Cherryville is a special place to live…

Tommy and I recently had the privilege and the opportunity to attend a very special service conducted at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cherryville. It was a remembrance service for the precious people from this town and surrounding area who passed away in the year of 2022. We had a very special reason to be there that day at Mt. Zion as we lost our Aunt Jo Elaine Haynes this past year. She was the beloved wife of our Uncle Hoyle, and she was a very special lady. She spent her career as a math teacher at Bessemer City High School. Her reputation was one of strictness and fairness. As a retired teacher myself I can relate to those characteristics for

By Anne S. Haynes

they go hand in hand together. Some people who are not in education may not understand the connection, but it definitely is there. Aunt Jo is definitely missed by many people of various ages, but especially by her family.

There were many names called at the remembrance service as their family members stood in their honor. There were many names Tommy and I recognized, especially the name of our dear neighbor, Frances Womack.

I grew up across the highway from Frances and her beloved family. Frances was always so good to us, and we really enjoyed having them as neighbors and friends. She had three children named Kim, Kevin, and Lisa that my brothers and I played with as kids and remained friends with as adults. There’s something very special about childhood friends that you never forget. business about protecting the children. They want an environment where their children can be mentored, taught, and prepared better for life, college or to move into adult jobs.

To me it says a lot about a town that takes the time and effort to remember its citizens and pay tribute to them after they have left this world. We are blessed to have remarkable funeral homes in Cherryville that are dedicated to serving all of the surrounding areas and paying tribute to citizens who have departed. I believe everyone likes to be remembered whether they actually admit it or not.

I definitely believe all of God’s people deserve to be remembered because He made each person special.

Parents don’t want a school they feel is working against them or hiding things from them.

Life is like this. The world is like a jungle most days. There are bullies in the workplaces, neighborhoods, and mean people can be found all over. This is why we have the right to call 911. We can file charges against people with the police. We should have the right to carry a firearm and defend ourselves. We have to work to help each other and protect each other.

Teachers, administrators, parents and students must work together for safety and security. Children and teachers must feel safe with an environ- ment free from bullying, hazing or intimidation. Kids should not have to wake up every day fearful of going to school. Neither should the school staff and parents.

The issue of bullying and school safety requires school boards, all staff, parents, and students to work together.

It’s not a task for a few to accomplish but it IS a job for us all!