52 Faces of Community: Bonita Simmons
By Holly Desrosier
Bonita Simmons is no stranger to the spotlight. She has been performing as an independent gospel artist since her childhood and has given performances on several prestigious stages. However, she has also used her platform as an outreach ministry to help others in need, namely incarcerated women who are looking to turn their lives around.
Bonita was born in Stamford, Connecticut, but was raised in Kinston. Her parents were from the area and wanted to raise her in the south, so they moved back down when she was about 3. Her father was a preacher, so she began singing in church at a young age and performed for a variety of community events while growing up.
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SILVER CREEK Thomas Martin Pollock Jr., 85, of Silver Creek, formerly of Downingtown, Pa., died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, following a brief illness. He is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was born in West Chester, Pa., on Oct. 2, 1935, the son of the late Thomas Martin Pollock Sr. and Lois (Henry) Pollock Dickson.
He enjoyed an illustrious academic and athletic career at Downingtown High School in Downingtown, Pa., and Albright College in Reading, Pa.
Tom began his lifelong occupation of educational ministry following marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Jo Hammons on July 13, 1957. He taught history and coached football at his alma mater, Downingtown Jr/Sr High School, before taking the role of senior pastor of Goodwill Methodist Church.
February 20, 1948 â December 15, 2020
David Richard DeMayo of Heppner was born Feb. 20, 1948, in Geneva, New York, the son of Kenneth and Beverly (Clust) DeMayo. He went to be with his Lord on Dec. 15, 2020, in Heppner at the age of 72, after injuries stemming from a Parkinsonâs related fall.
Dave spent his childhood in Painted Post, New York, where he graduated from high school in 1966. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw the world, seeing action in Vietnam. His home base was in Hawaii, with many R & R times spent in Hong Kong and in the Philippines. He had fond memories of times spent in Hong Kong where he sponsored a boy at a Roof Top school. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of active duty.