by Kendall R. Coleman

Every year in February we give honor to "Black History Month" and often we tend to focus on National History figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, President Barack H. Obama, and other icons. As a young man I never had the privilege to be in the company of those considered National Icons; however, I was blessed to have contact with some local leaders that hold a large place in my heart as historical figures of our local community. Black History Month has transformed into everybody's history and should be reflected on 365 days of the year. Below are a few local leaders that are highlighted in this week's segment.

Civic Leader Rev. Percy Lewis
November 25, 1915 - November 22, 1990

Rev. Lewis was a father, husband, friend, leader, pastor, and helper to the helpless. Rev. Lewis worked in the cleaning industry for Spells Cleaners for numerous years. Rev. Lewis was a member of Tyler County of Chamber of Commerce, and also Tyler County Sheriff's Department. He was a board member of Deep East Texas Area of Aging, a Board Member of Trip County Association, and Woodville I.S.D. Advisory Committee. Lewis was also an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and pastored Warren Chapel Baptist Church in Warren, Texas. His granddaughter, Miss Paula Jones, has followed in his footsteps, serving on several of the same committees, as well as Woodville City Council, and was a former President of Tyler Chamber of Commerce.

Ishmael James Moye "Mr. Coon"
June 15,1908 - April 29, 1994

Mr. Moye was a father, husband, friend, leader, deacon, and behind-the-scene beacon to the community. At his church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist, Mr. Moye served as Chairman of the Benevolence and Dean of Education. He was a WWII veteran serving with the 93rd Infantry Division in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations. Mr. Moye was awarded two bronze stars and attained rank of Corporal. He was a member of the Prince Hall Blooming Star Lodge #23 where he served as secretary-treasurer. Mr. Moye was also a member of the Heroines of Jericho Gipson delight #480 where he served as the Worshipful Joshua.

Rev. Evelt Alonzo Coleman, Sr.
February 14, 1909 - March 12, 1992

Rev. Coleman was a father, husband, friend, leader, pastor, and a man of many tasks. Rev. Coleman's life work was that of a Minister/ Entrepreneur and Founder of Coleman's Tyler County Funeral Home. Rev. Coleman pastored a total of seven different churches throughout his call to ministry. He helped organize several local community cemeteries. He was a voice for people in several cities, including Jamestown, Kountze, Woodville, and far east Atlanta, Texas, and Linden. He was a 3rd Moderator of the Lone Star District Association of Jasper, Texas, an active member of the Tyler county Ministers Union, Moderator of Zone Board #2 and #4 a member of Blooming Star Lodge #123, and was honored as Senior Male Citizen of the year during the Mini-Mayfest Activities in 1980. Today Coleman's Funeral Home still serves as a beacon of the community.

Mr. Willie David Jerue
October 11, 1910 - December 4, 1997

Professor Jerue was a father, husband, friend, leader, deacon, and considered extraordinary because of his work in church and community. At Pleasant Hill Baptist Church he was Superintendent of Sunday School, and Chairman of Deacon Board until his death. Prof. Jerue graduated from Woodville Colored School at the age of sixteen and attended Texas College for one year. He began teaching school at age 17 and received a bachelor degree from Texas College. He also received a administrative degree at Texas Southern University in 1952. After retiring, he helped organize the local chapter of the NAACP in 1979. He served as President of the local chapter from 1981 to 1985, and was the Worship Master of the Blooming Star Lodge 123. He was responsible for naming the existing street from Elm St. to the present Martin Luther King Drive. W.D Jerue Circle is named in honor of Professor Jerue.

McKinney "Hands" Jackson
March 27, 1931 - November 27, 2000

Mr. Jackson was a father, husband, friend, leader, deacon, and a great inspiration of the community. was a Native of the Dies Community, Veteran of the United States Army and a retired barber. He served on the Deep East Texas Council of Government Board of Directors from 1989 to 2000. He was also a Chairman of the Woodville Housing Authority, on the Boys and Girls Club Committee, Neighborhood Watch Committee, Minority Representatives (DETCOG), and served in many other civic and public duties in Tyler County. The nickname "Hands" was given to Mr. Jackson because such large hands.