Mollie Coker, the daughter of Rob and Vicki Coker of Yazoo City, recently graduated from The Veritas School in Ridgeland. She was named Salutatorian of her class, and she will be attending the University of Mississippi in the fall.

The Yazoo Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its monthly meeting, highlighting the cemetery at Rosalie. Pictured from left are hostesses Jo Dale Merrill, Sue Patterson, Vay McGraw and cemetery speaker Wendy Cartwright. Special to The Herald

The Yazoo Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its April meeting in the home of JoDale Merrill.  
After the opening ritual was conducted by JoAnne Collins and Priscilla Harper, the President General’s report was given by Priscilla Harper.  This was followed by the National Defense Report, Minutes of the last meeting by Sue Patterson, and the treasurer’s report by Ava Hale.  
Then the Chairmen reported:  Labels for Education-Gloria Adcock, Conservation Ava Hale, Rosalie Minute- Priscilla Harper, and Women’s Issues- Sue Patterson.  
Continental Congress, which meets in Washington, D.C. in June, was discussed.  
The installation of officers for the 2013-2016 term was conducted by MSSDAR State Regent Janet Looney Whittington.  
This was followed by a very informative program given by Wendy Davis Cartwright on the Cemetery at Rosalie.  Rosalie is the MSSDAR-owned historic home in Natchez.  The cemetery was uncovered by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1999 while on another project.  
The Thurston Hahn archaeologists with Coastal Environments, Inc. of Baton Rouge determined the cemetery with its 25 graves was in use from approximately 1729-1800.  They identified the remains of four graves which were the most intact-two men, one woman, and one child under two as Western Europeans who were probably French colonials. In 2004 the remains of the four graves were reinterred on the Rosalie property.  
A dedication for the marker of the cemetery was held on March 26, 2010.  
The other 21 graves were left in Natchez.  
Hostesses were JoDale Merrill, Vay McGraw and Sue Patterson.

SimmonsLailah Khamari Simmons, daughter of Talia and Andre Simmons, celebrated her first birthday on May 16.
She will celebrate her birthday with a Barbie party on Saturday, May 18, at Chuck E Cheese with siblings Tahj, John, Shailah and Zaria.
Maternal grandparents are the late Beedy Holt and James Crockett.
Paternal grandparents are Andrew Wyatt and Jackie Simmons.

Just Out of ReachSpecial to The Herald

Just Out of Reach is the debut novel by Belinda J. Stevens.
Stevens was born in Yazoo City and is a prominent defense attorney who currently practices in Yazoo City.
Stevens grew up in the sixties where racial injustice and war were at the forefront of society. Within the novel she conveys what it was like in those times by taking a controversial look into the life of a sixteen year old high school freshman, Katherine Boyd.
Stevens’ debut novel introduces the reader to a host of unforgettable characters, situations and issues that captivate the hearts of small town America.   
The novel takes place in the Mississippi Delta around the early sixties. Katherine meets the love of her life David, and their love goes on a rollercoaster ride solely because of family issues and political differences.
Due to the actions of Katherine’s mother and a string of horrendous events within Katherine’s life, Katherine and David separate. Katherine then marries Jeffery, a prestigious attorney, whom she meets in college. Katherine later discovers that Jeffery doesn’t like blacks. She then calls for a divorce but Jeffery feverishly refuses her wishes.
Just Out of Reach is a magnificent novel that is filled with drama and suspense. This novel will definitely have the reader at the edge of their seat wondering what will come next.
The author shows vivid imagery as she sheds light on the erratic life of Katherine Boyd. The novel touches on many issues such as war, addiction, dysfunctional relationships, the evolving role of women and the complex issue of race in Mississippi.
Just Out of Reach will be released on May 14, 2013.  The book is available in stores throughout the Southeast with book signings scheduled until the end of the year.  
Stevens will hold a booksigning at Downtown Marketplace on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a,m, until 2 p.m.
For a complete list of book signings or for more information go to www.facebook.com/belinda.stevens.733.