Community News

TwiliteZone.com—It’s almost amusing to see African-American News & Issues’ prophetic articles unfold, long after we’ve discussed the issue (as in the case of the Taser controversy, that’s currently replacing Mayor Bill White’s ill-conceived Safe Clear initiative in the consciousness of Black Houstonians—just as we predicted when HPD’s Chief Harold Hurtt started campaigning for the supposedly more benign weapons (guaranteed to cut down on fatal police shootings), before he unpacked his suitcases after arriving from Arizona. Thus, I give City Councilmember Ada Edwards kudos, for respecting my common sense opinions (and being a public servant, who truly serves the public), because I seldom make a wrong call. For sure, some of my elders were true believers in the occult but, lest you forget, my second field of expertise is Socio-Psychology, with emphaisis on maladaptive be-havior. Hence, news and people (especially Black folks) are my business. And I, indeed, takes care of business. Salaam!
LostInSpace—Although it’s been Lost In Space, a complimentary memoriam is over due for the love ones of Perry Le-Blanc, whose very productive life was celebrated at Ross Mortuary Chapel, 3618 Lyons Ave., on Dec. 20, 2004, with Rev. Jimmie King officiating. Active pallbearers were: Jerry LeBlanc, Keith Ceasar, Perry Jackson, Charles York, Ced-ric Hawkins, and Calvin Perro LeBlanc. Cleveland Le Blanc was the only honorary pallbearer for Perry, who was born on July 25, 1941 to Calvin LeBlanc and Theresa Carmouche LeBlanc. He was a member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and attended HISD schools. His parents, a sister, Patricia LeBlanc and brother, Calvin J. LeBlanc preceded him in death. Perry leaves wonderful memories for a brother, Cleveland P. LeBlanc; two sisters, Theresa D. Johnson and Shirley M. LeBlanc; special aunt and godmother, Lillian Hubbard. Perry will be missed.

MeMories— A complimentary memoriam is due the love ones of Mark Anthony Dean, whose full and productive life was celebrated at Mount Vernon UMC, 1501 Jensen, on Dec. 22, 2004, with Dr. Lewis L. Jackson, Sr., officiating. Rev. E. R. Curvey, Altha Silas, Clayton Hardman, Worshipful Master PHA and Rev. W. E. Lockett participated in the order of service. Active pallbearers were The Craft of True Square Lodge # 108 & Prince HallGrand Lodge of Tex-as. Kenneth Sims, John P. Stivers III, Dan Hunter, Keon Sims, Toliver Presley and Eric Warren were honorary pallbearers for Mark Anthony, who was born on Sept. 25, 1945 to James Dean and Bettye Dean. He attended Atherton, E. O. Smith and Phillis Wheatley in Houston’s Fifth Ward and received a music scholarship to march in Florida A &. M University’s renowned band.
Mark had a 20-year career in the U. S. Air Force and retired as a TSgt. He also was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner, serving as: Worshipful Master, Grand Interment Master of the Knight Templers, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons, Commander-in-Chief of the Consistory 32nd Degree, Deputy Grand Master, and District Deputy Grand Master. He enjoyed teaching Masonic classes and interacting with his church, family, friends and being a champion on the golf course. Mark passed away on Dec. 18, 2004 and is survived by his loving mother; his devoted companion, Emma Hunter; aunt, Lyda Stivers; cousins, Kenneth Sims (Annette); Richelle Lacy, John Paul Stivers III, Keno Sims (Robin) and Lea-ler Sims; godchildren Toliver Presley, Alicia Hunter, and Eric Warren, as well many other relatives and friends. Well-done Mark Anthony Dean.

GoodNeighbor—A belated Good Neighbor salute and complimentary memoriam is overdue for Sis. Minnie Lee Pinson, whose long, fruitful and very productive life was celebrated Kashmere Gardens BC, 4302 Cavalcade Street, on Dec. 23, 2004, with Rev. Roy Williams officiating at the discretion of Pastor Gene A. Canada. Rev. Ronald Curtis, Jewel Burnside, Rev. Gerald Sewell, Grenata Vessel and Marilyn & Choir participated in the spirit-filled order of service. Active pallbearers were: Larry Holinquest, Robert Higgins, Farris Fontenot, Erick Moore, Troy Vessel and Calvin Mathis. Samuel Bean Jr., Collin Barcus Jr., Larry Gilcrease Jr., LaQuienance Bean Innis, Roderick Barcus, Michael Pinson, Kenneth Brown, Gary L. Terrell, Innis Harris and Markeal Barcus were honorary pallbearers for Minnie, who was born March 8, 1930 in Hearne, Texas to Gertrude J. Miles and Leon Price.
Minnie was the oldest of eight siblings, two preceded her in death. She confessed Christ at an early age and united with New Elam Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. T. Harris where she sang in the choirs. Minnie received her education at Blacksherd High School where she was active in playing basketball and was a member of the Glee Club. She moved to Houston, Texas where she met and married Sanford Brown, Sr., and to this union three children where born, one daughter Lender Bean preceded her in death. Later years, she met and married Obbie Lee Pinson and to this union five children were born, one son Gary Pinson preceded her in death. She reunited with the Kashmere Gardens Missionary Baptist Church, under Rev. Gene A. Canada, where she remained faithful until her health failed.
She departed this life pm Dec. 16, 2004, at Northeast Medical Center Hospital. Sister Pinson leaves to cherish her memories: One daughter Cheryl Pinson; five sons: Sanford Brown, Oliver Glenwood (Gladys) Brown, Kenneth (Alice) Brown, Michael Ob-bie Pinson; Collin Pinson; 4 sisters: Mae Dell Haley; Ed-die (Johnnie) Taylor; Shirley Ann Wright and Willie Mae (Dan) McCrory; a brother, John Allen Fisher; four aunts: Catherine Mack, Francis Reed, Jewel Lee Burnside, Betty Joyce Lewis and 25 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a host of nieces. nephews. Rest in peace Good Neighbor Minnie Lee Pinson, you will be greatly missed.
HoodWatch—If TSU and/or high schools were giving out a support of the year award, it’s a safe bet that Charles Peters would win it hands down. Peters, is often seen at sporting events with his entire clan, e.g., his parents and siblings. Kudos Charles. A family that plays and prays together is a family that stays together…. Several Dancers Core and the Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, in conjunction with The Field, a New York-based artist service organization, presents a Spring Fieldwork Showcase, on April 3, 2005, 7 p.m., at the Barnevelder Studio C Theater. For information call (713) 862-5530…. Esther Honoree Hollimon became a living testimony to God’s Amazing Grace, when she came to Sunday morning services at Pleasant Hill BC, 1510 Pannell, for the first time since she was stricken with a brain malady several months ago.
Esther, one of the most beautiful Fifth Ward sisters to ever march in front Phillis Wheatley High School’s band, along with her equally beautiful sister, Shirley, who now lives in California. Esther’s family and riends were fearing the worse, insofar as she was in a coma for several weeks. Thus, everybody was astounded when she suddenly started talking with her son who was at her bedside. A rapidly recovering Esther and her family has nothing but love and gratitude for all of her friends (Esp. forever loyal Wheatley classmates, Joan Bookman Weathhersby & James Paul Matthews) and her praying church family for their invaluable support during her darkest hours. The Hollimon clan certainly gives God the glory…. Globetrotting Thomasene Smith, the beautiful and talented daughter of James and Dorothy Smith (Melody Barber Shop & Reality on Laura Koppe), apparently realized that she was too young to retire, after leaving her dream job with IBM’s Sports & Entertainment Department (Plans major events, such as the Olympics and Super Bowls), to be near her ailing mother.
Thus, she has returned to her first love and opened Thoma-sene Smith Barber Shop, 151 Isaack Rd., in Humble, Texas. She says if any of her Smiley High teachers and/or classmates get lost trying to get to her, they can always call (281) 446-2499 for directions and a good haircut…. Paul Quinn ex-students have until April 2, 2005 to participate in the Dallas based school’s 133rd Founder’s Week Celebration. For contact info., call (1-241) 302-3510…. The Original Family Line, of Willie “Saint” & Rosa Smith of Tylertown, Mississippi, are coming together in Columbia, Mississippi’s City Auditorium for a reunion, on August 6-7. 2005. Nancy Thompson and Wanda Medious is sending out a nationwide clarion call to members of the massive clan. A deadline of June 30, 2005 has been set to contact them @ (601) 736-8862, or email: wandamedious@aol.com.

SportsWatch—I was saddened to learn that Benjamin J. Reed, Jr., aka “B-J” had passed on March 13, 2005. B-J. just might have been one of Aldine ISD G.W. Carver’s most prolific offensive and defensive tackles the now defunct Acres Home School ever produced. Although B-J, who was offered a scholarship to play for TSU’s coach Alexander Durley, weighed in at over 300 pounds, but could dunk a basketball with ease and outrun some of the school’s track team’s best sprinters. Unfortunately, B-J drifted into a life of crime and was shot in the face during a drug deal gone bad. Even so, God had his hand of B-J (his mother was a well-known evangelist), insofar as when he attended a school for the blind, he not only found Jesus, but a loving wife. Reed’s life was celebrated on March 19, 2004 at First Baptist Church, 844 Fortune, with Pastor Gerald Peavy officiating. So, long B-J and thanks for the memories.