JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF Colonel Reginald Cray – Army Major Vernon Conway – Army Officer Reuben Butler, Sr. - Navy Officer Tolison Louis - Navy Officer Evan Burgess – Coast Guard
PROGRAM Pat Stevens Murray SCHOLARSHIP Sharon Pace
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings to all Jacks, I hope this memo finds you all in the best of health and spirit. God has been good to all of us. Since our last newsletter, we have experienced death of loved ones, the birth of babies, and marriage. He is still good. Please find enclosed the registration forms. Please fill them out and send them back ASAP. We need everyone’s participation and cooperation to make this gathering a success. Even if you do not plan on attending because of conflict, we still need your finances. There are a number of graduates in the family. We have set aside scholarship funds for those that apply. Sharon Pace is the contact person. Her address is 112 Rufus Road, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115. Her phone number is 803-531-4553. Not only is she relying on the financial resources of the family for scholarships, she is also obtaining information about other scholarship resources that graduates can take advantage of. The funds are accessible. Take advantage of this opportunity. Our last family meeting in preparation for the Gathering will take place in Delray Beach, FL on June 2, 2007 at the home of Morris and Mary Carstarphen. Mary is the daughter of Herman Stevens, Sr. The family meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. and the Corporation meeting will start immediately thereafter. Following the meeting, we are going to enjoy each other’s company and eat well. On Sunday, the family is going to attend worship service at First Zion in Deerfield Beach, FL, where Rev. Lambert is the pastor. Following service, Cousin Lula Mae Weaver is going to prepare dinner for the family at her home in Deerfield. If you are in the area and want to attend one or both of the events, you are certainly welcome. Please call me ahead of time so that we can prepare adequately.
Lastly, I pray that God keep all of us until we meet again. Let us pray one for another. May God bless and keep you. Herman Stevens, Jr., President Jack Summerall Family Gathering
SUMMERALL FAMILY NEWS ISABELL GORDON Bobby Burch Jr. will be celebrating his 50th birthday on 5/26/07 in Sterling Heights, Michigan with family and friends. Bobby was installed as a Deacon at First Community Baptist church in Detroit, on Sunday, April 15, 2007. This was a spiritual felt and uplifting ceremony. Bobby and Felica will be celebrating 21 years of marriage in August. Bobby is the son of Mertice and Bobby Burch, grandson of Isabell Gordon.
CHILDREN OF BOBBY & FELICIA BURCH Jerrod Burch is finishing his last year at Western Michigan University (WMU), majoring in Computer Engineering. Jade Burch will be a senior this fall at the University of Michigan where she is a Pre-Med major. Jade is very active at U of M. She has been accepted into a summer medical program at the University of Connecticut Medical Center in Farmington, CT. During her winter break, when others were enjoying the sun, Jade and several of her colleagues traveled to New York City to volunteer at a Boy’s and Girl’s home. This was a very enlightening experience for Jade and her colleagues. Jade also, has been very active dancing and performing in fashion shows at the university.
Janae’ Burch will be graduating from Renaissance High School on June 18, 2007. She was accepted at several universities; including the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University. Janae’ will be a Spartan at Michigan State University (MSU) in the fall and will be majoring in Education. She is applying for the Broad Scholarship in Education. Janae’ played volleyball in high school and was on the All-City team for the City of Detroit.
CHILDREN & GRANDS OF ARLISHA CONAWAY-HOLMES Nikasha Gross, daughter of Arlisha Holmes; granddaughter of Mattie Baker, great granddaughter of Doshie Gilmore and great, great granddaughter of Isabelle Gordon was engaged on 11/12/06 to Pastor Marion Wise. Judy Conaway-Myles, daughter of Arlisha Holmes; granddaughter of Mattie Baker, great granddaughter of Doshie Gilmore and great, great, granddaughter of Isabelle Gordon, received her Master's in Exceptional Student
Education from the University of Phoenix, December, 2006. LaMeisha Myles, daughter of Judy Conaway-Myles, granddaughter of Arlisha Holmes, great granddaughter of Mattie Baker, great, great, granddaughter of Doshie Gilmore and great, great, great, granddaughter of Isabelle Gordon, was inducted into the National Honor Society, January 2007 with a 3.9 GPA. LaMeisha's future goal is to become a pediatrician.
LULA PORTER DAUGHTER & GRANDS OF LULA MAE PORTER-WEAVER Brandon Fulmore, graduated from Navy Bootcamp on 3/9/07 and completed his A School Training on 5/11/07. His rate/rank is E-3 (Seaman) and he has earned the rating of Boatswain's Mate (BM). He will report to duty on 5/15/07 in San Diego, CA, aboard the USS Cleveland. He’s the son of Lee Nora Harvey, grandson of Lula Mae Weaver. Jason Weaver, grandson of Lula Mae Porter and son of Ernest Weaver, recently completed Basic Training at Ft. Sill. OK and will report to duty in Seattle, WA.
Lee Nora Harvey was married to Roderick (Tony) Harvey on 7/4/06 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She’s the daughter of Lula Mae Weaver; granddaughter of Lula Porter.
Thomas Robinson, son of James Willie ‘J.W.’ Robinson, grandson of Naomi Porter-Bowers, grandson of Lula Porter has been traveling a lot lately. His job, Olive Gardens sent him for training in Italy (Rome, Florence, Sienna) for a week; He also went to Tennessee, S. Carolina, & Mississippi to open up restaurants. He recently got a promotion to culinary manager.
SULAH WHITEN Lieutenant, Colonel (LTC) Reginald Cray was called back up after retirement. Reginald retired from the Army after 20 years of service on May 1, 2006. Many family members attended the retirement ceremony at Ft. Gordon. After retirement, Reginald was hired on June 1, 2007 as the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) for the JROTC Department at the Academy of Richmond County. He’s the first black SAI in its 200 year history. After running the JROTC department for only seven months, Reginald was called back to Active Duty to support Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror. He reported to Ft. Jackson on 1/7/07 for refresher training and is currently assigned to Ft. Gordon as the Chief of Land WarNet-e University, which is the Army's portal that consists of 22 unit universities (including Marines) located throughout the world that provides 24/7 training to soldiers at Ft. Gordon and worldwide. Reginald is the highest ranking military member in the Summerall family. He is is the son of Ola Cray and great-grandson of Sula Whiten.
BEATRICE STEVENS A Stevens family retreat, hosted by the Stevens ‘gang’ in Mississippi will be held June 8-10, 2007 in Tupelo, MS. For more information, contact Roy Stevens at (662) 231-7735 or (662) 842-6010 [email protected] or Vera at (662) 447-0173 [email protected], [email protected] Tamara Wellons, a soulful jazz vocalist, recently released a promotional CD. Pretty soon she will release an album. She is the wife of Patrick Washington, daughter-in-law of Thomas & Patricia Washington (Beatrice Stevens). A piano recital was held in memory of the late Tharon Stevens, youngest son of Beatrice Stevens on March 25, 2007 in Savannah GA. Mr. Wemberly Ponder, a concert pianist and former student of cousin Tharon was the featured entertainer and played many of the classics in honor of Tharon.
THE HEALTH CORNER Sweet Drinks Add Pounds: Do sugary drinks make you fat? Absolutely yes, says a new Harvard analysis of 30 studies. Prime villains: sugary carbonated sodas. A 12-ounce can of soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Drinking one can of soda a day can pile on 15 pounds a year. Kids who drank at least three soft drinks a day had a 50% higher body mass index than kids who drank less. Increasing intake of soft drinks increases risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of weight. WHAT TO DO: Cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages, like sodas and fruit drinks, but drink more water, low-fat milk and small amounts of fruit juice.
SICK and SHUT IN Let’s pray for the Jacks who are currently going thru some health challenges. Collectively let’s send them some Summerall LOVE.
Mamie Lee Lett, (RMcN) 296 Miles Road Baxley, GA 31513-6773 (912) 367-3137
Harriet “Cookie” Porter (LP) 142 Troupe St. Baxley, GA 31513 (912) 366-9636
Marvin McMillan (VMcM) Was seriously injured in an accidental, drive-by shooting on 4/11/07. He’s in rehab at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale Call Inez at (954) 791-0488 for more info.
Osby McMillan (VMcM) Amsterdam Nursing Home 1060 Amsterdam Ave. New York, N.Y. 10025
Lois Porter-Washington(LP) 142 Troupe St. Baxley, GA 31513 (912) 366-9636
Ceasar Stevens (BS) 650 South Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 253-4374
Herman Stevens, Sr. (BS) 619 S.W. 7th Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 243-3561
GONE HOME TO GLORY Let’s extend our caring and concern to the love ones of the Jacks who have “gone to meet their Maker.”
Stephanie Williams Was tragically killed in a train collision in Warner Robins, GA on 1/25/07. She is the daughter of Susan Samson, granddaughter of Geneva Butler and great granddaughter of Lula Porter.
Claudia Robinson-Burgess Passed 4/6/07 in Daytona Beach, FL She was the 3rd child of Naomi Porter-Bowers and the granddaughter of Lula Porter.
Alcenia Laws-Mahon Passed 4/6/07 in Houston, TX. She was the 2nd daughter of Rutha Mae Laws, granddaughter of Drucilla Smalls & great granddaughter of Chelsy Williams
“In the Spirit” Always Remember, God gives you... Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet Enough Trials to keep you Strong Enough Sorrows to keep you Human Enough Hope to keep you Happy Enough Failure to keep you Humble Enough Success to keep you Eager Enough Friends to give you Comfort Enough Wealth to meet your Needs Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward Enough Faith to banish depression, and Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last. Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards.
FINANCES and BUSINESS "Understanding Life Insurance" If you provide an income for yourself or your family, the value of your own life is your most important asset. Inadequate life insurance protection can undermine the financial foundation of everything you do - from raising your family to building your career. Thus, it's critical that you determine what type and the amount of coverage you need. Failure to do so can cause undo hardship on loved ones who are left behind to deal with final expenses without adequate resources. Everyone has the responsibility to make sure that there life insurance needs are provided for, both young and mature folks. The following is a list of topics and or questions you should consider and then discuss with a qualified and trustworthy insurance professional: * Purpose of life insurance * How much do you need? * Are you adequately covered? * Do you need coverage if you're insured at work? * Life insurance at retirement. Who needs it? * Is your life insurance company stable? * Types of life insurance * Term insurance * Cash value insurance * Combining term and cash value insurance * Estate tax liability considerations Submitted by O.V. Williams Financial Planner (O.V. is the son of Odoll Williams, grandson of Chelsey Williams)
UPDATE: JACK SUMMERALL CORPORATION As you know, we launched an aggressive fundraising campaign for the Corporation this past winter. The response from the family was very good. Our Treasurer reports that the pledges are coming in on a regular basis. We encourage you to continue to submit your pledges. For those who have not pledged, we encourage you to make this commitment. We need ALL family members on board in order to realize this dream. We will inform the family of the exact amounts pledged and collected in a separate mailing. The family’s website is up and running. Travoy Downing and Colonel Reginald Cray have done a wonderful job of designing and updating the family’s website. Reginald is in the process of creating a webpage to permit purchase of Jack memorabilia. This website will be linked to the Corporation’s website. We expect that this site will be up and running by the time you receive this mailing. We encourage you to purchase the Jack paraphernalia online and spread the word to your friends and coworkers. For your information Jack Summerall Family Website: http://jacksummerall.weebly.com Jack Summerall Corporation Website:http://summerallcorporation.weebly.com PEACE! LaWanda Jackson, Esq.
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE During the last family reunion, there was discussion to establish a committee to communicate with our family service members (active duty, retired, Reserves, National Guard, etc.). LTC Reginald Cray was appointed chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. Major Vernon Conaway was appointed the Army Chief of Staff. We would like to create a chairperson for each service area (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, etc.). They will develop a contact list of all Jacks serving in any branch of the Service. Please send the following information about military family members to Reginald Cray: name, rank, branch of service, career field, status (retired, active, Reserves, National Guard, etc.), years in service, current duty station, from which branch of the family, mail and email address(es), phone number. Contact Reginald Cray at P.O. Box 7695, Ft. Gordon, GA 30907 [email protected] Colonel Reginald Cray Chairperson, Joint Chiefs of Staff
HISTORICAL LEGACY COMMITTEE SOME HISTORY OF CEZAR SHARPE What do we know about Grandpa Cezar Sharpe? The estimated year of his birth is 1843, in the state of Georgia. The official marriage record of Appling County notes that Cezar and Abigail (Abbie) Summerall were married on April 4, 1872. The fact that the U.S. census tract lists their son, Charles’ birth year as 1867, suggests that they were already living together as husband and wife before receiving State approval. The typical marriage ceremony before the end of slavery was “jumping the broom”. Grandpa Cezar’s occupation was rail-splitter. Splitting rails was a major occupation for his day. His next son, John was born in 1873, followed by Shelton, Nelson, Marino, Aunt Sula?, and a one year old with no first name. The second wave of his/her children began with Chelsey in 1884, followed by Colonel, Viola, Mariah Isabella, Catherine Beatrice, Polly, Thomas and ending in 1897 with the birth of Lula. Apparently, grandpa Cezar died before or soon after Lula’s birth. The 1900 U.S. census tract shows that grandma Abby had a new husband, Thomas J. Cromartie, a man about eight years her junior. Grandpa Cezar was probably born in Tattnall County, the county that shares the northern boundary with Appling County. Many of his family members relocated to Pierce County after the Civil War. Pierce County shares the southern boundary with Appling County. Blackshear is located in Pierce County. The known sisters and brother of Grandpa Cezar were Cornelia, Simon, Polly and Anna. Hopefully this will assist our children and young people in their pursuit of knowledge about their roots. Submitted by Rev. Rozell Gilmore Family Historian
PROGRAM COMMITTEE Greetings MY People: I am excited that you elected me Program Chairperson for the Family Gathering for the next two years. I am pleased, proud and honored to be among the new cadre of Jacks who will continue the legacy we share of believing and trusting in God; the importance of family; and of fellowship with each other. To help to connect the dots, I am the great granddaughter of Beatrice “Aunt Bea” Sharpe-Stevens; granddaughter of Grovenor and Lenora Stevens; daughter of Fredrick G. “Jr.” Stevens. I was four years old when I came to the first Gathering and I attended several times within each decade of my 50+ years. As I remember those times, it was always a wonderful time. “FAMILY GATHERING” means “FUN TIME” to me. It is in this spirit of fun, laughter and communion that I accept the opportunity to coordinate the activities for next year’s Gathering. I will get to know many more of MY People when I ask you to “pump-up the volume” and “fill-up the fun bags” because we are going to have a good time. You will get to know me when I call you on the phone and talk about the plans for the gathering. It has been the collective effort of family members to make our Family Gatherings the strong and enduring tradition among us that it is. I see this as a sign that we know how to throw a great party! Of this, I am certain and I am JOYFUL to know the source of my strength. Stay tuned as we add a little more color to the outstanding memories of “ANOTHER GREAT Gathering”. I AM SO GLAD TO KNOW WHERE I COME FROM. Patricia Stevens-Murray Chairperson, Program Committee