TwiliteZone.com— Inasmuch as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday fell five days before and six years before Gloria Bishop’s birthday, African American News & Issues would be remiss not to seize an excellent opportunity to offer her family and love ones a complimentary memoriam in concurrence with our MLK Day special edition. The long and productive life of Gloria, who passed away on May 2, 2006, was celebrated on May 6, 2006 at Lyons Unity MBC, 3215 Lyons Ave., with Pastor W. A. Jordan officiating. Sis. Alice Limbrick honored Gloria’s life and service to Lyons Unity with a resolution during the order of service and active pallbearers were: William Jennings, Joshua Bishop, Reginald Willis and Robert, George & Leon Scott. Delginn Edwards, Byron Williams, Deacons and Trustees were honorary pallbearers for Gloria, who was born on January 20, 1937 in Goodrich, Texas. She was the child of James and Ethel Miles. She was joined in Holy Matrimony with Willie James Bishop, August 8, 1961. Her surviving sister is Mable Miles and brothers and sisters preceded her in departure. She leaves to mourn: her devoted husband; children: Celeste Jennings (William), Emma Bishop and Jennifer Bishop; grandchildren: Jammale James, Joshua Bishop, De’sira Phillips and Christina Miller; stepson: Herbert Crease; Godson: Delgin Edwards; brothers-in-law: Robert, George, Charlie and Jesse Scott (sister-in-law), Queenie Heard (Rev. Nathaniel) and a host of relatives and friends. Rest in Peace Gloria Bishop, you are greatly missed.
LostInSpace— Although the 81st Victory Day celebration of Pleasant Hill BC, 1510 Pannell, one of Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward community’s most influential institutions was Lost In Space, we would be remiss not to offer congratulations for an outstanding event that featured two generations of nationally renown pulpiteers. As always Rev. Wallace Hartsfield, Pastor of Metropolitan BC, in Kansas City, Missouri, fired up the congregants at the 11 a.m. service. But, as tough of an act the elder pulpiteer is to follow, apparently Rev. Dennis Jones, the dynamic pastor of Gethsemane BC was equal to the task. For sure accolades are in order for the Captains: Jeffery & Antoinette Polk, Corey & Felicia Sterling, Harvey III & Tasha Clemons and Eric & Kim Dawson, who did an outstanding job. Lest we forget, the Victory Day Platinum Circle that contributed $1, 000, or more definitely should take a bow. The Platinum Circle included: Joyce Adams, Harvey Clemons, Jr., May Artha Cowling, Audrey Elmore, Kathy Payton, Tollie Franklin, Bruce Johnson, Samantha Robicheaux, Jerene Terry, Shirley Thomas and three anonymous contributors. Well done, good and faithful servants.
SmallWorld— I was reminded what a Small World that we, indeed, live in when I saw Eisenhower High’s Edward Wright listed among the 19-5A’s All-District Football Team in the Houston Chronicle’s Dec. 31, 2006 edition. Wright is the son of Adrianne Hayes Wright, who ironically became friends with my boys at Eisenhower, but didn’t have a clue that she was in a photo as a baby with them. Bobby Hayes, a pal that’s closer than a brother, is justly proud of his grandson Edward, a junior linebacker, who is also an Honor Role student. Bobby is just as proud of his grandson Northland Christian’s Alan Hayes, who is on TAPPS District 3-II’s football team. Alan, a defensive back, is the son Mark Hayes, who was an outstanding linebacker at Eisenhower in the 1970s. “The apples don’t fall far from the tree, Bobby, an outstanding athlete at BTW in the 1950’s, proclaims. It’s, indeed, a Small World.
InDaHood— Although, 3-year-old Zraina Ruth Garner is getting a bit long in tooth to be the symbolic New Year baby, looking at her beautiful photo certainly keeps hope alive for better days ahead in 2007. Zraina is the treasured and beloved daughter of my “Dream Girl,” Delores “Dee Dee” Garner of Center Point Energy….Also keeping hope alive for me is my “grandson” Erwin “Lil’ Erwin Nicholas Jr., who will be entering his sophomore year at Texas Southern University in 2007. Erwin, the son of Brenda and Erwin Nicholas, is a Cy Ridge grad who played basketball and ran track at the northwest Harris County School. As an executive for TSU’s NAACP branch, Erwin’s New Year’s resolution is to inspire more students to vote.
The MLK Day Parade in Houston, Texas won’t be the same without my old pal Ovide Duncantell, who was ambushed by a conniving Houston City Council. Sadly, Houston’s Black leadership stood silently by and allowed old Dunc to get shafted. Sorry old friend, but your story shall be told….
Do you remember the KYOK-KTSU legend Bro. George Nelson’s popular “Prayer Breakfast” gatherings? If so, you will be happy to know that legacy has been passed on to Bro. George’s son, Rev. George Nelson, Jr., the pastor of Grace Fellowship BC in Brenham, Texas. The monthly event that happens every fourth Saturday, from 9 am-noon, is hosted by Grace Fellowship’s “First Lady” and her “Women of Purpose” organization on the church’s campus. For more info call 1(979) 830-7224.
If you have yet to attend North Houston Frontiers Club Inc.’s MLK Day events, you owe it to yourself to RSVP for a seat at the 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Breakfast that will be held at George R. Brown Convention Center on Jan. 15, 2007. The keynote speaker will be. Je’Caryous Johnson, Founder and CEO, of I’m Ready Production, who received a 1995 NHFCI Award. John W. Bland, VP of Transport Workers of America and Texas AFL-CIO, is the honorary chairperson.
The 2007 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award honoree is Katherine West, Executive Director, Macedonia Outreach and Career Center. Channel 13’s Melanie Lawson will be Mistress of Ceremonies. To RSVP call (713) 778-4294.
SportsWatch— My first meeting with the late Percy Robinson was memorable, insofar as I was shopping at Randall’s on Antoine @ S. Victory, when my eardrums were suddenly assaulted by a booming bass voice singing, “How Great Thou Art.” Since I felt devilish, I whispered to Robinson (an elderly grocer sacker/soloist), that I was a Black Muslim and didn’t go for his public display of faith. He only laughed, and told me that just couldn’t help but sing when he felt the spirit. A friendship blossomed after I took a photo and did an article on him. Thus, that photo got my attention while I was perusing the obituary pages in the Chronicle’s Dec. 21. 2006 edition. Percy’s very productive life was celebrated on Dec. 22 at Bella Vista BC, 803 East 36th St., with Pastor C. J. Abraham officiating. Sisters Ruthie Hubbard and Irma Robinson participated in an order of service. Active pallbearers were the Deacons of Bella Vista.
James Robinson, Sherrod Henderson, Jermaine Harris, Fredrick Robinson and Mason Hall were honorary pallbearers. To make a long story short, I use to keep a scrap book as a youth and I remembered a Dillard University football player named Percy Robinson, but I never realized I was talking to him until I read his funeral program (Thanks to Janet Moore Paradise Funeral Home’s very gracious receptionist), which revealed: “Now singing “How Great thou Art” in heaven lies Percy U. Robinson, who was born in Houma, Louisiana on December 2, 1927 to Jane B. and James Robinson.
He was the youngest of eleven children. His only surviving sister is Ida Stewart. He gave his life to Christ at an early age. He joined Plymouth Rock Baptist Church under his brother Rev. James Robinson, Jr. He attended Terrebone High School in Houma, Louisiana. Before completing high school he entered the military where he served in the army as an electrician stationed in Japan after WWII.
After an honorable discharge he completed high school at Gaudet in New Orleans and college years at Dillard University in New Orleans where he played football with the Dillard Bulldogs and later attended Leland College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he met, fell in love with, and married Irma Dunn.
To this union, blessed for 53 years, was born a daughter, Cassandra Denise, three sons, Darryl Wayne (who preceded him in death), James Edward and Frederick Dale. He is also survived by grandsons, Percy Sherrod Henderson (Jeniene) and Jermaine Leshaun Harris; great grandchildren, Tamika Dawn Henderson, Artiss Sherrod Henderson, Andre Allan Henderson and Jewel Abigail Henderson.
His memories will be forever cherished by his family and countless friends and loved ones who knew and loved him. And that includes me my old pal, because This Bud’s For You.
