2024 Community Honorees
Luster BellE allen
Luster Belle Allen was born to Tressie Jones and Ed Jeffery on March 24, 1924, in Casscoe, Arkansas. Sher education began at the Blue Wing School. Later, she attended the Immanuel School, where she played basketball. Luster Bell has devoted her life to service as an usher and church treasurer at Wofford Chapel Church in Casscoe, Arkansas, an active and honorary board member of the Wofford Chapel Church Cemetery Maintenance Committee, as well as assisting community churches as an usher.
On March 24, 2024, Mrs. Allen became a Centenarian, a distinction only 1 percent of the world’s population achieves. She and her husband, Roy L. Allen, had ten children. An avid basketball fan, her favorite coach is Nolan Richardson, former University of Arkansas basketball coach. She is known for her pleasant demeanor, gentle smile, and quick wit!
Oliver B. elders
Oliver B. Elders is a living legend within the State of Arkansas and globally. Coach Elders has the distinction of mentoring some of the most talented and recognized basketball players in the nation's history. His resume is filled with numerous honors, such as serving as Director of an intern Program with the Department of Education under President Bill Clinton, a former player with the Harlem Magicians, and a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Little Rock Alumni Chapter member.
Coach Elders was born in DeWit, Arkansas; He later graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM & N College). He also has master's and specialist's degrees in Health and Physical Education from the University of Indiana.
Other awards and recognitions include Induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the UAPB Hall of Fame, and the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame. Oliver B. Elders, a philanthropist, established the Oliver B. Elders, Jr. Endowed Scholarship, benefiting deserving students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He is a poet and the author of the book "The Fruits of the Spirit."
He is married to Dr. Jocelyn Elders. They have two children: Eric and Kevin.
Thirlee “Sonny” Mitchell (Posthumous)
Thirlee Mitchell, born on March 14, 1942, in Roe, Arkansas, was the cherished only son of Thomas and Margaret Hall Mitchell. Affectionately known as Sonny, he graduated from G.W. Carver in Clarendon, Class of 1961. Growing up in Lookout, Arkansas, Thirlee followed in his father Thomas Mitchell's footsteps, developing a deep love for farming that would shape his career path.
Thirlee married Pearlene Dukes on November 16, 1962, enjoying 58 years of marriage and raising three children: Sharon, Tracy, and Gregory Todd. He was the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. As a devoted Deacon at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Roe, under the leadership of Reverend Henry Dabner, Sr., Thirlee served his community faithfully. He and his wife Pearl were known for their dedication to volunteering at the local foodbank. Thirlee's legacy embodies faith, family, and farming, reflecting his kind heart and commitment to giving back.
theodora Clemmons Trammell (Posthumous)
Theodora Clemmons Trammell, a descendant of Almyra, Arkansas, became a historical figure within her living community and the entire state of Arkansas. Theodora’s life journey began in Almyra, Arkansas, where she attended the Immanuel School until age 14. She then moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and graduated from J.C. Corbin School, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N), and MME Collinsworth Beauty School in Pine Bluff.
Theodora Trammell practiced cosmetology for more than 59 years. Her most notable business accomplishments are owning Trammell’s Beauty & Barber Supply, Inc., Trammell’s Beauty Room #1, and Trammell’s Boutique in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was the recipient of several business awards, including the Certificate of Recognition of Ownership of a Minority Business from the Arkansas Business Development Corporation, among many, many more.
Theodora, born in 1932, was the youngest of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stanford Clemmons. Her business partner and spouse, Clincy Trammell, Jr., were faithful members of Faith Presbyterian Church. Together, they had three children: Clincy III, Rosemary, and Lettie, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
