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.