Christ in Me Family, a church organized in the 21st Century, does not have the years of community ministry as do those churches organized in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, but it has a strong and active spiritual influence in the community.
Located on Hardwick Road in the church building originally built by Seddon Baptist, the church was established Jan. 30, 2007, by Rev. Robert L. Orr, founding pastor, Sister Erica Orr, and Rev. Orlando Chandler.
Christ in Me Family deacons
Much time was spent in prayer, for the three desired that the new church be spirit-filled and inclusive. The first service was held in the Pell City Community Center, Feb. 4, 2007, with 100 persons attending and 62 joining the church.
Rev. Orr, in a 2025 interview, expressed his vision for the church. “It was laid on my heart to build a church where everybody was somebody. That was our main motto at the time: Everybody Is Somebody. That was the focus, and we wanted to make sure to build a culture where everybody felt important.”
To establish member involvement, Rev. Orr’s plan was for every member to participate in some area of church ministry. Involvement like this would create a feeling of “this is our church” as members worked together to bring in new congregants as the church would grow over the years.
Rev. Orr estimates that today, 80% of Christ in Me Family members are involved in a ministry. “We don’t have members who just come and are not connected. They are working in one of the ministries that we have.” The ministries are: Bereavement, Board of Directors, Children’s Church, Couples, Culinary, Deacons, Greeters, Media, Music, Prayer, Security, Strategic Team, Senior Citizens and Ushers.
No matter how young a church is, death and sorrow are nearby, and a Bereavement Ministry exists to give comfort and support to families suffering the death of a loved one. Jimmie Lou Sanders leads this ministry assisted by Linda McCoy, sharing the love of Jesus and His comfort in difficult seasons.
Celebration of Baptism
The Board of Directors ministers in directing the church. “Our church is not a congregational-ruled church,” Rev. Orr explained. “Our Board of Directors plays a special part because they make decisions for the church.” Members are Amelia Beavers, Laverne Beavers, Cheryl Collins, Tangela Orr, Victoria Hill, Lonnie Orr, Nicole Beavers and Carl Hill. The focus of the Board is to see that the church operates in unity.
Children’s Church was established when Christ in Me Family first organized and serves children up to 12 years old. It is a vital church ministry led by Cheryl Collins. “This has been a very important part of the church,” observed Rev. Orr, “because when families come, we want to reach the whole family – children, youth and teens.” A church needs children and youth in order to progress in growth.
The Couples Ministry, led by Nicole Beavers and Freida Sanders, has blossomed into a vigorous ministry. This ministry has a lot of outings such as bowling, movie nights, dinners, and workshops. Its events provide quality time for couples to fellowship together and develop camaraderie.
The Culinary Ministry is led by Shirley Jean Posey and Elaine Sanders, who prepared delicious food at the Pell City Steakhouse for many years. Shirley Jean started cooking there in 1969 and Elaine in the 1970s. “These two families have been a blessing for the Posey / Thomas family joined the church, and about 30 family members came with them,” Rev. Orr said.
When the church has dinners, luncheon, or conferences, Shirley Jean and Elaine are there organizing, planning and getting the job done. “With any kind of catering, they volunteered the majority of the food to the church over the years,” Rev. Orr said. “So, the church has never really been out much, cause Miss Posey and her family have served many events over the last 18 years.”
The Deacon Ministry is a service ministry. The first deacon was Cicero Hill, who served until his death at 86 years old. The deacon body grew in number, and part of their responsibilities is to oversee the church edifice. “These men assist me where there is a need,” said Rev. Orr. “In the Scripture, Acts, Chapter 6, talks about serving those that were being neglected. So, when we have a need, as far as the edifice is concerned or the grounds, all of these gentlemen have helped, and they have been a blessing.”
The men who serve the church today are Marvin White, Carl Hill, Laveran Beavers, Dino McCoy, Tim Fortner, Charles McCoy, Bruce Campbell, Khalil Pope, Kenyatti Sanders and Stevie D. Calhoun.
The Greeters Ministry, led by Victoria Hill, welcomes attendees on Sunday mornings. Other members assist the leaders in welcoming people as they arrive and serving them coffee and donuts. These refreshments offer relaxed Christian fellowship before worship services.
Christ in Me Family is blessed to have a Media Ministry led by young college grads who have joined the church in the past couple of years. Tori Hill and Khalil Pope lead this ministry.
First Lady Tangela Orr and Rev. Robert L. Orr
The Music Ministry is under the leadership of First Lady Tangela Orr. The church has moved from the choir music tradition to a praise team experience on Sunday mornings.
The Ministry of Prayer is led by Prayer Warrior Linda White. Rev. Orr spoke of her power in prayer. “She’s an intercessor. She’s awesome when it comes to interceding for me and interceding for the Board of Directors.” For any church, faithfulness in prayer is a proven way of supporting and strengthening a church, its pastor and its people.
The Security Team is led by Steve D. Calhoon and Kevin Ellis.
Christ in Me Family’s Strategic Team is led by Lashanna Hollingsworth McKinney, Kenyetta McGraw Thomas, Shay Carter and Chandra Shepard.
Serving all ages
With people living longer, a Senior Citizen Ministry is vital to any church. No matter how old or young a church is, there’s always a group of older folks to minister. The Senior Citizens Ministry is under the leadership of Victoria Hill along with Freda Sanders and Cheryl Collins. “We want to reach every part of our church life,” observed Pastor Orr. “You may have a mother and father with children, but what about the grandmother or grandfather?” Activities for seniors include a luncheon for them at the church every third Friday. Christ in Me Family Wants to show their older members that they are loved and that they are cared about. Their experiences and wisdom are assets to the church.
The Ushers Ministry welcomes everyone and provides information to first-time visitors. Brenda McCoy and Freida Sanders lead this ministry.
Evolution of today’s church
After the organizational meeting in January 2007, the church met in the Pell City Community Center for a few months and then moved to a facility in Cropwell. A few years later when Seddon Baptist relocated from their Hardwick Road building to a larger complex on Hwy 78, Christ in Me Family was able to acquire Seddon’s brick church building for their own. They celebrated their 2014 Founder’s Day in the Hardwick Road location.
Pastor Orr spoke highly of Pastor Dale Foote and the Seddon Baptist leadership and their cooperation with Christ in Me Family’s purchasing the property. “They were very good to us and very kind. I want to say the first four years we paid the principal to them, until we were able to get a loan.”
The two pastors became friends during this process, and Pastor Foote recently commented, “Pastor Orr has a heart to lead the church. He’s a great man of faith and vision. It’s hard to find pastors in this day and time that will stay the course. Pastor Orr has stood firm and faithful. I’m glad our ministry paths have crossed. We learn so much by those God places in our path. Wonderful man of God!”
Christ in Me Family is a congregation of believers serving God and one another. A traditional praise song they sing expresses their joy of serving God:
What a mighty God we serve,
What a mighty God we serve.
Angels bow before him,
Heaven and earth adore him,
What a mighty God we serve.
If you are looking for a church where families of all ages are welcomed and where there is praise and worship of Jesus Christ, make a visit to Christ in Me Family. You may discover that you have found the church just right for you and your family.and influence generations to come. Hold fast to your dreams and keep on collecting history. Your dream has strong wings.
For the 27th year, the Pell City Hometown Block Party is back. Once again, downtown Pell City will transform into a celebration of community, culture and hometown pride.
On June 6, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., the city’s historic downtown corridor will resonate with live music, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities and the energy that has made this event one of Pell City’s longest-running traditions.
But beyond the entertainment and festivities, organizers say the heart of the Block Party has always been rooted in something deeper.
So, what makes this event so special?
According to Urainah Glidewell, executive director of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of the event, it all comes down to the people.
A night of entertainment, food and fun
“Pell City is a thriving community filled with people and businesses that contribute to our city’s growth,” Glidewell said. “Nonetheless, we find a way to stay true to the city’s origins.”
That balance between progress and preservation is part of why the Block Party has remained in downtown Pell City for nearly three decades.
“We have so many historic buildings that are not only beautiful, but still occupied by thriving businesses,” she said. “Hosting the event downtown allows us to bring attention to those spaces and celebrate the history that continues to shape who we are today.”
As the Block Party enters its 27th year, organizers are focused on expanding what the celebration represents while holding tight to its original purpose: bringing people together.
“This event is one of the oldest traditions we have,” Glidewell said. “We have so many wonderful resources: our beautiful lake, our economic growth and our amenities. But our greatest resource is our people. Everyone shows up to support, and there’s just a genuine friendliness that fills the streets.”
That spirit of connection is shaping new ideas for 2026, including the launch of an “I Love Pell City” campaign, an initiative designed to spotlight what residents love most about their hometown.
From the lake and local schools to downtown and small-town charm, the campaign aims to give attendees tangible ways to show their pride through pins, stickers and community engagement.
What’s new?
While many beloved traditions return, this year’s Block Party will introduce several refreshed experiences designed to deepen community participation. Among the highlights is the return of the popular car show. “This year, we’re relocating the car show to an area that will be safer for attendees and logistically easier to access,” Glidewell said. A portion of the proceeds from the car show will benefit The Children’s Place, a local non-profit organization focused on helping children and families affected by abuse.
From food trucks, vendors to children’s rides, a fun night for all
Of course, the event will also continue with its tradition of showcasing local musical talent. “There are so many wonderful artists, singers and bands who began right here in Pell City,” Glidewell said. “We want to celebrate that talent and give them a platform.” Entertainment will span multiple genres, including rock, country, gospel and R&B.
This year’s event will also include an expanded kids’ play area. New for 2026, Glidewell shared that organizers are intentionally creating activities designed to engage teens as well.
“We’re really working to find ways to get our teens involved,” she said. “From games and team-building activities to Giant Jenga and Connect 4, we want to make sure they have something fun to do.”
“There will truly be something for everyone,” she added.
Dancing in the streets
One highlight Glidewell is especially excited about is the addition of community line dancing, led by local line dancing groups. Two confirmed groups bringing the energy are the Pell City Line Dancers and Konnect 2 Dance.
At designated times throughout the event, attendees will be invited to step onto the dance floor together. “We want to get people moving, laughing and connecting,” Glidewell said. “What better way to do that than with a good line dance?”
Vendors, makers and marketplace finds
From food trucks, vendors to children’s rides, a fun night for all
Approximately 75 vendors are expected for the 2026 event, showcasing a blend of returning favorites and new participants. Attendees can stroll through booths featuring local artisans and makers, along with a variety of food trucks and specialty treats.
To improve the experience, organizers are reconfiguring the event layout for better walkability and traffic flow, making it easier for guests to navigate and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.
Powered by Community Partnerships
The Block Party’s longevity is made possible through strong partnerships with local organizations and sponsors. “We’re blessed to have wonderful partners who help make this event possible,” Glidewell said.
Ongoing collaborations with the City of Pell City, WinSouth Credit Union, Union State Bank and downtown businesses help us bring this event to life and improve it year after year.
Get Involved
Volunteer opportunities are available for those who want to support the event behind the scenes. Roles include setup, vendor assistance, logistics and breakdown support.
Interested volunteers may email info@pellcitychamber.com.
Vendor registration is also open, with booth fees set at $50. Participants must hold a city business license and can register through the Chamber’s website.
Event updates, vendor lists and entertainment announcements will be shared via the Pell City Chamber’s website and social media channels.
A growing tradition
The Pell City Hometown Block Party continues to evolve while staying rooted in its original mission: celebrating the people, places and pride that define the community.
From line dancing in the streets to supporting local artists and businesses, the event serves as both a reflection of Pell City’s past and a celebration of its future.
“This event is about celebrating who we are,” Glidewell said. “And inviting everyone to be part of it.”
The funny thing about nostalgia is it rarely tells the whole truth.
It crops out the messy bits and smooths over the rough parts. It remembers the glow and not the glare. It replays the happiness but edits out the heartache. It’s a generous storyteller— but not always an honest historian.
It culls the past just enough to feel softer and a little more beautiful than it might have in the moment.
But maybe that’s part of its magic … or mercy. That it doesn’t tell the whole truth. Because the whole story was never as simple as memory makes it.
There were beautiful days, days that felt ordinary, and others that felt unbearably hard.
But time has a gentle way of editing our memories.
It blurs the edges.
Softens the noise. And leaves us holding the warmest parts of what once was.
And maybe that’s all nostalgia really is –
A tender recollection of our past.
– Mackenzie Free –
Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama
Looking for a high-energy evening that brings the community together while supporting a meaningful cause? Dancing With Our Stars, Pell City’s version of the popular television show Dancing With the Stars, returns for its 12th year this spring, continuing a beloved local tradition with a few thoughtful updates.
The event will take place on March 14 at 6 p.m. at the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA).
For more than a decade, Dancing With Our Stars has showcased performers from Pell City and surrounding areas in a fun competition that celebrates creativity, connection and community pride. While the Pell City Line Dancers organized and headlined the event for its first 11 years, this marks the first year CEPA has taken on full responsibility for planning and hosting the event.
CEPA Executive Director Ash Arrington says the transition feels like a natural next step. “We’re excited to expand off the stage and get into the community planning this event,” Arrington said. “It’s always been our goal to reach more people, and having this under the CEPA brand adds a level of legitimacy to our desire to serve the community in new ways.”
CEPA Assistant Director Maci Johnsey acknowledged that taking on the event has been a big challenge for the organization’s small staff, but also a rewarding one. “It’s been a lot to take on, but that also makes it more personal,” Johnsey said. “We have a small committee, which makes communication easy, and everyone involved really cares about keeping the heart of the event intact.”
What is New This Year
This year’s program introduces expanded performance categories, with group sizes classified as Duo/Trio, Small Group (3–15 participants) and Large Group (16–30 participants). The number of participating groups will also be capped to keep the total runtime at approximately 2.5 hours.
The event is open to community members who want to participate. Groups perform a short routine of their choice. Registration is free and open until capacity is reached. Participants can register at www.pellcitycepa.com, where full performance guidelines are available, or in person at the CEPA Box Office. Questions may be directed to Johnsey at maci@pellcitycepa.com.
“We want to keep the event fun while also keeping the audience engaged,” Arrington said.
Judging will include first-, second-, and third-place awards, along with several special recognitions. Winners will be selected by celebrity community judges, and awards will be given in each category.
Audiences can expect a diverse lineup of performers, including children, professional dancers, neighborhood groups, local schools and dance studios. Returning favorites include Red Apple Dance, an Asian dance group based in Birmingham, along with the Pell City Line Dancers. Both groups remain a cornerstone of the event.
Giving Back to the Community
In keeping with CEPA’s mission, proceeds from the event will benefit organizations whose work aligns with community enrichment. This year’s primary beneficiary is the Pell City Education Foundation, with a junior recipient, The Hartzog Foundation.
“We love spotlighting these organizations and bringing awareness to the incredible work they’re doing right here in our community,” Arrington said.
In addition to the dance performances, the evening will feature a silent auction, concessions and beer and wine available for purchase.
A Night That Brings People Together
For Johnsey and Arrington, the impact of Dancing With Our Stars goes beyond dance. “People show up year after year to support their family and friends,” Johnsey said. “It’s a tradition.”
Arrington agrees and says one of her favorite moments is greeting attendees as they arrive. “So much work happens behind the scenes,” she said. “Seeing people walk through the doors and watching the program come together makes it all worth it.”
In a time when connection feels especially important, Dancing With Our Stars continues to offer something simple and powerful: a reason for the community to come together, celebrate one another, and support causes that matter. lfluence generations to come. Hold fast to your dreams and keep on collecting history. Your dream has strong wings.
Spend time talking with Tonya Forman, and you’ll soon realize you have found a person who loves Pell City, Alabama, and is focused on advancing the city and preserving the history of its citizens.
Born to Lesley Sr. and Fannie Forman were Tonya and her siblings, Sharod, Lesley Jr., and Diane. Tonya grew up in Pell City and was an active member of Rocky Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated from Pell City High School in 1987. After graduation, she attended Central Alabama Community College in Childersburg.
Accepting a job with AT&T, she began commuting to Birmingham every workday. Before long, co-workers in the city began encouraging her to move to Birmingham rather than commute. Her response, she recently confided, was always, “There’s no place like Pell City! I can safely sit on my porch without a concern, and I’m not gonna leave that for a 30-minute drive down the interstate.”
Those conversations and her responses seem to be what urged her on to know her hometown better and to work for its upbuilding. “I realized what a blessing I had here in Pell city.”
CITIZENS IN ACTION
Forman at 2021 event with District 2 Councilwoman Ivi Wilson and Siri Truss
Tonya is a founding member of District 2 Citizens in Action, serving District 2 of Pell City. Established in 2021, the citizenship partnership is designed to achieve improved communication, understanding, and cooperation between citizens and city officials through increased personal contact between City Hall, neighborhoods and communities throughout the city. President of Citizens in Action is Bishop Donald Gover.
PELL CITY BLOCK PARTIES
One Pell City event Tonya devotes time to is the yearly Block Party. This event started in 1999 as an initiative to celebrate and bring the community together. For the past 26 years, it has brought citizens of Pell City and surrounding communities to the historic downtown for live music, kids’ rides, vendors, and food.
Tonya’s involvement in the Block Party began because at one event attendees began asking her questions to which they thought she should know the answers. Specifically, they asked about Greg White’s R&B Set which had occurred at 3:00 pm.
“A lot of people didn’t come to the Block Party until after the sun went down,” Tonya explained. “So, about 4:30 or 5:00 people were asking about Greg and Keith White.”
When they asked Tonya, she had to tell them his set was over. “It was amazing,” she laughed, “at how many were asking me, and I didn’t have anything to do with it.”
That would soon change, however, for a visit to Urainah Glidewell at the Pell City Chamber of Commerce office got results thatTonya hadn’t planned for or expected.
In the meeting with Urainah, Tonya explained how a lot of people avoided the heat of the day and came to the event when the day cooled down a bit. She asked that Greg White’s Set be moved to 5:00 instead of 3:00.
As they talked, Urainah said, “Why don’t you become an ambassador?” Which brought Tonya’s response, “What’s that and what does it involve?”
To that, Urainah responded, “Just do what you’re already doing. You’ve got a love for the city, promoting it and getting people involved.”
Ambassadors of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce are volunteers who help with events, welcome new chamber members, and support local Pell City businesses.
Never one to be uninvolved, Tonya filled out the Ambassador Application and was soon accepted.
Urainah Glidewell, Executive Director of the Chamber recently said of Tonya, who is now on the Chamber Board, “Rotunda ‘Tonya’ Forman has been a wonderful addition to the Pell City Chamber Board of Directors. From her tireless involvement with the community and her willingness to help with chamber events, to her generosity of time and spirit, we are so blessed to have Tonya as part of the team.” Tonya currently serves as Vice President of the Pell City Board of Directors.”
In her work with the Block Party, Tonya recognized that involving church musical groups would increase attendance as well as be a way churches could promote their ministries. So, church choirs, praise teams, and musicians became sets at the Block Parties.
When emergencies arise, as they will, Tonya can help assess the situation and bring resolution. One of these emergencies occurred at the 2025 Block Party. For the sponsors of the event, there is a VIP section where refreshments are served. As the day progressed, a storm rolled in, not only disrupting the event, but also blowing a tree across the driveway to Blue Eye Eatery, the caterer for the VIP section. “She had everything ready to bring out,” Tonya recalled, “but they were waiting to see if the power company was going to come out and cut the tree up.”
The power company didn’t come, and the caterer realized the only solution was a boat. “So, they communicated back and forth with Urainah Glidewell and Chamber members,” Tonya continued, “and they got on the boat with all the food and got it to the Civic Center where chamber members were there to unload, put it in a truck and get it here to the VIP area.”
Although delayed an hour or so by the storm, the VIP refreshments were ready by 5:30 or so. The early performers missed out, but the groups that came in at 5:00 and 6:00 were able to come in and enjoy the food.
ARCHIVING BLACK HISTORY
Tonya has accomplished a major success in the work of collecting and preserving the history of Pell City’s Black communities, schools, churches, and citizens.
Forman and Johnnie Mae Green at the museum
Erica Grieve, Museum of Pell City Coordinator, recently said this about Tonya’s work. “Rotunda’s passion for preserving Pell City’s Black history has been nothing short of inspiring. She has spent countless hours collecting stories, photographs, and artifacts that ensure the experiences and achievements of our Black community are never forgotten. Her dedication and heart have shaped the Museum’s Breaking Barriers Exhibits and continue to bring our shared history to life for future generations.”
When the museum director and board approached Tonya about collecting Black history, she told them, “Black people don’t have a lot of [recorded] history because they were either burned out, ran off, or left because of work.” She also pointed out fires and floods had damaged or destroyed photographs and treasured history recorded in family Bibles, etc. It would not be an easy task.
However, never one to be daunted by difficulty, she acknowledged it and set about collecting history of churches, communities, and citizens. A significantly rewarding part of the collection occurred with the taping of community members: those who had lived long lives; those who had helped integrate Pell City schools; and those who had excelled in professions once unavailable to our Black citizens. These people broke the barriers of segregation and blazed the way for those coming afterwards.
The first Breaking Barriers event was announced in the Anniston Star, February 6, 2024, in an article by Laura Nation. “The Museum of Pell City opens its locally produced Black History Month exhibit Feb. 8, featuring the people of this community as they experienced events of the times in which they lived. Their stories reflect decades of a changing community through the years as well.
‘This particular focus of the city’s history was actually born early in the development of the Museum of Pell City, said director Carol Pappas.’ Carol Papas is President of the Museum of Pell City.”
Nation’s article continued: “There are 15 profiles among the videos, some of these are Thelma O’Neal Jones, the first Black female elementary school principal; Don Allen, a member of the first integrated football team; Bob McGowan, first Black Avondale Mills supervisor; and Keith White, the first Black art teacher in Pell City Schools.” Terry Young and Tom Ham were also on the first integrated football team.
Carol Pappa recently spoke of Tonya, saying, “In the time that I have worked with Tonya on our museum board, I discovered that she’s not just a member in name only. She goes to work, ensuring that any project she’s associated with becomes a success story.”
Ninety-five-year-old Johnnie Mae Green gives high praise to Tonya and her work of collecting Black history. “For a person in her generation to reach back and to think about the times that we had in our young days and to get interested in our history]is just amazing. I’m telling you: she is one to be complemented.” Johnnie Mae further stated, “Now, God had to have given Tonya the inspiration to do this. Because, without our history recorded, we will never know our background. And I thank God for her. She’s just a dynamic person.” She paused, then added, “She’s a God-fearing young lady. That’s the ticket to life. She’s one in a thousand.”
Tonya’s journey of faith began at Rocky Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she grew up learning of God. She was baptized by Pastor James Adams who served the church for eleven years. As she matured, she sang in the choir and on occasion led the singing. She was youth director at a time when the youth program flourished. “At that time the church published a small youth newspaper,” she recalled, “and the “the youth would write about a topic we had studied in Sunday School or about events and trips that were upcoming. They highlighted achievements of a youth member.”
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Wreaths across America became another focus of Tonya’s as soon as she learned of this yearly event.
Wreaths across America, a non-profit organization, coordinates the placing of Christmas wreaths on the graves of veterans. The motto of the organization is “Remember, Honor, and Teach. Remember our veterans that served and are serving America, Honor the fallen veterans, and Teach our youth about the service and sacrifice of our veterans and families.”
Forman helping with Wreaths Across America
Tonya learned of the project in a conversation with Mindy Manners at the Museum of Pell City. “I knew about Wreaths across America, nationally, but I didn’t think of it as locally involved,” she confided recently.
So, when Mindy started talking about it, I thought, I do remember flags, but I didn’t recall seeing wreaths, and I didn’t realize that it was a program doing it versus individual families or churches doing it.” In their conversation, Mindy told Tonya about the cemeteries she helped with, and Tonya realized they were traditional white church cemeteries. When Tonya commented, “We have Black veterans in our cemeteries,” Mindy’s response was, “Would you be interested in doing it for them?”. Tonya’s immediate response was “What do I have to do? How do we get this started?
The answer to that question was that Mindy Manners was getting ready to have a meeting at Pell City First Baptist Church. Tonya immediately called her Aunt Verhonda Embery, and good friend Jennifer Gover. These women travel together and always find cemeteries to explore, and they attended Manners’ meeting.
“We got the information we needed ,” Tonya recalled, “and Mindy told us how to get started—the website that we could communicate with.”
Tonya gives much credit to Jennifer Gover for getting Wreaths across America successful in the Black cemeteries of Pell City. “Jennifer took the lead. I like to work in the background, and I’m good with that.”
They began researching cemeteries and the veterans buried in each, and ended up with six cemeteries: Mt. Zion, Rocky Zion (Pell City Community), Coleman, First Baptist Cropwell, Greenfield, and Bloominglight (which used to be called Robinson).
Tonya and Jennifer had difficulty locating graves that didn’t have markers, and family members had to show where they were. Dirt had obscured some markers and they removed the dirt from those. “We involved the community,” Tonya reminisced, “and told them you’re gonna have to help us find where they’re buried.
Tonya and Jennifer got gas line marker flags to mark graves they located. The churches got involved, and the person in charge of individual cemeteries made sure they were spruced up for the wreath placing ceremony.
Wreaths cost $17.00 each Family members paid for some, and others who had no veteran to honor gave donations—some for more than one wreath, and the money came in to pay for the wreaths.
That first year, 2023, the wreaths arrived and were stored at Rocky Zion Baptist Church and some at Jennifer Gover’s home, and the two ladies organized up the program. “We got ROTC involved.” Tonya recently recalled. “We couldn’t get Pell City ROTC involved that first year, so Jennifer found veterans in Bessemer who had a program, and they came out and did the salute for us at the church, and we had singing. So, we had a small program. “
Volunteers distributed wreaths to each church, and the ladies had someone at each cemetery to meet the families and place the wreaths on the family graves. As each wreath was placed, a family member would say the names out into the atmosphere. A proclamation that here we honor one who served the United States of America, and we are proud of their service.
Writing of the premiere event, Laura Nation wrote in the December 14 issues of The St. Clair Times, “Excitement for the Wreaths Across America program has been building as two Pell City women, Jennifer Gover and Rotunda Forman, noted the need to honor the veterans and set out to develop a way to do so earlier this year.”
After mentioning the excitement of the project, Nation speaks of Gover and Forman’s labor of love in the wreaths. “Preparation for the 2023 event involved much research, contacting family members and friends, and spreading out into the community to locate as many veterans as possible. The women said they were met with much interest and help in the effort, and now, in the first year of their plan, the program is in place.”
Tonya recounts an interesting 2023 event at one of the cemeteries. “Coleman is a split cemetery—there’s a Black side and a white side. The person in charge of the white side saw what we were doing and wanted to participate; so Jennifer was able to get enough wreaths to cover the graves of the white veterans also.” What a beautiful cooperation that calls to mind the lyrics from the 60s which are as true today as then: Black and white together someday/ Deep in my heart I do believe / We shall overcome someday.
Having known Tonya for a long time and having worked with her on this project, Jennifer Gover observes, “Tonya and I have served together for the past three years as Location Coordinator and Coordinator Assistant for Wreaths Across America. During that time, she has been an invaluable asset in sharing with others the mission of WAA while convincing individuals to sponsor wreaths for our veterans resting in six local cemeteries.
“She has a strong sense of purpose and is always able to provide additional options while giving that beautiful smile. She has a heart for service and sometimes overextends herself . I think she does that because of the willingness to serve rather than be served. She’s always ready for the next adventure.”
The wreaths are removed before they turn brown and ugly. “We get our volunteers to go back and remove them,” Tonya explains. “If available, we get Greg Gossett of the Pell City Maintenance and Street Department to get someone to come out and pick them up. We bagged them up and they came and removed them.”
The success of the first year of participation in Wreaths across America has continued. In 2025, more than 200 wreaths were placed on graves.
HOLD FAST TO DREAMS
Parents Lesley Sr. and Fannie Forman
Of Tonya’s devotion to collecting and preserving Pell City’s Black history and the Breaking Barriers project, Johnnie Mae Green says, “She should be as famous as Harriet Tubman,” for Tubman collected and preserved the stories of those she helped escape slavery. Carol Pappas, President of the Museum of Pell City, praises her work as well. “Breaking Barriers, our celebration of Black history in our community, resulted from Tonya’s work, her creativity and her vision to make it happen. We are now in our third year in the series, which has focused on the first to break barriers in their respective fields, reflections of faith and family, and this year, foundations of education – a salute to educators who made a difference.
“Tonya is that rare soul who can see a need and doesn’t stop working until that need is filled. We could never have come this far in bridging our community together without her efforts.”
Langston Hughes, Black poet of the mid-twentieth century, wrote,
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.
Supported by her faith, Tonya pursued her dreams of preserving the history of a city and its people, and in fulfilling that dream she put love into action.
Tonya, your work will continue to benefit and influence generations to come. Hold fast to your dreams and keep on collecting history. Your dream has strong wings.
Central Alabama reading program working to level the playing field
Story by Paul South Submitted Photos
Imagine the inability to read a sign, fill out a job application or even a check. Far too often, that scene plays out in Alabama, where one in four adults find those everyday tasks impossible.
They are functionally illiterate, shackled by an inability to read, but a growing number are reversing the challenges they face thanks to literacy programs like that of the Central Alabama Literacy Council.
Words like those of Helen Keller, who overcame profound disability to inspire the world, motivate retired pastor Ron DeThomas to meet the challenges head on. Keller once said, “More than at any other time, when I hold a beloved book in my hand, my limitations fall from me, my spirit is free.”
Tutors encouraged to volunteer in effort
DeThomas and the volunteers at the Central Alabama Literacy Council are working to help dozens of students overcome what has become their own disability.
The council serves St. Clair, Calhoun, Talladega, Etowah and Cleburne County in east Alabama, and DeThomas serves as county coordinator for the organization in those counties, which is funded through the United Way of Central Alabama.
Right now, the organization is working to help 25 individuals. To DeThomas, the former assistant pastor of Victory Christian Center, this is another type of ministry.
He was approached by Pell City leaders about taking the position. “I didn’t have any reason to say no. I have a lot of flexibility in the job.”
Surprisingly, some 90 percent of clients served by the council are high school graduates or higher. They have become victims of social promotion, the educational practice in which a student is moved to the next grade at the end of the academic year, regardless of whether they have mastered the material, with the objective of keeping students with their peers.
“Our average student might be somewhere in the area of 30 to 35 years old,” DeThomas said. “I think that’s pretty much it. Some years back we got off the old and strict standards of the school system, and they got lax in it.”
In 2019, at Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s urging, the legislature passed the Literacy Act, mandating that Alabama third graders must demonstrate reading proficiency on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program to advance to the fourth grade.
“We needed this for a long time,” DeThomas said.
The first hurdle the council has to overcome in attracting new students is that stigma. “There aren’t many who we approach about literacy who just turn us down and don’t want to do it,” DeThomas sad. “Most of the reason they turn it down is because they are afraid someone is going to find out they can’t read at 42 years old or something. But I can assure them there are really not going to have that issue to face because the student, the tutor and myself are the only people who know they are being tutored. We keep all the information confidential.”
Many of the tutors are retired teachers or reading specialists. But classroom experience isn’t required.
“You don’t have to be in the field of education,” DeThomas said. “When we find a person who wants to be a tutor, we put them through a one-day training course. But it’s pretty extensive stuff. When they get through (the training), they start teaching. We have had an abundance of retired teachers that are doing this. That’s hard to beat.”
DeThomas has also tutored, working with a student at the St. Clair County Correctional Facility. For the retired pastor, tutoring is a different type of evangelism. But there is the joy that comes when the light of learning flips on.
“There are times like that in a lot of people’s situations, you just think, ‘’That’s what I’ve been waiting for,’ for the bell to come on, or something like that. But I think it does make a difference. I think it really does encourage the tutor as much as it does the student,” DeThomas said.
“These teachers really get into this tutoring thing, because they see the importance of it. They can tell when a student is really on board.”
In his eight years of work with the organization, only one or two students dropped out early in the program. “That’s really more of an encouragement for both the student and the tutor,” DeThomas said.
Students invest an hour each week for anywhere from nine months to a year. There is an emphasis on phonics and comprehension. The one-on-one classes are offered at no cost.
“They’re learning the things we learned in first, second third and fourth grade that they didn’t learn for whatever reason,” DeThomas said. “A lot of the students think it’s their fault that they didn’t learn to read. But that’s not always the case,”
For example, DeThomas told the story of one student who changed schools seven times in eight years. “He was a floating battleship out there,” DeThomas recalled. “He didn’t know what was going on. He got a different view of everything at every different school he attended.”
DeThomas believes parents who don’t place a priority on learning are a major issue in the struggles kids have in the classroom. “That’s sad, but it’s the truth,” he said.
He is hopeful about the future because of programs like this. Every encounter he has with students affirms he made the right decision when he chose to work in adult literacy.
“We’ve had students in the past who will tell you in a heartbeat their lives changed when they learned to read. They’ve become proficient in what they’ve been missing all these years. Their situation changed when they learned to read.”
That could mean the ability to read a beloved book, or the words of a hymn, or on a menu, or a driver’s license manual or job application. Some go on to get their GED. Think of it, as Helen Keller said, a mind and spirit freed.
“They feel comfortable reading now,” DeThomas said. “The light really comes on then. That happens with about every student that comes our way. Our commitment is, we’re going to make you a better family member, a better employee and help you be the person that you really want to be.” l
Editor’s Note:For more information about the Central Alabama Literacy Council, to become a student or tutor or to donate, or who knows someone who wants to learn to read, call 205-378-9072.
People from across the region take part in the Great Grown-up Spelling Bee at CEPA
THE GREAT GROWN-UP SPELLING BEE
The community has a chance to boost literacy by competing in or supporting the Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. on March 12 at the CEPA Center on the campus of Pell City High School. Doctors, lawyers, business and political leaders compete in three-member teams matching their spelling skills.
Proceeds from the Spelling Bee go to benefit the Literacy Council. For more information and for corporate sponsorship, call 205-378-9072.
The Bee helps build awareness of the Literacy Council and its work in bringing folks up to speed in their reading skills.
