1

Covering the J.A. and Henrietta Gentry Family and Associates to SIR with Love

(To Salute, Inspire, and Reinforce)

Volume 10, Number 1 January 1, 2020

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ www.gentrygazette.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ice Breaker

January: The Life Afresh Month

How about starting off 2020 with a little Canton Spirituals’

lyric - “Starting my life all over again (allgospellyrics.com).” Let’s

clean up what we have messed up - stop lying and cheating; don’t

run anymore, and go back to church. Life can really be made

afresh. Susan Murphy (forbes.com) tells how to get the ball rolling

in your personal life to become joyful and productive: 1) identify

living conditions that need particular attention; 2) reflect on and

operate from your core values; 3) review your successes and

mistakes – eliminate things that hold you back; 4) decide what you really want – have a good

reason for achieving; 5) watch your confidence grow as you achieve initial goals; and 6) keep

positive people in your life, visualize achieving your goal, locate your sense of humor, and

definitely, celebrate accomplishment of your goals.

If you have had a good life, 2020 offers an opportunity to have a great life. Science and

tech will take us there, just 1) get ready for a complete synthetic human brain, moon mining,

robotic moon bases, chips implanted in our brains, self-driving cars and high speed rail linking

London to Beijing. It is predicted that 2020 is going to be an awesome year (rbcnews.com).

Let’s take life to a whole new level this year. (Image: google.com)

------------------------------------------ Contents

# Feedback/Input (Dr. Gisele Gentry; Honorable Mary Coleman)

# A Better Way – Drive Roads that Lead to the Main Highway

# Pay Mississippi Property Taxes by February 1st

# Deacon James and Geraldine Witherspoon – A Couple to be admired; A Family to be Idealized

# Touched by Seven (7) Deacons Emeritus at New Hope Baptist Church

# Twenty-Eighth (28th

) Annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch by Charles Gentry

# Our Family and Associates Prayer

# All January Birthday Celebrants

# Did You Know? (Beth McInnis successfully defended her dissertation; Coach TC Taylor

Promoted to JSU Offensive Coordinator; More)

2

# Photo Gallery (Coach TC and Dawn Gentry Taylor and Family; More)

# Classified (Reggie Gentry’s Website will Take Your Breath Away – Click and See; Alice

Tisdale, Publisher of the Jackson Advocate is Retiring; Rosa Sanders Publishes a Book about

Hathorn (Noxapater) Community; More)

# The Gazette Call (Please submit Birthdays; Emails; More)

# Hello January 2020 from the Gazette Staff

# Bottom Line: Help to make the Family SIR with Love

--------------------------------------

Feedback/Input (Image: google.com)

Dr. Gisele Gentry of Madison - OMG I have been seeing this car in the

parking lot on Sunday mornings and was wondering who it belonged to!!! Thanks for the

newsletter! You answered my question. And I did not know they were married. I always see

Mr. Rowe and Ms. Rowe and I always speak but I had no idea they were married all of these

years. Ms. Rowe and I often greet each other by saying "Hi Cousin!"

Honorable Mary Coleman of Jackson - Thank you!

------------------------------------------------------

A Better Way – Drive Roads that Lead to the Main Highway (Image: google.com)

Today the case is made for staying on the main road; you may on

another occasion be encouraged to take the road less traveled. Up front,

you should know that the MP has sometimes found it extremely beneficial

to travel the main road; on the other hand some of his most treasured

adventures have been on less traveled paths. The first idiom is perhaps

most appropriate for practical or common matters; the second option is

for more abstract or futuristic challenges. Here is the case for staying on the main highway.

Anyone with a track record of driving can tell of cutoffs and backroads that were

beneficial in reaching their destination. Permit such an individual to continue talking and he or

she will likely tell of how backroads proved a disaster. The MP once was traveling I-10 and

First Responders directed traffic to detour. In an effort to get to the next entrance ramp he found

the backroads to be narrow, dark, and winding through cane fields that seemed to never give way

to a decent path.

Figuratively, life would be awesome if it were lived like a pursuit of objectives that led to

a main goal; like following a recipe to bake a delicious cake; or like caring for a baby to one day

delight in seeing a mature adult. It takes systematic effort to achieve a lofty goal, precise

measuring of ingredients to arrive at a mouth-watering cake, and a lot of nourishing and

counseling to facilitate a person from childhood to adulthood; yet, this is what it takes for man to

be a good steward of his living.

Here are some reasons and strategies for accessing main highways to reach desired

destinations or lofty goals. As starters, interstate highways and main-roads 1) are usually faster

and safer; 2) often readily access industry and main businesses; and 3) most cities and towns are

just a short distance from major roadways (areadevelopment.com). Now, there is a word of

3

caution about reaching the bright lights and big cities. People living close to major highways are

more susceptible to traffic-related air pollution and elevated risk for adverse health outcomes

(cdc.gov).

Safe-driving strategies are 1) take good care of your vehicle; 2) only drive when you are

emotionally and physically fit; 3) pay attention; 4) use all safety equipment you can; 5) drive

within the speed limit; 6) obey all traffic laws; and 7) be prepared to react to unexpected

situations. Further, when driving in unfavorable terrain or conditions 1) adjust your speed to

match the driving conditions; 2) be careful when changing lanes; and 3) if at all possible, do not

drive under such conditions (aarp.org).

Aside from driving an automobile, here are some implications for reaching the main road

to become successful in life. It is advocated that a person can achieve almost anything in life by

1) being fully committed, 2) seeking knowledge, 3) making the journey fun, 4) getting rid of

stagnating thoughts, 5) using your imagination, 6) getting rid of distractions, 7) planning, and 8)

protecting yourself from burnout (success.com).

To succeed in life always be discerning of dead-end streets. Travel roads that have

connection to those that lead to “Rome”; travel roads that lead to desired destinations. Let’s harp

a bit about reaching Rome. It is the “Eternal City” that abounds

with ancient history from the Colosseum to majestic Vatican

City and the Sistine Chapel. Because of its history, art,

architecture, and beauty – Rome is one of the

most toured cities (worldstrides.com). The

MPs put their forces together, stayed the

course, and were able to visit that “Holy City.”

(Pic left: Mrs. MP in front of Vatican City; pic

right: MP in front of entrance to Rome’s

Colosseum - Gentry Gazette, v9, n3). It is all and more that the literature

pumps it up to be. Make plans and see Rome with your own natural eyes.

-------------------------------------------

Pay Mississippi Property Taxes by February 1st

Prologue: This article was posted in Vol. 8, No. 2 of the Gazette. It remains

apropos and therefore is presented again in this issue for 2020.

See if you can hang your hat on this statement: “Give to Caesar what is

Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). Well, it is that time to render

unto Caesar. It is time to pay property taxes in Mississippi; February 1st is the deadline.

Mississippi levies annual property taxes to provide revenue for school districts and for

city and county governments (investopedia.com). If you fail to pay your real property taxes it

can lead to a tax sale. The tax collector sells the property at a public auction to the highest

bidder. If no one bids the state gets the property. Persons who lose property via a tax sale get a

certain period of time in which to pay off the tax debt and prevent the purchaser from getting title

to the property following the sale (nolo.com).

Previous generations of the family and associates worked hard to acquire property of

which they passed down to the current generation. Owning something of your own was a mantra

of older generations; it grew mainly out of their memory of slavery when their forefathers were

4

denied the right to own property. In fact, slaves were property of white land owners. It is

incumbent upon the current generation to be good stewards of property which they inherited and

otherwise own. (Image: google.com).

---------------------------------------------------

Deacon James and Geraldine Witherspoon – A Couple to be admired; A Family to be

Idealized

Once in a while the real McCoys come along; as in the

case of James and Geraldine Witherspoon. Even in their early

years of dating one could see a Churchill – Clementine

Syndrome in the making; Churchill reportedly told Clementine

“I do not love and never will love any woman in the world but

you” (historyextra.com). It has been posited that chemistry and

physical attraction may bring two people together but it takes

more attributes for a lasting relationship. The couple will need

such qualities as compassion, a sense of humor, trust,

appreciation, mutual respect, and love (huffpost.com). James and Geraldine embraced all these

qualities and many more; they went after rewriting the history of love and family. (Pic: The

Witherspoons – Anthony, Gerald, James, Adra, Melvin)

It was a joy watching this quality relationship develop and come to fruition. They

successful completed their schooling and landed gainful employment. Their relationship soon led

to marriage and the parenting of three remarkable children. They excelled on the job, are devout

Christians, and reach out to their extended families. All these things add up to make them

community role models; even their home at Christmas time speaks out to say what wonderful

people they are (pic: their cozy home on Christmas 2019).

More specifically, James graduated Jim Hill High School

(Jackson) as a star football player. He went on to attend

Coahoma Jr. College on an athletic scholarship and then earned

an athletic scholarship to attend Alabama State University.

James left ASU and came to Jackson State University where he

was awarded the B.S. Degree in 1967. He accepted employment

as a coach and Physical Education instructor at Edwards Jr. High

School (MS). James earned the M.S. Degree from JSU and ended his educational career as Assistant Principal at Edwards Attendance Center. While

teaching, during summer months James was a bus driver for Continental Trailways. After

retirement he worked eight plus years for U.S. Postal Services as a motor vehicle driver. In 1987

he was made Deacon James Witherspoon at New Hope (Hamilton) Baptist Church and has been

Assistant Superintendent and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He currently serves under the

pastorship of Rev. Marshall L. Magee, Jr. Geraldine was born in Holly Bluff, MS. Her family

moved to Jackson and she graduated high school in the Jackson Public Schools. Gerald then

attended and graduated Utica Jr. College. She worked twenty four (24) years at McRae’s and

five (5) years as assistant teacher in JPS. Her membership at New Hope Hamilton has spanned

54 years.

5

Rev. Henry Witherspoon, who was Gerald’s classmate, introduced

James and Gerald to each other. The story associated with the introduction

is hilarious. Henry said that he was courting his future wife Lg who was

Gerald’s first cousin and they lived next door to each other (pic: Henry and

Lg). His brother James had a car and he did not; so he thought that if he got

James to date Gerald that would provide him transportation to see Lg; the

brothers and next-door cousins got it on with a relationship that would

ultimately last a lifetime, over fifty years and still counting (this is exactly

how courting took place in Noxapater). Though one should know that James and Henry were/are

story-book brothers, though they are quite independent, nothing can separate them – especially

from the love of God (Roman 8:38, biblegateway.com). Continuing, the relationship of James

and Gerald was an instant match. They now have been happily married for 53 years and are the

proud parents of three children and five grandchildren. James was quick to say that they had

some ups and downs but through it all they made it.

Along the way the Witherspoons established principles and values to order their steps.

They made it a practice to be committed to the journey, set attainable routines, choose the right

direction, think positively and big, stay focused on growth, be determined, and surround

themselves with positive-thinking people (elitedaily.com).

In short order, what does it take to make a marriage stand ten feet tall? James and Gerald

have a bit of advice. They encourage the couple to 1) love each other mightily; 2) seek to

understand one another [Gerald said this was prime for them]; 3) have a prayer life; 4) be

forgiving; 5) humble yourself; 6) have and open mind; and 7) make it a practice to listen to each

other.

Family means the world to the Witherspoons; their offsprings have to be the luckiest

people ever. But remember, the children took the ball and ran with it to make a track record of

their own.

Their oldest child is Adra Nichelle Sparkman; her husband is Gary. Adra is

11th

grade assistant principal in Tupelo (tuupeloschools.com; pic: google.com). She

had been with the district for 19 years teaching biology and other courses before

becoming assistant principal. Adra is excited for the privilege to help students

achieve excellence (djournal.com). The Sparkmans have two children (Jasmin and

Jalen). Jasmin graduated the University of Southern Mississippi with honors and is

now working in health care at the hospital in Tupelo; Jalen is attending Mississippi State

University on an academic scholarship (pic 2: the Sparkmans a while back – Gary, Jalen, Jasmin,

Adra). Daughter Adra had a megaton of love to unload on her parents, James

and Gerald. This is what she said – “Dear Mom and Dad, I would like to

take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the role you have

played in my life. I am blessed to have you as my parents. Three important

lessons were consistent throughout my life: Put God first in all of our

endeavors, cherish family because there is no one like your own, and

always do your best to help others. I see these lessons in your lives and I thank you for giving us

the blueprint to live ours. Proverbs 22:6 says ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when

he is old, he will not depart from it.’ Thank you for your training, your support, and most of all,

your love for us, and especially, for each other. I thank God for two wonderful parents and I

treasure the memories we have and those we have yet to make. I love you.” Adra Nichelle

Dannette Witherspoon Sparkman, aka Chelle

6

The middle child is James Melvin Witherspoon, Jr. CSP,

PHR, ARM. He serves as Director of Risk Management and

Safety at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, NC. Melvin is

married to Michelle from Winston Salem and they have two

children; Ronnie who lives in California and Chinia who is

graduating University of NC at Charlotte this year (pics: Melvin

and Michelle; Ronnie; Melvin, Chinia, and Michelle; Chinia).

Melvin spoke of the children’s adoration for their parents, James

and Gerald – “To the two people that have made me into the

person that I am today, we are very fortunate that God blessed us

with the blueprint of unconditional love shown through your

words and actions. Thanks for pushing us to be the best that we can be. May God continue to

bless you both and that you continue to be a beacon of light to all you encounter. We love you

and truly appreciate you both!”

The youngest child is Dr. Anthony Witherspoon. He is married

to Dr. Shavahn Witherspoon and they have one child (Karis) who is

four years old. Both Anthony and Shavahn are chiropractors. Anthony

graduated Jim Hill High School (Jackson), earned the B.S. at JSU, and

graduated Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC with a

Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2010. Dr. Witherspoon has

practiced in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. He and his

wife have Five (5)-star ratings for their professional practice

(n2greathealth.com). (Pic 1: Drs. Anthony and Shavahn Witherspoon, n2greathealth.com; pic 2:

Karis, Anthony, and Shavahn). Anthony is most appreciative of

his parents. He said that they (the children) could never have asked

for better role models; they taught them how to live and treat

people.

James and Gerald take extreme pride in their children and

grandchildren, and rightfully so. The question may be how did

they rear their children so well in times like these? They shared

their secrets. These are the pointers that they offered 1) Love all the same; 2) Be consistent, not

being partial; 3) Discipline when necessary; 4) Set good examples, be good role models; 5) Make

God head of their lives, espouse religious values; and 6) Make sure school work is being done.

The Witherspoons make family life active. Each year they have a Family Thanksgiving

Dinner at one or the other member’s house (in 2019 it was hosted by Melvin Witherspoon in

NC). They frequently communicate by phone, email, and FaceTime.

The influence of the Witherspoons’ life far exceeds their immediate family; they

positively impact their extended family and the community. The MP is eternally grateful for

them. When the late Bessie Gentry was ill Gerald covered her with prayer and assistive service

like the morning dew. When the MP worked at JSU and had for some days both day and night

classes, James offered him to have a bit to eat and chill at his home rather than drive home across

town. God made only a few Witherspoons (the real McCoys), the rest he gave other names.

The bottom line: If there ever was a couple to be envied, James and Gerald are the one;

they have and display all the attributes to set them apart. If there is such a thing as an All

American Family, James and Gerald’s Family is the one; they are a walking democracy and the

epitome of “We the people.”

7

Touched by Seven (7) Deacons Emeritus at New Hope Baptist Church – Heroes in Church

and in Life

Have you ever met A real man? In answering this question, many may pause, then say “I

think not;” a few may consider it and say “maybe one or two;” the MP proudly proclaims that

“he has met at least seven (7).” This is his remembrance and indebted expression of the

awesome heroes who were honored at New Hope Baptist Church, Jackson, MS, on December 8,

2019. The program included the occasion by Bro. Kenneth Wheatley, Deacon Chairman;

presentation of honorees by Bro. Earl Scales, Vice-Chairman, Sis. Bobbie Cathey, Deaconess

Chair-Woman, and Sis. Helen Young, First Lady (Source and pic, NHBC Program, December 8,

2019). The service was an exemplary one.

-Bro. Leo Moore - on first Sundays

delivered the bread and cup as only a

masterful postman could. Just like

future 16th

President Abraham

Lincoln made delivering mail an art

and a science (he would put the

letters in his hat and deliver them to

recipients (telegraph.co.uk), Bro.

Moore made communion to the

parishioners a sweet treat and a

profound remembrance of Jesus’

death and resurrection

(journeynyc.com).

-Bro. James Dallas, Sr. - the

essence of the “good neighbor” and

personification of a devoted scholar.

The second greatest commandment is

to love thy neighbor (Matt 22:39) and

it is common knowledge that

education is the passport to the future

(Malcolm X; google.com). Bro.

Dallas walked the neighborhood with the welfare of the community in his heart and likewise, as

a military vet he was a role model to younger students in pursuit of his higher education at

Jackson State University; the MP was privileged to be one of his professors.

-Bro. Bennie L. Richard, Sr. - the Sunday school teacher known for having a sense of humor

and a thought provoking lesson. Laughter is the best medicine; it helps to bring the mind and

body into balance, lightens your burdens, and inspires hope (helpguide.org). A lesson is great

when the teacher has the learners actively engaged, interested in the learning experience, and

challenged to the best of their ability (resumes-for-teachers.com). As a teacher, Bro. Richard

could make you laugh and in the same breath stretch your brain to the limit; what an awesome

teacher and principal he was and deacon and person he is. Brother Richard said it is an honor

and privilege to serve as a deacon; it entails servitude and responsibility that suit him.

8

-Dr. Jay T. Smith, Sr. - the best all-around personality of the South; he has the faith and does

the work (faith without work is dead – James 2:14-26). A spiritual song says that one should

keep the faith, never cease to pray, just walk upright, call Him noon, day or night (Friendship

Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir; google.com) – this is Dr. Smith. As a co-worker for more than

a quarter century, the MP has never found him without faith and a hand to the plow. He keeps

on giving of himself to the church and every other good cause and the Lord just keeps on

blessing him. History will not be able to contain him; only a place in heaven awaits him. Dr.

Jay Smith said being a deacon is his calling; it enables him to help a lot of people as each deacon

is assigned a number of families with which to work.

-Dr. Robert H. Smith, Sr. - the resolute, exemplary professional and standout person in life. Dr.

Smith all but always exemplified the traits of a superior college professor and administrator. He

came to the position with charisma, wit, warmth, knowledge, preparation and dynamic

enthusiasm (k-state.edu). He is a standout in life because of his drive, ability to shoulder

responsibilities, strength to see things through, patience, integrity, passion, and optimism

(inc.com). Put his professional and personal traits together and it is no wonder that he is a

distinguished professor, deacon emeritus, and a wonderful person. The MP has been blessed by

his association with Dr. Smith as a university colleague and fellow church member for more than

four decades. Dr. Smith said that service is his motto; he loves being able to serve people.

-Bro. John A. Wicks, Sr. - the methodical prayer warrior and spirit builder in his daily walk.

Most people’s college major reflects their character. As a trained physicist, Mr. Wicks is a

systematic person who has to get the properties of a matter in place. Also, this person often has

outstanding analytical, mathematical and critical thinking abilities (careerexplorer.com). With

this backdrop it is no wonder about his prayers being so researched and well targeted to the

needs of the church. Mr. Wicks is a great educator and dynamic leader in part because he knows

how to bring out the best in people. A spirit builder is one who is motivated, passionate,

inspirational, persistent, committed, creative, and able to bring others together

(propelwomen.com). Mr. Wicks pays his dues when it comes to the church, education, and

community. Specifically, when the MP lost his first wife (Bessie) Mr. Wicks gave a tribute that

was truly appreciated and will always be remembered. Brother Wicks said it has been his

privilege to serve God as an ordained deacon at NHBC for thirty years and enjoy His richest

blessings for the title of Deacon Emeritus.

-Bro. Billy D. Wince, Sr. is a Christian fellowshipping parishioner; he works the audience each

Sunday with a handshake, smile, and encouraging word. It is an understatement to simply say

that his warm-heartedness is appreciated. Literature explains that fellowship comes from God’s

grace and through it souls are refreshed, fed, and strengthened; it means opening one’s heart to

fellow believers; it is being sincere and honest in dealings with God and with others

(ministrymagazine.org). It is understood that pursuing a military career, as Brother Wince did,

prepares a person for war; but it does not necessarily take away one’s ability to love his

fellowman. As a deacon, Brother Wince said that he has always told people that service to

others opens doors; currently he volunteers to visit people at the ER, in the hospital, and in

nursing homes.

-------------------------------------------------------

9

Twenty-Eighth (28th

) Annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch

by Charles Gentry

Dr. LaVerne Gentry of Clinton served as one of the Co-Chairs

for the 28th

Annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch of the National Coalition of

100 Black Women, Incorporated, Central Mississippi Chapter. This event

was held at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday, November 30, 2019 in Jackson,

MS. Over the years, the Central Mississippi Chapter has given more than

$260,000.00 in scholarships to deserving young ladies throughout the

central Mississippi area. Gentry served as Chapter President for 2 terms

and she also served on the organization’s National Board of Directors.

Charles Gentry and Jay Johnson hit the runway to introduce the

Sophisticated Gent modeling category. Charles, a long term supporter of

the Central Mississippi Chapter, has assisted the runway participants on and off the stage for

many years. Hats off to the Gentrys for community service. (Pic: LaVerne and Charles)

---------------------------------------------

Family and Associates Prayer

Oh my God! With utmost gratitude we stand on the verge of a new

year, 2020. We know that only your grace and mercy brought us to this point.

Now we must put to greatest use the talents and abilities that you bestowed

upon us. Father, lead us to do an assessment of our motives and movement; let

us come to assurance that our will and our ways are congruent with your master plan. We want

to love you more; for we know that if we do, all things will work together for good (Romans

8:28). We want to trust in you; for if we do, you will make straight our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We want to be excellent students of yours; for if we are, you will teach us the way to go (Psalm

32:8. God we just want in 2020 to be more like you would have us to be. Our goal for the end

of the year is to hear you say well done my true and faithful servant; and when this is said we

will know that our living was not in vain. As always, father we ask that you accord compassion

to the sick and bereaved among us. Keep them in your bosom and appease them as only you

can. This is our prayer. Amen. (Image: google.com)

------------------------------------------------

All January Birthday Celebrants:

They include:

Bryant, Wesley Jan 17th

Ellis, Harvey, Jr. Jan 3rd

Gentry, Keisha Jan 18th

Gentry, Rianah Jan 15th

Green, Nakyla Jan 5th

Green, Michael Jan 12th

Haynes, Blake Jan 21st

Hicks, Betty Jan 19th

(Jordan, Collie Gentry) Jan 15th

McCord, Bridgette Jan 15th

McCord, Jerry (DJ) IV Jan 4th

McCord, Kathy Jan 31st

Moore, Eddie B. Jan 21st

Shields, Lincoln, Jr. Jan 18th

Shields, Mamie Jan 14th

Threat, Vanessa Jan 6th

Wall, Caleb Jan 14th

Wall, Jackson Jan 27th

Wall, Jillian Jan 27th

Woodard, (Harold [Arnita Inell]) Jan 21st

Happy birthday to each from all Gazetteers! (Image: bing.com; A name in parenthesis means deceased)

The Gentry Gazette SIRing with Love

10

Did You Know? (Beth McInnis successfully defended her dissertation; Coach TC Taylor

Promoted to JSU Offensive Coordinator; More)

-Beth McInnis of Jackson informed the MP that she successfully defended her

dissertation at Mississippi State University on December 2, 2019. It is now

appropriate to acknowledge her as Dr. McInnis. Congratulations Beth from all of

us. (Beth is the daughter of Hattie Frazier and the niece of the late Bessie Frazier Gentry.)

-Coach TC Taylor of Madison promoted to JSU Offensive Coordinator -

Jackson State University head football coach John Hendrick has named Coach TC

Taylor coordinator of the JSU football team. The team’s record for 2019 was 4-8

overall and 3-4 in the SWAC. The Tigers will begin spring practice on March 17,

2020 (clarionledger.com). Everyone is wishing the best for the Tigers in upcoming

years. (Pic: vicksburgnews.com)

-Mr. Edward and Mrs. Ella Swaggard of Davenport, IA came to

Jackson to visit Ollie and Hazel Swaggard Gentry and family for the

Thanksgiving Holiday. While in the city they worshipped at New

Hope Baptist Church and were welcomed by Pastor Jerry Young from

the pulpit (yes, Gisele Gentry probably reminded the pastor to

acknowledge them; pic: the Swaggards and Ollie Gentry’s family,

contributor - Gisele).

-New Hope Baptist Church’s 2019 Christmas Cantata (held

December 15, 2019) rose to a class all

by itself; it simply redefined the

concept and will be listed in the annals

of time. The Church’s Music Ministry

entitled the Cantata “Something about

That Name … Jesus.” It had all that

you would expect in a cantata and

much more. Narrators Pastor Young,

Leon Collins, and Isabella Evans set

the stage for excellence; the Choir

Ensemble sang magnificantly; the

Drama Ministry joined in; the Liturgical Dance Ministry performed gracefully; LaTonya

Stafford and Rodney Phillips were an exemplerary duet; Natalie Jones and Carlton Smith

maintained the momentum; Kelli Hart and the Youth Choir Ensemble displayed voices from on

high; and Dr. Young walked Biblical Books one by one illistrating unequivacaly that there is

“No Other Name” but Jesus – He is the Alpha and Omega. The Pastor took the message to a

crecendo like never before (it reminded the MP of his first sermon at New Hope as a guest

minister). With true amazement the audience soaked up a Christmas spirit that will support them

throughout the season and for years to come (see pic). What a mighty time it was, serving Christ

until the power of the Lord came down!

The Gentry Gazette SIRing with Love

11

Photo Gallery (Coach TC and Dawn Gentry Taylor and Family; More)

NHBC held its Annual Christmas Fellowship Program at the Jackson Hilton on December 20, 2019. It

was truly a joyous occasion. Pics 1-2: Chelsie Gentry, member of the Praise Dance Ministry; pic 3: Dr.

Dorothy Gentry, Dr. Roosevelt Gentry, Dr. Eunette Gentry, Lenary and Harvey Ellis.

NHBC cont. Pic 1: Dr. John A. Peoples, Mrs. Mary Peoples, Kathleen Peoples-Green, Sherwin Green; pic

2: Ethel, Charles, LaVerne; Pic 3: Ethel, Chelsie, LaVerne, Hazel, Eunette, Eula, Lenary, Harvey,

Charles, Roosevelt, Ollie, Velsie, Hattie, and Beth.

Coach TC and Dawn Gentry Taylor and Family attended New Hope Baptist Church on December 8,

2019. Pic 1: Dawn, TC, III, Tylan, TC; pic 2: Dorothy, Shirley Richardson, Roosevelt, LaVerne, Charles,

Tylan, Dawn, TC, and TC, III; Birthday celebration for Will Taylor, Jr., December 6, 2019, Cock of the

Walk (Contributor: Dr. LaVerne Gentry) – pic 3: Charles, LaVerne, Will, Dr. Fran Bridges.

The Gentry Gazette SIRing with Love

12

Pic 1: Dr. LaVerne and Charles Gentry at The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

Central MS Chapter’s 28th Annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch, Nov. 30, 2019 at the Hilton

Jackson (Jackson Advocate, Dec. 5-11, 2019); pic 2: Mr. Joel Taylor’s 85th

birthday was

celebrated on December 22, 2019 at Sandhill Library. He is the MP’s long-term neighbor of the

Country Squire; pic 3: The Butler Family Christmas photo at Port Gibson by Tony Gant

Pic 1: Charles and LaVerne Gentry of Clinton

invited the family and friends to their home on

December 30, 2019 to eat and view pictures of

their trips abroad – Charles, Laura Powell, Jeff

Powell, Roosevelt, Chelsie, Dorothy, Eunette,

Laverne, and John Cornelius.

---------------------------------------------------

Classified (Reggie Gentry’s Website will Take Your Breath Away – Click and See; Alice

Tisdale, Publisher of the Jackson Advocate is Retiring; Rosa Sanders Publishes a Book

about Hathorn (Noxapater) Community; More)

-Reginald F. Gentry of Atlanta, GA has a physical fitness website that

will literally take your breath away. The MP viewed it and was elated to a

point that it was all he could do to keep from listing Reggie’s lineage

(genealogy). Meet Physical Fitness Coach Reggie Gentry at

wwwreggiegentry.com. (Pic: from the website)

The Gentry Gazette SIRing with Love

13

-Alice Thomas-Tisdale of Jackson is retiring as

publisher of the Jackson Advocate. A retirement

celebration for her will be February 29, 2020

from 3 to 6:00 pm at Fresh Start Christian

Church, 5210 Manhattan Rd, Jackson, MS.

(Admission is free but tickets are required via the

website below to properly accommodate guests).

She wishes to show appreciation to

Mississippians for 40 years of wonderful

experiences with the Jackson Advocate through gospel music and southern treats (source:

eventbrite.com). For a full-blown display of the retirement announcement see the Jackson

Advocate December 5-11, 2019, p. 14A. The Gentry Family is deeply indebted to Alice for

capturing and reporting their efforts to make a positive impact on every student, scholar, and

individual that they encountered. Thanks Alice, you are the greatest in the eyes of Gazetteers!

-Rosa A. Sanders of Noxapater Published a Book – A Journey Without

a Destination (pics: front, back cover of the book). It chronicles the life

and legacy of three sisters’ hard fought journey to freedom and their

subsequent roles in establishment of the Hathorn Community of

Noxapater, MS (one of the sisters (Mollie Tally [Lewis] Hathorn) was the

mother of Grandma Henrietta Hathorn [JA] Gentry). Rosa put extensive

effort in researching essential facts and presenting the material in an

interesting format to inform prospective readers. Beware;

once you start reading the book rest for sure that you will

not depart from it until reading it from cover to cover.

Rosa, you did it exceptionally well. Charles Gentry

supplied each of his siblings with an autographed copy of the book. Side bar,

Rosa was Arthur Gentry and the MP’s classmate in elementary and high school;

she was Dr. Dorothy Stokes Gentry’s classmate at Alcorn State University.

They knew all along that greatness was in Rosa’s blood.

--------------------------------------

The Gazette Call:

Please submit Birthdays; Emails; More for inclusion in and/or update to the Gazette:

Gazette Staff - The Mouse Pieces (MPs), 601-790-7899

or

rubo545@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------

The Gentry Gazette SIRing with Love

14

Please provide material for inclusion in the next publication of the Gentry Gazette. This would

make for an exciting and inspirational newsletter.

January is at hand; it just seems that 2020 is going to be a great year and usher in a decade of true

love and harmony. Let us lay down our burdens by the riverside and study war no more. Let us

reach out and bless the challenged, the young, the old, and anyone else standing in the need of

assistance. We can get all these things off to a great start if we actualize Charmaine J Forde’s

quote: “January, the first month of the year; a perfect time to start all over again – Changing

energies and deserting old moods – New beginnings, new attitudes” (goodreads.com).

From the Gentry Gazette staff, family, and associates

Hello January

It’s A New Year, 2020

Make it the Best Month Yet

Make it the Most Productive Year Ever

(Image: google.com)

Bottom Line: Help to make the Family and Associates SIR with love

For comments, contact Gazette Staff, 601-790-7899