Historical Sketch of
THE JACK SUMMERALL COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
(In Partnership with The Summerall Gathering)
Decade #1 – 1956 to 1965
The beginning of the Summerall Family gathering was the work of the late Mrs. Beatrice Stevens, 1892-1965. “Aunt Bea” as she was known by many of the family members, recognized the need for and the benefits of such a Gathering for family members. On Sunday, August 14, 1955, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gourdine, 5 West Main Street in Norwalk, Connecticut, she shared her thoughts and ideas with other family members. The idea of bringing the family together to sing, pray and to give thank to God for many blessings that He had bestowed upon us was discussed with Samuel Summerall. This was such was such a successful, united discussion between the two cousins that they agreed to go back to the home site in Baxley, Georgia where most of the older relatives lived and talk the matter over with them. Since Mr. Summerall was unable to return to Baxley at that time, Mrs. Stevens accepted the responsibility.
In August of 1956, the first Gathering was held in Baxley, Georgia at the Thankful New Jersey Baptist Church. Mrs. Stevens was elected president and served in that capacity until her health began to fail.
During her life, Aunt Bea, dreamed of of having all of her 16 children together for a family gathering. This idea materialized. The first Stevens Family Gathering was held in 1946 at the family home at 720 Loomis Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. Program activities included musical renditions by the Stevens Family at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. A Stevens Family Concert was held at the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcapal church on Second Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The Summerall Family Gathering held in Baxley, Georgia was chosen as the location because it was this location that Jack and Maria grew up and raised their own children. It was a place where the largest number of their heirs to this day, continue to live. It was also the place where Aunt Bea’s grandparents, Jack and Maria, was well as her parents, Ceasar and Abby Sharpe were buried. Therefore, Baxley, Georgia (Appling County), was the location that gave birth and identity to the family as we know it.
It was Aunt Bea’s desire that by coming together each year, the family –from the youngest to the oldes—could sit and fellowship. The young could listen to the experiences of those who grew up during the days when oppression of Black people was an acceptable way of life. The young would also learn how the older people had to struggle to survive. She wanted them to see that regardless of the oppression and racism, many of the family members were “pressing on the upward way,” and they could do likewise.
Aunt Bea also wanted to provide an opportunity to those who are saved by the grace of God, to share their faith with those who were lost. She wanted to make it possible for the family to have fellowship not only here on earth, but in heaven as well. The words of the song, “Where there will always be ‘hello’ ”. Hello and never goodbye.
Ours is called “Family Gathering” because that is the term that Aunt Bea started with her immediate family in Daytona Beach, Florida. She wanted all of the siblings to “gather” once a year in the same way. Thus The Family Gathering.
A large number of of members of the Jack Summerall Family remained in Baxley since slavery.
Decade #2 – 1966-1975
During the next ten years of the Family Gathering, Mrs. Adella Mccall, Mrs. Murtice Burch, Mrs. Merle Anfield and Mr. Samuel Summerall served as president. Mrs. Murtice Burch was elected a second time in 1977.
The fifth president, Mr. Samuel Summerall, discussed the idea of erecting a monument in memorial of Jack and Maria Summerall. Mrs. Burch, our sixth president, continued to work for the structure.
During the administration of our seventh president, Mr. Wally Burgess, the Summerall Memory Stone wad dedicated on the grounds of the thankful New Jersey Baptist church, Baxley, Georgia. This stone represents the root of this family and from this root, Jack and Maria, are many branches, some of which are Abby Sharpe, Rosa McNeil, Walt Summeral, Sire Summerall, Lawrence Summeral, Charles Summeral, Henry Summerall, Victoria Lovett, Mattie Williams, Henrietta Super and the Davis Family. Sisters of this family include Hanno Hall and Martha Durham and brother, Sire Tillman.
The corporation was organized in 1969. Rozell Gilmore was elected president.
Decade #3 –1976 to 1985
Our eighth president, Mr. Willie Porter, served faithfully and willingly to the best of his knowledge.
Our ninth president, Mrs. Mattie L. Baker, strongly believed that without God, we can do nothing and with God, all things are possible. Under her leadership, the Isabell Gordon Memorial Garden was created and an 11 X 14 portrait of our founder, Mrs. Beatrice Stevens, was presented to the Jack Summerall family.
Our youth have been constantly recognized for their achievements in education and other activities. The adults of all ages re recognized for achievements and promotions.
The Memorial Walk/run with services at the Old Field Cemetery was included in the activities.
The King and Queen Contests were also included. The coronation of Mr. and Miss Summerall was culminated at the biennial banquet on Saturday night. Other awards included awards and honors as well as presentations to our elders and service men and women.
Decade #4 – 1986 to 1995
The Reverend Rozell Gilmore, president of the corporation, made the following recommendation: That Mrs. Isabel Gordon (Aunt Bell), his grandmother, donate the land for the site of the corporation; A workshop on teenage pregnancy be added to the activities
The Investment Club ($500) was presented by Michael Burgess. The SUPER SENIORS were officially named for family members who reached the age of 80. The Summerall Benevolent Committee was officially formed. One person from each branch comprised the committee.
The Scholarship Committee was officially formed. One person from each branch made up the committee. Family members who made donations were recognized in the program book. Our first scholarships as well as graduation gifts to high school graduates were officially presented.
Decade #4—1996 to 2005 and Part of Decade #5
The Jack Summerall Community Center was realized. The Executive Board was established. The purpose of the Community Center was established. A Ways and Means of financing this project were planned. In the five-year plan, each member would pay $100 for the next five years to finance this project. The JS 1000 Club was established. We obtained the 501(c)3 status on August 9, 1999. Dedicated the JS Community Center Office, located at 181 West Parker Street, Baxley, Georgia.
The Jack Summerall Community Center Executive Board officers and members are as follows: LaWanda Jackson, Esq., Executive Director; Amos Green, Jr., President; Dorothy Stevens, recording secretary; Christine Williams, treasurer. Members include, Elaine Brown, Ricky Jackson, Edward Sharpe, Dr. Areatha Nanton, and Osby McMillan. The Reverend Edward Williams, resident agent. Please note that each member represented his/her branch of the Summeral l Family. Our purpose today is the same as it was in 1999—to contribute to the Baxley Community through the auspices of the Summeralls and to have a permanent structure with that name embedded in the Georgia soil.
During this decade, the JS Executive Board published its first family recipe book called, Jack’s Smacks’. Family members were asked to send favorite recipes from their families for publication. Nine years later, our second volume of Jack’s Smacks were produced. We also reintroduced a new version of the Ms. Summerall Contest.
Called, “Golden Jubilee Celebration,” we produced and published our 50th Anniversary souvenir of our Gathering in 2005. We also hired our first grant writer. We developed a plan for our the land. We would call it a Techno Café and Learning Center, which would include classrooms, Techno Café , a game room and possibly a movie theater.
We also form an Advisory Board comprising of members of the Baxley Community: George Skipper, business owner; Hosea Isom, contractor and long-time friend of the family; Vernon Aldridge, Coroner of Appling County, Dale Spell, CEO Baxley Hospital and Jeff Baxley, City Manager. We also met with and obtained support from Tommie Williams, Georgia State Senator, Appling County; Dr. Johnson, Superintendent of Appling County Schools; City Council of Baxley and the Chamber of Commerce.
Initially, we applied for several grants with little success. After many, many meetings, discussions and suggestions of how to erect a permanent structure in Baxley, in August of 2012, we unveiled the Jack & Mariah Summerall Memorial Park on land previously purchased by the Summerallls. The work continues and there is still a lot to be done. But He did not bring us this far to leave us.
Dr. Areatha Ogden Virgil
DR. AREATHA OGDEN VIRGIL
Family Code:
Dr. Areatha Ogden Virgil is the daughter of Alvin (deceased) and Tommie Ogden of Baxley, GA. She is also the granddaughter of Sulah Sharpe Haynes Whiten, who was the daughter of Ceaser and Abbie Sharpe. Areatha attended Savannah State College in Savannah, GA after graduating from Appling County Consolidated High School in 1961. Upon completion of her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State College, she married George A. Nanton and moved to Macon, GA. They had two sons, George Alvin and Gregory Agustin Nanton. Areatha worked as a third grade teacher for several years before receiving a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University. In the 1980's she was given the position of assistant to the Principal. At that point she became interested in becoming an administrator. Therefore, she enrolled at the University of Georgia (UGA) and became certified in administration. A few years later, she returned to UGA and received a Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision. She then worked eight years as an Asst. Principal at Burghard Elementary School before being named principal at Hartley Elementary in 1993. She served there for nine years and during that time became a single parent.
Dr. Virgil, and her son Gregory left Macon, GA in 1999 and moved to Savannah, GA to set up residency and wait for her son George Alvin Nanton to graduate from Dental School. While her oldest son was still in Medical College, she worked as an Asst. Principal at Hubert Middle School. Her oldest son, George Alvin Nanton was to graduate as a Dentist from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN during the Spring of 2000. However, immediately before he was to graduate, George got killed in a car accident. Dr. Virgil retired from Public Education after his tragic death.
On February 13, 2001, Dr. Virgil received a position in Hardeeville, SC. She also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Savannah Technical College. In 2004, she was married to Rev. Dr. B.J. Virgil. Later they moved from Hardeeville, SC to Tallassee, FL and resided there for two years. Areatha moved back to Baxley in 2008 and became the first Black Principal of Appling County Elementary School (ACES). She retired from ACES in June 2013. After resting for seven months, upon request, she returned to the Appling County School system as the Asst. Principal at the Primary School.
Dr. Virgil has served as a Board member of the Jack Summerall Community Center (JSCC) for over a decade.
Family Code:
Dr. Areatha Ogden Virgil is the daughter of Alvin (deceased) and Tommie Ogden of Baxley, GA. She is also the granddaughter of Sulah Sharpe Haynes Whiten, who was the daughter of Ceaser and Abbie Sharpe. Areatha attended Savannah State College in Savannah, GA after graduating from Appling County Consolidated High School in 1961. Upon completion of her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State College, she married George A. Nanton and moved to Macon, GA. They had two sons, George Alvin and Gregory Agustin Nanton. Areatha worked as a third grade teacher for several years before receiving a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University. In the 1980's she was given the position of assistant to the Principal. At that point she became interested in becoming an administrator. Therefore, she enrolled at the University of Georgia (UGA) and became certified in administration. A few years later, she returned to UGA and received a Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision. She then worked eight years as an Asst. Principal at Burghard Elementary School before being named principal at Hartley Elementary in 1993. She served there for nine years and during that time became a single parent.
Dr. Virgil, and her son Gregory left Macon, GA in 1999 and moved to Savannah, GA to set up residency and wait for her son George Alvin Nanton to graduate from Dental School. While her oldest son was still in Medical College, she worked as an Asst. Principal at Hubert Middle School. Her oldest son, George Alvin Nanton was to graduate as a Dentist from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN during the Spring of 2000. However, immediately before he was to graduate, George got killed in a car accident. Dr. Virgil retired from Public Education after his tragic death.
On February 13, 2001, Dr. Virgil received a position in Hardeeville, SC. She also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Savannah Technical College. In 2004, she was married to Rev. Dr. B.J. Virgil. Later they moved from Hardeeville, SC to Tallassee, FL and resided there for two years. Areatha moved back to Baxley in 2008 and became the first Black Principal of Appling County Elementary School (ACES). She retired from ACES in June 2013. After resting for seven months, upon request, she returned to the Appling County School system as the Asst. Principal at the Primary School.
Dr. Virgil has served as a Board member of the Jack Summerall Community Center (JSCC) for over a decade.
David Hartwell III
DAVID HARTWELL III
Family Code:
Five generations removed from our ancestors Jack and Mariah Summerall, I proudly proclaim my heritage as the son of Marsha (McCall) Hartwell, daughter of the late Ardella (McMillan) McCall, daughter of Viola McMillan, daughter of Abigail (Summerall) Sharpe, daughter of Jack and Mariah Summerall. Although I was born in Philadelphia, PA, I grew up in Baxley and graduated from Appling County Comprehensive High School in 1989. After graduating from Morehouse College, I entered three years of active duty (I had been in the Ga Army National Guard and mobilized for Desert Shield/Storm) as a commissioned officer in the Military Police Corps and have since continued military service in the Army Reserves with over 24 years total service since 1989, including two tours for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
My wife, Kimberly King from Ohio, and I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Janelle and James, who were both born in Alexandria Virginia.
We moved from Alexandria, VA in 2007 to our present residence in Atlanta, GA. After working as a paramedic for the City of Alexandria Fire and EMS service, I worked for Grady EMS in Atlanta. Presently, I work for the City of Forest Park Fire Department as a Fire Fighter II and Paramedic, have served in several Prince Hall masonic organizations, taught future EMTs and paramedics at the Northern Virginia Community College, served as a researcher evaluating the Northern Virginia medical community workforce and worked as a Osteology Technician Assistant on the New York African Burial Ground Project at Howard University.
For over 8 years I have served as a board member of the Jack Summerall Community Center, a 501(c)3 corporation serving the Baxley community through charitable contributions. As we continue working to erect a building on the property owned by the Jack and Mariah Summerall Family, I extend a deeply heart-felt “Thank You” to each and everyone who has lent their monies, ideas and talents to the progress we’ve made toward that goal. In 2008, just months before the nation elected the first African American President, I was elected the 2nd President of the Corporation, following Amos Green who served in that capacity for 10 years. During my tenure, we have endeavored to further the ideas and efforts of the family with the commencement of a lecture series (an effort that we are reviving in the coming year), donated a memorial park for use by the Baxley community and have helped entrench the family as a positive force in the community. We look forward to greater accomplishments and more noble achievements with your continued help and that of corporate supporters.
Again I thank you for the honor of serving as the president of your corporation and anticipate your continued support and guidance as we execute the designs of this great family.
Family Code:
Five generations removed from our ancestors Jack and Mariah Summerall, I proudly proclaim my heritage as the son of Marsha (McCall) Hartwell, daughter of the late Ardella (McMillan) McCall, daughter of Viola McMillan, daughter of Abigail (Summerall) Sharpe, daughter of Jack and Mariah Summerall. Although I was born in Philadelphia, PA, I grew up in Baxley and graduated from Appling County Comprehensive High School in 1989. After graduating from Morehouse College, I entered three years of active duty (I had been in the Ga Army National Guard and mobilized for Desert Shield/Storm) as a commissioned officer in the Military Police Corps and have since continued military service in the Army Reserves with over 24 years total service since 1989, including two tours for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
My wife, Kimberly King from Ohio, and I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Janelle and James, who were both born in Alexandria Virginia.
We moved from Alexandria, VA in 2007 to our present residence in Atlanta, GA. After working as a paramedic for the City of Alexandria Fire and EMS service, I worked for Grady EMS in Atlanta. Presently, I work for the City of Forest Park Fire Department as a Fire Fighter II and Paramedic, have served in several Prince Hall masonic organizations, taught future EMTs and paramedics at the Northern Virginia Community College, served as a researcher evaluating the Northern Virginia medical community workforce and worked as a Osteology Technician Assistant on the New York African Burial Ground Project at Howard University.
For over 8 years I have served as a board member of the Jack Summerall Community Center, a 501(c)3 corporation serving the Baxley community through charitable contributions. As we continue working to erect a building on the property owned by the Jack and Mariah Summerall Family, I extend a deeply heart-felt “Thank You” to each and everyone who has lent their monies, ideas and talents to the progress we’ve made toward that goal. In 2008, just months before the nation elected the first African American President, I was elected the 2nd President of the Corporation, following Amos Green who served in that capacity for 10 years. During my tenure, we have endeavored to further the ideas and efforts of the family with the commencement of a lecture series (an effort that we are reviving in the coming year), donated a memorial park for use by the Baxley community and have helped entrench the family as a positive force in the community. We look forward to greater accomplishments and more noble achievements with your continued help and that of corporate supporters.
Again I thank you for the honor of serving as the president of your corporation and anticipate your continued support and guidance as we execute the designs of this great family.
Elaine Horne Brown
ELAINE HORNE BROWN
Family Code: CW (Shug)
I am the daughter of the late Drusilla Williams Horne Small of Daytona Beach, Florida. My grandmother was Chelsey (Shug) Williams.
Aunt Bee and her sisters and cousins started the Family Gathering in Baxley in 1956, my second year of teaching. I could not attend for several years because the date conflicted with the opening of school. We were required to be there. I began attending in 1985. I became ‘hooked’. I made great efforts to attend more often. I served as program Chairman starting in 1991, when Valerie Andrews was president. I served in this capacity until 1994. In 1997, I became chair of other committees, including recognizing our older family members—80 years and older as Super Seniors. We started giving them special recognitions including gifts at each Gathering. I served as chair of the benevolent and scholarship committees serving for several years. We urged family members to award gifts and later scholarships to our graduating high school teens. A scholarship application was developed.
The need for a Community Center was realized during the 5th decade of the Gathering’s existence. In 2000 the Jack Summerall Community Center Executive Board was established. I became a member representing the Chelsey Williams Branch. I am still proudly serving in this capacity.
In order to build, we developed strategies to generate funds for the building, including developing our 50th anniversary souvenir book for members to purchase. I worked excitingly on the following projects order to raise money: Produce two volumes of a cookbook called Jack’s Smacks, in which family members were asked to submit favorite recipes of their parents and grandparents as well as their own; as mentioned; the 50th anniversary souvenir book in which families were asked to purchase ad pages of their families and the general donations in collections at each night at the Gathering: assisted in the establishment and the dedication program of the Jack Summerall Community Center’s first office building on Parker Street in Baxley in 2001.
Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida
Family: Married to James A. Brown of Palmetto, Florida in 1959
Children: Elston (Judy) and Darlyne Brown Lott
Grandchildren: Elston Jamon (22), Janaye (17), Jalynne (12) , Desmond (18), Jasmyne (8)
Education:
1950 Graduated from Campbell High School, Daytona Beach, Florida
1954 Graduated from Bethune-Cookman College, BS Degree
1975 Earned MA degree from the University of South Florida, Tampa in Vocational Education
Teaching Experience:
1954-1968, Lincoln Memorial High School, Business Education and Junior High Englsih classes
1969-1994 Palmetto High School, Business Education including Business English classes
1954-1994 (at various times and sites) business classes included at Manatee County Vocational School now called (MTI) and summer and evening business classes
Community Affiliations
Family Code: CW (Shug)
I am the daughter of the late Drusilla Williams Horne Small of Daytona Beach, Florida. My grandmother was Chelsey (Shug) Williams.
Aunt Bee and her sisters and cousins started the Family Gathering in Baxley in 1956, my second year of teaching. I could not attend for several years because the date conflicted with the opening of school. We were required to be there. I began attending in 1985. I became ‘hooked’. I made great efforts to attend more often. I served as program Chairman starting in 1991, when Valerie Andrews was president. I served in this capacity until 1994. In 1997, I became chair of other committees, including recognizing our older family members—80 years and older as Super Seniors. We started giving them special recognitions including gifts at each Gathering. I served as chair of the benevolent and scholarship committees serving for several years. We urged family members to award gifts and later scholarships to our graduating high school teens. A scholarship application was developed.
The need for a Community Center was realized during the 5th decade of the Gathering’s existence. In 2000 the Jack Summerall Community Center Executive Board was established. I became a member representing the Chelsey Williams Branch. I am still proudly serving in this capacity.
In order to build, we developed strategies to generate funds for the building, including developing our 50th anniversary souvenir book for members to purchase. I worked excitingly on the following projects order to raise money: Produce two volumes of a cookbook called Jack’s Smacks, in which family members were asked to submit favorite recipes of their parents and grandparents as well as their own; as mentioned; the 50th anniversary souvenir book in which families were asked to purchase ad pages of their families and the general donations in collections at each night at the Gathering: assisted in the establishment and the dedication program of the Jack Summerall Community Center’s first office building on Parker Street in Baxley in 2001.
Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida
Family: Married to James A. Brown of Palmetto, Florida in 1959
Children: Elston (Judy) and Darlyne Brown Lott
Grandchildren: Elston Jamon (22), Janaye (17), Jalynne (12) , Desmond (18), Jasmyne (8)
Education:
1950 Graduated from Campbell High School, Daytona Beach, Florida
1954 Graduated from Bethune-Cookman College, BS Degree
1975 Earned MA degree from the University of South Florida, Tampa in Vocational Education
Teaching Experience:
1954-1968, Lincoln Memorial High School, Business Education and Junior High Englsih classes
1969-1994 Palmetto High School, Business Education including Business English classes
1954-1994 (at various times and sites) business classes included at Manatee County Vocational School now called (MTI) and summer and evening business classes
Community Affiliations
- Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Bradenton, Florida from 1957 to present.
- Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida—home church
- Served as Church secretary, youth department, scholarship committee, Sunday School teacher
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Rho Zeta Chapter) served as president for two and one half terms, scholarship chair, corresponding secretary, chair of various committees, golden life member
- Served as recording secretary and Scholarship Chair in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for Geographical Area 5 in Florida for 25 years. Served as recording secretary for the Thespian Society for eight years. Served as State Scholarship chair for 20 years.
- Served as co-chair of the United Negro Fund Campaign for four years
- Served as scholarship chair for the Manatee County Retired Educators Association for 14 years.
- Served as president of the Metro Assembly of Retired Educators for four years and as corresponding and recording secretary.
- Served on Tillman Elementary School PTO
- Charter member of the Jack and Jill National Club in Manatee County
- Selected Zeta-of-the Year in 1994 and 1998 from Gamma Rho Zeta Chapter. Some Awards and Recognitions
- Selected to the State of Florida Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, Hall of Fame in 1996 and 2000.
- Award the Community Service recognition from the Bradenton Women’s Club in 1983.
- Recognized by St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church Adult Choir for service rendered in the 1980’s.
- Recognized by Geographical Area V Florida Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for 35 years of service as scholarship chair and recording secretary in 2010.
- Recognized by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for 50 + years of service in 2002.
- In 2012, was recognized by the Jack Summerall Gathering for chairing the scholarship, Super Senior and Benevolent committees for several years .
Lawanda Jackson
LAWANDA JACKSON
Family Code:
I was born and raised in Baxley, Georgia and left at the age of 12 when my grandmother died. I have resided in Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware and currently reside in New York City. I was 2 years old when the Jack Summerall Family Gathering began. It was always such a fun time when all the family members came home (Baxley) for the Gathering. I was the youngest of the three grandchildren that our Grandmother Lula Porter Williamson raised. I grew up knowing that I was loved and appreciate the importance of family. When I resumed attending the Gathering regularly, I felt after all the years we lived in Baxley, there should be a permanent structure with the Summerall name. Thus began my quest to have a permanent structure erected in Baxley (Appling County) Georgia with the Jack Summerall name.
To that end, the idea of a Jack Summerall Corporation was reborn and in 1999 was incorporated. In April of 2000, JSCC acquired 501(c) (3) status. At the outset of the reborn Jack Corporation, I was President of the Jack Summerall Family Gathering. Thus I sat on the JSCC Board as both representative of the Gathering and as representative of my family branch – the Porter’s. I am 5th Generation Summerall: mother – Claudia (Vain) McCullough, grandmother – Lula Porter Williamson, great grand parents – Abbie & Caesar Sharpe, great great grand parents – Jack & Mariah Summerall. For 10 plus years, I have served as the Executive Director of JSCC.
The following is a list of a few of the projects I have assisted with and worked tirelessly on in our quest to leave a permanent structure in Baxley: incorporate the JSCC, apply for and granted tax-exempt status, assist grant writer, met with various Appling County officials regarding funding/JSCC structure, create capital campaign project(s), instrumental in purchase of over 5 acres of land and build up of said land, arrange Workshop on Estate Planning & Health Care Proxy etc., oversee fundraising efforts, set up an after school tutorial program, gather recipes - edit and publish 2 editions of the family cookbook, create and edit souvenir journal, erect and unveil memorial park.
Besides my passion and tireless work for JSCC, I am just as passionate about the volunteer work I do for Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM), a community-based organization in New York City. Presently, I serve as the Board Chair. We provide therapeutic services for families affected by AIDS, by providing educational and developmental programs for at-risk youngsters; we also provide family-based treatment programs for children whose emotional problems inhibit their academic and social development. CCM treats over 100,000 children and families and has a staff in excess of 300. CCM is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. I have been affiliated with this organization since 1997.
I am a member of the First Central Baptist Church of Staten Island where I serve on the New Members Ministry and on the Board of Directors of the Central Family Life Center. I teach a class for new members on two of the Seven Doctrines of Baptists’: Tithes & Offerings and Stewardship. I attend Sunday School regularly and have given several speeches including delivering the Keynote Address at the Fall Harvest of 2012.
Currently I serve as the Managing Administrative Law Judge in the Parking Violations Court located in Queens, New York. I am admitted to practice law before the Bars in 3 states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and also admitted to practice law before the U.S. Southern & Eastern District Courts of New York. I received a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I love to travel and have vacationed in the following places: Hawaii, England, Amsterdam, Brazil, Greece, Turkey, Cuba, Paradise Island and St. Martins. I will be traveling to North Africa in March of 2014. As an avid Presidential Library fan, I also intend to visit the Kennedy and Clinton Presidential Libraries in 2014 or early 2015.
Currently, I reside in Staten Island, New York; I have one daughter Jacquelyn, son-in-law Levar and am the proud grandmother of 4 – Terrell – (grand daughter-in-law Amber), Thomashia, TaNiah and Teah.
My favorite Scripture is found in Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
GOD IS!!!!!
Family Code:
I was born and raised in Baxley, Georgia and left at the age of 12 when my grandmother died. I have resided in Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware and currently reside in New York City. I was 2 years old when the Jack Summerall Family Gathering began. It was always such a fun time when all the family members came home (Baxley) for the Gathering. I was the youngest of the three grandchildren that our Grandmother Lula Porter Williamson raised. I grew up knowing that I was loved and appreciate the importance of family. When I resumed attending the Gathering regularly, I felt after all the years we lived in Baxley, there should be a permanent structure with the Summerall name. Thus began my quest to have a permanent structure erected in Baxley (Appling County) Georgia with the Jack Summerall name.
To that end, the idea of a Jack Summerall Corporation was reborn and in 1999 was incorporated. In April of 2000, JSCC acquired 501(c) (3) status. At the outset of the reborn Jack Corporation, I was President of the Jack Summerall Family Gathering. Thus I sat on the JSCC Board as both representative of the Gathering and as representative of my family branch – the Porter’s. I am 5th Generation Summerall: mother – Claudia (Vain) McCullough, grandmother – Lula Porter Williamson, great grand parents – Abbie & Caesar Sharpe, great great grand parents – Jack & Mariah Summerall. For 10 plus years, I have served as the Executive Director of JSCC.
The following is a list of a few of the projects I have assisted with and worked tirelessly on in our quest to leave a permanent structure in Baxley: incorporate the JSCC, apply for and granted tax-exempt status, assist grant writer, met with various Appling County officials regarding funding/JSCC structure, create capital campaign project(s), instrumental in purchase of over 5 acres of land and build up of said land, arrange Workshop on Estate Planning & Health Care Proxy etc., oversee fundraising efforts, set up an after school tutorial program, gather recipes - edit and publish 2 editions of the family cookbook, create and edit souvenir journal, erect and unveil memorial park.
Besides my passion and tireless work for JSCC, I am just as passionate about the volunteer work I do for Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM), a community-based organization in New York City. Presently, I serve as the Board Chair. We provide therapeutic services for families affected by AIDS, by providing educational and developmental programs for at-risk youngsters; we also provide family-based treatment programs for children whose emotional problems inhibit their academic and social development. CCM treats over 100,000 children and families and has a staff in excess of 300. CCM is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. I have been affiliated with this organization since 1997.
I am a member of the First Central Baptist Church of Staten Island where I serve on the New Members Ministry and on the Board of Directors of the Central Family Life Center. I teach a class for new members on two of the Seven Doctrines of Baptists’: Tithes & Offerings and Stewardship. I attend Sunday School regularly and have given several speeches including delivering the Keynote Address at the Fall Harvest of 2012.
Currently I serve as the Managing Administrative Law Judge in the Parking Violations Court located in Queens, New York. I am admitted to practice law before the Bars in 3 states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and also admitted to practice law before the U.S. Southern & Eastern District Courts of New York. I received a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I love to travel and have vacationed in the following places: Hawaii, England, Amsterdam, Brazil, Greece, Turkey, Cuba, Paradise Island and St. Martins. I will be traveling to North Africa in March of 2014. As an avid Presidential Library fan, I also intend to visit the Kennedy and Clinton Presidential Libraries in 2014 or early 2015.
Currently, I reside in Staten Island, New York; I have one daughter Jacquelyn, son-in-law Levar and am the proud grandmother of 4 – Terrell – (grand daughter-in-law Amber), Thomashia, TaNiah and Teah.
My favorite Scripture is found in Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
GOD IS!!!!!
Edward Sharpe SR
EDWARD SHARPE SR
Family Code:
Edward Sharp Sr., the son of Thomas and Lucille Sharpe, the grandson of Abbie and Caesar Sharpe and great grandson of Jack and Mariah Summerall, resides in Philadelphia, PA with his wife of 41 years, Elaine Sharp. He is the father of 3 children, Linda Johnson (Gary Sr.), A-Edward Adeyward-I, and Patricia E. Collier (Robert). He is the grandfather of 5 children and great-grandfather of 11children.
At age 13 Edward joined St Paul’s Baptist Church at 10th and Wallace Streets in Philadelphia, PA., where he first gave is life to the Lord. He was a diligent and industrious member of the junior choir and ushers member board. Edward went on to attend Ben Franklin High School where he graduated in 1945. He worked at many historical places throughout the Philadelphia area until he landed a position at the United States Postal Service where he served the public for over 35 years until his retirement.
In the early 1970’s Edward joined Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA., where he served over 40 years on the Board of Trustees and the Senior Usher Board. Currently Edward is an emeritus of the Trustee Board and the Senior Ushers. Edward continues to be dedicated to serving the Lord and teaching and mentoring many young men, while encouraging them to walk with the Lord.
Edward favorite scripture is Psalms 1:1-6.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.1
Family Code:
Edward Sharp Sr., the son of Thomas and Lucille Sharpe, the grandson of Abbie and Caesar Sharpe and great grandson of Jack and Mariah Summerall, resides in Philadelphia, PA with his wife of 41 years, Elaine Sharp. He is the father of 3 children, Linda Johnson (Gary Sr.), A-Edward Adeyward-I, and Patricia E. Collier (Robert). He is the grandfather of 5 children and great-grandfather of 11children.
At age 13 Edward joined St Paul’s Baptist Church at 10th and Wallace Streets in Philadelphia, PA., where he first gave is life to the Lord. He was a diligent and industrious member of the junior choir and ushers member board. Edward went on to attend Ben Franklin High School where he graduated in 1945. He worked at many historical places throughout the Philadelphia area until he landed a position at the United States Postal Service where he served the public for over 35 years until his retirement.
In the early 1970’s Edward joined Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA., where he served over 40 years on the Board of Trustees and the Senior Usher Board. Currently Edward is an emeritus of the Trustee Board and the Senior Ushers. Edward continues to be dedicated to serving the Lord and teaching and mentoring many young men, while encouraging them to walk with the Lord.
Edward favorite scripture is Psalms 1:1-6.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.1