. S. Marine Corp. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and compassionate spirit. He was a Teacher’s Assistant, “Grandpa” with Memphis City Schools serving at Rozelle Elementary School. Henry professed his faith in Christ early in life at Christian Chapel M. B. Church. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers William and Charles. He is survived by his daughter Marjean Lester, grandson Gary Lester (St. Louis, Mo) goddaughter Paula Lewis, god granddaughter Brittany Lewis (Memphis), brothers Cornelius (Memphis), Fred (Verleane) Akron, OH, Paul (Charlotte NC), Mitchell (Houston TX), Ronnie (Minneapolis MN), Anthony (Houston TX). sisters Carolyn (Memphis, Alice Kerr (Jerome) Indianapolis IN, Sandra Fields (Memphis), Elizabeth Byrd (Memphis) Earlene Carter (Akron OH), Mattie (Memphis). He will be greatly missed by his many friends and his beloved family, who give thanks for his life.

     I had a couple friends from all the different cliques in school, but my true friends were my Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) teammates. I grew up competing with them for three years. We learned the meaning of camaraderie and esprit de corps, which means a feeling of pride, fellowship and common loyalty, shared by the members of a particular group. “Boomer” exemplified those characteristics while performing his duties as a member of the ROTC Staff Officers and as a Battalion Officer. After graduation, joining the military became our way out of Memphis and we all went on our separate adventures. Avoiding Vietnam was our first endevor and accomplishment. Some of us remained in touch over the years. For whatever reasons, Boomer enlisted in the Marine Corps. 

     A portion of the Marine Corps Hymn states that Marines are “first to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marine…if the Army and the Navy, ever look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines”…Semper Fidelis is the motto of the Marines and is defined as “Always Faithful”. Those lyrics describe Henry back in the day, moreover to the time of his disruptive transition. Dr. King stated “The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important”. Let each of us recall the quality of life that Henry shared with us, as our friend. "Semper Fi Marine"….Rest In Peace…hope to see you, while guarding the streets of heaven....

 

Kenneth Davis

"EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS"

TO

AMELIA GRIFFIN BANKS

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~ Maya Angelou ~

     Happy Birthday Amelia! Congratulations! You’ve arrived upon the dawn of a new day. A day to be celebrated with love, purpose and genuine affection, personally delivered to you from family and “social distancing friends”.  As Maya has stated, they may have forgotten what you’ve said or done since your last birthday, but they will never forget how you’ve made them feel throughout the past year. Nor have you’ve forgotten how they’ve blessed your spirit also. May they bless you superabundantly…

     When you’ve finished the collaborations of the day, sit back, chillax and reflect on the goodness and mercy that’s been ceaselessly bestowed upon you, to this very moment. May you have a Daryl Beebe kind of evening….Inhale, exhale and just “Breathe”….enjoy your day…stay safe my friend…..

Kenneth Davis

HARVEST UPDATES FROM THE ESQUIRE GARDENER'S

A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. 

~ Liberty Hyde Bailey ~

 Cloyd Nightingale
Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers and cherry tomatoes...

 John Thomas

Tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno and hot banana peppers, Mexican zucchini and zucchini squash, radishes, serrano peppers, Greek oregano, Thai and sweet Basil....

 Kenneth Davis

Beets, bell peppers, Yellow squash, tomatoes...

Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ~ May Sarton ~

We're still waiting on the other gardener's among us to "Free Your Mind" and join us....It's not too late....

Cherlyn Harris (Conner)

Wow!  I wish I was your neighbor so you could share these beauties of veggies with me!  Mickey

Cherlyn Harris (Conner)

You get the message here right?

Kenneth Davis

 “Early Birthday Greetings”

To

Marzie Gates Thomas &  George Porter

The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed. ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti ~

     Happy Birthday Marzie and George! Welcome to “The Classic Club of 68”. I’m looking forward to joining you in a few days, be it the Lords will. A few years ago, on this date, you bought love, delight and ecstasy to the lives of your parents and it surely transformed their worlds. May you be the blessing to family and friends by continuing to transform our worlds, with love, delight and ecstasy, during these times of social distancing. May the celebratory offerings bestowed upon you be mystical but yet euphoric.

     Robert Staughton Lynd was an American Sociologist and Professor at Columbia University NYC. He stated “Most of us can remember a time when a birthday - especially if it was one's own - brightened the world as if a second sun has risen.” The divergence of two separate suns, has risen today to brighten the world as we know it, once again. As your celebration of life, family, friends, new goals and new opportunities occur, I wish you a Jarez featuring Julian Vaughn kind of day…let today’s “24 Hours” of celebration begin…stay safe my friends…

Kenneth Davis

“EXTENDING EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS”

TO

MARSHA McMILLIAN SHERROD

The happiness of one's own heart alone cannot satisfy the soul; one must try to include, as necessary to one's own happiness, the happiness of others.  ~ Paramahansa Yogananda ~

     Happy Anniversary to my “John Gaston Baby Nursery Mate”! It’s my opinion that there was plenty of happiness to be spread around on July 14, 1952. Here we are 68 years later and now it’s my turn to attempt to spread a little happiness. This pandemic has sidelined quite a few of our celebrations, but we’ve been blessed regardless. As you initiate your celebration with family and “social distancing friends”, may you be mindful of a quote from Tara Stiles; “It's amazing what we've been through already in our lives no matter what our age. Think of what we've seen, people we've met, our relationships, experiences, and accomplishments. Reflection is a powerful tool.” As you formulate the success of your celebration, may you be joyously surprised with the thoughtfully conceived gifts which are presented on your behalf. May the gifts reflect the happiness of others which you have for them, in your own heart.

      I salute you once again for sharing your heart and soul with us, via the article written in the CA. I’m also an alumnus of South West and I’m positive that you’ll achieve your immediate goals, towards the application of your degree. As Tara stated, it’s amazing what we’ve been through already in our lives, no matter what our age. We’ve aged gracefully, so I’m wishing you a Ryan Montano kind of day. May you continue to age gracefully and “Soulfully”…enjoy your day my friend, I’m happy for you…stay safe…

Cherlyn Harris (Conner)

Kenneth,

Happy Birthday to You!  You are our class statesman and I know you do not hear it enough but we appreciate all that you do!  Here's hoping that you are celebrated today and every day!  Your friendship means the world to us and we certainly look forward to your continued statesmanship!

Marsha McMillian (Sherrod)

Happy birthday Kenneth I am not as eloquent as you are in writing inserting just the right the music . We first met in the nursery later as Classmates said goodbye as young seniors reconnected as adults.  Our lves has been a journey with some bumps in the road but our friendship did not falter. So I am wishing you a wonderful and blessed day I pray that you continue in prosperity and stay physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. 

Thank you for my birthday greeting 

 Happy Birthday 

It all started here 

Patricia White (Watson)

Happy Birthday to Marzee, George, Marsha, and Kenneth. You all made it to another milestone. Happy Birthday and I wish for you many more. 

Kenneth Davis

"THANK YOU"

Greet every morning with open arms and say thanks every night with a full heart. Each day is a precious gift to be savored and used, not left unopened and hoarded for a future that may never come.

~ Regina Brett ~

Thank you Linda Brown, Ruby Burks, Jackie Sawyer Casey, De' Clayborn, Gwendolyn Davis, Felippa Fields, Mickey Harris, Marsha McMillian, Audrey Jackson Walls, Patricia Watson, Fred Higgins, Jerry Hosey, Tommie McKinnie and James Stone for each of your gracious birthday wishes. I had an exceptionally quiet day of gardening and reflections. As Regina mentioned, "Each day is a precious gift to be savored and used, not left unopened and hoarded for a future that may never come....thank you all...stay safe my friends...

Kenneth Davis

“BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO MARINO HARDY”

When your dreams include service to others - accomplishing something that contributes to others - it also accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference.

~ Jack Canfield ~
 

     Happy Birthday Marino! Today is indeed your day to celebrate your dreams. Non-withholding, may your family and friends fulfill every item indicated on your wish list.  As Jack has stated; “People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference.” Query any of the reunion committee chairpersons about your service to others and they will acknowledge that your services helped accelerate the accomplishment of their goals. Thank you for your contributions and the services you’ve given unselfishly to the class.

     Christine Elise stated “Being a photographer is like listening to music. If you have a camera, by just living your life you're bound to find some things that are worth taking a picture of. You don't have to be an audiophile to have taste in music. It happens through osmosis.” As a member of the Photographers’ Club while we were in school, you bought a camera, sharpened your skills and shared your talents and images with us. We also know that you enjoy music. According to the February 1970 issue of the Washingtonian, you were present at a party. Society’s Swirl by Margie McRae clearly states; The Gobbler stopped by Dale Hookers’, who hosted a swinging party at her residence in the LeMoyne Garden. The party was just the thing to get Thanksgiving off to a good start, so says the Washingtonians present. Among the Warriors whooping it up on the floor were Marino Hardy, Brenda Reed, Square Marshall and Loretta Lloyd.  

           There were other Washingtonians seen mingling, including Diane Marshall, Jerry Hosey, Paula Reed, Quellis Irby, Maxine Taylor, Tommie Anderson and Evie Richmond. I can send you a copy of the original article, just say the word. Through osmosis, I’m wishing you an Oli Silk musical day of celebration. Since today is your day, sit back and chillax….everyone should occupy a position to be “At Your Service” …enjoy your day and stay safe my friend….

Patricia White (Watson)

Hi Marino, Happy Birthday. I hope your day was as smooth as silk. Once a gain Kenneth, a great choice of music for our classmate. 

Kenneth Davis

“EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS”

TO

OLIVIA JOHNSON KIMBLE

&

ALVIN HOWLETT

Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~
 

     Happy Birthday Olivia and Alvin! Today will become a magnificent day and special occasion to be blessed with grace and beholden with a grateful heart. William J. H. Boetcker stated that “The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow.”

     As we all endure the seasons of this temporal viral pandemic, may you both reflect on your accomplishments and prepare for future victories. Within the realm of giving, may your family members and “politically correct social distancing friends” provide you with infectious gifts, of LOVE, COMPASSION, REVERENCE, DEVOTION and INTRIGUE. May you continue to be blessed to receive their generosity, daily.

     When your times of celebration near an end, may you reflect upon and acknowledge the words written in Psalm 103:1-2(KJV); 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.( William Hazlitt)  I wish you both a celebration of DESTINY…May you have a Nelson Rangell type of day….and may it be full of GRACE…enjoy your day and stay safe my friends….

Patricia White (Watson)

Happy Birthday Olivia and Alvin. I look forward to seeing both of you at the reunion next year. I wish the best of everything for the both of you. Kenneth has once again selected a great tune.   

Kenneth Davis

EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

TO

FRED HODGES

Most people tell you there are certain moments you should celebrate in life: for example, the weekend coming, so you should party on a Friday. Or your birthday or New Year's Eve. But what if you're excited about being alive every day? Can't you be in that celebratory state every moment you're not dead?

~ Andrew W.K . ~

     Happy Birthday Fred! The moment has arrived for a celebration of life, regardless of today’s state of affairs. With the weekend approaching, were it not for this pandemic, you could’ve partied with Gwendolyn, Kenneth and Orva as they celebrate their day Friday. You all could have had an ole school throw back sock hop. Seriously though, being excited and in a celebratory state, every moment is what your day should be about. May you be zealously blessed with the fullness of mortality that only family and close friends can unselfishly award. You’re their hero today!

     A Best Selling Author, David Grann, stated “Heroes have always served as a reflection of their times, a template of who we are and what we want to be”.  May you continue to portray and reflect upon the rituals of benevolence and forbearance used to become their hero. As part of your celebration template, may you complete the day by tasting the “Flavors”  from  a slice of peace, in the midst of a pandemic storm. I wish you a Dominique Hammons evening…an evening to take a relaxing visual and spiritually emotional trip outside the infringements of this viral pandemic….a trip to simply “Breathe”…let us hear from you on the website...enjoy your day and stay safe my friend…. 

Kenneth Davis

EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

TO

GWENDOLYN JOHNSON THOMAS

KENNETH JOHNSON

&

ORVA  WALLS

Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.

~ William Wordsworth ~
 

     Happy Birthday Gwendolyn, Kenneth and Orva! As author of an inspirational book entitled “Life's Little Instruction Book” H. Jackson Brown Jr says we should “Compliment three people every day”.  Simply saying “Good morning” is considered a compliment. My compliments and a standing ovation to each of you respectively, as you’ve attained another milestone. “Today is a trifecta of birthdays” and your celebrations of life shall be divided into three terms – that which was, which is and which will be. May your family and friends lavish upon you gifts of love, compassion, charm and debonair, which are nostalgic of your character.

     The collage was inspired by the image of “Our John Gaston Hospital”, shared by Marsha McMillan Sherrod, on July fourteenth. I attempted to incorporate the “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life, something to do, something to love and something to hope for” (Joseph Addison). I definitely believe that your parents were happy the day of your birth (something to do- Moms and the OB-GYNs were really really ready), graciously you remain loved to this day by family and friends and surely your hopes remain eternal. That trifecta of events occurring on July thirty-first became a “project” for all involved. There remains a project for celebration. As you duplicate the “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life” today, I wish you a Chelsey Green and The Green Project type of day. May you have an ole school throw back sock hop, blue lights in the basement party at home. Know that the “Class of 1970” will be celebrating with you, in spite of the pandemic. Why??... Because “People Make The World Go Round”…..enjoy your day and stay safe my friends….imagine the world revolving around Gwendolyn, Fred, Kenneth and Orva as Chelsey and The Green Project close out the month of July birthday celebrations.....

Kenneth Davis

We cannot prevent hurricanes or earthquakes, floods or volcanic eruptions. But we can ensure that both people and communities are better prepared and more resilient. 

~ Miroslav Lajcak ~

     Classmates, the 2020 Hurricane Season is upon us again. Hurricane Isaias is approaching the East Coast and we have several classmates who could be vunerable. Florida is already fighting the coronavirus pandemic and one county official in South Florida said Friday it was hard to imagine that they were now dealing with a storm. "It's just kind of been the way 2020's going so far, but we roll with it, right?" Howard Tipton, administrator for St. Lucie County, which is North of Palm Beach County, said at a news conference. "We don't get to determine the cards that we're dealt." Brother Alvin Howlett resides in Palm Beach County.

     A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for areas North of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia, which is within the area where Sister Carolyn and Brother Gerald Harris resides. The storm is expected to hit North Carolina (where I reside) as a Tropical Storm on Monday or Tuesday--a slightly weaker storm than predicted earlier Friday. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty around the model, all of which will be better understood by Saturday night or Sunday morning as the system moves North from Florida. 

     Trust me, this is not our first rodeo and surely won't be out last. The tropical storm and hurricane season officially began June 1st and will end November 30th. At I compose this post, Tropical Depression Ten took shape about 200 miles off the west coast of Africa. However, the newly-formed system only has a small window to strengthen into a named tropical storm, which will be Josephine according to AccuWeather staff writers. Keep us all, plus other classmates I'm not aware of and the citizens living on the East Coast in your prayers. We'd appreciate it!...we also have a "Backstage Pass" to it all.....stay safe my friends...

Most anyplace one lives is essentially dangerous. There are floods in the Midwest, and tornadoes. There are hurricanes along the Gulf. In New York, you get mugged. 

~ John Gregory Dunne ~

Kenneth Davis

While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation.

~ Maya Angelou ~

Hello everyone...simply writing to give thanks to all who uttered prayers on behalf of your East Coast Family. I've contacted Alvin & Gerald. We're all survivors and blessed to be. Continue to pray for those less fortunate that us....stay safe my friends....

 

Marsha McMillian (Sherrod)

Hello Classmates!
Check out the masks that the Reunion Committee have had made. There are two designs plus a pair of earrings that are representative of our school,..BTW!
The mask that shows: BTW, 50th Reunion are in the mail now to those classmates that have paid in full for the reunion. If you got yours already or when you do get it in the mail, please take a selfie and show us what you look like!
NO....the cost is not deducted from your fees paid...it is our gift to you!

The Reunion Committee has had the exceptional opportunity to provide a "token of our appreciation for your support" for those classmates that have paid in full their reunion fees. Your mask is in the mail!
We thank you for your continued support and patience during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 experience in our lives and in our ability to plan and deliver our 50th Class Reunion in these uncertain times.

So, If you have paid in full, you will receive a mask. If you paid in full for a guest to attend the reunion, you will receive a mask for them as well.
All is not lost though! We do have six (6) masks left on this order and we are offering them on a first-request basis. The cost is $17 which includes postage package fee to deliver them to you. Please email me at cherlynconner@gmail.com to let me know if you want one...OR...just CashApp $CherlynConner with $17 for each one that you want. I am only selling the 6...that is all that I have.

However, if not now....but when you do...you can reach out directly to Patricia Poindexter-Mitchell, our mask-maker at 901-503-0311. Patricia also makes all different stylish styles!.

Kenneth Davis

EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

TO

JB BLAND

The building of friendship, family, community and love is complicated. We are so isolated in this country, no longer supported by tribes and villages.

~ Jasmine Guy ~

     Happy Birthday JB! The  BTW  Tribe of 68 years of age and above, welcomes you. Jasmine mentioned that we’re so isolated in this country. The current pandemic has made celebrations complicated, however, love, family and friendships should remain uncomplicated.  May the love of your family and social distancing friends prevail as they constantly shower you with personalized tangible endowments, worthy of your favor. Living in “The Cleab” caused us to build friendships, tribes, and villages. Brown & Handy Mall, Lauderdale St, Saint Paul, Georgia Ave and  South Orleans, just to name a few, could’ve been considered our tribes and villages.

     Our beloved community back in the day was complete with participation in events located at 617 South Orleans. Better known as L.E. Brown Park, there were a variety of games to choose from. For those of us who could, we swam in the pool there and everyone knew “Big Richard” was the Sheriff and Lifeguard. Law # 1, “If you can’t swim, don’t let me catch you on the wrong side of this rope” is what he would emphasize.

     H. Jackson Brown Jr. tells us that “Acquaintances we meet, enjoy, and can easily leave behind; but friendship grows deep roots”. During our active duty days in the Air Force, we’ve had acquaintances that were easily left behind as duty stations and assignments changed. Hopefully some friendships developed during our days at L.E. Brown, Porter and BTW have grown deep roots to this day. As you celebrate your birthday with family, DDMT Facebook Friends and others, I wish you a Lee Ritenour type of day. May your day and gifts received be full of A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That…..enjoy your day…stay safe my friend….

Marsha McMillian (Sherrod)

Classmates we have a warrior Edward Johnson who have been fighting Coronavirus. He has had a long hospital stay thanks to God he is at home now. Edward has a long recovery ahead please lift him up in prayer. 

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” - James 5:16