Tinnie Dell Pettway
Born in Gees Bend, AL, in 1936, Tinnie's education began at Boykin Elementary, Middle, and High School, where she completed and graduated. She then attended school in Mobile, AL, to attend Alabama State University (Bishop Campus), where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Business Administration.
With that degree, she moved back to Gees Bend and served as the assistant manager of the only Co-Op general store in Gees Bend, where she worked for 10 years. She later moved to Bridgeport, CT, and became a nurse, working in the St. Vincent's and Park City hospitals for 15 years. Then duty called her back to Gees Bend, AL, where the community received a grant to build a daycare center, which she was asked to open, set up, and become the first director of The Boykin Improvement Day Care Center. For 20 years she loved and enjoyed seeing the kids grow and develop into independent people. During this time, Tinnie, a young civil rights foot soldier, and future congressman John Lewis attended meetings in the area that focused on bringing changes and improvements to the community.
Also, Episcopal Priest Francis X. Walter, a community friend and supporter, purchased the first van for the daycare center along with a safety fence to keep the children safe. However, due to system and funding changes in the county and the state, daycare had no choice but to close its doors. Because she came from a family of entrepreneurs, she returned to the family store, which was being managed by her aunt, who passed away some years later.
It was then that she became the full-time manager of Gees Bend's only general store, the family business that served the community's needs. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings, she worked very hard with her parents, working the fields from sunup to sundown five days a week.
During the winter months, she would quilt alongside with her mother. She was just 7 years old when her mother began her training by doing the work of women in the family, which was expected of girls then. Later, in her whole and prosperous life, she became the first self-published author of Gees Bend with her excellent book of poems and short stories, "The Gees Bend Experience," in which she also went on a book tour to libraries and elementary schools. And to this day, Tinnie is still going strong at 87, quilting every day and praying without ceasing.
With that degree, she moved back to Gees Bend and served as the assistant manager of the only Co-Op general store in Gees Bend, where she worked for 10 years. She later moved to Bridgeport, CT, and became a nurse, working in the St. Vincent's and Park City hospitals for 15 years. Then duty called her back to Gees Bend, AL, where the community received a grant to build a daycare center, which she was asked to open, set up, and become the first director of The Boykin Improvement Day Care Center. For 20 years she loved and enjoyed seeing the kids grow and develop into independent people. During this time, Tinnie, a young civil rights foot soldier, and future congressman John Lewis attended meetings in the area that focused on bringing changes and improvements to the community.
Also, Episcopal Priest Francis X. Walter, a community friend and supporter, purchased the first van for the daycare center along with a safety fence to keep the children safe. However, due to system and funding changes in the county and the state, daycare had no choice but to close its doors. Because she came from a family of entrepreneurs, she returned to the family store, which was being managed by her aunt, who passed away some years later.
It was then that she became the full-time manager of Gees Bend's only general store, the family business that served the community's needs. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings, she worked very hard with her parents, working the fields from sunup to sundown five days a week.
During the winter months, she would quilt alongside with her mother. She was just 7 years old when her mother began her training by doing the work of women in the family, which was expected of girls then. Later, in her whole and prosperous life, she became the first self-published author of Gees Bend with her excellent book of poems and short stories, "The Gees Bend Experience," in which she also went on a book tour to libraries and elementary schools. And to this day, Tinnie is still going strong at 87, quilting every day and praying without ceasing.
Jo Celeste Pettway
Jo Celeste Pettway, the oldest child and only girl, born to the late Joseph and Menda Gamble Pettway, is a retired District Court Judge of Wilcox County, AL. She was appointed to the District Court bench by Governor George C. Wallace in 1984, making her the first black female in Alabama to serve as a state court judge.
A 1969 graduate of Alabama Lutheran Academy, she is an alumna of Auburn University with degrees in Political Science, Speech Communication, and History. She furthered her education at the University of Alabama with degrees in Social Work (BSW and MSW) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama's School of Law in June 1982—she was admitted to law practice in Alabama in September 1982.
She is the mother of Adam Clayton Pettway, an alumnus of the University of Montevallo, and Joyonna Gamble George, Ph.D., an alumna of Vanderbilt University. A member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, she serves as the Sunday School organist and enjoys reading, traveling, and crocheting. She is the former South Eastern Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha's Southern Eastern Region, former President of Zeta Eta Omega and Psi Omicron Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, St. Mary's Chapter. A septuagenarian, Jo Celeste Pettway is thankful and genuinely appreciative of the multitude of blessings unmerited for which is forever grateful. Divorced/widowed, she enjoys living in Alberta, AL, the loveliest village in Wilcox County.
A 1969 graduate of Alabama Lutheran Academy, she is an alumna of Auburn University with degrees in Political Science, Speech Communication, and History. She furthered her education at the University of Alabama with degrees in Social Work (BSW and MSW) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama's School of Law in June 1982—she was admitted to law practice in Alabama in September 1982.
She is the mother of Adam Clayton Pettway, an alumnus of the University of Montevallo, and Joyonna Gamble George, Ph.D., an alumna of Vanderbilt University. A member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, she serves as the Sunday School organist and enjoys reading, traveling, and crocheting. She is the former South Eastern Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha's Southern Eastern Region, former President of Zeta Eta Omega and Psi Omicron Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, St. Mary's Chapter. A septuagenarian, Jo Celeste Pettway is thankful and genuinely appreciative of the multitude of blessings unmerited for which is forever grateful. Divorced/widowed, she enjoys living in Alberta, AL, the loveliest village in Wilcox County.
Andrea Williams
Andrea Williams, a local quilter and homemaker, enjoys caring for her family. She attended elementary school in Boykin, AL, and graduated high school from Wilcox Central High in Camden, AL. Her work experience has ranged from the hospitality field to computer science. However, most of her time is spent gardening, where she works alongside her father during the planting season and makes deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the Gee’s Bend community.
Andrea enjoys cooking, canning, grilling, and, of course, quilting. She, too, is one of the Gee’s Bend Quilters in the community. She is a third-generation quilter who was taught by her mother and second-generation quilter Lorraine Pettway and other community quilters. Andrea's quilts have been exhibited and sold at museums and festivals across the country. She also promotes her quilted creations through websites and other social media platforms.
She teaches quilting workshops at area schools for summer camps and programs during the summer. Andrea is a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She also supports her community with daily deliveries and errand runs for the seniors who need it most...a heart for the people.
Andrea enjoys cooking, canning, grilling, and, of course, quilting. She, too, is one of the Gee’s Bend Quilters in the community. She is a third-generation quilter who was taught by her mother and second-generation quilter Lorraine Pettway and other community quilters. Andrea's quilts have been exhibited and sold at museums and festivals across the country. She also promotes her quilted creations through websites and other social media platforms.
She teaches quilting workshops at area schools for summer camps and programs during the summer. Andrea is a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She also supports her community with daily deliveries and errand runs for the seniors who need it most...a heart for the people.
Lyman Bendolph
Lyman was born and raised in Gee's Bend. He attended Pine Hill High School. Like so many others, he left Gee's Bend to find employment. Lyman is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a passion for helping others and making a difference in his community. He has diverse skills, from working in community centers to construction and home repairs.
Lyman's love for working with children and his experience in recreational games make him a valuable asset in providing entertainment and guidance for the younger generation while working at Advance Floor Covering System and J&J Construction. His expertise in this field allows him to assist with various projects including home and business repairs.
Additionally, he loves working on livestock-related tasks. He assists the season farmers, especially the elderly, with daily duties and care in addition to larger projects. He is willing to lend a helping hand, particularly to the seniors in his community. He enjoys playing football and spending time with the community kids in his free time. Overall, Lyman is dependable and a skilled handyman who sometimes works voluntarily and is always ready to take on unexpected projects and support those in his community.
Lyman's love for working with children and his experience in recreational games make him a valuable asset in providing entertainment and guidance for the younger generation while working at Advance Floor Covering System and J&J Construction. His expertise in this field allows him to assist with various projects including home and business repairs.
Additionally, he loves working on livestock-related tasks. He assists the season farmers, especially the elderly, with daily duties and care in addition to larger projects. He is willing to lend a helping hand, particularly to the seniors in his community. He enjoys playing football and spending time with the community kids in his free time. Overall, Lyman is dependable and a skilled handyman who sometimes works voluntarily and is always ready to take on unexpected projects and support those in his community.
Passion T. Young
Passion T. Young is a millennial and a native of Gees Bend. As a current resident, she has found a love for writing. She's a self-published author with one published book and many to follow. Passion obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Athens State University. She currently works in recruiting and talent acquisition. She hopes to utilize her research, coordination, and writing skills to assist in developing outreach programs, projects, and initiatives within the community.
Irvin Pettway
Irvin Pettway is an Alabama State University Alum and was later drafted into the Army. He was stationed and trained in Germany and Ft. Benning, GA. Once his military duties were done, he moved to Bridgeport, CT, in 1960, where he worked for G.E. and Sycosky, a company that trained him to work with helicopters for the military. Later, he secured a position at APCO Lycoming.
After 30-plus years of working, he retired and moved back to Gees Bend in 1992, and he picked up right where he left off...herding cattle, bailing hay, tending to the fields of vegetables, fruits, and any other crops that came to mind. He is always a giver to his community, evident in his donation of watermelons, fish, peas, sweet potatoes, and more. In his spare time, he still enjoys fishing, and he is an artist in his own right, sketching and coloring beautiful abstract designs on wood and canvas, which he sells through retailers in the Alabama region.
After 30-plus years of working, he retired and moved back to Gees Bend in 1992, and he picked up right where he left off...herding cattle, bailing hay, tending to the fields of vegetables, fruits, and any other crops that came to mind. He is always a giver to his community, evident in his donation of watermelons, fish, peas, sweet potatoes, and more. In his spare time, he still enjoys fishing, and he is an artist in his own right, sketching and coloring beautiful abstract designs on wood and canvas, which he sells through retailers in the Alabama region.
Litrice N. Mingo
Litrice Mingo pursued her secondary studies at Nassau Community College in Garden City, Long Island, New York. Her area of interest was African American research, Community Affairs, and Communications. Upon graduating from Nassau, she received an Applied Science Associate Degree.
Latrice’s career as a cable wire inspector, health care attendant, and shop stewardess navigated her path toward greater opportunities. She is a published author, poet, playwright, community organizer, voter’s rights advocate, and former director of the “Gee’s Bend” stage play. She enjoys family time, movies, sports, tutoring, reading, and traveling.
Latrice’s career as a cable wire inspector, health care attendant, and shop stewardess navigated her path toward greater opportunities. She is a published author, poet, playwright, community organizer, voter’s rights advocate, and former director of the “Gee’s Bend” stage play. She enjoys family time, movies, sports, tutoring, reading, and traveling.
Quincy Williams
Quincy Williams is a determined and hardworking individual who has always dreamed of working for himself. He attended Wilcox Central High School and worked in construction for more than four years. He also had experience as a truck driver. With his ambition in mind, Quincy decided to start his own business, Southern Oak and Pine LLC.
Through his business, Quincy has provided employment opportunities for several community members. He has been dedicated to his company for the past 23 years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. Quincy enjoys activities like hunting, fishing, and traveling in his leisure time. He believes in making the most of his free time by engaging in activities that bring him joy and relaxation.
Quincy's dedication and success as an entrepreneur make him a role model for the youth in his community. He actively speaks about entrepreneurial opportunities for the younger generation, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and become self-employed individuals.
Through his business, Quincy has provided employment opportunities for several community members. He has been dedicated to his company for the past 23 years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. Quincy enjoys activities like hunting, fishing, and traveling in his leisure time. He believes in making the most of his free time by engaging in activities that bring him joy and relaxation.
Quincy's dedication and success as an entrepreneur make him a role model for the youth in his community. He actively speaks about entrepreneurial opportunities for the younger generation, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and become self-employed individuals.
Stella Mae Pettway
Stella Pettway was born and raised in Boykin, AL. She attended Concordia College in Selma, AL, and later went on to work at Boykin Daycare. As a dedicated professional in Public Health, she worked as a home attendant and a 'parent educator' for the Wilcox County HIPPY program, receiving a perfect attendance award. She is also an amazing quilter, and among her hobbies and interests are reading, making quilts, and traveling.
And speaking of traveling, she has had her quilt creations on exhibit in the following cities/venues/stores/publications: The Alison Jacques Gallery in London, England, Great Britain; The Nicelle Beauchene Gallery in New York City, NY, USA Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, TX. and Boston, MA. Macy's Department Store She's featured in: "Gees Bend: The Women and Their Quilts" (Coffee Table Book) and several other magazine publications.
And speaking of traveling, she has had her quilt creations on exhibit in the following cities/venues/stores/publications: The Alison Jacques Gallery in London, England, Great Britain; The Nicelle Beauchene Gallery in New York City, NY, USA Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, TX. and Boston, MA. Macy's Department Store She's featured in: "Gees Bend: The Women and Their Quilts" (Coffee Table Book) and several other magazine publications.
Tracy Pettway
Tracy Pettway is a dedicated Gee's Bend resident and a Pine Hill High School graduate. He pursued further education and became a certified welder, acquiring valuable skills to contribute to special community projects.
Tracy is a fast learner and compassionate individual who enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in leisure activities like hunting and fishing. He is always ready to lend a helping hand in the community, often carpooling elderly residents to their doctor appointments or grocery shopping.
Tracy's pleasant and considerate nature extends to his volunteer work with the community baseball team and his involvement in extracurricular activities for teenagers. He is known for his innovative thinking and always has ideas to support and improve the community. Tracy Pettway is a remarkable individual who is making a difference in Gee's Bend.
Tracy is a fast learner and compassionate individual who enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in leisure activities like hunting and fishing. He is always ready to lend a helping hand in the community, often carpooling elderly residents to their doctor appointments or grocery shopping.
Tracy's pleasant and considerate nature extends to his volunteer work with the community baseball team and his involvement in extracurricular activities for teenagers. He is known for his innovative thinking and always has ideas to support and improve the community. Tracy Pettway is a remarkable individual who is making a difference in Gee's Bend.
Dr. Andre P. Saulsberry
Dr. Andre P. Saulsberry is a native of Wilcox County and the superintendent of the Wilcox County School System. He is the fourth of five sons born to Roy Sr. and the late Martha Spencer Saulsberry. Dr. Saulsberry serves on the boards of the Black Belt Community Foundation and Willie Frank Smiley Scholarship Fund and is a former board member of the Wilcox County Public Library.
Leisurely, Dr. Saulsberry collects black art giclee, canvases, and originals. He enjoys traveling, amateur landscaping, fishing, and reading genres from the Harlem Renaissance Era. Dr. Saulsberry is a magna cum laude graduate of Oklahoma's HBCU, Langston University, where he also served as Student Government President and Presidential Scholar. He earned his doctoral degree in Educational Administration Policy Technology Studies from the University of Alabama. He is part of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is presently active with the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter in Selma.
Dr. Saulsberry embraces, celebrates, and respects the heritage of the Black Belt Region.
Leisurely, Dr. Saulsberry collects black art giclee, canvases, and originals. He enjoys traveling, amateur landscaping, fishing, and reading genres from the Harlem Renaissance Era. Dr. Saulsberry is a magna cum laude graduate of Oklahoma's HBCU, Langston University, where he also served as Student Government President and Presidential Scholar. He earned his doctoral degree in Educational Administration Policy Technology Studies from the University of Alabama. He is part of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is presently active with the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter in Selma.
Dr. Saulsberry embraces, celebrates, and respects the heritage of the Black Belt Region.