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Friday, March 15, 2024

The Scat Springs Memorial Scholarship at Dobyns-Bennett - Honoring One of Our Own






To apply for the scholarship by the deadline, click the link below and to the Attached Files at the bottom.  Then click on the pdf link:

https://dbhs.k12k.com/apps/news/article/1894140 


You can also print the application below and get it into the DB Front Office:





Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Douglass Alumni Board Meeting set

 

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board will meet in its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2024.


The meeting will be at 11 AM in the Eastman Board Room on the second floor of the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport.


Please note the new scheduled meeting time of 11 AM.


"e Little Girl of Rotherwood Mansion"

 


Reprinted with permission from former Kingsport City Manager Jeff Fleming:


Virgealia “Jill” Ellis was a leap-year baby in 1928. Since 2024 is a leap year (and February is Black History Month) I wanted to honor her. 


Mrs. Ellis was the counselor for generations of students at Douglass High School (before integration) and Dobyns-Bennett High School (after integration), including me.  

She made a lasting impression, and I was honored to be asked to deliver a eulogy on her behalf in 2021. I was unaware of most of these things while growing up as her student.

Virgealia “Jill” Denny Looney Ellis was a leap year baby in 1928. Since 2024 is a leap year, I wanted to honor her. Mrs. Ellis was the counselor for generations of students at both Douglass High School (before integration) and Dobyns-Bennett High School (after integration), including me.  She made a lasting impression, and I was honored to be asked to deliver a eulogy on her behalf in 2021.  


I was unaware of most of these things while growing up as her student. What I remember most was her jovial, encouraging personality. Her parents were employed as the live-in caretakers of Rotherwood Mansion by wealthy New York financier John B. Dennis during the Jim Crow South.  


She was the only child in the mansion and Mr. Dennis took a personal interest in her education and upbringing–in fact, her middle name was “Denny”.  He never had children of his own, so he directed his attention toward her.  He affectionately called her, “Little Girl”.  


She said that he admonished her to, “read, Little Girl, read!”, so she did. He also gave her his pocket change each year as he returned to his native Oyster Bay, New York (on Long Island). She recounted that her father, the butler, would appear in the room and announce, “Mr. Dennis, Oyster Bay calling.” 


She was caught in the transitional years post-slavery, but before integration and served as a bridge between the black and white communities. She was teased by the black community for arriving to school in a limousine, but not fully accepted by the white community because of the laws and customs of the day.


Undeterred, she lived her life as a daily example that people are just people. She devoted her lifetime to admonishing the children of Kingsport (black & white) to read, learn, and aspire to be the best they can be–just like John B. Dennis did for her. She raised an amazing family who still carry on her legacy and make an impact in their own respective communities. 


She wrote a children’s book, “Denny at Rotherwood-God Talks To Me” from which many of the illustrations and photographs are taken.



Jill Ellis was a Kingsport treasure. She freely shared her life stories of growing up in times that are hard for us to imagine and uncomfortable to discuss.  A time of segregation and the struggle for civil rights.  She was kind, optimistic, and focused on leaving a better world for future generations. 


And she did. 


Her smile and the brightness in her eyes always drew a similar response from all she met.  And she especially passed that trait along to her daughters.  She was the personification of God’s grace – freely given and totally undeserved.


Her stories were authentic, important, and priceless. She always spoke so matter-of-factly. This is the way it was.  And this is what we did. She channeled her energy into improving herself and those who knew her. 


She didn’t dwell on the things that divide us, she focused on our shared humanity and the common struggles we all face in trying to find our way in this world. She made life better one person and one life at a time.



I am one of those lives. I was her student. She was my counselor.  And I take her life lessons with me every day.  She lives on in the hundreds and hundreds of people she influenced.


She was the last living connection to the founding fathers of 1917.  Neither John B. Dennis nor J. Fred Johnson had children or descendants. Kingsport was their legacy.  And she was their self-described “little girl” and only child living in Rotherwood Mansion during modern Kingsport’s formative years.

 

As my mama used to say, “Oh to go back in time and be a fly on the wall.”  She was an eyewitness to history. And thankfully she shared her memories and passed along her stories to the community and her family.


She recalled daily life in Rotherwood Mansion as the hub of development in early Kingsport. She observed the steady stream of visiting investors who were being recruited to build this city of industry. She recalled her father walking into the room, announcing “Mr. Dennis, New York calling.”


She remembered the fine, horse-drawn hunting carriage that her dad brought out for special guests – including George Eastman.


While she lived in Rotherwood Mansion among Kingsport’s elite, she attended the segregated Douglass school. Her dad drove her to school in Rotherwood’s limousine. She would get out of the car with a big bow in her hair – and as you might expect, the kids would tease her because she was different. She was caught between two worlds.


And each evening she would return to the mansion.


She shared that John B. Dennis would save up his pocket change and give it to her when he returned to Oyster Bay, New York each year.  Yes, the same Oyster Bay as President Theodore Roosevelt.


That pocket change later paid her tuition at boarding school after her father passed and could no longer drive her to Kingsport for school.


She recalled John B. Dennis’ library and his insatiable appetite for books and knowledge – geography, literature, and science.  He admonished her, “Read! Read!”  So she did.


And she began a lifelong thirst for knowledge that lead to a college education and distinguished career. She taught at Douglass and moved with integration. Of all the many distinguished teachers that ever taught in the history of Kingsport City Schools, she was in the inaugural Hall of Fame. It was no contest.


She often spoke of her first encounter with God at Rotherwood. It came in the form of an echo. She found a spot in the courtyard and yelled, “Hello, I love you” and she heard an echo come back, “I love you”. She told her mama she talked to God and He answered. It was an experience so vivid she remembered it the rest of her life. She said there are forces in play all around us every day that we don’t comprehend and can’t explain. They’re bigger than us. That’s why it’s called faith. It’s about believing something we cannot prove.


One thing’s for sure – an echo is a reflection. You get back what you give.

And Mrs. Ellis’ echoes are truly timeless because the children of the children of the children that she influenced will make it so.



Thursday, February 22, 2024

Sherry Pierce Kinchloe remembrance

 


Rev. Sherry Pierce Kinchloe was born to Jerome and Elizabeth Piece in Kingsport, TN, on December 16, 1953. After graduating from Lees-McRae College and attending ETSU, she returned to Kingsport and worked as a Case Manager for Indian Path Hospital and Superior Home Health. She married and gave birth to the joy of her life, Cameron.

Rev. Kinchloe joined Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church in 1990 and never believed in being just a "pew" member. She actively served in the Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, The Christian Education Department, and worked with the youth in their activities. In 1994, she received the call from God to teach and preach His Word. She was ordained as a Deacon in 2003 and an Elder in 2004 in the A.M.E. Zion Church. She assisted Rev. Kingsley Blay and several other pastors at Bethel before receiving her first appointment. She was assigned to Limestone A.M.E. Zion church for two years before transferring to her post in Jonesborough, TN.

In 2002, during her first year at Jonesborough, she had to undergo an emergency surgical procedure. Doug and Vivian Releford were faithful and loyal with their assistance and friendship during her recovery. She had a long and slow recovery, but she said, "Where I was weak, God was strong. I never lost my faith in God. He said I'll never leave nor forsake you, and He is still by my side." Despite challenges with mobility, she continued to rejoice and give God the glory.

Sherry's parents, Jerome and Elizabeth Pierce, preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish fond memories her son, Cameron (Yaree) Grimes of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Star Morris of Lithonia, GA, and Aleea P. Tarplin of Stockbridge, GA; brother, Jerome (Blossom) Pierce of Kingsport, TN; the new joys of her life, her precious grandchildren, Pierce Cameron and Parker Grimes; niece, Beth (Jayce) Fulwider; nephews, Tyrome Avery, Bernard (Sharonda) Tarplin, and Byron Pierce Tarplin; great-nieces and nephews, Kanaan and Kassidy Fulwider and Myles, Maliyah, and Malachi Tarplin; paternal uncle, Jack (Betsy) Pierce; goddaughter, LaVonda Harris; and a host of relatives and friends.

A special thank you to cousins Rev. Dr. Charlotte and Rev. Joseph Comage for visiting and ministering to Sherry during her illness. 

The family extends a thank you to all who knew and loved Sherry. 

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Kingsport's Lola Campbell receives proclamation from Sullivan County Commissioners

 This story courtesy WJHL-TV

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Leola “Lola” Campbell was recognized by Sullivan County Commissioners on Thursday for her outstanding leadership and exemplary community service.

Campbell was the first African American to integrate the Holston Valley Nurse Corps in the 1950s.

She encourages younger generations to keep pursuing their dreams.

“We know that all things are under God’s control,” Campbell said. “We have to ask him for the strength, the patience, the wisdom, whatever we need to cross this mountain that we’re facing. You don’t give up, never.”

“If you know Ms. Campbell and her family, you know how deserving she is of this honor. I’ve had the privilege of knowing them for many years,” Commissioner John Gardner said. “Her contribution, it’s beyond words.”

The Sullivan County Commission proclaimed Feb. 15, 2024 as Lola Campbell Day.

“The proclamation is just the least we could do to honor such a great lady and her family. It was just great to have her and the family up here this evening so we can pay her respect,” Gardner said.

Lola Campbell persisted to integrate Holston Valley Nurse training corps

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — For Leola “Lola” Campbell, becoming a nurse was a lifelong dream and calling.

“Ever since I was old enough to know what a nurse was, that was what I wanted to be,” Campbell told News Channel 11. “That’s about the only way I can explain it. I just wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to care for people.”

But as a Black woman in the 1950s, it was a dream that wouldn’t come easily.

“When I finished 11th grade, I started looking into places to go, but everything everywhere was segregated,” said Campbell.

Like public schools across the region, Kingsport’s nurse training school at Holston Valley Community Hospital was segregated at the time. Still, it had a great reputation, and Campbell set her sights on admission.

She called and visited the office relentlessly but never received an application. Campbell said administrators told her they would run a segregated class if she could find at least ten other black students to enroll.

“That wasn’t possible,” said Campbell. “The Black population here is so small and most of the women worked.”

Making the impossible possible

Regardless, Campbell was determined to meet her goal.

“I just kept going, I kept calling,” Campbell said. “I knew that I wanted to be a nurse, and I knew that Holston Valley had the best training program in the Tri-Cities.”

Kingsport City Schools announced its plan to begin integrating, grade by grade in 1960.

“If schools integrated, why wouldn’t the nursing program be integrated?” Campbell said.

Finally, the administrators relented. The school called her on a Friday to tell her the spring session would start Monday, but that she wouldn’t be able to gather the paperwork needed in time and could start in the fall.

Campbell never received an application.

“I knew what all we had to have, so I got busy,” Campbell said. “With the help of God, my aptitude tests and all the things I had to have, I was done by Friday afternoon.”

“So I walked in, surprisingly, Monday morning.”

Pushing past prejudice

Clearing the hurdles to admission was only the beginning for Campbell, who integrated the nurse training program at Holston Valley Medical Center along with one other Black student.

Campbell trained hard for 13 months, all the while facing patients who sometimes declined to receive care from a woman of color.

“You didn’t know from one day to another in the hospital what somebody was going to ask you or what somebody was going to say,” Campbell said. “You never know what questions [you’ll] face so you had to learn to smile and say, ‘I’m so-and-so and this and I’m here and I’m going to take care of you today if you want me to.'”

Campbell credits many of her early supervisors for looking out for her through training and into the early years of her nursing career.

For her first hospital placement, Campbell was assigned the most notoriously difficult floor.

“Their nurse was a retired Army lieutenant, and she ran a tight ship,” Campbell said.

But that nurse ended up being one of Campbell’s “angels,” and offered her her first hospital job.

Campbell graduated in March 1961, becoming the first Black nurse trained at Holston Valley Medical Center, where she spent the entirety of her 27-year career.

Opening doors

The determination that compelled Campbell to fight segregation kept her working. She earned a scholarship to become a Registered Nurse and kept training on the latest equipment as a surgical nurse for nearly three decades.

Campbell graduated in March 1961, becoming the first Black nurse trained at Holston Valley Medical Center, where she spent the entirety of her 27-year career.

The determination that compelled Campbell to fight segregation kept her working. She earned a scholarship to become a Registered Nurse and kept training on the latest equipment as a surgical nurse for nearly three decades.


Leola “Lola” Campbell, seated second from left, celebrating her 90th birthday in October.

Sixty years later, Campbell said there was a moment from the final weeks of her 13-month training period that stood out to her. Her cohort was back in the classroom studying for state boards, with a view of the nursing office.

Through the window, Campbell saw a young Black woman she knew walk into the office.



Rev. Sherry Pierce Kinchloe announcement

 


Rev. Sherry Pierce Kinchloe departed this life Saturday February 17, 2024 at Ballad Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center. 

Arrangements are incomplete.

Professional service and care of Rev. Sherry G. Pierce Grimes Kinchloe and family are entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel & Cremation Service Inc. (423) 245-4971

Saturday, February 17, 2024

"The History of African-Americans in Kingsport" - Presentation & Discussion

 


On Friday, February 23, 2024, all Douglass alumni are invited to hear "The History of African-Americans in Kingsport," the result of months of research, interviews with residents (many of them no longer with us), old photos and videos.

To know where we are going as people, alumni and a community, we have to know where we have been and how our lives were shaped by our neighborhood back when.  Back then, it took a village to raise a child and often it took a switch to be raised.

Also in attendance will be classes from Dobyns-Bennett High School as they learn about the importance of Black History Month in all of our lives.

There will also be a question-and-answer session after the history presentation, during which as Douglass alumni and Riverview residents, you'll be able to relate stories of growing up and living in Kingsport's Black community.

Douglass alumnus, and DB graduate/athlete Don Hickman will also speak and a small lunch will be provided at around 11:30.



Friday, February 9, 2024

Douglass Alumni Meeting Canceled

 

Apparently, the weather will not be our friend on Saturday, Feb. 10th.  


As a result, the Douglass Alumni Board will NOT hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on that date.


The next meeting will be on March 9th... feels good to say that.  Spring is just around the corner.


Any news updates and current events, as always, will be here on your Douglass website.  Meanwhile, we hope you partake of the events during Happy Black History Month.


See you in the spring!


Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board Meeting announcement

 


The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board will have its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

The meeting will begin at 11 AM, in the Eastman Board Room, 2nd Floor of the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport.



Monday, February 5, 2024

2024 Black History Month Events in Kingsport

 

Here's a list of events going on in Kingsport and the surrounding area for Black History Month, February 2024:





Tuesday, January 30, 2024

An All African-American Play at the Barter Theater, Abingdon, VA - Black History Month

 



    February 17th to March 17th at Barter’s                                 Smith Theatre


Cephus Miles is a hardworking North Carolina farmer who has the whole world in his callused hands—until his love Pattie Mae goes off to college and marries another man.  Hurt and confused, Cephus leaves his country life and answers the siren call of the city, a journey that leads him to discover his true home.  Originally staged by the Negro Ensemble Company, this melodic coming-of-age story gives voice to the unbreakable spirit of every American who has searched for a place to belong.


This production is a part of Barter’s Black Stories Black Voices initiative.


Friday, January 26, 2024

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Ronald E. "Ronnie" Lynch Celebration of Life

 


Ronald Edwin Lynch, 73, of Kingsport, Tennessee, departed this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.


Ronald, also known as "Ronnie" or Bubba," was a lifelong resident of Kingsport, TN.  He attended the Douglass High School and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School.  Ronald continued his education at East Tennessee State University.  He enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events like football, basketball, and tennis.  He was employed by Domtar and retired in 2018.


Ronald was preceded in death by his mother, Clara D. Lynch, and grandparents, Clarence and Mary Frances Lynch.


Bubba will be greatly missed.  To mourn his passing, Bubba leaves his brothers, Jonathan (Lula) Lynch and Donald Lynch, both of Kingsport, and Randy (Linda) Lynch of Atlanta, Georgia;  sisters, Karen L. Wolfe of Kingsport, Connie Hicks of Wesley Chapel, Florida, and Jackie (Terry) Shields of Nashville, Tennessee;  five nephews;  five nieces;  7 great-nieces; many great-nephews; and a host of other wonderful friends.

The Receiving of Friends will be Friday, January 26, 2024 from 1 PM to 2 PM at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 712 East Sevier Avenue in Kingsport.  The Celebration of Life will follow at 2 PM at the church.   Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport.


 

Friday, January 19, 2024

William Clifford Leeper Celebration of Life

 


William Clifford "Papaw" Leeper departed this life on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home. He was born in Church Hill, Tennessee on January 2, 1938.

Over the years, Papaw wore many hats, working in many different trades. He worked at a glass plant, Barley Construction, and Leeper Construction. Through Leeper Concrete, Dad worked on places you may have walked, stood, sat, or drove. His brickwork stretches across Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He was also a supervisor at the TVA and Fluor Daniels. For many years, Dad had his own eatery on Eastman Road. He served up Broaster chicken, his specialty, chicken and dumplings, and much more. 

Papaw was an active member of his community. He loved watching the Kingsport Mets and any football games. He served as a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church and worked with the Manna Meals at Central Baptist. He was known for his peach cobbler and biscuits and gravy. Papaw never met a stranger, and he loved to serve his food and being of service to the community. If you needed a job, he was there for you. If you needed someone to listen, Papaw was there for you. When you asked him not to tell anybody what was said, best believe he didn't share it. We will miss being greeted by Papaw's "Hey young man" or "Baby girl" and his tough handshake crafted from his years of working. 

Clifford was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lillian Leeper; parents, Albert F. and Myrtle Leeper; brother, James Leeper; and sisters, Estella Leeper and Cecil Leeper.

To cherish his memory, Clifford leaves behind his children, Billy (Edith) Leeper, Reggie Leeper, and Tonia (O'Nile) Johnson; grandchildren, Kris (Tierra) Leeper, Blake Leeper, and Sadie Trammell; great-grandchildren, Thea Leeper and another grandbaby is on the way; best friend, Zeloa Leeper; special son, Robbie Cox; special daughter, Sonya Clark; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The visitation is Friday, January 19, 2024 from 12 Noon to 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN.   The Celebration of Life will follow at 1 PM at the church on that day.  Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport.

Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service is serving the Leeper family.


Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Snow in Riverview

 




Remember back in the day when us kids would be waiting for the snow, just so we could get outside and play in it?  How many yards had snowmen in them?  How many snowball fights would we have?  How many cardboard sleds were coming down Clay Hill? 

Click the play button above twice, to relive some great memories of snowing in Riverview.  What does it make you remember?  This video is from the Douglass office in the V.O. Dobbins tower.

I had to leave on Monday to get back to Chattanooga before the weather got bad (and it still did... took me 6 hours for a trip that normally takes 3), but before I left, I took a riding tour of the Riverview neighborhood while it was snowing.  That video is hopefully coming soon.


  

Monday, January 15, 2024

CANCELLED

 


                         The Snow in Riverview on MLK Day

All events scheduled for MLK Day in Kingsport have been CANCELLED.  The snow proved to be too much of a challenge.  Keep watching here for an update on rescheduling the events.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Parade Route Map for the 2024 MLK Day Parade in Kingsport

 


           CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER

The parade begins at 12 Noon.  The long street at the bottom of the picture is East Center Street.  The street in red is East Sullivan Street, the new parade route; the circle in red at the lower right is where the parade begins, East Sullivan Street at East Center Street.  The diagonal street at the upper right is Dale Street.  The markings in yellow are the street entrances to Sullivan Street that will be blocked off during the parade.  The green circles indicate places where people can park.. the green circle at the extreme upper left is the City Hall parking lot where the parade ends.  

The only place not visible in this picture is where marchers will assemble at 11:15 AM.  That will be the parking lot at the Preaching Christ Church, 707 East Sullivan Street.  That's at the extreme bottom right of the picture.


Friday, January 12, 2024

Doris Jean Rogers Celebration of Life

 


Doris Jean Rogers departed this life on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Ballad Holston Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Doris Rogers was born in Rogersville, Tennessee, on March 5, 1956. She worked for the Christian Care Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, for ten years before retiring as an activity director. She was a faithful member of Full Gospel Mission Church in Kingsport, TN. Doris was known for her infectious laughter, unwavering kindness, and unyielding devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carrie M. Rogers; father, Louis Rogers; brother, Junie Rogers; and three sisters, Carrie Lee Cash, Kathy Collins, and Alfreda Womack.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two daughters, Clarissa Gass and Aiesha Edwards; son-in-law, Brandon Edward; three granddaughters, Courtney Gass, Mia Gass, and Justice Blye; and one grandson, Nathan Blye.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Full Gospel Mission Church, 740 East Sevier Avenue, Kingsport, TN.  The visitation will be from 12 PM to 1 PM, and the Celebration of Life will begin at 1 PM at the church. 

Professional care for Ms. Doris Jean Rogers and family is entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 423-245-4971.