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The funeral for Evan's brother-in-law had concluded two hours ago. And now a small group of grieving family and friends were gathered in Evan and Shaylie's home to share memories, laughter, tears, and encouragement. The front door opened again. Nothing unusual about that, people had been arriving every few minutes. But this guest was different, those nearby immediately noticed her and turned to watch her en - trance. Which then attracted the attention of everyone else. As she hesitantly stepped through the door, her slight body moved with a slow awkward gait. Her tense shoulders rounded for - warded as if to protect her from painful blows. Both hands clutched the small handbag she held in front of her as she moved only a few tentative steps forward, then dwindled to a stop. As the host, Evan came forward to greet her. He reached out his hand, introduced himself, and welcomed her into his home. He didn't recognize her, but he assumed she was a friend of someone in the family. The anguished eyes that met his were darkened with an inner turmoil as she quietly spoke to him. Something was very obviously troubling her, and he assumed the cause to be the sudden death of his brother-in-law. So he quickly turned to search through the guests to locate his wife. Hoping that kind lady would come to his rescue.
Read moreThe state of Oklahoma has a unique history. That is also true of the African Americans who settled here and their descendants. For those enslaved by tribal members, the Civil War resulted in the granting of land and, to a certain extent, status within the Five Tribes. This core set of landed Blacks drew freedmen from the South and idealistic African Americans from across the US who wanted to create a space protected from the raw racism and barriers to economic opportunity that existed in the rest of the country. The ease of securing land in Indian Territory in the late 1800s proved beneficial for the small African American communities popping up throughout both Indian and Oklahoma Territories. Access to the traditional form of wealth-land-sparked vibrant economies. Black communities with money attracted more entrepreneurs, skilled laborers, and professionals. The territorial period in Oklahoma offered opportunity for African Americans unmatched anywhere else in the country.
Read moreOn Saturday, August 3, 2024, the Clearview "old school gym" was filled with people supporting the efforts of the Clearview CCIC Committee to raise funds to support the continuance maintenance of the old gym and old school grounds. The maintenance of the building and grounds is totally dependent on individual support, fundraising, and grants. Throughout the day, those in attendance heard music from Flea & Jaruba of Oklahoma City, the history of Clearview from historian Shirley Nero, and the "Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma" from Marilyn Luper. Mayor Marilyn Jackson presented citations to Dr. Harvey Dean of Pittsburg, KS (former teacher of Weleetka) for his support of Clearview and the Street Marker signs, the Muskogee Creek Nation for the Main Street bridge repair, and to Alpheus Grundy for his life-time support of the Clearview and as Clearview mayor and trustee. In addition, guests were able to view the "Thirteen Oklahoma Black Towns" exhibit from the Oklahoma History Museum in Oklahoma City. Doretha Golden of Clearview generously donated Indian tacos, her time in preparing, and selling of the tacos for the fundraising efforts. Others who donated items and baked goods for auction included Bill Ford, Helen Bush, Shirley Nero, and Joyce Barrett.
Read moreMay 8, 1942 July 29, 2024 Services - Friday, August 9, 2024 Earl M. Temple Memorial Chapel Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Interment Northfork Cemetery Clearview, Oklahoma Essie Mae Davis Grundy was born May 8, 1942, to Clifford and Josephine Davis in Clearview, Oklahoma. She graduated from Clearview High School in 1960. Later in life Essie gave birth to her son Burnell Alexander. Essie met and married Roert Grundy in 1964 which he preceded her in death. Essie gave her life to the Lord at a young age while attending Northfork Baptist in Clearview, Oklahoma. She was a faithful member for many years.
Read moreThanks to everyone who came out to support the efforts of the CCIC fundraising to support the old school gym and school groups. Please continue your support of the CCIC. Please continue your prayers for Lloyd and Lovie Samilton who are very ill. Remember Otis Davis, Marjorie Plunket, Terry Normore, Bobby West, and Jerry French as they struggle with cancer. Remember those on our sick list, Irene Carson, Taft Forshee, Tiger French, Wilbert Zackery, Yolanda Jackson, Becki Stripling, Christopher Stripling, and Earnest Hamilton.
Read moreLieutenant Colonel Carroll Prince was born in Oklahoma City on July 29, 1936. He and his family moved to Holdenville in 1947. Carroll graduated from Fairview High School in 1954. He attended East Central State College, prior to entering the Army. Throughout his extensive military career, he served in the Army National Guard, Full Army Military, and the Army Reserves where he was a commander of a helicopter unit at Alameda, California. Carroll is a decorated veteran; he flew in Vietnam and the Berlin Wall build up where he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his exemplary service. After returning from Vietnam, he continued his love for flying and became a pilot for TWA in 1967. The family moved to Claremore in 1976 where Carroll finished out his career. After 21 years of flying, he retired early due to a medical condition. During retirement he and Marian became world travelers that avoided the cold at all costs, traveling all over the US settling part time in Sun City, Arizona then finally moving back to Oklahoma in 2001.
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