Douglass Alumni Board Meeting on Saturday, 6/14

 

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association board will meet on Saturday June 14, 2025.  It will most likely be the last meeting before the school reunion on July 4th, 5th, and 6th.

The meeting will begin at 11 AM, in the second floor conference room of the V.O. Dobbins Community Center tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport.

Please bring your ideas and mail (or bring) your dues in ASAP.  Again, dues ($75.00) will help the Board pay for the reunion, plus enroll you in the Douglass Alumni Association.

Please make the check payable to the Sons and Daughters of Douglass and mail them to:

Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association

301 Louis Street, Ste. 304

Kingsport, Tennessee 37660

See you at the Reunion!

Riverview community to host 2025 Juneteenth Celebration

 

KINGSPORT — Music, dancing, gospel choirs and games will fill V.O. Dobbins Field later this month as Riverview hosts its 2025 Community Unity Juneteenth Celebration.

In partnership with the Kingsport Parks and Recreation, the event will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 2 to 8 p.m. at 301 Louis St. It will bring together families and the community to celebrate freedom and culture, said Johnnie Mae Swagerty, one of the event’s lead organizers.

Swagerty said the celebration will include artists, vendors and local organizations.

“This is Riverview’s celebration, unity in our own neighborhood, for everyone.”

Festivities will kick off with a welcome and prayer, followed by a Juneteenth history presentation from Sherman Patrick of Northeast State Community College. Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery is scheduled to read a special proclamation, Swagerty said.

Performances will include the New Vision Youth Drama Team, a skit titled “In the Hood,” and music by DJ Unity from Nashville, who will play a mix of gospel, jazz and family-friendly hits.

Choirs and soloists scheduled to perform include:

• Keante’ Dukes & Kingdom Collective
• Zacharias Dukes
• Journey (God’s Child), age 9
• Yani Litt
• Naj & Company, an R&B and rap group performing rhythm and blues classics

Dance entertainment will be provided by Holiday Dance Studio.

Attendees can enjoy food from Mama’s Food Factory, Beach Hut, Exotic Foods and a taco truck. Merchandise vendors include Letitia T-Shirts & Jewelry, The Litt Factory, Looks by Letise, Tiffany Bakes and Timeless Scents.

Community organizations will be there including:

• Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition (SCAD)
• Traces Foster Home
• Bethel AME Zion Church
• Imagination Library
• Girls Inc.
• Northeast State’s aviation program (bringing a small aircraft for children to learn about flying)

Young visitors can explore a Kingsport Fire Department truck, meet police officers and play in the splash pad. Swagerty said games will include inflatables, cornhole, pickleball, a toilet paper roll toss, basketball and bingo.

Swagerty said bingo will start promptly at 4:30 p.m., with no late entries after 5 p.m.

Free red sodas and red cookies will be handed out, while supplies last. Guests are encouraged — but not required — to wear red or Juneteenth-themed shirts.

“We want everyone to come out, have fun and be a part of the fellowship,” Swagerty said. “It’s about unity, joy and honoring our history together.”

For more information, contact Bishop Ronnie Collins at 423-956-0675, Johnnie Mae Swagerty at 423-429-7553 or Ryan Smith at 423-480-4072.

James Arthur "Jimmy" Harrill Foster remembrance

 

KINGSPORT - James Arthur "Jimmy" Harrill Foster, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Jimmy was born in Kingsport, TN on July 25, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. He was a member at Shades of Grace in Kingsport and had attended since their opening in 2014. 

Jimmy loved to sing and help people in the community, and to spend time with his loving wife, Polly and his fur babies, Wolferton, Pupperton, Rachel Rose, Lilly Bell Tell, Big Black and Baby. 

He was a journeyman foundryman for many years and worked a variety of jobs inside of Eastman Chemical Company. Jimmy's greatest joys in life was his love for his Lord and Savior, his wife, his children, and grandchildren; all of whom he was so proud of; and his furbabies.

In addition to his birth parents Jimmy is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann Hodge; son, Jeremiah E.J. Foster; stepson, James W. Feathers; mother-in-law, Sylvia Louise Moseley; and several brothers and sisters.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Polly Ann (Moseley) Foster; stepdaughter, Rose of Sharon (Feathers) Thacker and her husband, Jason; stepson, Paul Feathers; daughter, Tonya Harrill; son, Nathanial Foster; grandchildren, Grace Ann (Thacker) Ramey and husband, Anthony, Alisha Nicole Robinson, Anabelle Rose Thacker, Kelly Rose Scanlan and her husband, Gage, Dawson Kell Thacker and his wife, Tara, Creed Thacker, Nevada Harrill, Hazel Harrill, Antwan Nicholson, Trey Bush, Tonio Chambers, Quamesha Chambers, Junior Chambers; great grandchildren, Lyric Rose Scanlan, Laveah Page Scanlan, Lydia Grace Ramey, Lillyana Faye Scanlan, Zoey, Leana, Adalynn, Laylay Chambers, Jamari Carter, ; brothers, Sanford Hodge Jr., and Keenan "Teaspoon" Mason; sisters, Mary Cornelius and Gloria Hodge;  sister-in-law, Mildred "Millie" Moseley Crawford; brother-in-law, Raymond Moseley and his wife Erin; as well as many extended family members, and dear friends.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Jimmy's caregivers at Church Hill Nursing Home for their love and care, and to Alan Hicks and the staff with Restore Life USA  in Elizabethton, and to Brian Arrowood and the staff at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill for the love and compassion they have shown during this difficult time. 

A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Shades of Grace United Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN. 

A memorial service will follow the visitation with Pastor Will Shewey, Pastor Regina Shelton, and Pastor Melissa Malcolm officiating.

Remembrances of Karen Young Gonzales

 

                            

 

Karen Hope Young Gonzales remembrance

 

Celebration of Life of Karen Hope Young Gonzalez

   October 31, 1954 – May 14, 2025

Karen Hope Young Gonzalez was born to the late Howard W. Young and Mary Elizabeth Young in Kingsport, TN on October 31, 1954.  She was called to her eternal reset on May 14, 2025.

Karen, a woman of deep faith, gave her life to Christ at an early age and devoted herself to a life centered on daily Bible study and prayer, serving in church ministries and engagement.  Her faith was the bedrock upon which she built her life, guiding her through the trials and tribulations of this world.  She held fast to the belief that with God, all things are possible.

Karen was educated in the Kingsport City Schools systems graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School, having recently attended her 50th class reunion.  She moved to Cleveland in 1980 with her son Brandon to join the family, retiring from the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works in 2014.  Karen joined her sisters in Knoxville, Tennessee after retirement but never lost the pull of her beloved Cleveland so she returned in 2024 to be with her son.  Her church family and friends welcomed Karen home.

I Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain:  faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  Karen embodied this scripture, living a life rich in faith, brimming with hope and overflowing with love.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew Preston E. Peters.  She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memories:  her beloved son, Brandon Marquis Gonzalez;  her grandchildren, Samaria, Samir and Harmony of Cleveland;  and her siblings; Charlotte (Gary) Maxwell of Kingsport;  Howard Young, Jr. (Euclid);  Phyllis (Jim) Nichols of Knoxville;  Linda Reid of Knoxville;  and Gregory (Kim) of Stockbridge, GA.

“Auntie Karen” is mourned by her nieces and nephews: Bryan (Jackie) Young,  Robyn (Marcia) Young,  Ashley Young; Tiffany (Patrick) Powell and Allison Toich;  Deidtra Reid, Brittany (Cleo) Nettles; Jason Young, Charles N.Young, Ryan Young, Miles Young and Morgan Young;  and several grandnieces and nephews;  and a host of friends, church members and classmates.

As we say farewell to Karen Hope Young Gonzalez, we do not dwell on the sorrow of her parting, but rather rejoice in the knowledge she has been received into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.  She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.  Let her life be a loving reminder that while she is missing from our presence;  she will be forever in our hearts.  We will remember how greatly each of us loved her, and how she loved us all.

Visitation

Calhoun Funeral Home Lake Shore Blvd.

17010 Lake Shore Blvd.

Cleveland, OH 44110

216-738-0300 

Friday 5/30, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Service

Christian Assembly

25595 Chardon Road

Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143

(216) 261-4214 

Saturday 5/31, 11:00 am

Wake to begin at 10:30 am

Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board Meeting scheduled

 

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board will meet on Saturday morning, May 24, 2025 in its regularly scheduled meeting.

Note the special meeting time of 10 AM.

Board members and interested parties will finalize plans for the upcoming Douglass School Reunion on July 4th, 5th and 6th of this year.

The board meeting will be in the conference room, 2nd floor of the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Community Center Complex tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport, TN.  Again, the meeting will begin at 10 AM.

Please be on time.

Karen Hope (Young) Gonzales announcement

Karen Hope (Young) Gonzales passed away on Thursday, May 15th in Cleveland, Ohio.  She was the fourth daughter of Howard and Mary Young, formerly of Kingsport.  

Funeral arrangements are being made by the family right now, and will be announced shortly.  

Please keep the family and friends in your prayers.  

Phyllis Long-Brooks remembrance

 

Phyllis Brooks remembrance

 May 13, 2025

Phyllis Long-Brooks was born July 1, 1934 to Anna (Stafford) and Dewey Long in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Phyllis was a 1952 graduate of the Douglass High School, located in the Riverview community, Kingsport, Tennessee. 

Her sons are George Long of Jacksonville, Florida, and one that transitioned, Raymond Dennis Long of Kingsport.  

Her granddaughters are Nichole DeMesa, Sherreese (Long) Dones, and great grandchildren Genell and Micah Dones.  Her surviving sibling is Joyce Long of Nashville, Tennessee.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville. TN 37216.  www.springhillfh.com

Douglass Alumni Meeting DATE CHANGE

 

Because of prior commitments on the next two weekends, the regular meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Douglas Board of Directors has been postponed to SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025.

The meeting will finalize plans for the 2025 Douglass School Reunion, scheduled for the July 4th weekend.  If you have suggestions, this upcoming meeting will be the last time to get your ideas considered.  Be sure and get your dues of $75.00 in... please mail to Sons and Daughters of Douglass, 301 Louis Street, Ste. 304, Kingsport, TN 37660.

The meeting will be held at 10 AM (note the different earlier time) on the 24th, in the conference room, second floor of the V.O. Dobbins Community Center Complex, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport.

Vote for Johnnie Mae Swagerty for Favorite Chef!

 

Click here to vote for Johnnie Mae Swagerty!

Panel Discussion: Great Expections will produce Great Results

 Just a note about our panel discussion on the 26th.  We had an absolutely fabulous meeting, though our number was small.  Panelists Reverend Nophlin and Dr. Eric Sayer were also there and lit a fire under the group.  It's good to know that fire still exists in these turbulent times.  "Keep holding on.  It'll be all over in the morning."

In regards to Donald Trump and his effect on Black people in upper east Tennessee, when we took it down to grassroots level, the methods of Trump and the Republicans in Tennessee and Upper East Tennessee were clearly exposed.  Our group had a fantastic time getting riled up… the video of the Black Lives Matter March in Rogersville a few years ago set the tone for the meeting… Those Rogersville people called the marchers names that would make a sailor blush.

After the viewing, what resulted was one of the best roundtable discussions I’ve ever had in my life and I have been to hundreds of them. 

Bottom line is, there IS a way to lesson Donald Trump‘s impact on the black community, OUR Black community.  In our small group, we listened to each other, every opinion counted and through the ideas, we reasoned out a way to do it that is so simple, we were kind of surprised when we came to the conclusion.. it’s a wonder nobody has thought of it before and expanded on it.  I was driving back home down I-81 in Greene County running things over in my mind and before I realized it, I was driving faster than the speed limit!

We did miss our two educators on the panel, Dr. Carter and Dr. Nunnally... we determined that we are going to need their helpful advice to keep us focused on the prize, which is keeping Donald Trump from erasing our history.  Again, there is a simple way to stop that, but we cannot do it on our own.  We need soldiers and they are out there right now.  We have also determined that a group of the faithful needs another, much larger meeting with a lot more people impacted by Trump‘s trivialities.  This time, the meeting involves free food because we realize that is what draws people out. 

We know that it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a People to start a revolution and we can do that in our own little way.  Tops of the list is why some Black people wasted their vote in November on Donald Trump.  Are we still that gullible?

Talk to any of the folks in our group... the mood was electric, the examples of how Trump can hurt us were emotional, and the drive to stop it, dynamic.  We need your ideas and your discussion and nobody needs to know that you attended the meeting.  We look with a wary eye at everybody else hollering and screaming at the Republicans at their "town hall meetings" and that’s OK.. if it makes them feel good to yell and scream, more power to them, but what does that accomplish other than making them feel good?  It makes the TV news the next morning, but nothing happens after that.  Trump's Republicans just laugh and continue ripping off Black people.  We need to galvanize in our own way and get through to OUR people in OUR way.  Again, there is a simple way to do that that we are overlooking right now.  

When we do this meeting again, we need to see a lot more Black people there ready to represent.  

Quit looking for a reason NOT to do something, and look for a reason TO DO something.

----Calvin

John Landon Jackson remembrance

 

John Landon Jackson

April 16, 2025

John Landon Jackson, PharmD, a dedicated and compassionate pharmacist, passed away on April 16, 2025 at the age of 39. Known for his deep commitment to patient care, research, and community service, John’s contributions to the field of pharmacy left a lasting impact on those he served and mentored.

Born and raised in Richmond, VA and Chattanooga, TN, John’s passion for healthcare led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Rhodes College, graduating in 2009. He then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 2015. Throughout his academic career, John demonstrated an exceptional dedication to advancing medical knowledge, particularly in pharmacotherapy and clinical research.

John’s professional journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. He worked with Enclara Pharmaceuticals Benefit Management Company and later joined Liviniti Pharmacy Benefits Manager Company where he continued to make meaningful contributions to the pharmaceutical field. His extensive clinical training included experiences at renowned institutions such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist University Hospital, and Elmendorf Air Force Base. His research on renal transplant patients and medication management in mental health care showcased his dedication to improving treatment outcomes.

Beyond his professional achievements, John was deeply involved in community service. He volunteered his time at health screenings, flu clinics, and educational initiatives, always striving to make healthcare more accessible and understandable for those in need. His mentorship of aspiring pharmacists and his involvement in professional organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association and the Tennessee Pharmacists Association demonstrated his passion for advancing the field.

John’s kindness, intellect, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his father and mother, Anthony and Mary Jackson, sister Janell and brother and sister-in-law Tony and Lora Jackson and niece, Aria. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as countless friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date graveside in Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McCallie Scholarship Fund in his honor.

John’s legacy of hard work, dedication, service, and compassion will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. Please share expressions of sympathy at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.