History will record 2016 as a year where we said goodbye to a lot of Yazooans who were part of this community’s identity.
We said goodbye to former alderman Clifton Jones and longtime librarian John Ellzey. Manchester Academy said goodbye to Barbara Atkinson, and the entire community was shocked by the loss of coach Kyle Wallace at such a young age. We said goodbye to local business owners David Allen and Billy Manasco and beloved educator and school administrator John D. “Buddy” Smith. Last week we said goodbye to popular local attorney Kelly Collins.
I could go on, but if you’re reading this you have probably personally mourned some of the many losses we’ve experienced this year.
The sad trend continued this week as we were forced to bid farewell to two more wonderful Yazooans.
First we learned of the death of Juanita Fulgham, wife of former Yazoo City Mayor Charles “Blackie” Fulgham.
Mrs. Fulgham was the epitome of class and grace. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She made significant contributions to our local business community, and did even more for her church.
Her relationship with her husband was an example of how rewarding marriage can be. As senior citizens they seemed as happy together as newlyweds. One memory that stands out to me was seeing them dancing to the music of Ronnie McDowell at the Jerry Clower Festival several years ago.
Then we learned of the death of local artist Donny Moore.
Donny had been battling health problems, but he left us much too young. I always enjoyed his visits to the paper.
Donny had a unique style. I could instantly recognize his watercolor paintings as his work. He really enjoyed his work, and he was eager to have exhibits here in Yazoo where his friends and neighbors could enjoy his work.
Although he was talented, Moore was humble about his abilities. I always enjoyed his visits to the paper.
In addition to art, we also liked to talk about fishing. He once caught one of the biggest bass that has ever been pictured in this paper.
Please pray for the Fulgham and Moore families and all the others who have lost loved ones this year.
It has been a tough year full of loss, but we can all take comfort in the knowledge that through the grace of God we will all see each other again.
