Fratina McCraney 1st runner up in Cotillion Court
Fratina McCraney, daughter of Mrs. Joyce Dyer of Omaha, Ne, was recently first runner-up in the royal court for the 49th Annual Cotillion Ball sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of the Links. Twenty area high school seniors shared "Emeralds: Gems of the Future," Sunday, April 27, 2008, as they made their debut. Her cousin, Mr. Tyrone Minton, presented her and Mr. Jordan Nauden was her escort.
Fratina attends Omaha Northwest High School, where she is a three-time letter-winner in track and field, and participates in swimming and volleyball.
She is an honor roll student. She is a recipient of the Omaha Public School African American Achievement Award, Native American Achievement Award, Outstanding Seniors of Nebraska Award, and a Rotary Club of Omaha Honor Roll student. Her community service includes Salvation Army Summer fun Camp volunteer, Ruth K. Solomon member and volunteer, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Fratina is a member of Cleaves Temple CME Church (Omaha, Ne), where Rev. T. Marcellus Thomas is pastor.
She serves as the president of the youth usher board, treasurer of the CYF, church school secretary, youth choir secretary, and member of the mass and youth choirs. Fratina has participated on the Region level of the Christian Youth Fellowship of the Kansas-Missouri Region, 3rd Episcopal District, where she has held numerous offices.
She will attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri to pursue her career of becoming a Family Law attorney. Congratulations Fratina!

Dr. W.R. Johnson. The funeral service for Dr. W.R. Johnson, former General Secretary of Christian Education, is scheduled for 11 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at the Phillips Temple CME Church, 971 East 43 Street, Los Angeles, CA. Arrangements have been given to the Englewood Park Funeral Home.

Please keep Eleanor Johnson, Malcolm (his youngest son) and the rest of the family in your prayers. More information on arrangements is forthcoming.

Juanita Bryant, CME Executive Secretary

Dr. William R. Johnson. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson, Jr., who passed away early Thursday morning, May 15, 2008, after a lengthy illness.

Bill, as he was lovingly known by many, was a pastor of many years. He was also a past General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-San Diego District of the Southern California Region, 9th Episcopal Disrict. He will be greatly missed.

No additional information is available regarding funeral arrangements.

Passing of Rev. Matthew Trim. Rev. Matthew Trim, pastor of St. Stephen's CME in Valley, AL and former presiding elder of the Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District, received his eternal reward on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at St. Frances Hospital in Columbus, GA. Mrs. Trim may be contacted at 706-687-4215. Her address is 4481 Moline Ave., Columbus, GA 31907

The Loss of Mr. Jesse Parker

Christian Friends:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Honorable Mr. Jesse Parker on Saturday evening, May 3, 2008 at his home in Hattiesburg, MS. Mr. Parker was Lay Leader of the South MS. Conference and a former member of the Judicial Council of the C.M.E. Church. Please keep his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Parker, and his children, Dr. Evelyn Parker of Dallas, Tx, and his son Maurice of Hattiesburg and the rest of his family in our prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

Family Hour 
Thursday, May 8, 2008, 7PM 

St. James C.M.E. Church 
705 Country Club Road 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 545-7827 
Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller 

Homegoing Service

Friday, May 9, 2008, 11 AM

St. James CME Church

705 Country Club Road

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 545-7827

Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller

The body of Mr. Jesse Parker has been entrusted to: 

Century Funeral Home 
622 New Orleans Street 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 583-1761 

Cards and Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Geraldine Parker

405 E. Scooba St.

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 544-3336

Submitted by Pene' G. Woods