Lumberton Informer

Death is a constant reminder of the fragility of life. We must LIVE, LOVE and FORGIVE! I'm sharing a part of my friendship with Donte so my broken heart can begin to heal. People like to wait until a person die before they express how they feel. Please know, I have expressed my love and appreciation for Donte while she was able to appreciate the impact she had on my life and I will continue to show my love by being there for her family. I know there are some that read the title and wondered why I referred to Donte as a DIVA. If you noticed, I turned D.I.V.A. into an acronym. When I think of Donte I have never thought of her as a DIVA in the natural sense because she was not a temperamental or haughty woman. When I think of Donte , I think of her as a true D.I.V.A. because she was DEVOUT, INSPIRIATIONAL, VIRTUOUS, and ANNOINTED . Now, don't get me wrong, she was also a fashionista. As a matter of fact, we became friends over a pair of stilettos. I've known Donte al...

While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly one of the hardest burdens to bear when they are taken from us too soon. Jayla was a beloved daughter, grand daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She represented a beacon of hope for a better future and now that light has dimmed. The death of a child is so painful because there are so many reminders of what might have been. As other parents prepare to send their children to school, you are starting the arduous process of bidding an earthly farewell to a child you birthed and I cannot begin to imagine the heartach you're experiencing. It is said that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It may not be this morning but someday, I hope the love that was spread by Jayla's mere presence will carry you through those difficult moments. We, the Community of Lumberton, offer our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy...

The members of Gateway Baptist Church recently suffered the loss of their earthly shepherd but the life of Pastor Buddy Peters has impacted the lives of everyone he encountered. If memory serves me correctly, Peters came to Lumberton as the pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Later, he was moved to serve in a different capacity. Shortly after leaving Zion Hill, Pastor Peters started a weekly bible study. Orginally, the gatherings were held at the home of James and Carolyn Sandifer. As the number attending grew, it was necessary to find a larger space to accommodate the growing crowd. Later, with the assistance of the late Carolyn Sandifer, property manager, the weekly gatherings were held at 956 Myrick Avenue ( "The Center" in Turnkey). Peters often used the amended phrase from John 1:46, " can any good thing come out of Lumberton?" At the start of his new ministry, I'm sure there was plenty of opposition and possibly resentment towards Peters as he looked to...

If you fit any of these categories, Ben Winston wants you. I'm all for thinking outside the box and giving people a second chance but to say a person's past does not matter and you're about to hand over access to confidential information is problematic. A few months ago, everyone was in a frenzy because Mayor Ben Winston allegedly said there's no smart people in Lumberton. Based on his actions, it's easy to see that he actually belive that statement. Otherwise, he would stop trying to bring shysters to the board meetings with the idea that they're the only ones that can save Lumberton. I know the board membets that vote in your favor are not researching your business partners but contrary to your beliefs, there are some of us that are smart enough to utilize Google. In case Ben hasn't noticed, I don't scare easily. I've had to deal with former church members commissioning people to egg my car, threaten to do me bodily harm, claim I tried to hit th...

On Thursday, June 19, 2014, the City of Lumbeton will bid an earthly farewell to Rashod "Rody" Henry. As a four-year starter, Henry helped Lumberton High to a 47-5 record, including state crowns in 2004 and 2005. He set a state playoff record in 2006 when he ran for 437 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers' 32-13 win over Kemper County. He also was a three-time state champion in the 200-meter dash and won another state title in the long jump. He had signed to play football at the University of Southern Mississippi, but signed a professional baseball contract after being selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 28th round of the 2007 amateur draft. He appeared in 44 games with the GCL Braves over two seasons, hitting .227. The death of Rashod Henry, who was affectionately referred to as Rody, has sent shock waves throughout the community. In tribute to the life he lived, I would like to share some words of encouragement from some of his friends and family. G...

Can any good thing come out of Lumberton. Yes it can. After I came home from last night's board meeting, I stated watching the six o'clock news on my DVR. I was listening to the news and I heard the name Willie Heidleberg. I was thinking to myself, I only knew one Willie Heidelburg and as soon as his picture flashed across the screen, I turned up the volume to make sure I didn't miss a word of the story. It seems that some students at the Purvis Middle School were fascinated by the triumphs and barriers that were broken by a young man that attended school in their city. Willie Heidleberg is a native of Lumberton but during his formative years, schools in Mississippi were still segregated. As a result, Heidleberg attended John Jefferson in Purvis, Mississippi. As the news story played, you could see that the kids and their teacher, were fascinated by the feats accomplished by Willie Heidleberg. Willie used his athletic prowess to gain what he wanted most; not notoriety b...

Mothers are the glue that holds families, communities, churches and everything else together. They are so accustomed to juggling responsibilities that they can switch at the drop of a hat. And with the growing number of households headed by women,their load isn’t getting any lighter. There are dozens of duties that mothers perform – teacher, preacher, gourmet chef, chauffeur, personal banker, referee between kids, doctor, law enforcement officer, counselor, attorney, and the list goes on and on. Mothers are an essential piece of the family puzzle. Without her, it is incomplete. Mother’s importance tends to slip our minds; well, until Mother’s Day rolls around. On this day, we reflect on how momma shaped and molded us into the successful people that we’ve become. Then it hits us, “We owe it all to Momma!” More than twenty-five years ago, “The Chi-Lites” – an old 70’s R&B group – asked the question “Have you seen her?” Yes, I’ve seen her! And so have you. She’s in the kitchen, cookin...