Terry Headlight News

I learned late in the week that former Terry Police Officer Samuel Cooper had passed away on Monday. He was a friend to all that knew him and certainly will be missed. Here is an obituary (not nearly long enough to remind us of what Samuel and his twin brother have meant to so many of us and to our town):

Samuel Cooper (1949 - 2023)

Samuel Cooper, 74 of Terry was born March 30, 1949 to Joseph Cooper and Hazel Owens Cooper. He passed away on October 2, 2023 at his home.

Visitation was on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Westhaven Funeral Home in Jackson from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at the Westhaven Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mt. Eva Church Cemetery on Wynndale Road. Sample ballot for Terry 1 (T1) and Terry 2 (T2) (November 7, 2023)

Vote for one candidate:

GOVERNOR -Gwendolyn Gray (I) -Brandon Presley (D) -Tate Reeves (R)

LT. GOVERNOR -D. Ryan Grover (D) -Delbert Hosemann (R)

ATTORNEY GENERAL -Lynn Fitch (R) -Greta Kemp Martin (D)

SECRETARY OF STATE -Ty Pinkins (D) -Michael Watson (R)

STATE TREASURER -Addie Lee Green (D) -David McRae (R)

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE -Robert Bradford (D) -Andy Gipson (R)

COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE -Bruce Burton (D) -Mike Chaney (R)

STATE AUDITOR -Larry Bradford (D) -Shad White (R)

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER - CENTRAL DISTRICT -Ricky Pennington, Jr. (R) -Willie Simmons (D)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER - CENTRAL DISTRICT -Brent Bailey (R) -De’Keither Stamps (D)

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 29 -David Blount (D) -Michael Carson (R)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 66 (part of Terry - 2) -Fabian Nelson (D) (unopposed)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 68 (part of Terry - 2) -Zakiya Summers (D) (unopposed)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 76 (Terry - 1) -Gregory Holloway, Sr. (D) -Rickey Smylie (R)

HINDS COUNTY SHERIFF -Tyree Jones (D) -Reginald Thompson (I)

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, DISTRICT 5 -Bobby “Bobcat” McGowan (D) -Jonathan Pond (I) -Chris “Biskit” Woodward (I)

JUSTICE COURT JUDGE, DISTRICT 5 -Pearlie Owens (D) (unopposed)

CONSTABLE, DISTRICT 5 -Beverly Wade Green (D) (unopposed)

CIRCUIT CLERK -Zack Wallace (D) (unopposed)

CHANCERY CLERK -Eddie Jean Carr (D) (unopposed)

TAX COLLECTOR -Eddie J. Fair (D) (unopposed)

TAX ACCESSOR -Charles E. Stokes (D) (unopposed)

COUNTY SURVEYOR -Jeffrey Maurice Lewis (R) (unopposed)

Absentee voting has begun in the 2 offices of Circuit Clerk Zack Wallace in Raymond and in Jackson. I urge any voter who is 65 years or older in age to vote early in the Circuit Clerks office to avoid any lines on Election Day (Nov. 7). It is essential that all good citizens cast his or her vote! Remember the words of President Barack Obama: “Go our there and vote. You can make a change. You do have the power.”

Independent candidate for Governor, Gwendolyn Gray of Starkville, withdrew from the race on Monday and has endorsed the Democratic nominee, Commissioner Brandon Presley of Nettleton. Her name is printed above because the ballots have been certified and printed so her name will probably be on the Hinds County ballots.

Big congratulations are extended to Dr. Rozell Chapman, a graduate of Terry High School. Xavier University and the University of MS, on winning the Executive Director of the Year award at the Annual Community Health Center Association of MS Conference!

We couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Chapman and his outstanding leadership at Mallory Community Health Center in Lexington, MS and 2 other locations. He has truly taken the center to new heights this year, and this award is a testament to his innovative and transformative approach.

Dr. Chapman’s dedication, vision, and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services have made a lasting impact on the community. His leadership has brought about positive change and improved access to quality care for so many individuals.

He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. “Bo” Owens of Terry.

The Girl Scouts organization is an invaluable force in our community, dedicated to empowering young girls and nurturing their leadership potential recently named its 2023 Women of Distinction.

Terry native (and graduate of Terry High School) Dr. Jasmine Owens Chapman was recently honored by the Girl Scouts of Greater MS as one of the 2023 Women of Distinction ceremony to honor a group of incredible women.

Others who were recognized as “Women of Distinction” were Jackie Hester, Mona Arnold-McBride, Pamela Reeves, and Dr. Loretta Jackson-Williams.

These extraordinary women have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on their industries and inspiring others to reach for greatness.

Dr. Chapman is the wife of Judge Clyde Chapman of Terry and the mother of Dr. Rozell Chapman. Her parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. “Bo” Owens of Terry.

Here is a list of birthdays of Terry residents or of those with Terry connections: Oct. 9- Anita Stapp, Alexis Harvey, Steve Roberts; Oct. 11- Dee Pleasant, John Lewis; Oct. 13- Benny Duncan, David Hughes; Oct. 14- Joce Pritchett; Oct. 15- Vicki Lee Sydboten.

The Hinds County School District has recently been rated “B” by the MS Department of Education. Here are the ratings for the individual schools in our district:

Bolton/Edward Elementary/Middle School - “C” rating Byram Middle School - “C” rating Carver Middle School - “A” rating Gary Road Middle School - “C” rating Raymond Elementary School - “B” rating Raymond High School - “B” rating Terry High School - “B” rating Utica Elementary/Middle School - “C” rating

Dr. Robert L. Sanders, the district’s new superintendent, has written that “there are no failing schools in the Hinds County District and we will maintain that expectation. We did have 2 schools to fall back 1 academic level, but we are already working to address the deficiencies in those schools. Furthermore, we are not satisfied with being a “B” rated district, we believe (that) we can achieve an “A” rating and we are working diligently to reach that goal very soon.”

Terry High School will be enjoying its “Fall Break” next week. On Oct. 12, the annual Homecoming Parade will be marching through the streets of town. The Homecoming will be the next day (Friday the 13th) when Terry High School will play Pearl River High School from Carriere (Pearl River County) at 7:00 at the B.C. Lee Field. The Homecoming Dance will follow the football game. The A.C. T. Bootcamp will be held all day on the following Monday and Tuesday. The Military Fair will be held all day on October 19, and Terry High School’s College Appreciation Day will be held on Oct. 20.

Additional names to add to the prayer lists are Lille Rene Hales Jones, Shirley Lawrence, Hal Dixon, Brian Smith and Rev. Britt Williamson and family. The Rev. Deacon Rose Mary Foncree, who has appeared on this list, underwent eye surgery last Tuesday. She missed Sunday’s service at the (Episcopal) Church of the Good Shepherd on Claiborn Street where she usually is usually is conducting the Eucharist. The Morning Prayer service was used instead.

Sunday, Oct. 15 will be the 20th Sunday following Pentecost. Scriptures for that day include Exodus 32:1-14 (the gold calf), Isaiah 25:1-9 (salvation and judgment on that day), Psalm 23 (the Good Shepherd), Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 (Israel’s unfaithfulness to God), Philippians 4:1-9 (practical counsel) and Matthew 22:1-14 (parable of the wedding banquet).

This wonderful seasonal weather, the nearing conclusion of the Pentecost season and the approaching winter season help me to keep my mind on God and satisfy my soul.

Beautiful scenes of fall, the sound of laughter, the tastes and smells of favorite foods that come with the annual State Fair are some of the things enrich lives and satisfy senses. All of these things continue to remind us that Jesus taught, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

As we keep our minds on God, we are able to gain a sense of God’s love for His creatures here on Earth who journey though life. We return that love by answering His call to a higher purpose.

With hearts full of God’s love, joyfully express the love to others. In exchange for anger, offer understanding. For confusion, offer clarity. For sadness, offer comfort. With minds and hearts on God, our lives become filled with meaning. In giving thanks and singing praises and loving God, satisfied the souls of we who keep these in practice. These words are found in Psalm 63 (verse 5): “My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises You with joyful lips.”

I close this column with a hymn about a satisfied soul, written by writer, hymn editor and Civil War soldier (substituting for a brother) D.S. Warner of the Church of God in 1883. These words are fitting for us to learn in the twenty-first century.

1. “All this world, its wealth and honor, Cannot sate the human breast; But when filled with God, our Father, Every want is fully blest. “MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, I AM COMPLETE IN JESUS’ LOVE AND MY SOUL IS SATISFIED.

2. “All my soul can wish forever I do find in Christ replete; Every blessing and the Giver In my peaceful bosom meet. “MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, I AM COMPLETE IN JESUS’ LOVE AND MY SOUL IS SATISFIED.

3. “Is thy life bereft of comfort? And thy heart a cheerless spot? Say not Christ is in thy desert— For we can believe it not. “MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, I AM COMPLETE IN JESUS’ LOVE AND MY SOUL IS SATISFIED.

4. “Can a bird drink up the ocean, Thirsting still from shore to shore; Or the God of all creation Leave thy heart yet craving more? “MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, I AM COMPLETE IN JESUS’ LOVE AND MY SOUL IS SATISFIED. 5. “Would my soul could more encompass Heaven’s glory, willed to me; Oh, the love of God so precious, ‘Tis a deep and shoreless sea. “MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, MY SOUL IS SATISFIED, I AM COMPLETE IN JESUS’ LOVE AND MY SOUL IS SATISFIED.”

As usual, I welcome your informing me of omissions and/or corrections. Please contact me if you know of one (terryj1@bellsouth.net)