Debra Dansby (Smith)

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Class of ‘79 -

We have again been notified of the transition of another classmate.  We dont have any details but will share information when we receive it.  

Please pray for the family of Audrey Ford.

😓

Sheila Lyles

Charmaine,

Thank you so much for keeping this site going!!

I am just stunned with a few of the recent passings.  

Praying for their families/loved ones/and each of you!!

Be well, stay safe, mask up and enjoy your time on this side.

Benita Elliott

Greetings Classmates...

I concur with Sheila.. this run of passings stuns the heart and mind... and now today, Audrey. I still can see vividly her aquamarine colored "pleather" pea coat styled jacket - at the corner store on 18th Street.

So many rich and powerful memories of so many moments and friends. While we know this mortal coil will crumble some day, it does make one's heart heavy when we consider it seems too soon.

I pray that each will carefully consider wellness without the influences which may lead to unwellness.

Oxygen is ESSENTIAL for life. Please, please do your diligence and vett ALL INFORMATION received no matter the source.

As i sit here writing, it is hard not imagining all that I feel there is yet to be done.

Embrace LIFE not fear. We have all been through a lot in these past three. 

Our Father created this amazing living breathing machine called our body. Which is divinely intelligent.
I soon will be launching a holistic care handbook for pets with all kinds of goodies for caring for our fur bbs.

My good thoughts are with each of you. Please stay well, watch less tv news and take care...

So long to our friends Sherry and Audrey~ 

Benita Elliott

Sherry Armstrong! 

Long before the term "ride or die" or "my bff" or :besties", this one was one of those friends and friendships that made memories which stay with you forever.

Ben, ,Alice, David, and the always mysterious, Jamie. I spent nearly as much time on South Dakota Ave at the Armstrong Family home as my own - eating, watching, tv, not doing homework! haaa, looking at her mature and kinda handsome older brother when he made a rare appearance, laughing with her Father and at his wry jokes.

In fact, Ben, Sherry's fun and funny Dad used to say that he was going to write me off on his taxes because I was there so much. My Mom would say, all sha and I did was walk back and forth between each other's houses. LOL

We laughed, joked (smart jokes), joned and did what teenaged girls used to do - just be girls who shared secrets, thoughts, dreams, ideas. She made up a nick name for me, "Hamma" as in Hammer. Y'all know how  Sherry used humor to let u know something. hahaha. Hamma was her joke about my breath. I guess one day it wassn't so fresh. hahahahahaha She never let me forget it.

I was saddened to learn that David had passed on a while ago. She and I had talked just a touch about her work in the church and her theatrical productions. For a minute we even touched upon me designing for her. Had I moved to ATL for industry work, I am sure we would have created together.

I know lifef takes on our personally curagted journeys. I am living mine to the fullest... more of this soon!

May the heavens be enriched by Sherry's arrival. She did good work here. May her soul be blessed. I know Ben, Alice and David have welcomed her spirit's arrival with much love. I am glad we had such a great time as kids.

Regina Anderson

I agree with Sheila and Benita. I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Sherry and Audrey. Sherry was comical and could always make you laugh. I remember when Audrey had a crush on my older brother at Taft. She could be serious and funny at the same time.

Both will be missed and remembered!     RIP Old friends!!!

Debra Dansby (Smith)

Sheila Lyles

Good morning,

In regards the the MTAA event in November.....

Given the rise of covid, what considerations have been/are being given to this event?  Indoor gatherings such as this give rise to 'super spreader' opportunities.

Just curious if there may be a refund policy considerations etc.

Thanks to anyone who may address my concern(s).

Peace and blessings!

Sheila Lyles

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Hi Sheila!  Thanks so much for your message.  We have reached out to the MTAA Board and will provide a response when we hear back from them.   

On a personal note ... I attended a "Senior Banquet" sponsored by my church on Sunday, September 10, 2023. It was also hosted at Martin's, in their largest ballroom.  Many people wore masks and kept them on up until they ate dinner ... then returned to their masks upon the conclusion of dinner and dessert.  :)   

But also, many people did not wear masks at all ...  I have not been made aware of any incidents or issues since that event.  I don't know what MTAA's response will be, but my prayer is that anyone who is in attendance will be safe and well. I've purchased my ticket and will wear my mask when necessary.  

Much Love Sis!   

Kennetha Bolding

It has really saddened me to hear of some losses to our class.  My prayers to all the families.  Sending prayers for our class for comfort, strength and health.  Please be safe, be blessed and  love up on each other as we continue on our journey.  Love you all.

Benita Elliott

Greetings All and thanks for your response to Sheila's concern, Charmaine.

I concur, that people who have fear or reason to believe they will become ill while comingling with others take personal precautions by masking or remaining home.

Here in LA where I am out and about daily and utilizing pub trans occatsionally, I have observed nor witnessed anyone collapsing in public, nor seen cars crashing on freeways or on the streets as a result of suddenly being overcome by Covid symptoms. That's a good thing. Byt the way, I never observed anything of the sort during the first wave of the reported crisis.

I hope everyone has a an enjoyable gathering and prelude to the 2023 holiday season.

Be well, stay healthy. Eat live foods not animals. :)))

Much love.

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Hi Sheila!  The MTAA Board President said they will follow CDC guidelines as we get closer to the event date. 

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Classmates - 

We've had another loss - Jacquelyn Barksdale.  Please pray for her family and friends. The service will be: 

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home
811 Cameron St
Alexandria, VA 22314
Visitation:  10 am - 12 pm
Service:  12 pm

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Hey Class of '79!

I pray that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed spending time with friends and family!  I wanted to share this photo showing some of our classmates who gathered once again to support the MTAA Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance! It's always a good time reconnecting with not only our classmates, but all the other alumni classes as well ... to see so many alumni who came years and years before us and long after us is amazing! 

JoVonne Jones (Lane)

It looks like a great time was had by all classes. Wonderful class picture "79"

Donald Zackery, Sr

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Classmates ... Dr. Andre Owens has transitioned ... His service will be this Saturday, December 16, 2023:

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Hey Class of ‘79!

We've had so much sad news recently ... how about hearing some good news?  Let's give a shout out to our classmate and Howard University Alumni, Donna (Pinky) Wood, who recently led a committee at Howard to celebrate the 50-Year Anniversary of Women’s Basketball.  This effort raised $100,000 for the program.

Congrats Pinky!  Keep up the good work!

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Charmaine Thrower (Franklin)

Mary Alexander

So happy to see good news!!! God bless you all!!

Pamela Nixon (Nixon-Mckisset)

Good morning, everyone.

This is great news!! You go Pinky  AKA "Donna Woods"LOL  "Taft Trojan" Mckinley Tech Tech!! and HU You Knowwwww!!! Your athletic game/ability was crazy!! Kudos.

Is it me, or are we all aging and health is doing well as to be expected?  Be blessed and safe everyone have a great week, shout out to our of class of "1979"  Love you all 

Pam Nixon 

JoVonne Jones (Lane)

Congratulations Donna awesome. A good thing posted.

Sheila Lyles

OUTSTANDING!!!!  

Wishing all good health, peace and blessings.

Tonya Pettaway (Stewart)

CONGRATULATIONS DONNA!! WHAT A WONDERFUL BLESSINGS!!