It was an afternoon full of love, friends, food, dignitaries, community, and the Lord on Saturday as Rand Mill Road Park was renamed in honor of the late councilmember Jackie Johns Sr., during the 4th Annual Smith Drive Park Reunion.
The official renaming was a response by the town council to an outpouring of community support that resulted in a petition with over 1000 signatures. (read more here).
After a welcome by Shelby Smith, Dr. Kevin Sturdivant of Springfield Baptist Church provided the scripture reading and Reverend Tracy J. Bell, Pastor at New Bethel Christian Church, led the assembly in prayer.
Michelle Collins, who spearheaded the effort for the park renaming and became known as the ‘the lady with signatures for Jackie Johns’ recapped the efforts of the community which afforded this momentous day, a mere 8 months after Jackie Johns’ death.
Elected officials from all levels and branches of government were in attendance. Congressman David Price, North Carolina Supreme Court Judge Mike Morgan, Councilmember Kathy Behringer, and Mayor Ronnie Williams provided remarks and remembrances.
Other elected officials in attendance were Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker, Wake County School Board Member Monika Johnson-Hostler, Councilmember Ken Marshburn, and Councilmember Elmo Vance.
White balloons were released during a moment of silence and remembrance of not only councilmember Johns but any and all loved ones lost.
Capping off the dedication, Mayor Williams and Jackie John Jr. were surrounded by a crowd of phones and cameras eager to capture the moment as the chanted countdown expired, revealing a beautiful sign emblazoned with “Jackie Johns Sr. Community Park”.
The temporary sign was gorgeous and colorful but will eventually be replaced with a permanent carved sign common to other signs at Garner parks.
It was a fittingly beautiful day of remembrance and community.
The Smith Drive Community Reunion Committee
Dot Avery
Keith Avery
Sean Clark
Laverne Collins
Michelle Collins
Jackie Estee
Paula Grange
Rodney Griffs
Katrina Griffis-Wood
Clyde Gulley
Cheryl Hinton
Greg Hinton
Joseph “Bunk” Hinton
Rodney Hinton
Lisa Smith
Shelia Smith
Walter Smith
Breanna Watson
Barbara Turner Watson
Cora Turner Watson
Ronnie Woods
Barbara Leak Worth