Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 7-24-18

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Legendary Pianist Dies At The Age Of 94
Scholarship Helps Student Continue College Studies
Theo Bright, left, was presented a scholarship by former B-CU Professor, Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson. Shown with them are Julia Jack- son, who took Bright to the university on Wednesday, and Tracy Davis, the Assistant to Development Planning.
BY JULIA JACKSON
Theo Bright is the first in his family to attend college.
Just when Theo Bright was wondering how he’d make it through the upcom- ing school year (2018-2019), an alumnus of Bethune- Cookman University (B-CU) steps in to provide assistance.
Bright, a first-generation college student, is a sopho- more at B-CU. In conversa- tion with Julia Jackson, an alumnus of B-CU, Bright shared his need for assistance for the upcoming school term.
Through contacts at the University, Ms. Jackson
was able to secure a scholar- ship for Bright.
In memory of her daugh- ter, Dr. Gwendolyn John- son, a retired Professor of Physical Education at B-CU, presented the scholarship to Bright, who carries a 3.5 GPA. Dr. Johnson’s daugh- ter, the late Crystal John- son, DDS, graduated from Bethune-Cookman, and earned her dental degree from Howard University.
Bright, the son of a sin- gle, very supportive mother, graduated from St. Peter Claver Catholic School and Tampa Catholic High School. He is currently a member of the B-CU football team.
The scholarship is renew- able each year.
A legendary figure, Mrs. Carrie Bell Ellis Ransom, a highly acclaimed pianist throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas Coun- ties, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 16, 2018 at her home in Odessa, Florida.
Over the past 78 years, many choirs marched into various churches, with their long robes, clapping their hands harmoniously as Sis. Carrie Ransom sat proudly at the piano singing and playing the piano as the volumi- nous choirs sang many of the most popular gospel tunes such as, “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and "Trouble In My Way.”
She was born on August 20, 1923 in Safety Harbor, FL. Her mother passed away when she was 3 years old in the 1926 Okeechobee Hurricane with thousands of others. Her fa- ther died shortly afterward.
Her grandparents, Thomas and Carrie Ellis, who raised her, recognized early on that Sister Ransom had a gift from God. They bought her a piano and at the inquisitive age of 9, she began to play the piano by ear utiliz- ing that God-given gift, beginning at the age of 12 by playing the piano at her community church.
Later, she married Peter Ransom, Sr. and together they raised nine children.
Sister Ransom used her talents to glorify God and began playing for church services at her then home church St. John Missionary Baptist Church (currently St. John Cathedral) in the late 60’s where she was a member for 25 years.
Sister Ransom had a passion for caring for others and had a successful career in nurs- ing until she retired.
MRS. CARRIE BELL ELLIS RANSOM
Her calling continued as a pianist until her final retirement at the age of 91 with her cur- rent home church, St. Paul AME Church, Safety, Harbor, FL. She was a joyful soul, al- ways kind-hearted and loved all people. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by 7 children. Funeral serv- ices will be held on Saturday, July 28th at 11 a. m. at St. John Cathedral, 3401 E. 25th Ave., Tampa, Florida 33605.
Aikens Funeral Home will handle the serv- ices.
FYI
Outdoor Market At Cuscaden Park
The Outdoor Market is open at various loca- tions throughout East Tampa on the last Fri- day of each month.
The East Tampa Outdoor Market will be held Friday,
July27,2018,4p.m.–9p.m. This month’s Open Market is at Cuscaden Park, 2900 N. 15th St., Tampa, 33605. Food trucks and vendors will be on site.
There are also vendor and sponsorship opportunities available. Go to easttampaout- doormarket.com to learn more.
For weather-related infor-
mation, follow on facebook. An evening treat will be a free movie, Justice League starting at 6 p. m. Bring your
chairs to enjoy the fun.
Back To School Bash!
On Saturday, August 11, 2018, 12-3 p. m., First Baptist Church Of Progress Village is hosting its annual back to school bash, where Florida's Christian Comedian, Funny- bone Harris will perform and MC the event.
Sponsors will provide lunch, seminars for parents and students grades K-12, have a TV raffle and provide free backpacks and school supplies to registered stu- dents.
Parents are asked to regis- ter on the link to ensure their child(ren) receives a backpack and lunch. Childcare is avail- able for potty trained children ages 3-4. The link is www.fb- copv.org/school.
PAGE 2 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2018