Hattiesburg American from Hattiesburg, Mississippi • 8

8 A Tuesday, December 1, 1998 Hattiesburg AMERICAN PINE BELT Cancer claims author Walker Alexander received master's and doctorate 1 i The Associated Press AUTHOR DIES: Margaret Walker Alexander, 83, accepts the Mississippi Arts Commission's Lifetime Achievement Award from Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice in Jackson in this April, 1992 photograph. Alexander died Monday in Chicago after a lenghthy illness. A reknowned author and professor, Alexander's career was friend and mentor to many black writers. WHmMI psburg 1 'AL Paimer's bloody peace be written in the sky, Let a second generation full of courage issue forth, Let a people loving freedom come to growth." "Jubilee," published in 1966, told the life story of the daughter of a slave and a white plantation owner.

The New York Times Book Review said it "chronicled the triumph of a free spirit over many kinds of bondage." "Margaret Walker Alexander was a woman for all seasons," said Clarence Hunter, a Tougaloo College archivist. "She was a poet, a novelist, a teacher, a mentor, a scholar, a humanitarian, an activist, a fighter for rights of people. She was everything you can expect of a great woman." Alexander was born in Birmingham, on July 27, 1915, the daughter of a college professor. She moved at age 10 to New Orleans and left the South for college. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1935 and 582-STOP The following is a roundup of crimes reported to area agencies within the previous 24 hours.

Hattiesburg Area 101 Cellular phone stolen from 1993 Ford van, 714 Williams Pearl River Valley Opportunity Center, reported by Patty Upton, value $100 Brenda J. Dew, 47, 500 block Tuscan Avenue, jailed Monday on charge of possession of controlled substance Area 103 1991 Ford Explorer stolen, blue, Mississippi tag RY6031, 900 Broadway Drive, American General Finance Area 201 Purse, checkbook, cash stolen from 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 621 Mobile Mt. Karmel Baptist Church, reported by Bernitta Boyd, value $28 Area 202 Tote bag stolen from 1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 800 block Quinn Street, reported by Margaret Markwalder, value $30 Area 203 Three Victorian chairs stolen, 3700 block Pearl Street, reported by Ryan Utterback, value $650 Area 204 VCR, movies, fountain, CDs, beer stolen, 6072 Hardy Wal-Mart, value $230; Robert Ramsey, 22, Wiggins, jailed Monday on charge of felony shoplifting I 1.1 al i I ''y Hatt EMERGENCY 91 1 jj METRO crime Stoppers 1 wLiUi Margaret JACKSON (AP) Margaret Walker Alexander will be remembered for her poignant storytelling and inspirational approach to being a black woman in the Deep South, friends said. Alexander died Monday after a months-long battle with cancer. She was 83.

The author of the best selling novel, "Jubilee," had spent the past five decades in Mississippi teaching and writing. "She could have been in New York and been a big, big name," said Wanda Macon, a Jackson State University English professor. "She stayed connected to the soil, stayed connected to the voices she heard and the voices she wrote about. That was just as important to her as the fame." Alexander's 1942 poem "For My People" won the Yale Award for young poets. In the poem, she wrote: "Let a new earth rise, Let another world be born, Let a didn't take anything because of an official act." Wells accused the prosecution of distorting the facts in the case and piling on charges and incidents to create "the illusion of value the illusion of criminality." The prosecutors did that by taking the same event 'or gift and using it for violating several different laws, such as those governing travel, mail and wire fraud, gratuities and false testimony, Wells said.

The federal prosecutors haven't done their job, Wells said. "In this case, the reason they didn't give you the evidence is because he (Espy) didn't do anything wrong," Wells said. "They have no witnesses because there is no crime." Brewer, who owns one of the trailers, said that there was at least $1,500 worth of damage to the structures. The incident happened Saturday, however, Brewer has not formally filed a police report of the crime. Survivors Include his wife, Gussie Mae Ramsey of Laurel; two daughters, Janease Jordan of South San Francisco, and Patricia Ramsey of San Bruno, three brothers, Willie Ramsey of Taylorsville, Cornelius Harper of Laurel and Jimmy Harper of Atlanta; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church. Brown Mortuary, Inc. of Laurel is in charge of arrangements.

Robert H. Hillman LEAKESVILLE Services are incomplete for Robert H. Hick" Hillman, 89, of Leakesville, who died Nov. 30, 1998 at George County Mr. Hillman was a farmer.

Survivors include his wife, Anne Hillman of Leakesville; five sons, James H. Hillman of Cape Cod, Jim L. Hillman of Leakesville, Ralph Hillman of Old Town, Don F. Hillman of Moselle and Paul M. Hillman of New Augusta; one brother, Dan B.

Hillman of Leakesville; two sisters, Elizabeth Ball of Leakesville and Mae Helen Ramsey of Pascagoula; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Freeman Funeral Home of Leakesville is in charge of arrangements. Stanley J. Brunt RIDGELAND Services were held on Nov. 28, 1998 at Madison United Methodist Church for Stanley J.

Brunt, 72, of Jackson, who died Nov. 26, 1998 at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. Burial was in Montgomery Cemetery. Mr. Brunt was a member of Madison United Methodist Church and a retired major of the Mississippi National Guard Reserve.

He also worked for Sears, Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn, and was the owner and operator of a Bonanza Sirloin franchise in Pascagoula. Survivors include two sons, W.E. "Billy" Brunt of Jackson, and T. Neal Brunt of Cartersville, one sister, Mar-jorie B. Jennings of Lake Village, and one brother, Gene Byron Brunt of McCool.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison United Methodist Church. Wright Ferguson Funeral Home of Ridgeland was in charge of arrangements. Vardaman Griffith LUMBERTON Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Caney Baptist Church in Lumberton for Vardaman Griffith, 70, of Lumberton, who died Nov. 29, 1998 at Wesley Medical Center.

Burial will be in Caney Baptist Church Cemetery in Lumberton. Mr. Griffith was a self-employed roofer and farmer and a member of Caney Baptist Church. Survivors Include six sons, Mike Dear, Ronnie Griffith and Donnie Griffith, all of Lumberton, Rickey Dear of Purvis, Way-land Griffith of Meridian and Maxwell Ray Griffith Clayton of Hattiesburg; three daughters, Sherry Glpson of Lumberton, Ralene Ball of Columbia and Nanette Davis of Purvis; one sister, Christine Griffith of Hattiesburg; one brother, Lonnie Griffith of Seminary; 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m.

until 11 p.m. at Caney Baptist Church in Lumberton. White Funeral Home of Lumberton is in charge of arrangements. degrees from the University of Iowa. In 1949 she became a professor at Jackson- State University, where she founded the Institute for the Study of the History, Life and Culture of Black People in 1968.

She served as its director 11 years, and the center was later renamed in her honor. "I don't know anybody who has captured the heart and soul of black people any more than she did," said Alferdteen Harrison, director of the institute. John A. Peoples, former Jackson State University president, described Alexander as an outspoken go-getter. "She was a refreshing person to know," he said.

"She was a fighter, a strong civil rights person. She had a background in history, the way things were and the way things ought to be." Hattiesburg City Limits 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass stolen, gray, Mississippi tag RZN45G, Forrest General Hospital, reported by Robert Hall, value $1,800 Forrest County Rubin J. Quartana, 19, Roverson Drive, Petal, jailed Monday on charge of receiving stolen property David A. Booth, 22, 400 block East 4th Street, Petal, jailed Monday on charge of sale of controlled substance Numbers to know Hattiesburg Police: 544-7900 Forrest Co. Sheriff: 544-7800 Petal Police: 544-5331 Lamar Co.

Sheriff: 544-2412 Purvis Police: 794-6512 Sumrall Police: 758-3531 Jones Co. Sheriff: 425-3147 Laurel Police: 425-4711 Perry Co. Sheriff: 964-8461 FBI: 582-8202 Highway Patrol: 264-3529 Install and maintain smoke detectors outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, install smoke detectors inside the bedroom as well. Diane Blackledge, 27, both of Hattiesburg Robert Leonard Rues III, 18, and Frances Mariana McDaniel, 19, both of Ellisville Cocaine information: 800-262-2463 AIDS Hotline: 800-342-2437 Alzheimer's: 800-621-0379 Al-Anon: 800-627-1402 American Cancer Society: 800-ACS-2345 Sudden Infant Death: 800-232-7437 Child Find: 800-292-9688 Child Abuse: 800-422-4453 Compulsive Gambling: 800-522-4700 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation: 800-223-1138 Vietnam Veterans of America: 800-775-8387 Runaway Switchboard Hotline: 800-621-4000 National Kidney Foundation: 800-622-9010 poultry processor Tyson Foods and Sun-Diamond Growers of California footing the bill.

"He didn't ask who provided the gifts or how they came about because he didn't want to know," Smaltz said. "He didn't want to know because he was hiding." The companies wanted access and they were willing to pay for it, Smaltz said. Company officials "believed they were getting something for their money," he said. But Smaltz reminded the jury that the case against Espy didn't allege bribery and the prosecutors were not alleging a "quid pro quo." That means the prosecutors did not have to prove Espy did favors in return for the gifts. For conviction on most charges, the jury must find the gifts were said bitterly.

Doleac said he understands Brewer's predicament. "He can't pay the water bill if he's not getting income," Doleac said. Brewer first turned the water off Friday night to work on a leaking water main. He claims that van Mathew J. Raigan POPLARVILLE Services are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Wednesday at White Funeral Home chapel in Poplarville for Mathew J. Raigan, 55, of Poplarville, who died Nov. 29, 1 998 at his residence. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Mr.

Raigan was a commercial fish spotter, diver and designer of boats and airplanes. He attended Juniper Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Wanda C. Raigan of Poplarville; mother, Pearl Boudreaux of Westwego, three sons, Travis Raigan of Ohio and Preston Raigan and Mathew Raigan II, both of Venice, three daughters, Bridgett Raigan of Buras, Melissa Raigan of Hammond, La. and Elizabeth Raigan of Poplarville; three sisters, Naomi Boudreaux, Ruth Boudreaux and Rebecca Boudreaux, all of Marrero, four brothers, Nathan Boudreaux and Ray Boudreaux, both of Marrero, John Boudreaux of Virginia and David Boudreaux of Algiers, and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at White Funeral Home in Poplarville. Ethel M. Easterling LAUREL Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Jesus Name Home Church in Jones County for Ethel M.

Easterling, 88, of Laurel, who died Nov. 29, 1998 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. Burial will be in Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery in Jones County. Mrs. Easterling was a homemaker and a member of Jesus Name Home Church in Jones County.

Survivors include three daughters, Elsie Caves of the Pittman Community, and Lonnie Riley and Wanda Busby, both of Laurel; one sister, Mary Black of Laurel; 26 grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren. Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. Hulett Winstead cHomc, Tuncra, nc 582-1571 205 Bay StrMt Mr. Clifton R. Kirk Hattiesburg Graveside Senices 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday Providence Cemetery Mr. RalphDUGriffln, Jr. Hattiesburg Graveside Services 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Roseland Park Cemetery MEMBER BY INVITATION (dicno MOHnCMNS ESPY. FROM page 7A he took things of value from companies he regulated." Smaltz also reminded the jury panel of 15 blacks and two whites that the case "cannot be decided on sympathy, politics or race." He said he regretted statements from his own witnesses that the Agriculture Department is a racist agency.

"It has no place in this case," he said. The jury will begin its deliberations today. Espy's defense lawyers rested without calling witnesses. During his closing argument, Smaltz noted how Espy attended football and basketball games, a tennis match and a party with agriculture companies such as PARK FROM page 7A said many tenants stopped paying rent and others stopped paying their water bills once they found out about the park's sale. "Nobody has come forward and offered me any donations," Brewer OBITUARIES Odessa T.

Burge PICAYUNE Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Picayune Funeral Home for Odessa Taylor Burge, 78, of Picayune, who died Nov. 28, 1998 at Crosby Hospital in Picayune. Burial will be in Henleyfield Cemetery in the Henleyfield Community. Mrs.

Burge was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Bruce E. Burge and Randolph W. Burge, both of Picayune; one daughter, Janet Crocker of Watauga, Texas; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Picayune Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Alice M. Pearcey Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg for Alice Marsh Pearcey, 86, of Niceville, formerly of Petal, who died Nov. 29, 1998 at Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.

Mrs. Pearcey was a homemaker and a member of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Paul Marsh of Ridgeland; one daughter, Theresa Marsh Omillian of Niceville; one sister, Myrtle Jennings of Hattiesburg; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

today at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. im ggmooRE FURERRL SERVICE 805 Hardy Street 544-2141 Mrs. Alice March Pearcey Niceville, FL formerly of Petal Services 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Moore Hattiesburg Chapel Interment Highland Cemetery Mrs. Jessie H.

Bennett Hattiesburg Rosary 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Moore Hattiesburg Chapel Services 10:00 a.m. Thursday Sacred Heart Catholic Church Interment Highland Cemetery infant Jed Matthews Taylor Petal Arrangements Incomplete Mrs. Edith Eli Petal Arrangements Incomplete given to Espy because of his job and he knew that. "Secretary Espy took things of value from prohibited sources and when asked about them, he lied," Smaltz said.

The most serious charges concern three violations of the 1907 Meat Inspection Act, which prohibits anyone involved in the Agriculture Department's meat inspection program from accepting gifts from the meat processing industry. Each violation carries a one-year minimum sentence. Espy's defense attorneys were hoping they had poked enough holes in the prosecution's case for acquittal. "Not one witness indicated at all he was giving anything for an official act," Wells told the jury. "He dals have been damaging pipes, creating large leaks.

Tenants eventually turned the main back on late that evening, Senne said. Brewer also claims that vandals broke out the windows on three vacant trailers that were once used as rental units for tenants. Ralph D. Griffin Jr. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m.

Wednesday at Roseland Park Cemetery in Hattiesburg for Ralph D. "Jack" Griffin 74, of Hattiesburg, who died Nov. 29, 1998 at Forrest General Hospital. Burial will be in Roseland Park Cemetery. Mr.

Griffin retired as Forrest County's personal property tax assessor and a member of First Baptist Church of Hattiesburg. Survivors include his wife, Elma Jordan Griffin of Hattiesburg; two sons, Ralph Michael Griffin of Hattiesburg and Jeffery Robert Griffin of Los Angeles, one daughter, Wendy Griffin Hartfield of Seminary; one brother, Thomas W. Griffin Sr. of Hattiesburg and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be 5 p.m.

to 8 p.m. today at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. Alma Chambliss LAUREL Services were held Nov. 30, 1998 at Memory Chapel for Alma Cham-bliss, 86, of Laurel, who died Nov. 28, 1998 at Conva-Rest Nursing Home In Hattiesburg.

Burial was in Indian Springs Cemetery in Jones County. Mrs. Chambliss was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith. Survivors included her husband, Jack Chambliss of Laurel; one stepson, Jackie Chambliss of Ellisville; four daughters, Shirley Dilts of Laurel, and Jerri Browning, Edye Younge and Debbie Curtis, all of Walker, one sister, Wilma Perry of Laurel; 13 grandchildren and one greatgrandchildren. John W.

Ramsey LAUREL Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church in Laurel for John W. Ramsey, 80, of Laurel, who died Nov. 23, 1998 at South Central Regional Medical Center. Interment will be in Nora Davis Cemetery in Laurel.

Mr. Ramsey was a retired mechanic and school bus driver for Laurel City Schools. OBITUARY POLICY The American publishes obituaries free of charge. To have an obituary published, provide the following information: Name and age of deceased Date and place of death Time, day and place of funeral service and interment Survivors (spouse, children, siblings, parents and grandparents by name) Visitation information Memorial requests In cases when there are few or no immediate family members or companions may be listed by name. You may include a photograph.

Obituary information must be provided by the attending funeral home. No obituary will be taken from private individuals. PUBLIC RECORDS 6:20 a.m, Monday, 819 Morton small grease fire from pot on stove, extinguished fire, very light damage 7:04 a.m., Monday, 1020 Main house fire, heavy damage 3:25 p.m., Monday, 1780 James St.t, burning leaves, extinguished fire 4:40 p.m., Monday, 805 Arledge vehicle fire, extinguished fire 9 p.m., Monday, 323 Beverly Lane, helped elderly man off floor after he had fallen The following people have applied for marriage licenses in Forrest County: Charles Edward Calloway, 54, and Dorothy W. Hogan, 54, both of Brooklyn Everett Charles McKeller, 51, and Caroline Annette Floyd, 44, both of Hattiesburg Gary Lee Walls, 48, and Rebecca SfUVKTf Jk MEASURED i. NOT IV MIMHH 1 OOIO HE (KMRST BUT Of IMF GOIDtN GOIDEN WHMJji i i.