Gospel Extravaganza: Free Concert Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Tuskegee Campus

CONTRIBUTED BY TRAMEL GARRETT/CAVHCS PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TUSKEGEE —

The Tuskegee VA Campus is thrilled to announce Gospel Extravaganza, a concert event that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus. This uplifting and inspiring gospel concert will occur on July 8 at 3 p.m. at the Tuskegee VA Campus in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Admission is free for all attendees when you bring one non-perishable food item to support our food pantry.

Gospel Extravaganza pays tribute to the rich legacy of the Tuskegee Campus and its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to veterans in the Tuskegee area for a century. As we commemorate this significant milestone, this concert is a great way to honor the accomplishments and dedication of the Tuskegee Campus while enjoying an afternoon of gospel music.

"The Gospel Extravaganza is a celebration of music's healing power and profound impact on individuals,” said CAVHCS Chief Chaplain John Bailey.

“As we gather to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus,

OBITUARIES >>

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Whatley Jr., (Leigh Hull Whatley), her daughter Mary Lea Nist and her four grandchildren, Ann McQueen Whatley, William Thomas Nist, Forest Leland Whatley, and Elizabeth Pratt Nist. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Trinity Church for 42 years.

She was a devoted wife and mother who was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Mary McQueen also formed special relationships with her caretaker angels over the past year and loved each one of them dearly.

There will be a family graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery on July 6, 2023, with visitation at 1 p.m. at Trinity Church in Opelika. The memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Trinity Church

800 2nd Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 or Compassus Bethany House we are reminded of the role faith and spirituality play in the well-being of our veterans. This event celebrates our campus's legacy and provides an opportunity to unite as a community, uplift spirits and create lasting memories.”

The concert will be headlined by the renowned gospel group The Jackson Southernaires, who will grace the stage with its band of soulful voices and heartfelt performances. This legendary group, known for its uplifting music, will bring an atmosphere of spiritual connection and celebration.

Gospel Extravaganza promises an extraordinary musical experience that will captivate hearts and souls. In addition to the Jackson Southernaires, the concert will feature other exceptionally talented gospel artists, including The Clark Brothers, The Alabama Gurlz and The Spiritual Travelers. These artists will showcase diverse musical styles and expressions, from soul-stirring choirs to captivating soloists.

Amir Farooqi, CAVHCS director and CEO, emphasized the importance of the community celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus, stating, "The 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus is a

1171 Gatewood Drive Building 100 Auburn, AL 36830

WILLIAM "BILLY" N. JACKSON

Billy Jackson, 61, of Opelika. passed away on June 28, 2023, following an extended illness.

Born in Opelika, on May 17, 1962, Billy graduated from Opelika High School in 1980 and earned his degree in public relations from Auburn University in 2004.

In 2011, Billy joined the Opelika Parks and Recreation (OPR) department as the center supervisor at the Opelika SportsPlex. He oversaw the disc golf program in Opelika and championed the idea of the two new disc golf courses currently being constructed at Spring Villa. He was involved in many OPR special programs and was dedicated to his job and his coworkers, always being willing to help anywhere he was needed. Prior to joining OPR, Billy worked as a patient liaison for East Alabama Health and at EAMC’s Bethany House. An avid and talented photographer, Billy worked for the Opelika Daily News remarkable milestone, symbolizing a century of unwavering dedication to serving our veterans and the community. It is a time for us to come together as a community and reflect on the immense contributions made by the Tuskegee Campus throughout the years. Gospel Extravaganza provides a platform for us to celebrate this momentous occasion and express our gratitude for the support and trust our community has placed in us." and did freelance photo shoots throughout the community.

As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, Gospel Extravaganza will pay homage to the rich history and heritage of the Tuskegee Campus. The event will highlight the remarkable contributions of the campus in providing outstanding healthcare services, promoting inclusivity and supporting the well-being of veterans throughout the years.

Gospel Extravaganza is not only a celebration of the Tuskegee Campus but also a gift to the community. In the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, admission to this concert is entirely free for all individuals, including veterans, their families and the public. This allows everyone to come together, enjoy the power of gospel music and create lasting memories in a joyous and inclusive atmosphere.

Billy was a serious collector of baseball cards and LP albums, was a huge fan of the Opelika Bulldogs, the Auburn Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle and friend who greeted everyone with a smile.

He was preceded in death by his mother Bobbye Jackson and his stepmother, Merris Jackson. He is survived by his father Don (Paula) Jackson Sr. and one brother Don (Susan) Jackson of Opelika, sister Cheryl (Phil) Smitherman of Bremen, Georgia; niece Meredith (Randy) Turner of Opelika; nephews Hunter Jackson of Waverly. and Jackson, Harrison and Parker Smitherman of Bremen; a great-niece and two greatnephews.

A celebration of life service was held Sunday, July 2, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with the Pastor Kevin Haefner officiating. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m., with the service immediately afterwards.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m., O Grows Farmer’s Market, 1103 Glenn St., Opelika

Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m., Auburn University Ag Heritage Park Market, Auburn

Saturdays 8-11 a.m., Camp Hill, Mt. Lovely Baptist Church, 21900 Sen Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill (Hwy 50) through Sept. 30

Saturdays 8-11 a.m., Auburn City Market, Town Creek Park, Auburn through Aug. 26)

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

Standing Rock Community Holds Fundraiser

ROANOKE, AL —

The Standing Rock Community Center Committee will have a Draw Down and Steak Dinner fundraiser on July 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT at Johnson Farms (1745 Louina St. in Roanoke, Alabama). Tickets are $100 and consist of a steak dinner for two and a chance to win cash prizes. For tickets, call 706-333-8559 or 706-586-0252. A limited number of tickets are being sold, and participants don’t have to be present to win. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama, Community Center Building Project.

Nami Meeting

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet July 18, 2023, at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

BY D. MARK MITCHELL