Volume #10 Issue #1
SPECIAL EDITION
November, 2006
| SUMMERALL OFFICIALS PRESIDENT Herman Stevens, Jr. Esq. VICE PRESIDENT Freddie Branch, Sr. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Diann McNeil RECORDING SECRETARY Beverly Madison FINANCIAL SECRETARY Pamela M. Stevens TREASURER Deloris Jones PARLIAMENTARIAN Betty Miller Co-SERGEANTS AT ARMS Vincent Chance Mannie Wiliiams MINISTERS OF MUSIC Mickey Williams Raymond Johnson COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY WEBMASTER Travoy Downing NEWSLETTER EDITOR Dr. Janice Boursiquot COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS BENEVOLENT/SUPER SENIORS Rev. Dewitt Stevens, Sr. Lucinda Webb-Allen HISTORICAL & LEGACY Rev. Rozell Gilmore JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF Colonel Reginald Cray – Army Major Vernon Conway – Army Officer Reuben Butler, Sr. -Navy Officer Tolison Louis -Navy Officer Evan Burgess – Coast Guard PROGRAM Pat Stevens Murray SCHOLARSHIP Sharon Pace |
Jacks Did It Again!!
. 51st Gathering a Grand Success The good Lord permitted us to have yet another fabulous Summerall Gathering. As a family, we are blessed to have been allowed to celebrate without interruption for 51 years, returning to our roots, fellowshipping with one another, singing praises to the Lord from whom all our blessings flow and giving honor to our ancestors. Let us just meditate on that for a moment and give gratitude to God. Even though we have registrations for 280 people, we know that many more Jacks participated in reunion activities. Jacks traveled from 20 different states (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, N. Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Massachusetts). Eight out of the ten major branches of the Summerall family were represented. On Saturday morning, 198 Jacks participated in the Memorial Walk/Run/Motorcade to the Gravesite Tribute to our ancestors. As we do every year, Jacks walked, jogged or ran, while others skated, rode bicycles, automobiles or rode on the tractor hay ride. Like the song goes, “Get there anyway you can”. All ages and sizes! For those who haven’t participated in this activity, it’s a rich and exhilarating experience. All the Gathering programs and activities were wonderful as they are every year, but just to highlight a few of them: Jacks are becoming more health conscious. At the Friday nite fish fry, we had a very elaborate, attractively decorated salad bar with fresh, colorful and scrumptious assorted fruits. It was a big hit – family members really loved it, even the “younguns.” Our hats are off to display designer, Betty Miller. We hope it will continue every year. “We are what we eat”. A little African flair was added to the Gathering this year. Kudos to cousins Janice Boursiquot from Ft. Lauderdale and Reuben Butler, Jr. from Orlando for taking us back to our African roots by enlightening us with a libation ceremony during the Gala celebration on Saturday night. Motivational speaking is another gift we can add to the repertoire of Summerall talent. Cousin Norma Jean, all the way from Hawaii dazzled the Jack family with insight, humor, and hyperbole. Norma Jean is the daughter of cousin Dewitt Stevens. On Sunday morning, Cousin Rev. David McCall preached an amazing sermon. Not only did he preach the Word, but he made it relevant to what’s happening in our daily lives, in society and what’s occurring with our youth. Much thanks and gratitude to the Summerall choir. They “rocked,” as they do every year. And lots of hugs and kisses to all those who worked long and hard to make this another great family gathering. |
| FROM THE EDITOR Greetings to all my fellow Jacks,  I am the youngest child of Naomi Porter-Bowers, the granddaughter of Lula Porter, the great, granddaughter of Caesar & Abbie Sharpe and the great, great, granddaughter of Jack & Mariah Summerall. I feel honored that our president, Herman Stevens, Jr. offered me an opportunity to serve my Summerall family by becoming the editor of the Summerall newsletter. With the help, support and cooperation of everyone and with blessings from God, I know this newsletter will be successful. I want to thank Marie Burgess and Rev. Joseph Gilmore, Sr., who preceded me as editors. They laid the foundation for the Summerall newsletter and left a template for me to follow. I hope I do half as good a job as they did. My vision for the newsletter is that the newsletter will inform, enlighten, inspire, support and keep Jack family members connected to each other. For each issue of the newsletter, I would like for all branches of the Summerall family to be represented. I want to include updates and announcements from the various committees. I would also like to include a health corner and have a message of inspiration. If anyone would like to contribute to those two things, or if you have other ideas about what should be included in the newsletter or the format, please contact me. Dr. Janice Boursiquot, nia50@yahoo.com P.O. Box 8565, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33310 (954) 474-8961 (h) (954) 472-8836 (f) I’ve been asked what’s considered newsworthy. My answer is information about Jack Family births, hospitalizations, serious illnesses/accidents, deaths, graduations from high/vocational school or college, major accomplishments, job promotions, awards, appointments or elections to official positions in government or organizations; significant events and occasions. When you send information to be included in the newsletter, please give your full name, address, phone # and email address if you have one. Also indicate the Jack Family connection as far back as the children of Abby Sharpe. When emailing, send articles as a Word document and pictures in JPEG format. I want to thank all of you who sent information and articles to include in this edition of the newsletter. The deadline for submitting articles/information for the next edition of the newsletter is January 30, 2007. Dr. Janice Boursiquot, Editor |
THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER Greetings in the name of the Lord, I hope this letter reaches you all in the best of health and spirit. First of all I want to thank God for life, health and strength and for allowing us to have a wonderful Gathering this past August. It was truly a spirit filled weekend and the Lord was with us all the way. Former President Wally Burgess and his administration left no stone unturned and saw to it that we left Baxley wanting for nothing. Well done Cousin Wally. It is my prayer that this administration will continue in the spirit of excellence and professionalism exhibited not only by Cousin Wally’s administration, but by all administrations that have preceded us. I am pleased to announce that the first family meeting of the officers of this administration will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Gilmore in Bowie, MD. I want to thank them in advance for opening up their home to allow us to meet and conduct family business. The purpose of our meeting is to plan out the details for the 2007 Gathering. All officers are expected to attend if you can make it. We would also like to invite all family members, wherever you may be, to come and fellowship with us that weekend and to engage us in ideas that will make the next Gathering a success. Hotel accommodations will be available for all family members in attendance. For more information, please contact Rev. Gilmore at his home (301) 390-2883, or at his office, (301) 808-1584. This is the first newsletter of this administration and it is our intent to issue a newsletter every quarter. We want to keep you informed of all that is newsworthy and noteworthy. If you have information, or announcements that you would like to share with the family, please contact Dr. Janice Boursiquot at (954) 474-8961, or at nia50@yahoo.com. Janice has agreed to be the editor of the family newsletter. Please cooperate with her and most importantly, provide her with the necessary information that will make the newsletter a success. Please do not forget to visit the family website at http://jacksummeral.tripod.com. Travoy Downing is doing a fantastic job. If there is any information that you would like placed on the website, please contact him at (912) 355-5518, or e-mail him at tdowning@websavannah.com. We look forward to a productive year and that can only happen with everyone’s cooperation and support. If needed, I can be reached at: (561) 272-7477 (home), (561) 278-1988 (office), (561) 859-7477(cell), or by e-mail at hermanstevensjr@aol.com. Be blessed, Herman Stevens, Jr., Esq. President of the Jack Summerall Family Gathering |
|
Sick and Shut In
Let’s pray for the Jacks who are currently going thru some health challenges. Collectively let’s send them some Summerall LOVE.
Summerall Family News
ISABELL GORDON It’s a girl; Autumn Kalaiya Poe was born August 30, 2006 at 7:06 p.m., weighing in at 9 lbs, 14 oz, and 22 inches long. Autumn is the daughter of Craig and Onnie Poe, granddaughter of Dwight and Melissa Williams, great granddaughter of Drissie and the late David “Bubba” Williams. Lumber City native, Wilfred Pace was recently presented with the 2006 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Civil Rights Award. This award is given annually to an NRCS employee in South Carolina who has gone above and beyond to reach out to customers. Wilfred is a graduate of Ft. Valley State University and is married to Sharon W. Pace of Baxley, who is the daughter of Drissie Williams and the late David “Bubba” Williams and the granddaughter of Isabell Gordon. Mrs. Drissie Mae Williams will celebrate her 85th birthday on November 6, 2006. You are invited to join with her family in this birthday celebration which will be held on November 25, 2006 @ 5:00 p.m. at the Baxley Church of God Educational Building, Blackshear Hwy., Baxley, GA. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mrs. Christine Robinson @ 912-2676276 by November 8th, 2006. 7th grader, Christopher Lewis Pace recently participated in a week tour of Washington, D.C. (Oct. 9-13), along with approx. 40 students from W. J. Clark Middle School Magnet Program. While in Washington they visited the Capital, White House, George Washington Estate, Arlington Cemetery, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, ESPN Zone, Smithsonian Institute and various museums. They all had an enjoyable yet educational time. Christopher is the son of Wilfred & Sharon W. Pace of Orangeburg, S.C., the grandson of Drissie Williams and the late David “Bubba” Williams and the great grandson of the late Isabell Gordon. Chris Pace shakes hands with President Bush |
Summerall Family News (con’t)
LULA PORTER Kristy Ryals and Reuben Bennett were united in Holy Matrimony on October 7, 2006, during a small ceremony at the Big Bethel Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, GA. Kristy is the daughter of the late Henry Ryals, Sr. and Lissa Butler-Ryals. She is the granddaughter of the late Geneva and Mose Butler and the late Essett and Mattie Lee Ryals. She is a 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern Univ. with a BBA in Management and a 2006 graduate of Troy State University with a Master's of Education in Counseling and Psychology. She is in the process of pursuing her licensure to become a professional counselor. Kristy is employed with Satilla Community Services as a Mental Health Professional in Douglas, GA. Reuben is the son of the late Elnora and Reuben Bennett, Sr. of Hazlehurst, GA. He is the Assistant Manager of the market department at Harvey's in Alma, GA and is also a professional painter. Reuben is a minister at the Big Bethel Baptist Church. The couple will reside in Surrency, GA. Ricky Jackson, son of the late Claudia “Vain” Jackson and grandson of Lula Porter was united in marriage to Kimberly Harris on September 8, 2006, in Philadelphia, PA., with a small group in attendance. Over 100 people attended a cookout at their new home the next day to help them celebrate the occasion. BEATRICE STEVENS THE MISSISSIPPI BRIGADE : BIRTH Kadence Gabrielle Stevens, born to Monique, daughter of Stanley & Glenda on 10/4/06. MEETING NEEDS Roy Stevens opened the doors of his apartment duplex to a mother and her two sons who survived Hurricane Katrina. They are adjusting well. ADVANCEMENT Stanley Stevens transferred from manager of McRae's to manager of Ashley Home Furnishing in Hattiesburg. The city is in the process of rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina one year ago. Shawn Hannah, an employee of WCBI TV4 News, is promoting a benefit for the Sally Kate Winters Home entitled "Ballet Magnificat" on 12/02/06. The "Jacks" in Mississippi will be hosting the 2007 Stevens Retreat. More information will be forthcoming. Herman Stevens, Sr. celebrated his 91st birthday on 9/29. Herman’s daughter, Mary Stevens-Carstarphen had a housewarming on 10/22. Family and friends celebrated the rebuilding of her family’s home in Delray Beach, FL., where she resides with her husband, 2 children and father, Herman Stevens, Sr. CHELSEY WILLIAMS Sharon Workman, daughter of Mildred Shephard, granddaughter of Drusilla Small, great granddaughter of Chelsey Williams got engaged on Sept. 9th to Maurice Strapp. |
JACK SUMMERALL COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
Update from the Executive Director
We are excited that Melvin Allen, Esq. has joined us as the Campaign Advisor for the corporation. Melvin brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience as a fundraiser in that he heads a corporation that raised in excess of 1.5 million dollars annually. As a result of him joining us, we have revamped our efforts to have a building in Baxley with the Jacks’ name. At the business meeting in Baxley this past August, Melvin made it clear that if we do not show our commitment to this project, then others (i.e., foundations, government/grants) will not assist us.
By now, all should have received a letter from the corporation. We encourage you to submit your pledge and contributions to fulfill that pledge. To reach our goal, the following is a possible breakdown of how our goal can be accomplished -we need 3 Heroes ($5,000+), 10 Founders ($2,500+), 25 Charter Members ($1,000+), 50 Supporters ($500+) and 100 Believers ($100+).
The above calculation involves 188 people. There are 450 names on the Jack mailing list; this is not a complete list, but only the Jacks for which we have a valid address. As you can see, we have more than double the 188 family members needed on the mailing list alone. Is there any reason why we should not be able to reach our $100,000.00 goal per year and make this dream a reality?
A web site for the corporation has been created at: http://summerallcorporation.tripod.com. We encourage you to access this website to be kept abreast of the latest news regarding the corporation. You will also be able to make contributions online. Our family member, LTC Reginald Cray is currently setting up a website and is working with Travoy Downing to link the family’s and corporation’s website. We owe a debt of gratitude to both Reginald and Travoy.
Thanks to several family members, especially Oma Brown, for fundraising ideas. The Board is discussing these projects
and will follow up at a later date. That’s it for now.
PEACE!
LaWanda Jackson, Esq.
| HISTORICAL LEGACY COMMITTEE |
|
| As you read the names of the 2nd and 3rd generation
of family members, has it ever occurred to you that some of them are nicknames, while others may be middle names, rather than the first name of the person? Well, over the past year, I have discovered two such ancestors whose full names have escaped us in the past. One is Jack and Mariah's son, the second generation. The other is the daughter of Abigail (Abby) Summerall-Sharpe. The name listed as Sire Summerall is a nickname. His full name was Josiah. He was named after King Josiah of Israel. To get acquainted with that King, read 1st Kings, chapters 22 and 23. It’s a great story. I discovered his full name in the 1880 U.S. Census tracts. It is obvious that some family member wanted to shorten his name and began calling him Sire. This is a deeply rooted tradition in our family. The second name is that of Isabell Sharpe-Gordon. Isabell is her middle name. Her first name is Mariah Isabell. She was named after her grandma. I discovered this in the 1900 U.S. Census tracts, which took a bit of looking and re- looking before I could figure it out. In that census, her name is Mariah I. Sharpe. |
Again, it is obvious that Isabell, instead of Mariah was used. Grandma Mariah Summerall was still alive, and no family member dared to use grandma's first name without a handle on it. By the time of grandma Mariah's death, Isabell was about 33 years old. She was too old for a name change. As time permits, I am continuing my history journey. I encourage all who have pieces of our history and funny sayings of some, to mail or email it to me. Hopefully, I will have the first recorded DVD by next August. By working together, these DVDs can become historical GOLD. NUGGETS for future generations. Also send the photos of members, especially the early pioneers. Submitted by Rev. Rozell Gilmore, Historian (Hello From Portland, Oregon!) |
| Dear Family, I am Freddie L. Branch, the son of Dessie Stevens-Washington, the grandson of Beatrice Stevens, the great, great-grandson of Abbie Sharp and the great, great, great-grandson of Jack and Maria Summerall. I first would like to thank the Jack Summerall Family for the opportunity to serve as your new Vice President. Serving as your Vice President is an honor and a privilege and I cannot wait to continue this great family legacy that has been standing the test of time for centuries. Working with such inspirational people as our former president, Wally Burgess and our current president, Herman Stevens Jr., I must say I cannot wait to work with our various committees and officers to continue the successful Family Gatherings. As I think back, I can remember the many years that I attended family gatherings with my family as a young child and being taught that family was important. With the love and support of this great family, I know we can teach the next generation the same love and support that we were taught attending these gatherings. Let us all be mindful of our founder, Beatrice Stevens and what she was trying to accomplish with forming this Family Gathering. Several family gatherings were only for immediate family, but she realized that there were other family members and what a success it would be to all gather together. Just by thinking that, she is the reason we all gather each year to break bread, laugh, sing praises to our heavenly father, and thank Him for another year that we are blessed to gather again. Thank you again, for the opportunity to serve as your vice president. Sincerely, Freddie L. Branch, Vice President “In the Spirit”
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success. |
Scholarship Committee
Any student who is currently enrolled in high school should email your name, parents’ names, school name, expected date of graduation and your intended major. We would like the names of all students currently enrolled in college. If anyone receives information regarding any type of scholarships please share with me. I (Sharon Pace) can be emailed at wpspcp@aol.com or by mail @ 112 Rufus Road, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115 or via phone @ 803-531-4553. Our plans are to gather information and share with students, which may be valuable in helping them to check out various websites and gather other college related information to share with them. The scholarship deadline for the Jack Summerall Family Gathering is August 1 of the current year. Scholarship committee members are: Freddie Branch (Beatrice Stevens); Patricia Collier (Tom Sharpe); Amos Green (Mattie Summerall); Henrietta G. Linder (Lula Porter); Layla M. McCall (Viola McMillan); Rev. Wilson Scott (Sulah Whiten); Esther Thomas (Polly Ogden); Navada Williams (Isabell Gordon), Carol Alderman (Rosa McNeil), and Elston Brown (Chelsey Williams). Sharon Williams-Pace (Isabelle Gordon) Chairperson The Health Corner
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading illnesses and diseases. Walking is one of the simplest and safest aerobic exercises you can do. Walking can help: • Reduce the risk of dying at a younger age. • Reduce the risk of developing heart disease. • Reduce the risk of developing diabetes. • Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have it. • Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. • Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and promotes psychological well-being. • Control weight. • Build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. |
Summerall Family News (con’t )
SULAH WHITEN
Dr. Aretha Nanton's husband, Rev. Dr. B. J. Virgil was recently installed as the head pastor of the Gethsemane Baptist
Church in Tallahassee, FL. Gethsemane has a membership of over 800 members. Aretha is the daughter of Tommie
Ogden and the great-grand daughter of Aunt Sulah.
VIOLA MCMILLAN
Moved AGAIN! Layla M. McCall, daughter of Annette McCall, granddaughter of Ardella and the late David McCall, has relocated to Charlotte, NC and assumed the position of head athletic trainer at Johnson C. Smith University. The Golden Bull football team currently has the best record since 1982.
10 years! David and Kim King-Hartwell celebrated 10 years of holy matrimony together October 12, 2006. David is the
son of Marsha Hartwell and the grandson of Ardella and the late David McCall.
Tracy Hartwell, wife of Marcus Hartwell, will be performing Langston Hughes' play "Black Nativity" December 1-3, 2006
at Emma Kelly Theatre. She is the daughter-in-law of Marsha Hartwell and the granddaughter-in-law of Ardella and the late David McCall.
Destiny Hartwell, the oldest daughter of Tracy and Marcus Hartwell, is a participant in “A Night of Praise thru Dance" in Whitesville Full Gospel Worship Center on November 18, 2006. Destiny is the granddaughter of Marsha Hartwell and the great-granddaughter of Ardella and the late David McCall.
Kelly Lasley, daughter of Teresa McMillan, announces the birth of her daughter, Mikayla Ward born on Sept 14, 2006 at 7 lbs. Her grandfather is the late Morris McMillan.
Durrell and Coretha McCall are B-U-S-Y. Congratulations to Durrell Jermaine McCall, the son of David and Ella McCall is now a full-time employee with CNN in Atlanta, GA.
Coretha McCall, the wife of Durrell, will be working at Northgate High School starting November 1, 2006 during the day and at Studio 54 Salon in Hogansville, GA. AND Durrell and Coretha McCall will graduate on November 14, 2006 from Cell Ministry Training in Atlanta, GA. Durrell is the grandson of Ardella and the late David McCall.
Connesha Jackson, the daughter of Connie and Allen Jackson, is attending AIU culinary arts. Connesha is the granddaughter of Marvin McMillan and the great granddaughter of Marie and the late Ceasar "Mack" McMillan.
Teresa Bing is retiring Nov. 15 after 21 years with the School Board of Broward County, Florida. She is the daughter of the late Mandy "Momma Lou" Howard and the granddaughter of the late Eldora and Henry Thompson.
Darrell Beard, the son of Latrice Bing, is playing hockey for the "Wolverines" in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is the grandson of James and Teresa Bing and great-grandson of the late Mandy "Mamma Lou" Howard.
Rhea Gorham is a senior high school volleyball and basketball center in Norwalk, CT. She is the daughter of Ben and Viola Gorham and the granddaughter of the late Reatha and James "Buddy" McMillan.
Miriam Gorham is a junior varsity basketball player and a member of the drill team, cast member in a school play entitled "Cast Members and Drugs." She is the sister of Rhea Gorham, the daughter of Ben and Viola Gorham and the granddaughter of the late Reatha and James "Buddy" McMillan.
Willie Johnson will graduate Dec 16, 2006 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Exercise
Science/Physical Therapy. AND Lawanza Griner is stationed in Seitz, Iraq while serving in the Army AND Michael Griner is stationed in Fludia, Iraq while serving in the Army. All three are the children of Henry and Gladys Goethia and the grandchildren of Lillie Mae Goethia.
Way to Go Mashama Johnson! Pop Warner Football team player. He played all positions even with a broken finger! Both are children of Dekira Hartwell-Jackson, the grandchildren of Marsha Hartwell, and the great grandchildren of Ardella and the late David McCall.
Chris Johnson, the 20 year old sophomore at Oregon State University, is a wide receiver for the Beaver Football team. He holds an AA degree in Liberal Arts from Gross Mount College, San Diego, CA. Kendrick Johnson, 19, is a freshman at Clemson University. He is a wide receiver for the Tigers. Chris and Kendrick are both the sons of Valerie McMillan and the grandson of Marvin McMillan and the great-grandson of Marie and the late Ceasar "Mack" McMillan.
Martin and Cornell Cooper, the twin sons of Edon and the late Patricia Cooper, are both foreman for Bartlett Nuclear, a company out of Boston, MA. Martin is currently working out of Clemson, SC and Cornell is stationed in Bay City, Texas. They are the grandchildren of the late Cornell McMillan and great-grandchildren of Aunt Miss.
JACKS WHO ARE ON-LINE
CLICK HERE
If you would like your name and email address added to the email list, email Jan Boursiquot at nia50@yahoo.com
and Travoy Downing at tdowning@websavannah.com. Be sure to include your full name.