Thursday, April 14, 2005
| Longtime
newspaper columnist retiring By
LINDA JONES After 72 years, Henderson Milan is retiring as a correspondent for The South Reporter. “I’ve had a stroke in my right eye and I just can’t see to do it anymore,” Milan said. He will be 84 years old on April 22. Milan began writing the “Holly Springs News” when he was 12 years old. “At 12 I wrote the same news that I write now,” he said. “I was inspired by the ladies who were writing for the McIntyre church and community, Lizzie King and Mrs. McIntyre. I wanted my church to be in there too. I attended Union Valley Church then.” Milan was born and reared near Byhalia and attended Mississippi Industrial College high school, as there were no black high schools then. He served in World War II, and sent articles home to The South Reporter during the war. “When I came home, I just kept on writing,” he said. When Milan returned from military service, he began college at MI, where he met his future wife, Mary. “I met him as a student in my first college session. He was fresh out of service,” Mary Milan said. The Milans have been married for 54 years. “We married on October 24, 1951 at 10 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church here in Holly Springs. The late Rev. W.L. Akers officiated,” Milan said. Both Henderson and Mary graduated from MI College and began teaching careers that spanned decades. After graduation, Henderson began his 30-year career teaching history at Galena School, retiring from Galena in 1981. Mary taught elementary education at Ashland and Old Salem schools, retiring after 37 years of teaching. Henderson is an active member of Hopewell No. 1 MB Church in Holly Springs, pastored by Rev. Leroy James. A deacon, he has served as treasurer and church clerk. Mary is a member of Samuel Chapel, although she attends Hopewell quite often. Both the Milans are active in the Marshall County Retired Education Personnel (formerly the Retired Teachers Association). “I’ve just loved it (writing). I like to report the church news and other happenings. “And I’ll still be turning in church news and announcements,” Milan said. After 72 years of Holly Springs news appearing in The South Reporter under Milan’s byline, the newspaper won’t be the same without him. Reception for Henderson Milan As we all wish him well in his “second” retirement, The South Reporter is hosting a reception for Henderson Milan on Friday, April 29, at 3 p.m. at the newspaper office. All the Milan’s friends, retired teachers, church members and family, along with the entire community, are cordially invited to attend.
Report News:
(662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Web Site
managed and maintained by |
|
