Retired Lt. Col. Robert Porter

FAMU MOURNS THE LOSS of DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS RETIRED LT. COL. ROBERT PORTER

WHO REORGANIZED THE ALUMNI ORGANIZATION

BY [ Andrew J. SKERRITT ]

Florida A&M University (FAMU) community is mourning the loss of retired Lt. Col. Robert Eugene Porter, a FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) Distinguished Alumni Awardee, decorated combat veteran and educator.

Porter died in Jacksonville on Aug. 27. He was 88.

In 1981, while serving as the president of the FAMU – State of Florida Alumni Organization, he established the NAA structure that included scheduled formal meetings and formulated plans for organizational actions and activities.

Around 1984, recognizing that a number of states outside Florida had gained a large number of FAMU graduates, Porter was appointed by NAA 11th President Joseph Webster, Sr. to chair the reorganization of the Association into regions. He served as NAA vice president from 1986 to 1988. From 1989 to 1995, Porter served as then NAA Southeastern Region vice president. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the NAA first vice president under the NAA presidents Bernard W. Kinsey and Carolyn Hepburn Collins.

In 2001, the Southeastern Region officially was divided into two regions where the State of Florida became its own region and the remainder of the states of the original Southeastern Region became the Southern Region. Porter was very instrumental in that effort.

Porter was named a 1997 FAMU NAA Distinguished Alumni Awardee (Military) and was among the alumni honored during the University’s Quasquicentennial Celebration in 2012. He was one of the 125 Outstanding FAMUANs honored for their outstanding achievements, financial support, and service to the NAA.

Carmen Cummings, assistant vice president of University Engagement/ Alumni Affairs, said Porter combined a disciplined, distinguished bearing with a warmth and generosity that was greatly appreciated by everyone who met him.

“He was the kind of alumnus who planted seeds to his alma mater. He was also very nurturing and encouraging to students and young alumni,” Cummings said. “He truly believed in giving back. I am grateful to have benefitted from his well of wisdom. I learned so much from him in his work with the alumni association.”

Under the leadership of 17th NAA President Tommy Mitchell, Porter served as the NAA Sergeant-At-Arms from 2010-2015. He also served under current NAA President Col. Gregory Clark in the same capacity until his declining health curtailed his service. During NAA annual conventions, Porter was a dignified presence as he watched over the general proceedings.

“The FAMU National Alumni Association Family mourns the loss of former NAA Executive Board Member retired Lt. Col. Robert Porter,” Clark said. “He was a stabilizing force within the National Alumni Association for many. His leadership was exemplary and cannot be duplicated. He will truly be missed.”

While at FAMU, the Chicago native was a leading member of the Marching ‘100,’ a member of the Upsilon Psi chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., which he joined in 1951, and the University’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC).

After graduation, Porter entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant, serving from 1954-1975. During his military career, Porter was a commanding officer in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. In addition, he saw combat during the Vietnam War, which earned him two Bronze Stars for his valor in service.

Following active duty, Porter began work for the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) where he trained generations of future soldiers. His stellar leadership qualities were on display as the senior army instructor at the historically black William M. Raines High School from 1975 to 1998.

In 2015, William M. Raines High School named the JROTC building, the Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Porter JROTC Hall in his honor.

As a member of the Omega Psi Phil Fraternity, Inc., Porter served as the 10th State Representative of the Florida Statewide Organization and later became International “Omega Man of the Year.” In addition, Porter was the State of Florida’s Talent Hunt Chairman for more than a decade.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Fiveash Porter, a daughter, and three grandchildren.

THE FALLEN RATTLERS

JULY 2020

Barbara Elaine Jackson Croskey

Barbara Elaine Jackson Croskey, an Ocala, Florida native, was born in 1937. A 1959 graduate, she was married to Valene Croskey, Jr.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education; a certificate in elementary education from Bethune-Cookman University, and a master’s degree in reading from the University of Connecticut (Mansfield). She was a member of and soloist in the FAMU Concert Choir. Croskey later began her teaching career as a chorus director for high schoolers at Fessenden Academy in Marion County. She later worked as a reading specialist and music teacher at various elementary schools.

Croskey was a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; a founding member and first president of the Brevard County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.; and, an active member of Mount Moriah AME Church based in Eufaula, AL.

Croskey is survived by her daughter, Carol Leenette; and brother, Alonzo H. (Carmen) Jackson.

OCTOBER 2020

Beulah Bruce Gregory

Beulah Bruce Gregory was born in Tallahassee, Fla. on January 9, 1930 to the late Efram Bruce and Flora Hinton Bruce. She was the first daughter of their six children.

She was an alumna who was a dedicated member of the FAMU National Alumni Association, a member of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Committee, and a former school counselor at the FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS).

A mentor to countless youth, Gregory was employed for 30 years by the City of Tallahassee. She was also a life-long member of Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church in Tallahassee. Later in life, one of the city’s recreation centers — the Gregory Lawrence Recreation Center — was named to honor her and another longtime city parks employee.

Gregory is survived by a daughter, Gwendolyn Peters; one granddaughter, Jori Peters, (Fran); a son/nephew Johnny S. James (Debbie); her beloved sister, Coline Bruce James; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Bruce.

JULY 2020

John M. Davis, Ph.D.

John M. Davis, Ph.D., a Jacksonville, Florida native, graduated from Stanton High School in 1958. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Edward Waters (Jacksonville), the master’s degree from Florida A&M and a doctorate from the University of Florida (Gainesville).

Davis served as dean of students at Edward Waters and president of the FAMU chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists before retiring as an associate professor of counselor education.

His was a member of the FAMU Alumni Association, the National Education Association, Toastmasters International, Jack and Jill of America, and the Omicron Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Davis was also a veteran, founder and president of Educational Services Institute; and a member of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, where he served as an usher.

AUGUST 2020

Mary Carol Abner

Mary Carol Abner earned the bachelor’s and master’s in elementary education from Florida A& M in 1946 and 1948, respectively. She was a natural educator who was recognized as “a superb inspirational teacher” at Stevens Elementary School in Quincy, Concord Elementary in Miccosukee, and Bond Elementary School in Tallahassee, from which she retired after 30 years of service.

Abner was a dedicated member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and a committed leader and member of Bethel AME Church (Tallahassee), where she lent a hand in any and every way possible for more than 70 years. She proudly displayed her love and affection for her alma mater, often visible from her reserved seats at FAMU football and basketball games, and her support for all university programs. She also worked diligently as a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association and as a member of the Leon County Chapter of the alumni association.

Abner is survived by daughter Hodgetta Huckaby and two granddaughters, Jamye Brown Pruden and Jamele Brown — all distinguished FAMU alumni.

SEPTEMBER 2020 Robert Wilson Sr.

Robert Wilson Sr. was born in Tallahassee on June 23, 1974 to Geraldine Miller Robertson and James Lee Wilson.

He was an outstanding wide receiver for FAMU, where he set single-season records for receptions (78), receiving yards (1,161), and receiving touchdowns (10). He earned All-American honors in 1996 and was a three-time All-MEAC selection from 1994-1996. Wilson played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Seattle Seahawks (1997-1999) and the New Orleans Saints (2000-2001). Those who knew him well said he was energetic, fun to be around and had a laid-back presence. He loved his parents and extended family.

He is survived by wife Tiffany Williams Wilson; daughters, Tamani and Arie Wilson; sons, Trevor, Robert Jr. and Raylen Wilson; parents, Geraldine Miller (Ulysses) Robertson and James Lee (Kim) Wilson; parents-in-law, Donald and Deborah Williams; brothers, Michael Farmer, Scottie and Tyrone Wilson; sisters, Melissa Ellis, Sheila Farmer, Tonya (Phillip) Branch, Jameka (Stanley Sr.) Wilson, Shauna (Lawrence) Parker and Stephanie Wilson.

JULY 2020

Terrell Freeman Sr.

Terrell Freeman Sr. and Mattie Lee Climes were married for 58 years. The St. Petersburg, Florida native served in the United States Air Force after high school as an administrative specialist in intelligence flight. He completed tours in Italy and Japan during the Vietnam War.

Freeman earned an undergraduate degree in Spanish and French, and a master’s in counseling; he served the FAMU community as a professor and counselor for 35 years. When he was not working, he

spent his retirement fishing, hunting, and giving back to the community through “Urban Therapy.”

Survivors include Mattie Freeman, his wife; children, Terrell Freeman II and Natalie Freeman; grandchildren, Cameron, K’Mani, Kamen, Terrell III, and Lionel Leonard III; great-grandchild, Aaliyah; goddaughters, Nadia Royal and Narla Zinermon; siblings, Charles Freeman, Thelma Carswell (Willie) and Samuel Williams.

NOVEMBER 2020 Bridgette Jefferson

Bridgette Jefferson was born in Tallahassee on January 27, 1962 to Patricia Ann Smith and Eddie L. Jefferson. She is a 1979 graduate of the Florida State University School (Florida High). She majored in business management at Florida A&M.

Jefferson was a longtime member of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Charmettes, Inc. Jefferson, affectionately known as Bridge or BJ, was an exceptional cook with a sincere and sweet spirit of hospitality. Jefferson enjoyed planning and hosting Sunday dinners and holiday meals.

Her survivors are brother Darryl R. Jefferson; nieces, Brooke Jefferson Walker, Rebekah Jefferson and Reagan Jefferson; sisters, Angela Pease Brown and Jerina Jackson; aunts, Orynthia Ellis, Myra Rice, Twanna Smith, Lois Carrington, Barbara Jefferson Rickett, and Florine Jefferson Howard; uncles, Thomas Jefferson, Willie Deas, Renwick Barber, and Collie Nelson; cousins, Dwan Von Seigel Kornegay, Thomas Hadley, Stacie (Cory) Fields, Monika Martin, Dano Deas, Shaunte` Deas, Kenneth Rice, Kamala Allen, and Kenneth Howard.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Billie Dean

Billie Dean was born in Clermont, Florida on April 10, 1931 to Ida and Arthur Dean and was the oldest of three children. Dean, who attended Jones High School (Orlando), traveled 26 miles each day to receive an education. After attending FAMU, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a sergeant in the Korean Conflict. In 1954, he was a double recipient of Bronze Stars with Valor for Heroism.

Later, back in the United States, Dean became Apopka’s second black City Commissioner in 1979; he served as a commissioner for 24 years and as vice mayor for the last two years. He also served as a Monitor for Orange County School’s desegregation plan. He was the recipient of the 2001 Florida A&M Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dean had several career accomplishments including member of the Florida League of Cities, CARET Representative for Land Grant Colleges and Universities on behalf of Florida A&M, and 100 Black Men of America.

Dean’s survivors include his wife, Isadore Moye Dean; children, Sabrina Dean Brockenbury, Kimberly Dean, Kitrina Dean Henderson, and Ryan Lewis Dean; grandchildren William Brockenbury, Justin Isom, Tyler Isom, Jacob Henderson; sister Amy Dean Jones; aunt, Taisy Parker; brother-in-law Isaac McCall; sisters-in-law, Ametta Moye, Daisy Saunders, Beth Dean, Juanita Johnson, and Corine McCall; devoted niece, Deanna Darlington; goddaughter, Jennifer Neal Mitchell, godsons, Michael Wilkerson, the Rev. Alexander H. Smith, Sean Bradford, and Pastor Timothy L. Ford.

NOVEMBER 2020

Chauncey Hollman

Chauncey Holloman, a 1992 graduate of Tallahassee’s Godby High School, is an alum who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in applied social sciences with a concentration in public administration. He worked in the registrar’s office at Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman University and Edward Waters College. (both, respectively, in Jacksonville, Fla.).

Hollaman was born in Fort Lauderdale on August 8, 1975 to Carol and Charles Holloman. Holloman gained notoriety throughout the Big Bend Area and beyond throughout his teenage and young adulthood as a singer in groups Deep ‘N Harmony and 4 Sure. In addition, he continued to perform as a solo artist, where he won many talent showcases.

He is survived by his mother Carol; son Cameron; his son’s mother, Sharell Calvy-Holloman: sister, Carla: and brothers, Charles Holloman II and Cedrick Holloman.

SEPTEMBER 2020

William Wilson, Jr.

William Wilson, better known as “Chicken Shack,” played on the 1961 undefeated FAMU Rattlers National Football Championship team. He served as a physical education teacher, driver education teacher, football coach and track and field coach at Gifford, Vero Beach and Sebastian River High Schools in Florida.

Wilson’s honors include being a 14-time conference track-andfield coach of the year, the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Outstanding Assistant Coach Award (1993), a FACA Lifetime Membership Award recipient and was inducted into the Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame (1984), USA-Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame (1994) and FACA Hall of Fame (1995).

Wilson was born in Tallahassee on March 8, 1939. He is survived by Kathryn, his wife; daughter, Yolanda; son, Billy (William III); granddaughter, Brandi, and grandsons, William IV and Wesley.

DECEMBER 2020

Deacon Willie Bruce Simmons

Willie Bruce Simmons was born on August 31, 1929 in Tallahassee. He was a member of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church for more than 50 years where he served as devoted member of the Deacon Board and a soloist in the church’s signature choirs. For decades, he was known throughout the community as “Deacon Simmons.”

Simmons worked in the Office of University Housing at Florida A&M for many years until his retirement.

He was an outdoorsman who loved farming, hunting, and fishing. He also served as a high-school basketball official for many years and, for decades, loved to follow and support the FAMU Rattlers football and basketball teams.

Simmons is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bernice Littleton Simmons; daughter, Gwendolyn Yvonne Norton; son, Renwick “Ricky” Darrell Simmons (Sherrie); a sister, Versie Mae Webster; one grandson, Nolan Jarell Norton; and two godchildren.

DECEMBER 2020 Reuben Hepburn

Reuben Hepburn, a 1996 graduate, was born December 12, 1970 in Miami. He followed in the footsteps of his grandmother, mother, and uncle in education with the Pinellas County School District as a history teacher at Lakewood High School.

He received a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Florida (Tampa). Hepburn became an assistant principal at Northeast High School and at Gibbs High School. He later became principal at Dunedin High School and, in 2015, returned to Gibbs as its principal. Hepburn won the 2020 Pinellas County School District Principal of the Year honor.

Hepburn was involved in the community and He was also ordained as a minister in 2008 and served in various capacities at St. John Primitive Baptist Church and Gateway Christian Center.

He is survived by wife, Maribeth Hepburn; son, Joshua Townsend; daughter, Mariela Myrick; mother, Christina; and sisters, Rodrika Lacy, Regina Forbes and Renae Strozier.

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