Remembering our Douglass Music Director, Pemberton "Pem" Steele and his Wife Nancy

 

Many Douglass alumni remember Pemberton "Pem" Steele, the Douglass High School Music Director and Teacher (I believe he also played the piano for a time at the Central Baptist Church on Carver Street, plus he also was a private piano teacher during his time at Douglass High School).  His wife, Nancy Hampton Steele was also a Health and Home Economics teacher at Douglass.  I did an internet search for the Steeles, and found this remembrance:

Professor Pemberton Steele was a well-known Cleveland gospel musician and the long-time chorus master for The Greater Abyssinia Male Chorus. Together with the choir of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, he recorded the notable gospel album "God is, Still Is, Alive Today". 

While a primary published obituary detailing his specific passing is not readily archived online, historical records from his family provide relevant context:

Family Members: Professor Pemberton Steele was married to Nancy Pearl Hampton Steele. 
Children's Passing: Their son, Anthony Pemberton Steele (born November 7, 1969), passed away at age 52 on January 25, 2022. Anthony's obituary notes that he was preceded in death by both of his parents, Pemberton and Nancy Steele. Services for the family have historically been handled by Watson's Funeral Home in Cleveland. 
Surviving Family: Professor Steele is survived by his daughters, Karen (of Florida) and Sonya (of Columbus, Ohio), as well as multiple grandchildren.  NOTE:  We are not sure when Mr. Steele or Miss Hampton passed.

If you are looking for specific records regarding Professor Steele's estate, specific dates, or a hard copy of his funeral program, you can contact the administrative offices at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on E. 105th Street in Cleveland, where his musical legacy remains an archival part of their history.

August 8th - Celebrating Emancipation Day in Kingsport

 

It was 163 years ago that the slaves owned by Tennessee governor Andrew Johnson were freed in Greeneville, Tennessee.  That freedom spread westward to the Mississippi River at Memphis like wildfire.  The first recorded celebration by the former slaves was in Greeneville on that August 8th day.

Since then, African-Americans have gotten together every year to celebrate Emancipation Day.  In Kingsport, it is celebrated as the Community Cookoff Cookout, put together by Ryan Smith and various wonderful community sponsors.  Under a threatening-to-rainy sky, the event still brought out crowds.

 

Hit "play" twice in the picture below:

Hit "play" twice in the picture below:

"Riverview Park" is now "Jack Pierce Sr. Park at Riverview"

Dedication ceremony this past week (pictures and videos courtesy the Kingsport Times News)

 Hit the "play" button twice in the squares below:

Ms. Sylvia G. Wade remembrance

 

Sylvia Gail Wade, 71, entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Bristol Hospice House.

Sylvia was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the choir, was a leader in the Women’s Ministry, and served as a trustee. She was deeply devoted to her church family and her faith in God.

She attended Riverside High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later attended Tennessee State University in Nashville before graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1977.

Sylvia faithfully served the Bristol and Kingsport Housing Authority for more than 30 years. She was a dedicated supporter of the Sullivan South athletic programs, helping coordinate meals and activities for the baseball and football teams.

She enjoyed cross-stitching, traveling, baking, and spending time with her special friends and beloved family.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her father, Sylvester Wright; Bobby Burton and Delbert Wade.

She leaves to cherish her memory by her devoted sons, D.J. Wade and Bobby Burton, Jr.; her mother, Janet Muckle Moore; her siblings, Beverly Sanders (Charles), Dewayne Wright, Larry Wright (Pamela), Gail Landers (James), Valeria McConnell, Donald Smith, Sharon Shade (Larry), Frankie Kincaid, Earl Kincaid, Kathy Smith, (Aubrey) Donna Wheeler (Ken), Renee Bethea (Kelvin); also along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She also treasured the friendship of her special friend, Donald Davenport, whose kindness and companionship were a meaningful part of her life.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Bristol Hospice House, the members of Central Baptist Church, and countless others for the love, care, and compassion throughout her journey.

The Visitation of Family and Friends will be held from 11:30 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport.  The funeral service will be from 1 PM to 2 PM at the church.

Care of the Wade family is entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Inc., Kingsport (423) 245-4971.

Douglass-Riverview Memories: New South Kingsport Optimist Officers

 

New Vision Youth and the Red Sand Project

 

The New Vision youth group of Kingsport and community partners took part in the 2026 Red Sand Project, pouring red sand into cracks in sidewalks to symbolize vulnerable children, teens, and adults who may “fall through the cracks.”  For more information, click play below:

Courtesy WCYB-TV

Marcus Antonio Simonton remembrance

 

Marcus Antonio Simonton

Jan 22, 1971 — Jul 16, 2026

Marcus "Spida" Antonio Simonton, 55, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Marcus was a loving father, devoted husband, and loyal friend whose family meant everything to him.  He was immensely proud of his children and worked hard to make sure they always felt loved, protected, and supported.  To his family, he was more than a father.  He was their protector, their best friend, and the person they could always count on.

Known for his hilarious personality, Marcus had a special gift for making people laugh.  His humor could brighten any room, and time spent with him was rarely without a smile or a good story.  He was deeply loyal to the people in his life and formed friendships that lasted through the years.  Those who knew and loved him will remember his laughter, his strength, and the unwavering love he had for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Roenna Simonton.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Tiffany Simonton; his children, Keira, Aaliyah, Drae'ven, Heavenlee, and Brandon; his brothers, James and Arthur; his sister, Michelle; his godson, Eric Smith; his sons-in-law, Bingo and Bryson; his special friends, NoNo, Tony, Robbie, and Memphis; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private service will be held for the family.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Simonton family.

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass: We need your help!

 

A note from the Douglass Alumni Board of Directors:

Dear Douglass Alumni Member,

We hope you are doing well.

This is a reminder that 2026 membership dues for the Douglass Alumni Association are $100.00 and are due by September 30, 2026.

Your support helps fund:
• Alumni scholarships
• Reunion events
• Community outreach
• Association operations

Payments may be made by check or money order payable to:

Douglass Alumni Association
301 Louis Street, #304
Kingsport, TN 37660

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Douglass Alumni Association.
​​​​​​​
Sincerely,

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association, the Douglass Alumni Association, Kingsport

Willie James Perry remembrance

 

Willie James Perry departed this life on Saturday, July 11, 2026.  He was born in Wise County, Appalachia, Virginia, to Abram “Jabo” and Ollie “Honey” Perry.

Willie proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and worked in Detroit, Michigan, as an inspector for General Motors until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abram “Jabo” and Ollie “Honey” Perry; his wife, Lorraine Worley Perry; his sister, Henrietta Perry; his brother, Henry Perry; and his daughters, Charlynn Perry and Virginia Monique Perry. 

To cherish his memory, Willie leaves behind his sons, James D. (Christina) Perry and Chandler Perry; grandchildren, Whitney Perry, Shala Perry, and Shyla Perry; brothers, Donald Perry, Abram Perry, and Anthony Perry; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Graveside Service for Willie James Perry was held Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2 PM at the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 215 Heros Drive, Johnson City, TN 37684.

Care for Willie James Perry and the family entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 802-806 East Sevier Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37660.

(Click on the pages below)

Michelle Obama's Sense of Humor!

                          

          Michelle Obama has a great sense of humor!  Hit  

  play on the videos below to see why she's so beloved 

                                       by many!

But then, that special moment at the Barack Obama Presidential Library Dedication in Chicago

 

And then, that same funny lady can tug at your heart strings.

You simply have to watch Michelle Obama's speech to her husband, the president, at the dedication of the Barack Obama Presidential Library in Chicago.  Click PLAY below.

The devotion she has to her man, will bring tears to your eyes.... as it did his.

Calvin

Douglass Alumni Board Meeting Scheduled

 

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board will have its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The meeting will be held at 11 AM, in the second floor conference room of the V.O. Dobbins Tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport, TN.

We have several wonderful things affecting the Alumni Association to talk about, so please put Saturday at 11 AM on your calendars!

Juneteenth is coming on Saturday June 20, 2026

 

People get ready, 'cause a storm is coming....

 

Clean Up in Riverview Spring 2026!