Dr. Eugene Sargent
Dr. Eugene Sargent was born on January 30, 1938, in Lucedale, Mississippi to Mr. Alfonso and Mrs. Mary Sargent. He became the sixth child of 12 children. Eugene was baptized at Lily Grove Baptist Church in Lucedale. His elementary education and his religious training were in the same place. After attending Lilly Grove Baptist Church, he moved to Taylorsville, Mississippi to attend high school at Smith County Training School because there was no school for African Americans students in George County, Ms. After attending Jackson State University extension branch in Meridian, Mississippi for one year, he enlisted in the U. S. Army for close to four years. Eugene was more disciplined and determined to pursue a college degree at Jackson State University. Dr. Sargent graduated from Jackson State University in mathematics and science. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, he immediately began enrolling in graduate courses to expand his knowledge of math and science by attending institutes at Hampton University, Texas Southern University, Jackson State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi in the summers He taught high school students in Forest and Lucedale, Mississippi. His Memphis educational tenure began at Melrose High school. Other assignments included teaching algebra at Oakhaven and counseling at Central and Sheffield. He began to study the bible intensely when he enrolled in Bible Study Fellowship for men. Later, he taught bible courses at Cummings Street Baptist Church. Here at Brown, Dr. Sargent taught Sunday school (men’s class number #1). He would study and plan for days; sometimes he and his wife, Lois would share supplementary materials and strategies. Before graduating from Jackson State University, Dr. Sargent met Lois Stewart his future wife, who was a sophomore. In 1964 after one and a half years of courtship, they were married. For 56 years and 4 months, he referred to Lois as his friend, his sweetheart, his wife, and all that he ever needed. As parents, they brought Needra and Eric up in First Baptist Church – Lauderdale in Memphis under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Charles L. Dinkins. Dr. Sargent also earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and a doctorate in administration and supervision (Memphis State). Many students, teachers, and fellow principals were impacted by his integrity, dedication, and total commitment to education and the betterment of students. Dr. Sargent felt that all students could learn- some just need more time. Therefore, he instituted an hour and a half tutoring program after school with snacks for all students whose grades were not up to par. No sports practice or extra curriculum activities were held during that time. Dr. Sargent also secured a grant to hire a reading teacher on the secondary level to improve test scores. He had surmised that some students did not do well on standardized test because they did not have good reading skills. Eugene never wavered on being generous with his resources, time, and talent to projects which he had committed. One could count on him to do more than “his share”.
He and Lois felt that God had blessed them to bless others. Over the years, Dr. Sargent recruited, supervised, and evaluated many teachers. He also assessed prospective principals through PADEC and mentored fifteen principals as Cluster Leader. Two notable experiences outside the school system were: being selected by the superintendent to attend the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and participating in the East Tennessee State University/ Bell South Exemplary Superintendent Training Program. Dr. Sargent’s lifestyle was focused on structure, organization, integrity, punctuality, and hard work. Yet, he always had time to spend with his family through outings, vacations, and family reunions. Dr. Sargent was a faithful member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the intake ministry, men’s ministry, parking lot ministry, as a board member of Brown Christian Academy and Deacon/Hur Ministry. Later, Dr. Sargent became a facilitator for several courses in Deeper U. He also joined two distinct partners: North Mississippi Baptist Laymen and the Northwest Mississippi Gideon chapter where he served as president for 3 years. Dr. Sargent was the first African American leader of that Gideon Camp. Even though he retired in 2007 as the principal of Southside High school, he was often called back by the school system to substitute as a school administrator. Sitting at home was not an option for Dr. Sargent, he volunteered in mayoral, city council, state representative, state senate, and most of the school board races. He worked relentlessly in his garden growing all kinds of vegetables, especially greens. Ninety-five percent of what he grew he would give away to neighbors, church members, and friends. His quote was, “I plant the seeds and ask God for the increase”. He enjoyed walking and talking in Southland Mall with Lois and others. Dr. Sargent strived, struggled, and succeeded on earth, but he has now heard his heavenly father say, “well done my good and faithful servant”. Dr. Sargent is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois Stewart Sargent; siblings: Hugh Patrick Sargent (Rosie), Rosie Sargent, Joseph Sargent (Dr. Jane), and Jeanette Sargent; children: Phyllis Sargent-Smith (David), Dr. Needra Sargent- Coleman (Tim) and Eric Sargent (Felicia); Grandchildren: Geselle Coleman, Faith Sargent, Timothy Coleman II, Jonathan Coleman, Joshua Coleman, and Alexis Sargent. He was proceeded in death by his parents Alfonso and Mary Sargent; siblings: Willie Allen, Etta Mae, Raleigh, Mary, Alfonso Jr., Johnny, and Carrie Jean; and granddaughter: Erica Nicole Sargent.
C
herished Memories
Order of Celebration Saturday, January 9, 2021 11:00 A.M.
Brown Baptist Missionary Baptist Church 7200 Swinnea Road • Southaven, Mississippi 38671 Pastor Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor
Prelude Processional.........................................................................................................The Family of Dr. Eugene Sargent Musical Selection...................................................................................BMBC Music Ministry & Stephaine Norvell “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”
Scripture Reading: Old Testament................................................................................................................Roy Ashton - Gideon New Testament.................................................................................................................Dr. Jevon Marshall Prayer of Comfort...................................................................................................................Pastor Damon Conley Musical Selection..............................................................................BMBC Music Ministry & Carleen Strong-Tate “God Made Me”
“Remembering The Legacy of Dr. Eugene Sargent” (Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Charles Graham Curtis Weathers Minister Terrence Green Family
Acknowledgements...............................................................................................Brown Missionary Baptist Church Silent Reading of Obituary........................................................................................................................Soft Music Musical Selection..................................................................................BMBC Music Ministry & Gwenzetta Pollard “Take Me To The King”
Eulogy................................................................................................................................Pastor Bartholomew Orr Recessional The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
~ Acknowledgements ~
The family of Dr. Eugene Sargent gratefully acknowledge the many prayers, cards, phone calls, texts, and other acts of love and kindness during his brief illness. Special gratitude is extended to Pastor Bartholomew Orr and the Brown family. Special thanks to Bible Study Fellowship International, Lupus Support Group, Women’s Sunday School #32, my neighbors in Lakeview Gardens and the Southland Mall Walkers. So many kinds of comfort during this difficult period.
~The Family ~ Active Pallbearers ~
The Deacons and Hur Ministry Brown Missionary Baptist Church
~Military Honors & Interment~ Brown Baptist Cemetery 980 Stateline Road Southaven, Mississippi 38671
“Welcome Home, Granddaddy”
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