VALDOSTA, GA The Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association (VLREA) is sponsoring the second annual Community Memorial Service for personnel of area educational institutions who have passed away during the past year. The service will be held Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 3:00 PM at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 3565 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta.  The purpose of the service is to recognize the life’s work of area educators improving the lot of children. Family members, educators, Association members, and members of the public are invited to attend as these deceased educators are honored.

Individuals recognized at this year’s program include: Betty Bass Thackery, Ursula Waller. Isaiah Isom, Robert Jones, Lamar Kendall Altman, T. Ross Hudson, Mary Alice Clyatt Thomas, Matilda Mathis, Catherine Wood Pember, Dr. Sherrell S. Newton, Dr. Malcolm F. Rainey, Hattie Riley, Edwin Collier Brown, Jr., Hilda Carroll Griffin, Angela Griffin Hughes, Mary Hilda Tarbor, Betty Phillips Googe, Virginia Sanders Pitts, Martha Jean Grant Copeland, Helen Melinda Janney Rogers, Helen Pafford Bennett, Dorothy Parrish Akins, Janice Wilson Brown, Doris June Thomas Hyder, Aurora Linn, Catherine “Cathy” Geddings, Eloise Merke, Lougenia Gills Gabard, Lillie Mae Dees, Dr. Webster Teague, Idella Register, Betty Wade, and Bernetha McCray.

If anyone knows of others who passed away since May 2013 whose names aren’t listed is asked to contact Alice DeVane, VLREA President, at 229-244-7066 or emailadevane.vlrea@mediacombb.net .

Organizers of this year’s ceremony are Chair Ruth Council, President DeVane, and other VLREA Necrology Committee members.  The Reverend Denise Ronn, Vicar of St.Barnabas, will offer a homily reflecting on the lives of educators.  

The Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association is a voluntary service organization of retirees associated with public education. VLREA is affiliated with the Georgia Retired Educators Association, which supports the efforts of active and retired educators.

Source: VLREA