Five Centralia residents who have made a significant difference in the city were inducted to the Wall of Honor by the Centralia Community Youth Center and Centralia NAACP over the weekend.
Marva Bledsoe was honored for being a civic, religious mentoring leader, leader of youth programs, and helping to establish the Centralia Youth Center as well as being a Past President and continuing to serve on its Board of Directors.
“I just really thank the Lord for being able to do the things that I’ve been able to do. I’ve been involved with youth for most of my life. From the time my kids were little kids and even with my grandkids that has been my calling to work with youth. And I asked the Lord even at this stage in my life, in a couple of weeks I’ll be 84 years old, and he has still got me here knowing who I am and where I am. And I thank him for that.”
The late Winifred Blackwell was honored for her successful integration of the Centralia Swimming Pool in 1953 long before other desegregation efforts across the county. She later led efforts to integrate the lunch counter and movie theatre as well as improve the quality of life for all Black residents. The late Larry Irvin was honored for all that he did for the minority community while owning the Irvin Funeral Home. He was involved in many activities of the NAACP including membership drivers, scholarships, and banquets in addition to helping many bereaved families who could not afford a funeral.
The Reverend Donald Jones, the former pastor of Ricks Chapel Church was recognized for being a pioneer in the development of programs to enhance the education of many minority individuals and also provided summer camps for children’s college courses within the neighborhood and was a leader and Board President of the Centralia Community Youth Center for several years.
Joyce Garrett was honored as a civic leader for city, political, educational, and children activities including block parties, summer church camps, and foster parent to more than 22 children.
Each of those accepting for the honorees received a plaque on their behalf. Information and a photo of each will join other Wall of Honor members in the entryway to the Centralia Community Youth Center.
Those receiving plaques include (left to right) Emily Jones the wife of the late Reverend Dr Donald Jones, Tracy Macz on behalf of Larry Irvin, Marion ‘Bunny’ Garrett on behalf of her mother Joyce Garrett, and honoree Marva Blodsoe. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Part of the CCYC-NAACP Wall of Honor in the entryway to the Youth Center.
