Remembering Cooper

To the Editor: I have had the privilege and honor of working for Lynn Ray Cooper for over 32 years.

Lynn was not just my boss, he was my encouragement, my mentor, my family, my strength, but most of all, he was my dear friend. When you are a part of a person’s daily life for that many years, you truly know them inside and out.

Lynn was the most giving, most honorable, and the most kind-hearted and loving person I have ever known. He was always the first person to give to someone in need.

However, he did not just give someone his money, he gave of himself and of his time, which is a far greater gift in the eyes of the Lord. If someone needed a job, Lynn was on the phone finding them one. If someone needed food, he went to the grocery store and bought them some.

It truly hurt him to see someone else in pain and he would search for some way to make a difference in that person’s life. Lynn was such a hard worker in our community, serving in so many different capacities, as we all know. However, he performed so many acts of kindness behind the scenes and in private, that very few people knew about.

It is actions like these when you receive no recognition and have no desire to have any, that truly displays what your heart is made of. Lynn was that kind of person, and he had a humble heart and a humble spirit.

Lynn stood with me through every hardship and tragedy in my life, and there are no words to describe how terribly I miss him. Lynn Ray Cooper was, is and will always be the most honorable and wonderful man I have ever known and my life has been truly blessed by being a part of his. Lynn, you will be missed forever and never forgotten.

Lynn’s devoted friend and employee,

Linda Darby



The dream is alive

To the Editor: The Dream Center closed Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, after a nearly eight-year run. In that time, hundreds of souls have gotten their life together and have become productive citizens. Many who have gone through the program have been “born again” and have gone on to lead others to the Lord.

All of this has not been easy. After all, working with the folks who have no place to sleep, nothing to eat, on drugs, on parole from jail or prison means a life not common to most. Volunteers have seen the need to help. So many people have led Bible study, been ready to lead worship on Tuesday night and counsel the residents. It’s truly been a team effort.

All of that, and so much more was possible because a beautiful woman saw the need and gave us the place to do the job that had to be done. Bennie Sammons Blackstone is the real hero in the Dream Center story. We had no written lease, contract or stipulations we were to follow. We were there to help the needy of Navarro County and Bennie was the cornerstone of our success.

But I would be remiss if I failed to mention my beautiful bride, Thelma. I have lived with her for 38 years and I, more than anyone, know her heart. God spoke to her many years ago about helping the needy. The Dream Center was her reward. She has done well. In fact, Thelma sees the closing as just a chapter in the never-ending story of the Dream Center. Her next will be bigger and better.

Thank you means so much to Thelma and me. We can’t possibly do that to all who were a vital part of the ministry. However, Deanna Brown of your paper sat down with Bennie, Thelma and me and we shared, from our hearts, the meaning of helping the less fortunate. You can very proud of her. We certainly are.

Don Harvey



‘Whoop’ to all

To the Editor: Many thanks to all who participated in the 23rd Annual Texas A&M; Fajita Cook-off. The event was a huge success and A&M; did beat Tech in Lubbock for the first time since 1993 (whoop!).

To the six teams that participated; ABC Fertilizer and Supply, City of Corsicana, H-E-B, Pineda’s Nursery, Baylor Girls and Team Golden — the fajitas were the best.

We also appreciate the generous T-shirt sponsors; ABC Fertilizer, Toni Brown, Kim Freeze, JoLynn Wilson, Russell Hudson, Connie Standridge, Sharla Allen, Berry Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Paul Tannehill, Micro Title, Keathley & Keathley Law Firm, David Hodge, CNB&T; Aggies, Alan Bristol, J&P; Container Sales, Tim’s Tires & Wheels, and lastly, even though a Texas Longhorn, Carl White’s Autoplex.

Local businesses that contributed were; Mrs. Bairds, Brookshire’s Food Store, Chris Dyer, Pactiv Corporation, Caleb Jackson, T&Company;, Pack N Mail, Card & Party Factory, City of Corsicana, Hands Furniture, Texas A&M; Corps of Cadets, Cassady’s Boutique, Benjamin Knox Gallery, Scrappin’ Goodtime, Loupot’s Bookstore, Cinemark Cinema IV, Collin Street Bakery, Chili’s, and Custom T’s & Sporting Goods, our club sincerely appreciates your support.

To the judges; Mike Russell, Lowell Thompson and Randy Bratton — thank you for performing the taste contest among the teams.

And lastly, to the winners of the event — first place, Pineda’s Nursery, second place, ABC Fertilizer & Supply, People’s Choice and Best of Show, Team Golden. “We bet you can’t do it again next year!”

Our local A&M; Club holds events such as this to fund scholarships for deserving Navarro County students attending A&M.; Again, thank you to all who participated and we hope to see you again in 2010.

Gig ‘em,

Buster Brown ‘65 — club president



Appreciates support

To the Editor: On behalf of Leonard Dixon, president of the Navarro County NAACP 6209, and its members, and the 2009 Freedom Fund banquet committee, we would like to thank all that made our second annual Freedom Fund banquet a success! We had great food, a great message from our keynote speaker Aric Bonner, and a great time. Thanks to all our special honorees, the African-American businessmen of our community that attended, and all that came out to support them and to support this great organization. Thanks to Brandon Catering Services, Shannon Bailey, D. Horn Printing Services, our Navarro County NAACP youth members, Paul West and the young men from Navarro College who played the music and our donors who help make this banquet a success. Thank you Aric Bonner again for the motivational message, “Yes, we can!” make a difference in our community!

Leonard Dixon, Navarro County NAACP president

Barbara Kelley, 2009 Freedom Fund banquet chairman



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