Category: 1990s

Posted on

LaCrystal Jeanne Jackson ’98

LaCrystal Jeanne’ Jackson was born on June 21, 1976, to Jo Ellen Jackson and the late Eric Jackson in Chester, South Carolina. Our dearly departed, affectionately known as “Crystal,” ascended to Heaven on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

LaCrystal was educated in the Fairfield County School System, graduating from Fairfield Central High School in 1994. She then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Davidson College in North Carolina. LaCrystal was extremely bright, driven and had a passion for learning. Her thirst for knowledge and dedication to personal and professional growth led her to obtain a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, all while maintaining a full-time job and raising her boys. Further demonstrating her commitment to excellence, LaCrystal completed the Project Management Fundamentals course at Midlands Technical College and achieved her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. She was also a proud graduate of the esteemed Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative at Furman University.

LaCrystal was a hardworking woman who devoted countless hours to every role she held. Her dedication and brilliance allowed her to excel as a project manager, proposal/grant writer, consultant, and strategist. Her passion for learning and her drive to make a difference in every endeavor she undertook will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to work alongside her.

LaCrystal’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

The Joy of the Journey

LaCrystal was a benevolent, charismatic, and loving person whose wardrobe was as colorful as she was. A social butterfly with an infectious laugh, she had an amazing ability to make everyone feel comfortable in her presence. Gifted in building meaningful relationships, her friends and social network included people from all different walks of life. She mastered making connections, whether for jobs, resources, or people, touching lives worldwide. To her family, friends, and communities, LaCrystal was every woman—a superwoman.

LaCrystal’s love for servant leadership shined brightly through her numerous volunteer roles, including serving on the board of Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, and Vice President of Administration of the South Carolina PMI Midlands Chapter. LaCrystal also developed a passion for politics, providing tireless support, volunteer management, and impeccable execution for successful local campaigns. She believed in getting involved in opportunities that uplifted people and bettered the community.

In the Spring of 2018, LaCrystal “the Decoder” Jackson joyfully became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Columbia Alumnae Chapter). Devoted to the organization’s principles of scholarship, public service, and sisterhood, she wore her crimson and cream with pride.

LaCrystal loved the Lord and was a prayer warrior, worshiper, and a woman of great faith. Grateful for God’s faithfulness and compassion, she walked out her faith by always giving to and helping others—being the hands and feet of Christ. She organized prayer calls and devotions to support friends and colleagues through various life challenges, including the weekly Workplace Wednesday Motivation for working professionals and Hannah’s Prayer Wall for those desiring children. Her special calling to minister to single mothers led her to provide guidance, resources, and babysitting. LaCrystal was a champion for women, supporting several women’s ministries throughout the state, helping others set bold life goals, and developing strategies to achieve them, all while fervently praying for their success.

Her Legacy

LaCrystal’s greatest joy was her two boys, Brandon and Nicholas. A devoted mother, LaCrystal was determined to ensure that her boys had strong mentors and role models. She connected with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition as a passionate advocate and supporter of these organizations. She faithfully loved her family and her close friends from every facet of her life.

In addition to her father, LaCrystal was preceded in death by her brother, Leroy Coad, Jr.

LaCrystal leaves to cherish and forever hold her timeless memories to her two beautiful children, Brandon A. Jackson and Nicholas D. Jackson; mother, Jo Ellen Jackson; two sisters, Patrice Darlene (John) Sanders and Octavia Pearson; one aunt, Hattie Mae Thompson; great aunt, Mattie Fae Johnson; six nephews, Johnathan Sanders, Leroy “Trey” Coad III, Raymonte Pearson, Katarious Pearson, Samal Pearson, and SaDavien Pearson; three nieces, Dollecia Brianna Coad, Shontavia Pearson, and Amirah Pearson; goddaughter, Tiyanna Woodard; special friend, Keithan McGowan; bonus brother, Dr. Shakeem Lane; bonus sister, Shonda Irby (Mark) Coe; special sister, Alana Odom (Derrick) Williams; special father figure, Heyward Bannister; and a host of close relatives and dear friends.

Posted on

John Charles McNeill ’93

The family announces the passing of John Charles “Charlie” McNeill of Kansas City, Kansas, formerly of Lenoir, N.C. He is the son of Donald and Ann McNeill of Southern Pines, N.C., formerly long term residents of Lenoir. He is survived by sister, Susan Kight; and two nephews Cameron Kight and Alex Kight of Wilmington, N.C.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Lenoir Presbyterian Church at 12:00 noon with Rev. Rob Hinman officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 P.M. at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. They will receive friends one hour prior from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. at the church.

Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Posted on

Graham Pollock Powell ’97

Graham Pollock Powell, 47, died on December 2, 2022 in Charleston, SC. He is survived by his parents, Clarine and Rob Powell of Greenville, NC, his grandmother, Catherine Gant Powell of Greenville, NC, brother Bert Powell and wife Peyton of Greenville, NC, brother John Powell and wife Davy of Charleston, SC, sister Catherine Powell Box and husband Jason of Swarthmore, PA, cousin Riddick Lynch of Charleston, SC, three nephews, Jackson, Gibbon and Bill Powell of Greenville and a niece, Caroline Powell of Charleston, SC. Graham had a large extended family and many friends who loved him and were loved by him.

Graham was a graduate of Rose High School in Greenville, NC, Davidson College, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was recognized by his peers early in his law career as a Rising Star and later as a Super Lawyer while practicing as a Partner in the law firm of Wall, Templeton and Haldrup specializing in construction litigation. Graham was the immediate Past President of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association and made significant contributions to his profession. His disdain for rules, exceptional argumentative skills and passion for helping those who needed it most made him the quintessential attorney.

Graham had an adventurous spirit and his love of travel took him to Scotland, Australia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and several other destinations around the globe. While he would typically recruit and encourage others to go wherever he was going, he never minded going out on his own. Graham loved skiing and boating with friends. He was quick-witted, very funny and a spirited storyteller. Graham was creative and enjoyed finding special ways to surprise his nephews. He loved music, whether that meant jamming on his fiddle, crafting the perfect playlist, or best of all, attending a live show. Widespread Panic, Phish, Jack White and U2 were among the highlights. Graham had a sharp intellect and a newfound passion for writing. He detested conformity. One of the most important relationships in his life was with his loyal canine companion – Airlie. They spent 18 wonderful years together and enjoyed regular swims at Folly Beach. Graham was kind. He used all of his gifts to show up in big ways with big gestures. Lovingly referred to as the Mighty Mighty GP, Graham was big. His love was big.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 2:30 PM, Sunday, December 18 followed by a reception. A gathering for a time of remembrance will be held in Charleston, SC on Wednesday, December 28 at a time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Junior Appalachian Musicians (www.jamkids.org/GrahamPowell) or the charity of your choice.

Posted on

Margaret Lynn Morgan ’91

On November 24, 2022, Margaret Lynn Morgan, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and much-admired friend and educator, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born August 16, 1969, in Cutchogue, New York to Dr. Donald O’Quinn Morgan and Sue (Brown) Morgan. Dr. Don Morgan’s work as a research veterinarian took the family to Lexington, Kentucky and Urbana, Illinois, but home was the tip of Long Island where the potato and pumpkin farms provided most of the entertainment. She graduated from Mattituck High School in 1987.

Margaret’s lifelong dream was to teach high school math, so she began her education at Davidson College, in Davidson, North Carolina. At Davidson, Margaret found her place. She loved the college almost as much as she loved the friends she made there. You didn’t know Margaret for long without knowing how important her Davidson years were to her. She loved to tell the story of when Hurricane Hugo came through, and the campus lost power for a week. She cherished the time with her Davidson family at the Davidson gatherings at Montreat, North Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Davidson, Margaret decided to move to Athens, Georgia to pursue her graduate education at both of her parents’ alma mater, the University of Georgia. Margaret earned both a master’s degree in Mathematics Education (1993) and a master’s degree in Mathematics (1995). While in graduate school, Margaret worked as a tutor for the UGA Athletics Department, making friends with most of the football players of the early nineties.

It was during graduate school that Margaret met the love of her life, Derrell Hall. Margaret and Derrell were married August 3, 1996, holding the event on land that had been in her family for over a hundred years and where her family still had a home. Margaret and Derrell made their home in Athens, Georgia, and Margaret procured a mathematics teaching position at what was then called Athens Area Technical Institute. Margaret rose quickly through the ranks at Athens Tech, serving as mathematics instructor, department coordinator, e-Learning coordinator, Director of Instruction, and Dean for the Division of Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing. Margaret would eventually follow her dream of teaching high school math and ended her career as a mathematics instructor at Cedar Shoals High School. One of Margaret’s driving forces was to mentor students to love math as much as she did. More importantly, she wanted her students to love learning and to achieve more than they thought possible (which they did). In 2011, Margaret earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia. She was proud to follow in her father’s footsteps with the title Dr. Morgan.

Without question, the greatest moment of Margaret’s life was the day her son Jackson was born. Jackson brought a happiness to his parents’ lives that they could never have imagined. She always liked to say that Jackson was made of the best parts of both of his parents. She was thrilled when she began teaching high school that Jackson was still young enough for long summer vacations. They made a goal to visit as many major league baseball parks as they could and visited all of the major national parks. One of her favorite annual traditions was spending the holidays in Snowshoe, West Virginia, drinking hot chocolate and watching Derrell and Jackson ski. Most recently, Margaret celebrated Jackson’s admittance to UGA-another Dawg in the family!

In addition to loving math, Margaret was an outstanding baker. She loved making cakes, cookies, and breads. She said that cooking for others is what helped her relax. Her friends and family all benefited from her “relaxation,” and everyone had their favorite dish that she would make for them on birthdays and special occasions. Her pumpkin cake was legendary.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Derrell Hall; son Jackson Morgan Hall; her brother, Ernest (Kelly) Morgan of Star, North Carolina; her nephew Donald (Stephanie) Morgan and her great-nephew Bruce Morgan of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her niece, Madeline Morgan of Alexandria, Virginia. She also has special friends, who are like family, Madeline and Jonathan Ransom and their parents and her friend, Caroline Angelo, Jackson’s “second” mom. She also leaves behind her two much-loved dogs, Wrigley and Chipper.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until 10:45AM at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity or the Fund for Davidson College.

Posted on

Amanda Grant Edwards ’95

Amanda Grant Edwards died with her loving family around her at Carolina’s Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 2, 2022, at the age of 49 after an eight-year battle against breast cancer. 

Amanda was born on July 31, 1973, in Atlanta, Georgia to her loving parents, Dr. and Mrs. R. Peery (Nancy) Grant.  She graduated from Lakeside High School in 1991 and then from Davidson College in 1995.  She earned a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and practiced as a pediatric physical therapist until breast cancer prohibited her from working any longer.

Amanda’s greatest passion was serving as loving wife to Renato, doting mother to Grant and Sofia and friend to everyone.  Amanda had a passion for food and wine and loved to cook.  She also loved to love people.  Her friends and family called her a “people collector” due to her ability to turn every stranger into a lifelong friend.  Amanda was an inspiration to others throughout her difficult journey with breast cancer.  Her strength and determination to keep fighting will continue to inspire those of us who were lucky enough to know and love her.

Amanda is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Renato Edwards, and their two children Samuel Grant Edwards and Sofia Gardner Edwards.  Amanda will also be deeply missed by her two sisters, Tracy (Robert) Wade and Susan (Malcolm) Traxler, M.D. and their families. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at https://pages.lls.org/ltn/nc/charlnc22/teamamanda.