Friday, February 22, 2013

Spotlight on Great Grampa Gregory

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s Black History Spotlight focuses on my great grandfather, Gregory Otis Coleman.

The eldest of five children, Great Grampa Gregory was born on January 17, 1905 in Ruleville, Mississippi to Walter and Dorothy Coleman. As the eldest son (well, the eldest period), he was looked upon by his brothers and sisters as a strong role model. Not too many people know this, but Great Grampa Gregory became the trendsetter of the family, as he was the very first family member to not only attend school, but also graduate—and I’m talking about from pre-school all the way to college. It is also important to point out that Great Grampa Gregory did not miss one day of class, even when he was sick.

Great Grampa Gregory is also the very first one in our family to begin the Bearcat tradition. He graduated from Rust College in 1927 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. It was also at Rust College that he met Lynn Agnes Brown, who graduated in 1928. Both of my great grandparents were true blue diehard Bearcats; they attended the homecoming games, participated in Founder’s Week, and generously contributed to various Rust scholarship funds.

Great Grampa Gregory was a devoted husband to Great Gramma Lynn, and a loving father to his “two special little angels” Vivian and Theresa (Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, if you will). Great Grampa Gregory was also a respected deacon at Solid Rock Methodist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi. He was also kinda tough on my Grampa Clark, but later grew to love him as the son he never had.

Although Great Grampa Clark passed away on July 22, 1976, his legacy is still as strong as ever. I’m sure he is very proud to know that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are all educated not just in books, but also in The Word of God. And I also believe that Great Grampa Clark is a little extra excited to know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have continued with the Bearcat legacy.

Tomorrow’s Spotlight: Gladys Lorraine Nelson


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

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