Mississippi
Susan Sullivan, 57
Died January 17, 2021.
Kosciusko Junior High School, Kosciusko, MI
Mathematics
The Kosciusko School District announced the passing of KJHS teacher Susan Sullivan, who had been battling the effects of COVID-19 on Sunday Jan. 17, 2021.
Superintendent Billy Ellzey released a letter to the schools community. It reads:
“Dear Faculty and Staff,
It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to our Kosciusko School District family. One of our own Mrs. Susan Sullivan passed away. Through her career as an educator, she touched the lives of so many students who will carry on her love for learning.She served as an educator for 21 years. Students were greeted each day with her infectious smile and warm words of encouragement. Please join me in praying for peace and comfort for her family and friends in the days ahead. The legacy that she left will live on and her contribution to the many lives touched will not be forgotten.
Sincerely, Billy Ellzey”
Samara Lyric Rand, 25
Died November 19, 2020.
Holmes County Central High School, Lexington, MS
English
Adams County Coroner James Lee said, “COVID-19 has taken on a new meaning” when he lost his 25-year-old granddaughter to the disease Thursday morning.
“COVID-19 has left a big hole in our hearts,” Lee said.
Lee said his granddaughter, Samara Lyric Rand, was pregnant with a now 3-month-old child when she first contracted the virus and had been fighting serious lung problems since then.
Lee said Rand grew up in Holmes County and was a resident of Lexington (Mississippi). Rand graduated summa cum laude from Alcorn State University in Lorman and immediately decided to become a teacher, Lee said.
Rand was in her second year of teaching for Holmes County School District and was just getting her classes ready for virtual learning before she became sick, Lee said.
“She was a perfectly healthy young lady,” Lee said.
Approximately three months ago, Lee said Rand started experiencing, shortness of breath. Her breathing worsened to the point of doctors delivering her baby so she could be treated.
“She went on a ventilator and never came off,” Lee said.
Lee has been reporting COVID-19 deaths in Adams County since the start of the pandemic. At the loss of his young granddaughter, Lee said it is clear that the virus does not discriminate based on age.
“My message to young people, anyone her age or older, is that this pandemic is real and you need to be very cautious as how you adhere to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines. Regardless of what anyone says, it’s real and you need to protect yourself. More young people are dying from the disease now, nationwide.”
Lee said the family would have a private funeral on Wednesday and said he is grateful to everyone who has reached out to his family and him.
“I thank everybody for their concern and the love they’ve shown to me and my family. Be safe,” he said.
Thomas Slade, 53
Died September 6, 2020.
Vancleave High School, Vancleave, MS
History
Thomas E. Slade II of Vancleave, MS passed away on September 6, 2020.
He was born on December 30, 1966. Tom was a Christian man and wanted to share God with everyone. He served the Lord in every way he could. Tom was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Vancleave, where he served as a deacon and secretary of the deacons. He loved singing in the choir and was honored to be a Sunday School teacher. He was a Past Master of the Ezel Lodge 426 and served as the secretary. Tom always looked to find the good in people. He had a love of teaching. Tom said that God lead him in the direction of teaching when he was a little boy. He did not just teach History, He cared for all his students and wanted to help them in any way he could.
God truly blessed me with Tom. He was a Christian, a gentleman, and a loving, trusting, and devoted husband and father. He loved his family and always put them first.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Inabinette Slade; brother, Thomas Lamar Slade; and maternal grandparents, Mack and Martha Inabinette and Rev. William and Ava Slade.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Maples Slade; daughter, Olivia Susanna Slade; son, Malachi Maples Slade; father, Thomas (Gene) Slade, Sr.; sister, LaGina (Rob) Landstreet; honorary sister, Amy (Keith) Garrison; extended family member, Juanita Burt; nieces and nephews; and many more friends and relatives.