Home Going Service For Sister Bertha Vining Oden

1932-2015

Bertha Vining Oden was born on June 9, 1932 tot he late Monroe Vining and Louise Hill Vining in St. Helena Parish. God decided that he needed a beautiful flower to add to his garden so on the morning of September 29, 2015, he called her home where the sweet fragrance of her blossom could be enjoyed by Heaven's Host. Her family and all who knew her have been left with a vid caused by the pain of such a great loss of one who was so loving and dear to them, yet through it all we give thanks to God for having allowed us to share in a life that was beautiful and loving as her's.

Sister Bertha joined Little Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Willard Vernon. She later attended Butler A.M.E. Zion Church with her niece and great nieces, most recently during her time of illness, she insisted on going to New Hope Baptist Church with her great great nieces until she was hospitalized. Sister Bert leaves to cherish her precious memories: one sister, Mattie Butler of New Orleans, Louisiana; four children she raised as her own, Latoya, Daniel and David Butler all of Amite, Louisiana; Kim Muyaka of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; five God-children, Fred Vining of Pontiac, Michigan, Carolyn Watts of San Diego, California, Tyrone Butler of New Orleans, Louisiana, Melvin Martin, Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana., Bradley Nichols of Fort Drum, New York; great/caregiver whom she lived with Mertrell Butler of Amite, Louisiana; great niece, Sheila Addison and great-great nieces, Nikalya Battiste and Nicole Butler who also cared for her as she endured good and bad days; two uncles, Wesley and Charles Vining of New Orleans, Louisiana; one aunt, Betty Jean Nicholson of Houston, Texas. A host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Sister Bert was preceded in death by her husband, Allison Oden, Jr., her parents, Monroe and Louise Vining, six brothers: Adam, Vercey, Ercey, Johnny, Willie and Monore; four sisters, Georgia, Lillie, Ethel Mae and Ruby and a beloved niece and nephew, Dorothy Dell Addison and Raymond Vining.

Robert Zanders A Local Musician from Amite, Louisiana

Robert Zanders was born in Amite, Louisiana on December 28, 1910 to Robert and Beatrice Taylor Zanders. Robert was known throughout the Florida Parishes as a gifted musician and often played for various occasion throughout his lifetime.

The Late Leon McKnight, Sr.

Leon McKnight, Sr. was born in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. May 14, 1894, the son of John and Eliza McKnight. He came to Amite in 1928. He remained until his demise. He was a faithful member of Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

The Angel of Death visited Bro. McKnight on Sunday, December 27, 1970, he was 76 years, 7 months and 13 days olds.

He leaves to mourn his passing, three daughters; Mrs. Viola Robertson of Hammond, Louisiana, Mrs. Edna Muse of Bogalusa, Louisiana, and Mrs. Katherine Burton of Kentwood, Louisiana; two sons; Wallace and Leon, Jr., Amite, Louisiana; four sisters, two brothers, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Interment: Butler Cemetery.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Late Mrs. Audrey Robinson Curry

Audrey Robinson Curry

Mrs. Audrey Robinson Curry, the wife of Mr. George Curry, was born in Amite, Louisiana, June 21, 1918, the daughter of the late Horace and Virgie Pitts Robinson.

Mrs. Curry was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where she served as third grade teacher at Westside High School.

She received her formal training at Amite, Rosenwald, Dillon High and Grambling College. She was a member of the Tangipahoa Education Association.

Mrs. Curry was active in civic, social and religious activities. Her heart went out to Zeta Phi Beta and was an example of "Finer" womanhood which Zeta stands.

As a young woman, Audrey, as most of her friends knew her, and church members knew her, was a lovable and adorable person, given her time, talent and energy to her church activities. She was a devoted member of Grant's Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she spent most of her life working in various departments of the church. Mrs. Curry was a leader for the Y.P.W.W., Vice District President of Layman League, and did a great deal of mission work.

After Audrey's marriage to Mr. Curry, she resided in New Orleans, Louisiana and lived happily until her demise. Yet,  she and her mother were able to spend many pleasant hours together and with their friends.

She slipped away quietly in the still of the morning on Monday, September 30, 1968. Surviving Mrs. Curry are; are husband, Mr. George Curry, New Orleans, Louisiana, mother, Mrs. Vergie Robinson; brother, Mr. Johnnie Robinson, and three sister-in-laws, Mrs. Helen Robinson of Amite, La; six aunts, three uncles; one nephew and a host of other relatives.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

In Loving Memories of Delores B. McCormick

Delores Bush McCormick, 31 of 5114 Brooklyn was born June 3, 1943 in Independence, Louisiana. She passed away March 30, 1975. She was united in marriage to Mr. Samuel McCormick on June 1, 1969.

She was employed by the Kansas City Public School District, where she worked at Pasco High School since 1969 as a Vocational Business Teacher.

She was a member of Leonard Chapel A.M.E. Church in Amite, Louisiana. She later joined the Bethel A.M.E. Church on February 22, 1970, where she was a member of the Voices of Bethel Choir. She was member of Celestial Chapter No. 102, Order of Eastern Star, where she held a the post of Past Secretary;

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Samuel McCormick: her mother, Mrs. Vallera Bush; six brothers, Mrs. Charlie Bush, Jr., Mrs. Ray Bush., Mr. Hollis Bush, Sr., Mr. Harold Bush, Mr. George Bush, and the Mr. Amos Bush; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

Shirley C. Temple Candidate for State Representative 1971

While reading the push card of candidate Shirley C. Temple for State Representative in 1971. It brings to mind,  today election with Osa Williams and Janice Holland running for the same seat today.

Shirley C. Temple was the wife of Collis Temple, Sr. of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

Children in the Sugar Cane Field in Amite, Louisiana

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

West Side School Marching Band Photographs

Photo Credit

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

A Photograph from Amite, Louisiana

Can anyone tell me who this lady and little boys is in this photograph? Please email me at afrigenah@yahoo.com

West Side School in Amite, Louisiana Before Integration

Photo Credit:
Mrs. Clotidle Zanders 

I came across these photographs in the collection of Mrs. Clotidle Zanders. If you are from the Amite, Louisiana., and know some of the people in the photographs, please contact me by email at afrigenah@yahoo.com

This photographs was taken at one of the homecoming games in Amite, Louisiana.

The Theodore & Gladys Chapman Dunn Family Reunion

Diedre Gilmore Perryman and Paulette Gilmore Sims
Organizers of the Dunn Family Reunion

Dunn Family Blanket

Carol won the prize
Photo credit
Walter C. Black, Sr.

The Theodore and Gladys Chapman Dunn Family Reunion

Theodore and Gladys Chapman Dunn

This years Dunn family reunion was organized by Paulette Gilmore Sims, the daughter of the late Charlie Gilmore and Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore. Paulette and her committee organized a one day event that displayed family photographs, the Dunn History, a slideshow presentation and family fun. This years theme was " We Are Our Brother's Keeper".  The reunion was held as Jellystone Park in Robert, Louisiana. 

Theodore Dunn was born in 1906 in Amite County, Mississippi to Hezekiah and Gertrude Atkins Jackson Dunn. According to the oral history of his oldest son Leon Dunn, Sr.,  his father Theodore moved his family to Kentwood, Louisiana in the 1940s. 

Theodore was killed in a truck accident in 1957 in Easlyville, Louisiana. He was a farmer and logger by occupation. He worked hard to save money to purchase the land that is still in the Dunn family today.  To their union of Theodore and Gladys Dunn, eight children was born; Leon Dunn, Sr., Willie Mae Dunn Williams, Gertrude Dunn Perry,  Gena Mae Dunn Chapman, Will Henry Dunn, Charlie Dunn, Theodore Dunn, and Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore.  Three of their offsprings has passed away: Gertrude Dunn Perry, Charlie Dunn, and Gena Mae Dunn Chapman.

Leon Dunn, Ruby Lee Dunn Gilmore, Theodore Dunn

Hezekiah Dunn and Gertrude was the parents of Bernice Dunn Hampton, Elouise Dunn Collins, Everlee Dunn Clark, Leon Dunn, Theodore Dunn and Otis Dunn.  Gertrude has children by her first husband. The children ware Rufus Jackson and Laura Jackson Banks according to the Dunn Family tree that was complied in 2009. Hezekiah was known by family members as Hizzie.  Leon said that his father Theodore passed down a lot of oral history to him about the Dunn family. He also said his father Theodore told him that that Hezekiah was of Indian descent. 

Hezekiah is the son of Andrew Dunn, no one knew the name of Hezekiah's mother. I checked U. S. census to see if I could locate her. Andrew was listed as a widower. Hezekiah's brother and sisters were listed as Maggie, Malinda, Mary, and Madison. 

Well over a hundred descendants of Theodore and Gladys attend this years family reunion. Lot of home cooked food, homemade ice cream and prizes was given out.  Everyone was so happy to see each other and to meet new family members. Two of Theodore's brother and sister offsprings also was present.

Elouise Dunn Collis and Odis Dunn offsprings express their desire to learn more about their family history. There were discussions of organizing an upcoming event of all eight branches of Hezekiah and Gertrude Dunn.

Looking at the younger generation work to make this years family reunion a success was beautiful.  Some of the family was reflecting on the days when the family reunions was held in grandma Gladys front yard under the two oak trees in Kentwood, La.

Now the younger generation are stepping up to the task and organizing the family reunions to keep the family together. It was so good to see family respecting and sharing love with each other.

Photo Credits
Walter C. Blacks, Sr.

Leo Collins, Sr. and Edwina Collins of Amite, Louisiana

Mr. Leo and Mrs. Edwina Collins

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

Robert and Willie Pearl Temple of Amite, Louisiana

Robert and Willie Pearl Temple

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Benton Family of Amite, Louisiana

Steve & Rosa Benton

Andre, Pamela, & Gary

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

The Passing of Betty Steptoe Belton of Amite, Louisiana

Ms. Betty Steptoe Belton., a resident of Amite, La passed away on September 10, 2015 at Hood Memorial Hospital at the age of 73. Betty was born on January 10, 1942 to Ralph & Myrtis Steptoe. The Family has asked you join them in Honoring her life. Funeral services are scheduled as follows; Visitation: Thursday September 17, 2015 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Cross Memorial Funeral Home in Amite, La. Funeral: Friday September 18, 2015 for 11:00 am at Butler's Chapel AME Church in Amite, La. Interment will be at Butler's Cemetery in Amite, LA. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cross Memorial Funeral Home of Amite, La. You may send cards, flowers, and sign the guest register right here from our website www.crossmemorialfuneralhome.co

Joshua Williams of Amite, Louisiana

Joshua Williams standing

A reprint from the Dixie newspaper 1963.  A new wing of Southern University's natural science building. An electron microscope, one of the new research tools now available at Southern, is operated by Dr. James J. Prestage. Looking on is student Joshua Williams of Amite. Microscope was acquired through a grant.

In Memory of the Zanders Family from Amite, Louisiana

Left to Right: Deloris Levy, Robert Zander, Colitide Zander,
Shawn Levy, the lady on the end unknown

I'm extending a warmhearted appreciation for family of Amite, Louisiana for saving and archiving the history, events and photographs of African American people of Amite, Louisiana?  Mrs. Colitidle preserved the history that we must never forget. After she passed away her daughter the late Deloris Levy inherited the collections and after she passed away.

It was passed on to Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr., and I'm truly humbled that he allowed me to examine and analyze the collections and help get it ready to be archived at Southeastern Louisiana University for the further studies on the history of African American people of the Florida Parishes. We're not doing enough to preserve our enriched history too pass down to the next generation. We're losing property, intellectual properties, family heirlooms, land and other value family resources due to the lack of knowledge and sometime the lack of caring.

I know that Mrs. Colitidle and Ms. Deloris would be happy to know that the collection is being shared and preserved for future studies, thesis, dissertations and other publications to be the lives and studies of African American people of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes.

Many African American people in the Amite community can recall sweet and lasting memories of Mrs. Coltitlde. Her love for flowers and serving her community was her passion. Preserving our history and educating the youth about their rich history and heritage should be something we all sured pass on. It can help to restore and enhance their self-esteem and self-awareness.  For more information about the pioneers and people who shaped our lives and community, please continue to follow Preserving Our History in Tangiphaoa and St. Helena Parishes.


Links

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

A Nineteen or Early Twenty Century Photograph

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.

Mrs. Lillie Daniels and Martha James of Amite, Louisiana

Queen Mothers
Lillie Daniels and Martha James

This is one of my favorite pictures here. I was wondering if this is Walter Daniels grandmother or relations? I know Queen Mother Martha James was the daughter of the founders of Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Amite, Louisiana.

If you know which one is which, please let me know.

Source:

The Collection of the Late Coltidle Aaron Zanders and the Late Deloris Levy.

Submitted to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa &  St. Helena Parishes Blog and Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Talk  Show by Rev. Raymond Foster, Sr.