|
Check out our "shining stars"...
This young graduate is Donte Smith McClerkin,
pictured with his proud father, Terence McClerkin. Donie graduated from Brush High School in 2009 in Euclid, Ohio where
they reside. Donie is now attending Lake County College, and is on its Basketball Team. Belated Congratulations to Donie and
hope to see you in the NBA someday..
  Meet Robert "Jimmy" Myers,
Superstar! On May 8, 2010 Jimmy graduated from Howard University's School of Social Work with a Master's
Degree in Social Work (MSW). This is Jimmy's second Master's Degree; the first was a Master of Science in Quality
Systems Management from the National Graduate School in May, 2008.
Determined to complete his most recent Master's
Degree in two years, Jimmy carried a full class load and completed over 1000 hours of internship working with an emergency homeless
shelter for women and conducting crisis management intervention. In his second internship he worked over 600 hours responding
to adult residents of the District of Columbia who were in psychiatric crisis, but who were unwilling to travel to a
psychiatric emergency facility. Incredibly Jimmy accomplished all of this while serving as an active duty senior Noncommissioned
Officer in the Navy. Among his most treasured awards in the Navy is the personal citation he was awarded as a senior
sector Noncommisioned Officer during the 56th Presidential Inauguration.
Jimmy is the son of Janie (McClerklin)
Myers of Columbia, S.C. and is married to the lovely Rieko Hama Myers. Jimmy is also a proud member of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity. That makes him my nephew and my "frat brother". Couldn't be more proud on both counts, and
the entire McFamily joins me in a well-deserved CONGRATULATIONS JIMMY!!
   Reverend Olivia E. ("Chicken") Ashford
was recently honored as an Inductee at the 23d Annual "Wall of Fame" Ceremony by the Columbia Housing Authority
Board of Commisioners, in Columbia. S.C. on Friday, April 16, 2010. The event was held at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center
and culminates the rigorous process which began with her nomination
for the prized recognition for outstanding service
and selfless contributions to the community. The focus of this award is to recognize and highlight former residents
of Public Housing who have distinguished themselves by personal and professional accomplishments. To say that Chicken has
certainly personified all of that is an understatement, and she continues fo serve as a role model, working with Veterans
in the Richland County area and with the Richland County Clerk of Court, the Honorable Jeanette McBride, who herself is a
co-recipient and the first African American female to serve in that capacity. A warm and exuberant McFamily CONGRATULATIONS!!!
to Olivia and her co-recipient. We are all immensely proud of you "Chicken".
  This smiling young lady is Terrell Myers.
Terrell graduated Magna Cum Laude from Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. on December 11, 2009, with a 3.9 GPA!!! Terrell's
degree is a Bachelor of Social Work and she is not finished yet...she starts a Master's program in August, 2010.
Terrell is married to Timothy Myers, the son of Janie Myers of Columbia, S.C., and works at the Richland County Department
of Social Services, Eastover Branch Office. Congratulations,Terrell, and keep up the good work!
 Charles McClerklin, of Columbia, S.C. has been
named Southern Regional Field Representative of The National Bowling Association, Inc., (TNBA) an international organization
that includes 111 Chartered Senates in the USA,
1 Chartered Senate in Bermuda, and 10 group status Senates. The TNBA
was organized on August 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan for the purpose of encouraging Negroes to develop their skills in bowling.
At that time Negroes and other Non-Whites were not permitted to belong to the American Bowling Congress (ABC) or the Women's
Internaional Bowling Congress (WIBC). Since their integration into those organizations in 1950 TNBA now has members
in both the National ABC and WIBC Halls of Fame. For more information go to our "Other Interesting Websites" page
and click on the link to The National Bowling Association, Inc.
Congratulations, Charles!
|
| J.D & Penny |
|
| 1st Lady Michelle Obama |
On September 10, 2008 during its 128th Annual
Session in Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. recognized Rev. J.D. McClurkin, Pastor of Red Hill
Baptist Church and Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Union, S.C., for more than 50 continuous years in the Ministry. Rev. McClurkin,
a life-long resident of Chester, S.C., received the William J. Shaw Award, which is named in honor of the President of that
organization. In addition, he received a medallion and a plaque and is now recognized by that Convention as one of an elite
number of Pastors in the nation to receive this honor. The honoree is quoted as saying "I never imagined that
the Convention would bestow such an honor on me. I am humbled and thankful toGod for the favor that He has shown to
me - TO GOD BE THE GLORY!".
Joining Rev. McClurkin was his daughter, Ms. Pianelius M. Howell, who is the Administrator
at Bethel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, the largest African American church in that community with more than 8,000
members. Reverend Jesse Jackson of Operation Push, and First Lady, Michelle Obama were among the notables who spoke
at this historic session.
What a remarkable story of dedication and accomplishment in the service of our
Lord!!! We love you, J.D.!!!!
But it doesn't stop there. On March 7, 2009, J.D. was honored
at the first Chester County Legacy Awards honoring the past and present achievements of individuals of all races who have
empowered the African American community of Chester County. The event, sponsored by JayJon Heritage Communications &
Entertainment Group, featured a special guest appearance by Gospel recording artist, Regi McClurkin, of Baltimore, Maryland.
The event was held at True Gospel Church of God In Christ in Chester, S.C., and was followed by a Family Afterparty held at
"The Hopkins House", the home of Sebastian ("Bat"), Kijuana ("Kiki"), and Montrell Hopkins.
A true "Family Affair"
 Cassandra McClerklin, wife of Horace McClerklin, your
webmaster, completed her second (yes, second!) Master's Degree on August 9, 2008 with a Master's in Healthcare Management
from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA; in other words, straight A's! That
is in addition to the MBA she already holds. How about a big McFamily "Congratulations" and well wishes from
all. Quite an accomplishment and inspiration!! I could not be more proud.
Dr. Dwayne Eric McClerklin has recently signed a contract
with the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, where he will serve on the liver transplant team. Dwayne
is the son of Marlene McClerklin and the late Willie McClerklin of Columbia, S.C. Another "first", which is typical
of this McFamily. We are super proud of you Dwayne!!!
May it please the Court - Add another lawyer
to the McFamiy in the person of Anthony Heath McClerklin, who received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Thomas M. Cooley
Law School in East Lansing, Michigan onSeptember 23, 2007. Anthony is the son of Fred and Ruth McClerklin, of Columbia S.C.
and the nephew of Attorney Horace McClerklin, of Alexandria, Virginia who Anthony credits as his inspiration to choose law
as a profession. Anthony also has the distinction of having the only set of triplets in the family; three boys, Jeremy, Jonah
and Joshua.
Congratulations to Terrell Myers upon her graduation! Terrell graduated on May 10, 2007 with an Associate's Degree
in Public Services with a major in Human Services. Terrell continues her education and is working toward her Bachelor's Degree
in Social Work. That beaming fellow with her is her husband, Timothy Myers, son of Janie McClerklin Myers of Columbia, South
Carolina. Go for it, Terrell!
This lovely lady has good reason to smile. She is Stacey C. McClurkin, who on May 20, 2007 was a member of the
2007 Graduation Class at the prestigious Spelman College, in Atlanta Georgia. Stacey was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Political Science. If the past is, as they say, an indication of one's future, Stacey has a meteoric future.
There is a rumor that Stacey is considering becoming a lawyer. She has excelled in everything else she has touched and we
have no doubt that she can do that, too. We are all very proud of you, Stacey!! Her very proud parents
are Regi and Denise McClurkin of Ellicott City, Maryland.
 
On Friday May 25, 2007 at 6:00 PM Lanard Marcell Strong, was ordained an Elder in the Mount Zion Full
Gospel Baptist Church in Spartanburg South Carolina. The Church is located at 320 Wimberly Drive in Spartanburg, and
its phone number is (864) 582-0890. Lanard is the youngest son of Herman "Jimmy" Blake, who has a daughter,
Melissa, who is also a Minister of the Gospel. God is really moving in this family! The entire McFamily is blessed by
this accomplishment and occasion, and rejoices with you, Lanard.
|
| Ermajean rejoices with a shout of "Thank You Laude!" |
|
| Proud daughter LeTisha says "Alright Ma...You Go Girl!" |
A shout of CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Ermajean McClerklin, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Limestone College in Gaffney,
S.C. on December 16, 2006. With a 3.87 GPA, Ermajean received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and
Management.
|
| Ermajean signs for her diploma |
Believing in the power of prayer, she sought God's wisdom, knowledge, and understanding before each class began, and
thanked Him for favor with each grade she received. Ermajean says she considers herself blessed to have so many role models
in brothers and sisters, who marched with such distinction long before her. For those coming behind her, she refers them to
God first and foremost, and a scripture her sister, Janie referred her to many years ago that continues to encourage her:
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Secondly, she says, don't be too stubborn or reluctant to ask for help from family, friends, classmates, or professors.
Ermajean sends a special "Thank you" to Janie, Mattie Shirley, and Christine, her sisters, who took this journey with her
through their prayers and encouragement. Attending this joyous occasion, and pictured below, are her proud daughter, LeTisha,
loving and supporting sisters Janie Myers, Mattie Mosby, and Shirley McClerklin-Motley, her stylish nephew, Jason Myers, and
beautiful niece, Judith Mosby.
Hugs and kisses to her daughter, LeTisha, a '94 graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for standing
by as a lifeline in Algebra and Satistics. A private joke to LeTisha: "When it comes to square roots, it's all in the
way the house is built." Finally, she thanks you all for your gifts and show of love and support. With the help
of God, she is contemplating pursuing her MBA. Way to go, Ermajean!!
|
| Sergeant First Class (E7) Joshua Proctor |
On March 1, 2006 Then Staff Sergeant Joshua Proctor was awarded the Master Parachutist Badge at MacDill Air Force
Base, Florida, where he was stationed and serving as a member of Central Command (CENTCOM). Joshua has since been
reassigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. where he was promoted to SFC E-7 on December 1, 2006. This is no small feat, and in order to
be eligible for the Master Parachutist Badge, in addition to excellent ratings in character and efficiency some of the requirements
include a minimum of 65 jumps to include 25 jumps with combat equipment including individual weapon carried by the individual
in combat whether the jump was in actual or simulated combat. Four night jumps must also be made during the hours of
darkness one of which must be as jumpmaster. Five mass tactical jumps must be made which culminate in an airborne assault
problem with a unit of battalion size or larger. The individual must fill a position commensurate with their rank
or grade during the problem. In addition he must have graduated from the Jumpmaster Course of the Airborne Department of the
Infantry School or the Jumpmaster School of a separate airborne battalion or larger airborne unit or served as jumpmaster
on one or more combat jumps or as jumpmaster on 33 non-combat jumps. He must have served on jump status with an airborne unit
or other organization authorized parachutists for a total of 36 months. Joshua has served in Iraq, Egypt, Oman, Panama, and
Afghanistan, where he is currently serving, and is the son of Horace and Cassandra McClerklin. He is married to Kimberly,
and has three lovely kids, namely, Cody, Corey and Cara. Congratulations Josh! Gotta brag about this one!
Sheryl Booker is Dorman High School's newly created At-Risk Counselor to help keep students from dropping out of school.
According to the Spartanburg (S.C.) District 6 data, 94 students out of a student body of 2,200 dropped out between Oct.1
of 2004 and Sept. 30 of 2005. The majority of the dropouts, 59 percent, were male, and many dropped out in the 10th
or 11th grades. Sheryl works with 57 students, some of whom have returned to school. "Many of them feel like no one cares
about them" Sheryl said. "Hopefully by me meeting with them on a continuous basis, they will get the sense that someone cares
about how they are doing and the issues that are affecting them." CONGRATULATIONS, Sheryl and we know that you will make a
difference!
"Spartanburg administrator named superintendent of York 1 schools" read the headlines announcing the appointment
of Russell Booker as the new Superintendent of York School District 1. Russell, a former Principal at Landrum High in District
1 and former District-Level Administrator was appointed to his new position on January 2, 2006 and becomes the first Black
to hold the position of Superintendent. "Honored" is how Russell described his reaction to being selected. Congrats
to Russell on this history-making accomplishment! (In case you are wondering, Russell is Sheryl's husband. What a team,
huh?)
Donnie McClurkin, Verity Records recording artist, is on a roll! He landed his first Grammy Award
on Sunday, February 8, 2004 for his "Again" album/CD as Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Artist. He is featured
on the Tom Hanks movie "The Lady Killers" soundtrack, and appeared in his first feature film with 20th Century
Fox. If that is not enough, he also won the NAACP Image Award for his "Donnie McClurkin...Again" album in the "Outstanding
Gospel Artist" category at the 35th Annual NAACP Image Awards, at which he was also featured as a performer. The show was
taped at the Universal Amphitheater on March 6, 2004 and aired on FOX-TV Thursday, March 11 at 8:00 PM. His newest CD,
"Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs" was released on April 5, 2005, and he is starring in the upcoming film "The Gospel",
with Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Omar Gooding and others. His response to all of this recognition? "I'm so grateful
to GOD, it's a real honor to win and to have people classify you as the artist of choice". Donnie obviously has his
priorities straight and knows from whence his blessings flow. See pictures below.
The entire McFamily sends a pride-filled CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Grammy Award and NAACP Image Award
Winner, movie star-Pastor Donnie McClurkin
|
|
Our very own Donnie McClurkin. MAN OF GOD, Pastor, Author, World Famous Recording Artist, Grammy Award Winner, Movie
Star. Awards and achievements too numerous to mention, but you may find out more by clicking on the link below. This
picture is from his newest CD entitled "Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs". WAY TO GO DONNIE!!
.
Donnie McClurkin's Website
Kiara "Kiki" McClerklin (center) with her parents, Rev. Ernest and Dr. Patricia McClerklin, is a rising star. She
graduated from Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, S.C. on May 24, 2002. Kiki carried a 3.5 GPA, in high school and
is a freshman at the College of Charleston (S.C.)where she is adjusting well. She has been blessed with several academic scholarships,
(her parents are happy)is a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the elite SPECTRA Program; one of few minority
students accepted. Let's all keep her in our prayers, and Praise be to GOD, the tradition continues!
LOVE AND CONGRATULATIONS,
KIKI!!
And now there IS a doctor in the house!!
On Friday, May 16, 2003, Dwayne Eric McClerklin received his Doctor of Medicine degree at
the 124th Commencement Ceremony at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, S.C. Dwayne is the son of
the Late Willie McClerklin and Marlene McClerklin, and the nephew of Horace and Cassandra McClerklin. Dwayne will specialize
in Anesthesiology and Surgery.
Way to go, Dwayne!!!
|
| Is he happy, or what? |
|
| Relaxing with mom. (She's glad it's over) |
|
| Dwayne, Aunt Charlene, Marlene, Horace, Sheryl and Grant |
|
|
 |
|
OMC Records Christian/Gospel Artist Regi McClurkin was recently nominated as Male/New Artist of the Year and was honored
in Los Angeles with the "Hollywood Gospel Insider Award" for his latest release "Somewhere Over There", which is AVAILABLE
IN STORES NOW!. Regi was a presenter and performed at the "Live" taping of the Ceremony and Brunch which was held at
the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 14-16, 2003. You may visit Regi's website by clicking on the link below.
Regi made a tour of Japan as featured Artist on the Deep Grace Missions Tour of Japan from October 20, 2003 to November
1, 2003. His itinerary took him to eleven cities where he was in concert at a number of Churches and an outdoor concert in
Tokyo . Regi also participated in Pastorial meetings and appeared at a kindergarten to spread the gospel
to Japanese children and their parents. God is using Regi in a mighty way and let us all be in prayer for his continued success.
LET'S
HEAR IT FOR "REGI"!
Regi McClurkin's Website
Let's
give a big McFamily CONGRATULATIONS!!! to our 2011 College and High School Graduates.
Emma Niki'e Jackson,the daughter of Alden and Emily "Cookie" Jackson
of Durham, N.C. graduated from Christian Faith Center Academy, a private Academy in Creedmoor, N.C. on May 20, 2011.
True to form, Emma graduated at the top of her class as its Veledictorian. She is next off to Spelman in Atlanta for college.
Keep up the good work, Emma, and we know that there are greater things coming!!
Eleja
Breyl McClerklin, the daughter of Vincent and Viola McClerklin of Columbia, S.C. graduated on May 26, 2011 from Columbia High
School. Eleja's awards are too numerous to count, but to name a few; Richland One Academic All Star, Columbia High Honor
Student, MVP Track Team and 4-year Letterman for Track, Life Scholarship Winner, and others. Wow! what an impressive pedigree,
and she's only getting started! Go for, it Eleja, and keep your focus on accomplishment. You make us all very proud.
Horace and Cassandra McClerklin's son, Joshua Proctor, a paratrooper Sergeant in the Army, recently returned from
his third tour in the Middle East. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E-7)on December 1, 2006 and proudly wears
his Senior Parachutist's wings. He is pictured above in his paratrooper's gear just prior to a parachute jump at McDill
Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida where he was formerly stationed. His "proud" parents were present for the occasion.
Joshua is currently serving in Afghanistan and continues to excel in the military. Love you, Josh, and CONGRATULATIONS!.
|
| Dwayne's sister, Sheryl with Grant |
|
| Horace (back turned) Ernest and Shirley |
Mary Emma McClurkin Davis' family (below) was brought together on the occasion of her grand-daughter Erin's Alpha
Kappa Alpha (AKA) Debutante Cotillion on March 3, 2003. A very momentous occasion as Erin continues the McFamily tradition
of excellence. More about Erin is found with her picture farther down this page.
|
|
|
|
|
| "Super Chefs" |
Cookie and Emma Jackson were the big winners of of the Tri-City Pumpkin Pie Bake Off held in Durham, N.C. on October
8. Top prize of $500 will be well spent, says Cookie. Their now famous recipe can be found on this site on the "Family Recipes"
page.
A hearty McFamily "Congratulations" to Bambi Allen who recently launched "JayJon Heritage Group" of which
she is President. JayJon specializes in Event, Personal & Business
Planning, and has locations in Greensboro, NC and Chester, S.C. Its motto is "Turning Your Dreams Into Reality".
Check her out by clicking on the link below.
JayJon Heritage Group
Robert James (Jimmy) Myers, shown with his lovely wife, Raeko, after many years of persistence and hard work, finally
realized his dream of a college degree on November 6, 2004 when he received his Bachelor Of Science In Occupational Education Degree
from Wayland Baptist University in Honolulu Hawaii. The ceremony was held at Hickam Air Force Base Officers' Club.
Robert, also a high ranking NCO in the Navy, is the son of Robert and Janie McClerklin Myers, and the nephew of
Horace and Cassandra McClerklin. AND THE TRADITION CONTINUES!
We are so proud of you, Jimmy!
CONGRATULATIONS to the highest ranking Black female law enforcement officer on Long Island, N.Y. Lieutenant Darlene McClurkin
was recently honored during Black History Month for her achievement of that status in the Suffolk County, N.Y. Sheriff's Department.
She is shown with her very proud daughter, Bobbi.
|
| WEL Graduation Pic |
|
| Coretta Scott King Candle Light Vigi. |
Talking about BRAINS AND BEAUTY! This young superstar is Stacey McClurkin, daughter of Regi and Denise McClurkin of Ellicott
City, Maryland. Stacey is now a rising SENIOR at Spelman College in Atlanta, and carries a cumulative GPA of 3.59. Tracey
is a graduate of the Women In Excellence Lecture Series (WEL program) created specifically for Spelman students who have a
strong desire to empower themselves through leadership training. In addition, she was inducted into the Phi Beta Delta International
Honor Society and the Mortar Board Honor Society and will serve as Secretary of the latter organization next year. If that
is not enough, Tracey served as the publicity chair of a new student organization called Professional Ladies Under Success
(P.L.U.S), and as Vice President of a student public safety organization called Protecting Our Spelman Sisters Everyday (P.O.S.S.E.)
of which she will serve as President next school year. She also served as the community service chair of a student organization
called Taking Responsibility to Understand Each other (T.R.U.E.) which teaches sensitivity for and awareness of persons with
disabilities. In addition to her academic excellence, Stacey is also civic minded as reflected in the picture above during
the Morehouse Candle Light Vigil for Coretta Scott King. For all of that, she gets to schmooze with none other than the President
of the University! (See picture below). Tracey's plan is to enter law school upon graduation from Spelman, and she is already
preparing for that by participating in the Sutherland Summer Scholars program, a law program designed to prepare undergraduate
minorities for success in law school. The Program is hosted by the law firm of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, LLC. If her past
is any indication of her future success, the U.S. Supreme Court is within Stacey's reach should she decide to "go for it".
Wonder who she gets her "smarts" from; Regi or Denise?? Better not go there... Stacey, the McFamily loves you and our pride
is immeasurable!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!. You are a real inspiration and a living testimony to what our youth are
capable of if they apply themselves.
|
| Stacey with Dr. Beverly T. Tatum, President of Spelman |
|
| Aunt Penny, Stacey, Mom Denise, Grandma Minnie Abrams |
|
|
Chyanne and Dante McClerklin, children of Lenzo McClerklin and Cynthia Morgan of Brooklyn, New York both attend P.S. 307 in
that city. Chyanne was recently honored for achievement in reading and math, and Dante was honored for outstanding improvement.
Both received Certificates heralding those achievements. Congratulations and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! The tradition of excellence
continues...
|
|
|
