Linda "Peaches" Bly remembrance

 

Linda "Peaches" Bly departed this life on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Ballad Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

She was born on September 7, 1949.

Linda attended the Douglass Elementary-High School and was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport.  She was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association.

Linda moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she worked at Pitney-Bowes.  She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Kingsport, and served in the choir and on the building and engineering committees.

To cherish her memory, she leaves behind her two sons Sean White and Stacy White, her mother Dallas Watterson, her sister Joann Fugate, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three aunts, one nephew, three great-nephews, and a host of other nephews, cousins, and friends.

Celebration of Life services for Ms. Linda "Peaches" Bly will be conducted Friday, September 2, 2022 at 2 PM from the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN. 

The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the hour of service.

Burial will follow at the Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.

Mr. James Henderson remembrance

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, and 14. (1-4) “To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven;   A time to be born, and a time to die;   A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;   A time to kill, and a time to heal;   A time to break down, and a time to build up;   A time to weep, and a time to laugh;   A time to mourn, and a time to dance; (14) I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever.   Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it.   God does it, that men should fear for Him.”

James Henderson, Sr., of Kingsport, TN passed away on August 25, 2022.   He was born December 10, 1938 in Batesville, MS to the late Alma Henderson-Frost, and step-father the late Johnnie Frost. 

He was preceded in death by Cecilia Henderson, his wife of 54 years, Grandson Justin Machen, sisters Joyce DeJesus, Mattie Cheek and brothers Thomas Frost and John Frost. 

He leaves to mourn his passing, children:   Audrey Henderson of Chicago, IL,   James Henderson, Jr., of Kingsport, TN,   Willie Henderson of Oakland, CA,   Karen (Jerry) Machen of Gray, TN,   Milicent (Eric) Mack of Carrollton, GA,   grandchildren: Jasen Machen of Nashville, TN,   Dustin Machen of Kingsport, TN, Malcolm Dennis and Bria Mack of Carrollton, GA,   great-grandchildren: Jayden Dennis, Deserai and Jasmine Machen,   brothers and sisters:   Pearl Tolbert of Roanoke, TX,   Major (Sharon) Frost of Carson, CA,   Willie Frost of Los Angeles, CA,   Diane Abrams of Sardis, MS,   niece: Thelma (Rodney) Bradley of Kingsport, TN, and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for 43 years. He was active with the brotherhood, the Usher Ministry, the Sunday School Dept., and the Van Ministry.  After uniting with Central Baptist Church, he also joined their Usher Ministry.

Mr. Henderson enjoying his 80th surprise birthday party

One of his most inspiring and humbling activities was the monthly visits to the area nursing homes, along with his Monday Bible Study Class to sing, and minister to the residents.

He was employed 7 years with the Kingsport Public Library, and 34 years with Holston Defense Corporation, as Senior Operator in printing and duplicating services.   He retired in 1999 at the conclusion of Eastman’s Contract with the U.S. Army.

The Henderson family will gather to greet friends and share memories on Thursday, September 1, from 3 - 4 pm at Central Baptist Church (301 Carver St., Kingsport, TN).   A Funeral Service will follow with Pastor Perry Stuckey officiating.   A Graveside Service will be held Friday, September 2, at 10:30 am in East Lawn Memorial Park.   Masks are required for all attendees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church Building Fund, at 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

Note to Website Email Subscribers: Your Correct Email Address Is Needed

Good day, Douglass alumni and Riverview neighbors!

Recently I had to purge dozens of email addresses from the alumni website's email subscriber list.  Whenever I would send out notices, each one of them kicked back as either "nondeliverable" or "closed email address."  Some folks have passed away, but others are just closed accounts.

If you change your email address, any new email address you change to, does not automatically transfer over to the Douglass website email mailing list.  You have to re-subscribe if you want to stay current.

If you want to be notified of events, passings and news of interest to our alumni community, please re-register your new address by going to the Douglass alumni webpage (www.sonsanddaughtersofdouglass.org), scroll down to the white box on the left that says "join mailing list" (pictured above) and follow the instructions to register your new email list.  Remember to do that any time you change to a new email address, but only if you want to.

Note:  I do not send you spam, advertising or useless information.. any email spam you get does not come from the Douglass website mailing list.   I also do not share your email address, not even with other alumni.  If you want to contact fellow alumni or neighbors, you can get their email addresses yourself.. you don't need to get them from me.   Years ago, I allowed people to interact with each other directly via the website, but spammers and hackers got in by imitating legitimate emails and I shut that feature down immediately.  Now, you have to contact each other on your own... that's a much better system.  I protect you from hackers by strictly monitoring who subscribes, first by running email address through my spam blockers which automatically block anybody I don't recognize.

Joining the email list with a legitimate email address, allows me to send you notifications that there is a posting on the website's News and Current Events page that may be of interest to you.  Should you chose not to get notifications, you can still check this News and Current Events page on your own.

Thank you for your attention.

-----Calvin

Sheridan Elizabeth Ann Robinette remembrance

 

CHAPEL HILL, NC - Sheridan Elizabeth Ann Robinette was born to the late Cadle Robinette and Maggie Dell Wood on February 15, 1946, in Fairview, VA and spent her childhood in Gate City, VA. 

She went to be with the lord on Monday August 8, 2022, at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical Center. Sheridan attended the historic Prospect School (a one room schoolhouse) and graduated from Douglas High School in Kingsport, TN.

She was the first person in her large family to graduate from college by attending Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN and later receiving two master’s Degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Education (Counseling) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. 

She later went on to work at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati OH for many years as Scientist and she was proud of the fact that she helped to develop Pringles Potato Chips. 

She eventually retired from East Tennessee State Univ. as a Counselor assisting Veterans to enroll in college.

Sheridan was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and proudly the "family historian". She loved flowers and tending to her vegetable garden, horseback riding, taking photos of her family, and watching sports. 

She was a longtime member and at one time served as Secretary of her local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Although she battled MS for many years, she always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook. 

Sheridan was passionate about her faith and her church as a lifelong and dedicated member of Manville Rd. Church  of Christ in Gate City, VA. Though she may most fondly be remembered as "Mama" to her two daughters (Dionne & Lisa) and "Grannymom" to her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two daughters Alisa R. Lancaster (Robert Lancaster) and Dionne L. Mitchell (Gregorio Lopez); Grandchildren, Jaden Del Rosario, Cameron Lancaster, and Ashlyn Lancaster. Bonus grandson's Cristofher Lopez and Bryan Lopez. Special Niece Katherine Roberts of Dallas, TX.

She is also survived by brothers Offyette Robinette and Norbert Robinette; her sisters Patricia "Pinky" Anderson, Blenda Brown, and Lizzie Mae Mitchell.

She was predeceased by her father Cadle Robinette and mother Maggie Dell Wood, sisters Almedia Robinette, Frida Thomas, Wanda Estell, Kathleen Hensley, and brother Theophilus (Theo) Robinette.

She also has many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family that she loved dearly along with special friends including Michael Hale and Pete Shoemaker.

The family will receive friends from 6-7p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be held in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home at 7:00p.m.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00a.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15a.m., to go in procession.

An online guest register is available for the Robinette family at www.gatecityfunerlas.com

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sheridan Elizabeth Ann Robinette.

Induction of Cora Cox into the Kingsport City Schools Teachers' Hall of Fame

Cora Cox was inducted into the Kingsport City Schools Teachers' Hall of Fame on Monday.  Her nephew, one of two surviving close relatives, sent a taped message from his home in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Representing Mrs. Cox's family and the Douglass Alumni at the ceremony were Don Hickman, Johnnie Mae Swagerty, Doug Releford and Calvin Sneed (not pictured below is Doug, who was on the second level of the DB Gym).

Calvin read a prepared statement of acceptance for Mrs. Cox's induction, written by Doug Releford.  The text of that statement is below.

"With me on the phone Face-timing this right now from Rapid City, South Dakota, is the man you just heard from, Francis Rogers, Jr.. one of two surviving nephews of Cora Cox..

This message is from Douglass Releford, president of the Douglass High School alumni, who is with us, but unable to make it up here on stage, so I'm reading the words he's written for you....

On behalf of the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association, I would like to say thank you for nominating Mrs. Cora Rogers Cox, to the Kingsport City Schools, Teachers' Hall of Fame.

   

Mrs. Cox was not just a teacher but a friend to all that knew her.  She was a unique person. She was a developer of social ethics, in stressing the primary and worth of the person, and the need for all ethical principles to be conditioned by the highest conceivable estimate of the value of persons as such.

  

Mrs. Cora Cox, was a great community leader, who fought against the de-humanization and, de-personalization of all people. She believed in her beloved community of Kingsport, and was always willing to fight against any person or system, which de-personalizes or de-humanizes the human individual, and robs them of their dignity and their self-worth.  This was proven in her taking on the often-difficult task of teaching gifted children.  Cora Cox had a gentle way of breaking down the barriers, stepping into that child's world, becoming one with them, becoming part of them... then stepping out and saying.. "I know, exactly... what... that... child needs."  How in the world she could instinctively know that... nobody knows.

Cora Cox wasn't just a teacher for autistic children... she was a teacher for teachers, too.  We just don't know how lucky we were, to have a Cora Cox in our lives here in Kingsport.  She set, the gold standard.

It's wonderful that everybody knows this about about Cora Cox.   At Douglass elementary-high school... we've known it for years.  And just like everybody and her family, we are proud to see her inducted into the Kingsport City Schools, Teachers, Hall of Fame, thank you.. 

Douglass Releford, president... the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association, Kingsport, Tennessee." 

Other inductees besides Mrs. Cox were bus driver Donald Christian, and teachers Douglas Dade, Randy Quillin and Leroy Sprankle.

After the ceremony, a beautiful luncheon was provided at the Food City North Eastman Road location.

The free luncheon for everyone included braized chicken strips, marinated beef tips, green beans, mashed potatoes, carrots and delicious apple and cherry pies and cakes.  There was plenty of extra food, that ended up going home with a lot of folks!

Stories about the inductees were told by the folks who remember them the best, while lunch was enjoyed.

Eastman releases methyl iodide, iodine into air, oil into Holston River

KINGSPORT – Eastman released methyl iodide and iodine into the air and oil into the river on Friday, the chemical company announced in an update.

According to Eastman, the Kingsport plant has been safely shut down after a power outage on Friday morning. Following the shutdown, oil was released into the river. The company also said methyl iodide and iodine, which appeared from the plant as a “purple plume,” was released into the air.

“During this release, our safety systems minimized the impact of the emissions from this event as confirmed by air dispersion modeling,” Eastman’s latest press release update stated. “Air dispersion modeling indicated this event did not pose any risk to human health or the environment outside the plant. All releases were reported to the regulatory agencies as required.”

All releases were reported to its regulatory agencies as required, the company said. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation told the Times News the release into the air is still under investigation.

“TDEC staff have been in communication with Eastman personnel and we are investigating the air release,” said Kim Schofinski, Deputy Communications Director at Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, in an email.

 “TDEC staff reported to the area today to investigate any potential impacts to the South Fork Holston River from a reported release of an unknown oil substance by the facility. Our staff did not observe any impacts to fish or aquatic life. We will continue to communicate with Eastman personnel about this ongoing situation.”

According to Eastman, there is “no risk to the community as a result of this outage” and no one was injured.

“The most important responsibility we have is the safety of our employees and our community,” said Mark Bogle, Eastman vice president and Tennessee manufacturing site leader, in the release. “There were no injuries as a result of this event and Eastman did not issue any evacuation notices. In an excess of caution, employees located in the south area of the plant were asked to remain indoors and were released after a short time. As soon as we were aware of this incident, we established communication with city officials, and I would like to thank them for their partnership during this incident. I understand that events like today’s power loss can cause concern in our community. We are working to determine the cause and restart the site in the coming days.”

Kingsport Central Dispatch received a call from Eastman at 10:17 a.m. on Friday requesting one Kingsport Fire Department engine respond to the Eastman Fire Department to stand-by in reference to a power outage, the Kingsport Police Department said in a press release.

Officials said at 11:02 a.m., City Manager Chris McCartt activated the Emergency Operations Center at Kingsport Central Dispatch. At 3:31 p.m. the Kingsport Fire Department cleared the scene and at 3:33, the Emergency Operations Center at Kingsport Central Dispatch was deactivated.

“In situations such as this, city officials rely heavily upon subject matter experts at Eastman to provide them with accurate and timely information that can in turn be shared with the public,” the release from the KPD said. “Based upon information city officials have received, Eastman has given no indication of any injuries, a threat onsite or outside of the plant, or a risk to the community as a result of this incident. Moving forward, city officials will maintain active communications with Eastman regarding this event.”

Update as of 12:50 p.m.
Kingsport 911/Sullivan County 911 issued a notification to subscribers Friday around 12:50 p.m. The alert said the city is working with Eastman following the morning's events at the plant. The message reads:

 
"The City of Kingsport is in communication with Eastman Chemical Company regarding an event earlier today. City officials are currently monitoring the situation in an attempt to gather further information. Eastman officials have advised that they do not have reason to believe that there is a threat onsite or outside of the plant. At this time, until more facts are obtained, citizens are strongly urged to avoid the area ..."

Invitation to The Induction Ceremony for beloved Douglass Teacher Cora Cox

All Douglass Elementary-High School alumni, their descendants, and Riverview friends and neighbors are invited to the induction ceremony for our beloved teacher, mentor and neighbor Cora Cox, into the Kingsport City Schools Teachers' Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Cox taught second grades at Douglass and a couple of third grade classes.  She was the first Douglass High School girls' basketball coach, and later taught the special education classes at Douglass.

When Douglass closed, she moved to other schools in Kingsport, notedly Robinson Jr. High and Johnson Elementary.  It was at Johnson where her talents were recognized as Kingsport's first teacher of autistic children.  That work propelled her into the state and ultimately the national spotlight because just like at Douglass, she had a special gift of reaching out to children and stepping into their world.

Cora Cox was twice named Kingsport Teacher of the Year, and was also selected Tennessee Teacher of the Year in 1976.  In 1977, she was one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year.

To this day, the Cora Cox Academy is the only school in Kingsport named after a teacher, and not a president, school administrator or mayor.

It is difficult to find anybody among the Douglass alumni, the residents of Riverview, the Kingsport city school system  and the entire city as a whole, that has not been influenced and touched by the work and teachings of Cora Cox.

It's very important that everybody in our community come to the the induction ceremony.

Cora Rogers Cox Induction Ceremony, Kingsport City Schools Teachers' Hall of Fame

Buck Van Huss Dome, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN

Monday, July 25, 2022

11 AM

Please come and show honor and support for one of our own.

It all started at Douglass.

"Rhythm" Returns to Riverview 2022

 

KINGSPORT — The Rhythm returns to Riverview on Monday, July 18th, as part of Fun Fest 2022.

The event is the largest concert gathering at the beginning of Fun Fest, with the key word at any Fun Fest event being “fun.”

“Fun Fest was created 42 years ago for the purpose of community unity,” said 2022 Chairperson Jeff Fleming. “When you think about the difference between a community and a city, it’s the same difference between a house and a home, and for this event, Kingsport is the house and Riverview is the home.”

Prior to the music on the V.O. Dobbins ballfield, Kids Central will be back with activities for children of all ages and their families. The event will feature a variety of vendor tables. Kids Central will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. Sponsors are Ballad Health, Niswonger Children’s Hospital, Indian Path Community Hospital and the city of Kingsport.

Rhythm In Riverview begins at 5 p.m.

“Happenings, happenings, happenings,” said event organizer Johnnie Mae Swagerty. Overlap- ping from 5 to 7 p.m. will be the annual Gospel Fest, featuring Christian singer Tobias, she said.

Other events will include balloon artwork by the New Vision Youth, demonstrations for seniors including how to safeguard prescriptions, book giveaways to students by Appalachian Initiative, book bag giveaways by the South Central Kingsport Community Development Corporation, dance demonstrations by the Holloway Dance Studio, and presentations of Miss Kingsport, Miss Sullivan County and others.

Eastman Connects will also honor its members for this year.

One event will also highlight the accomplishments of the local Pi Omega Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

“We are celebrating 35 years of the local chapter,” said Vice President Karen Ellison. “Since 1987, we’ve been active in the community with voter registrations, helping deliver manna meals to seniors, scholarships to senior high school and first-year college students, and participating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day events.”

The chapter will also recognize two members. Because of their work in the community, Mary Jordan is being honored for having ETSU’s Multicultural Center building named after her, and Dr. Linda Calvert is being honored for having a similar building named after her at Northeast State.

Then, there’s the food at Rhythm in Riverview.

“Everything from funnel cakes, fried green tomatoes, chicken wings and fish to snow cones, ice cream and cheese egg rolls,” Swagerty said.

At 7 p.m., headlining this year as they did last year are the Extraordinaires from Hickory, North Carolina, a band that founder Rusty Burton said cannot wait to come back to Kingsport.

“We had a great time there last year, and we’re looking forward to getting the people involved with our music and the way we present it. They see and hear the excitement, and they will feel it. They recognize the songs, they can sing along with them and it gets them up off their seats.”

Burton said the secret to the Extraordinaires’ success is engaging the audience.

“It’s no sit-down concert with us. We play nonstop, no talking in between songs. Nobody can dance to that. We are there for a party.”

Rhythm In Riverview is free and will be held at the V.O. Dobbins ballfield, Louis Street at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Monday, July 18th. The event is sponsored by Eastman, the South Central Kingsport Community Development Corporation, Kingsport Parks and Recreation, the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Eastman Concert.

Motown Soul Show in Kingsport

 

Tonia Yolanda Draper remembrance

 

Tonia Yolanda Draper was born on October 31, 1958 to Kenneth and Louetta Springs Hall.  She attended Kingsport City Schools and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1978.

  

She then attended Bill Wampler's Beauty School and throughout the years, maintained a good clientele in in hair and makeup.

Tonia was also a member of the Central Baptist Church and sang in the CBS youth choir (the Central Baptist Singers).

Tonia won several beauty pageants and was a Debutante.  Her unique tenor sound paved the way for her to perform at many events throughout the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee.  While attending the Abundant Church, she sang in the Praise Team and two groups, Chosen Generation and Rapture.

In 1992, Tonia moved her family to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee after being hired to perform in the Passion Play.  She later developed, along with Melissa Harris and Regina Pate, a trio called True Divine.  For 20 years, they blessed the East Tennessee region by performing at many church services, weddings, and shows like the Nativity Pageant.  She had a special love and way with children that led her to a 24-year career as a teacher's assistant for the Sevier County Board of Education.

  

She was affectionately known as 'Miss Tonia' and 'Momma Tonia' by all her students and colleagues.

Tonia was a avid collector of Angels.  Throughout the years, she received more than 1,000 from her family, friends and students.

Tonia was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Springs, Sr.;  her father who nurtured her, Anderson Rudolph Hall;  brothers, Curtis and Kenneth Wayne Springs;  grandparents, Lester and Janie Springs and John and Louise Stewart;  and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

To mourn her passing, she leaves her mother, Louetta Springs Hall;  son, Odell (Ashley) Draper III;  daughter, Shenaiah (Dwayne) Thomas;  sister, Vanessa Yvette Springs;  EXTRA special siblings, Kenny (Nicole) Springs, Jr., Jamie Springs, and Sherika Nicole Springs;  her beloved grandchildren, Tyreese, Taiya, Leilana, Cailyn, Dallas, Carson, and Brayden;  great-grandchildren Sherry and Anastasia, and a host of very special friends, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Celebration of Life service for Ms. Tonia Draper will be conducted on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street in Kingsport, TN.

The family will receive friends from 12 PM until the hour of service.

Interment will follow at the Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.

Professional care of Ms. Tonia Draper and family is entrusted to the Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Inc., Kingsport.

Beloved Douglass Teacher to be inducted into Kingsport City Schools Teachers Hall of Fame

 

The name of the newest  teacher inductee into the Kingsport City Schools Hall of Fame is a familiar one.

"We are really excited that Cora R. Cox will be a member of this year's inductees into the Kingsport City School's Teachers Hall of Fame," says Andy True, the  KCS assistant superintendent for administration in an exclusive interview with the Douglass Website.

"It's incredibly exciting and an honor to recognize Cora Cox to go into the Hall of Fame.  She was certainly an individual that made an incredible impact on our Kingsport community, students and families."

From her biography written by the Douglass Alumni Association, the former Cora Rogers was born in the piney woods of Buena (pronounced BEE-u-nah) Vista outside Camden, Arkansas in 1936.  Even her relatives, especially her late aunt used to say the teaching profession seemed to be in her character even back then.

After graduating Arkansas State College in 1940, she taught in the Camden area for a couple of years, then got a temporary teaching position in Nashville, Tennessee.  While there in 1943, she ran into a man who offered her a permanent grade-school teaching position that she said later, she just could not pass up.  The man was V.O. Dobbins, Senior.  The teaching position was at the all-Black Douglass School in Kingsport, Tennessee, the largest documented African-American school of all the black schools in upper East Tennessee.

A lifelong career of educating young people had was about to blossom.

"She impacted so many people so many ways," True says.  "Early on, she developed a rapport with students and she was able to communicate with them on their level."

Cora Cox (by this time, married to John Cox, himself a former Douglass teacher and coach) began teaching second graders in Douglass' elementary school system.  She was also girls basketball coach for many years.  

In 1962, she transitioned into a new role as special education teacher at Douglass, teaching children with learning difficulties.  Douglass became the only school in the Kingsport city school system with classes for special education students.

Mrs. Cox was its first and only teacher.

"As a special education teacher, she was surrogate mother to so many students," True says, "she impacted their lives in many different ways."

While still at Douglass, Cora Cox went on to receive her master's degree from ETSU. and when Douglass closed for desegregation in 1966, Cora Cox founded the Head Start program.  Those classes  were held and still are, right inside the former Douglass school.

The culmination of her life's work began with teaching autistic children.  Because of that success, she was twice named Kingsport City Schools Teacher of the Year.  In 1976, she was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year.  The next year, Cora Cox was one of four finalists for National Teacher of the year.

"The bar that Cora Cox set was quality, based on what the student received of it," says True.  "It's kind of like Babe Ruth being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  It's the individual that sets a higher standard for what it means to be an educator."

Mrs. Cox passed away in 1982.  Today, the Cora Cox Academy is an alternative educational opportunity for children.  It is the only school in Kingsport named after a teacher in the school system.

"As we were having our discussions on the selection committee about the many worthy candidates we have," True says, "the one thing that kept coming up about Cora Cox was amazement that she wasn't already in the Hall of Fame.  She gave so much of herself and cared so much for the children and their families.  We just kept going back to that high bar she set for educating, and it's just a pleasure and an honor that she's joining the Hall of Fame this year."

This year's Kingsport City Schools Teachers Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be on Monday, July 25, 2022.  The event begins at 11 AM in the Buck Van Huss Dome on the Dobyns-Bennett High School campus.

All Douglass alumni and interested Riverview neighbors are invited to attend the ceremony.

Juneteenth Celebration 2022 in the V.O. Dobbins ballfield

This is a map of the Dobbins-Douglass Ballfield provided to us by the Juneteenth committee.

Juneteenth Activities in the Riverview Ballfield, Kingsport on Saturday, June 18th & Sunday June 19th

 

Tri-Cities Juneteenth - Education, History and Senior Event

Juneteenth Sessions - History  Saturday, June 18, 2022:

Juneteenth 1st Session, at the V.O. Dobbins Complex, Wheatley St.,

Kingsport, TN. [Beside Basketball Court]

Location: Riverview Community Room

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

Subjects: 

What Is Juneteenth?

Why Is Juneteenth A National Independence Holiday?

Open to the Public

Light Refreshments

Oratorical Contest

Saturday, June 18, 2022 and Sunday, June 19, 2022:

Oratorical Contest for Youth Organizations for Grades 6 – 8 

[Middle School Students]:

Youth Grades 6th – 8th, Middle School

One Page Typed Speech on “What Juneteenth Means To Me?”

Four youth will present their Speeches on Saturday (2 Speeches)

and Sunday (2 Speeches)

Gift Cards as Prizes to Participants & 4 Winners Presenting

Sponsored by Girls, Inc. , Greater Kingsport Boys & Girls Club,

New Vision Youth, H.O.P.E., Carver Recreation Center, YMCA Kingsport,

YWCA Bristol, Area Churches, etc.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senior Event

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Special Recognition to the Oldest Living Senior

Citizens [80 & Older] in Kingsport, Bristol [5 Oldest Seniors] &

Johnson City [5 Oldest Seniors]

Honor the Oldest Senior Citizens at the Homecoming Service on

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Appreciation Plaques to the Oldest Senior Citizens of the Tri-Cities

If any Senior Citizen is Missed, we will follow-up and

present them with an Appreciation Plaque at a later date!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Juneteenth National Independence Day

Monday, June 20, 2022

A CommUNITY UNITY PRAYER commemorating the 157th Year

Anniversary of Juneteenth at the V.O. Dobbins Complex Field

Assembly Time: 11:45 a.m.

Prayer Begins at 12: 00 Noon – 12:30 p.m.

Hoping for at least 157 People to PRAY TOGETHER

Juneneeth in Kingsport

This story courtesy the Kingsport Times-News

KINGSPORT — In 2021, Kingsport had two Juneteenth gatherings, but this year the community is coming together to have one.

It will be held this Saturday in the Riverview community.

The theme of this year’s annual Tri-Cities Juneteenth Festival is Celebrating United as a CommUNITY, according to a news release from Vanessa Bennett of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors of the 2022 Tri-Cities Juneteenth Festival include Eastman, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Christ Fellowship, Sync Space, First Horizon, Ballad Health, HOPE, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, KHRA and Move to Kingsport.

The 2021 Tri-Cities Juneteenth was held at Memorial Park, across Fort Henry Drive from Dobyns-Bennett High School, while another Juneteenth event was held at Riverview.

The 2022 Tri-Cities Juneteenth Festival is set for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center in Riverview and includes an afternoon of kids’ activities and games, history sessions, food trucks and local vendors, as well as a full night of concerts featuring local and regional musicians and entertainers.

From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tobias Tisdale will perform, followed by TJ Darnell from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ismael Nehemiah from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tyrique Shahmir from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Florence and the Feeling from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and L.T.D. from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Juneteenth is the commemoration of the day in June 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln finally reached slaves in Texas,” the press release states. “This year’s theme celebrates Unity as a CommUNITY, recognizing that Juneteenth is about freedom for every person.”

Tri-Cities Juneteenth Chair- woman Keira Majeed enlisted the Kingsport Chamber for help in planning this year’s event.

“In 2021, our enthusiasm got the best of us when African Americans in the Tri-Cities region held two Juneteenth events on the same day in Kingsport,” Majeed said. “I felt strongly that had to change this year. We needed to come together as one, which is why I asked my brothers and sisters from the Leadership Kingsport Class of 2022 if they would lend a hand to create a single, more impactful and far-reaching cultural experience that would go down in history as one of the best yet for our region.

”Our goal is to bring people together to celebrate the emancipation and liberation of our ancestors, to provide historical education about the Juneteenth holiday, and to highlight both African culture and the unique Affrilachian community that makes our region special.”

“Our goal is to bring people together to celebrate the emancipation and liberation of our ancestors, to provide historical education about the Juneteenth holiday, and to highlight both African culture and the unique Affrilachian community that makes our region special.”

Bennett, executive director of operations and talent development at the Kingsport Chamber, said the event became a Community Impact Project for this year’s Leadership Kingsport Class at Majeed’s request.

“And as a result, her fellow classmates rallied around the idea and have devoted not only time and resources to see the event continue to grow this year but also passion, historical expertise and incredible teamwork to ensure every member of the community feels included and welcome to participate.”

Tanya Foreman, education initiatives manager at Eastman and a member of the Juneteenth planning team, said the celebration is open to all.

“People of every color, culture and background in our community have come together to plan this event. With one week to go before the actual event, we’ve already achieved so much,” Foreman said.

“When we all work together, we have a better understanding of our ancestors, our nation’s history, and how all of us are where we are today. We’re also better humans, better neighbors and better advocates for one another,” she said.

Foreman also serves as Eastman’s chair of Connect, a global resource group dedicated to removing barriers to success for Eastman’s African American and black employees and being a force for good in the communities where Eastman operates.

“A lot of people don’t realize that it took nearly three years for the enslaved people in Texas to learn of their freedom because we didn’t learn that when we were in school. We often look at the date of the Emancipation Proclamation as the end of slavery, but in reality, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery,” Bennett said. “We are honored to be part of this special event, and I’m appreciative for the collaborative support of our community to celebrate and acknowledge a date that is so significant for so many of us.”

Juneteenth Celebration 2022 in Bristol, TN-VA

 

Tri-Cities Juneteenth Church Homecoming

 

Mrs. Jeanetta Sensabaugh remembrance

 

Mrs. Jeanetta Sensabaugh, 90, departed this life and went peacefully home on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at the Ballad Health Medical Center in Kingsport, TN after an extended illness.

She was born on February 3, 1932 to Luther and Marie Thompson.  She was affectionately know as "Grandmother" to her family and friends.

Jeanetta graduated from Douglass High School in Riverview.  She was a member of the Central Baptist Church and was a faithful servant until her health prevented her from continuing.

Jeanetta was a family woman and helped family members or friends who were in need.  She was always willing to go the extra mile for family and friends.  She loved children and was most happiest when children were in her home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Hoover Sensabaugh; sisters Virginia Noakes, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucille Watterson, and Sarah Kincaid; brother Luther "June" Thompson and grandchildren Jamaar Sensabaugh and Stella Bond.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Carolyn Bond, Kathy (Wilford) Gaines, Jacqueline Sensabaugh, Kim (Becky) Sensabaugh, and Travis (Kerri) Sensabaugh; grandchildren Jermaine (Melinda) Bond, Jason (Beth) Bond, Teddy (Alys) Gaines, Whitney (Chris) Sensabaugh, Dustin Gaines, and Coty (Dominique) Sensabaugh; 15 great-granchildren; four sisters-in-law, Lily Ruth Mabry, Helen Bland,  Martha Redford, Margaret Johnson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jeanetta was loved by all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

Services for Mrs. Jeanetta Sensabaugh will be conducted on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport,  Minister Billy Pearson officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12 PM until the hour of service.

Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.