As we celebrate and honor Black History Month, it is only fitting that we acknowledge the great achievements and accomplishments of our own John D. McCarty, who celebrated his 90th birthday a few weeks ago on January 12, 2023 at the Lamb County Electric Co-Op building.
Family and friends throughout Texas and traveling as far as Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, N.C., gathered to honor a man who has been and continues to be a pillar of the Littlefield community. There were more than 150 guests in attendance.
It was such a blessing to give our Uncle John his flowers while he yet lives! His favorite scripture is II Cor 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, The old has gone, the new is here.” (NIV) Mayor Eric Turpen shared a proclamation that declared it John D. McCarty Day, accompanied by Councilman Eric Saenz, District 1. Will Williams, representing Precinct 1 of the School Board, was also in attendance The event was coordinated by Retha McCarty Williams, who was married to the late Leo McCarty, Sr., his nephew; Ethel McCarty, the wife of his only living sibling, Hershell McCarty, and Sharon Johnson, a good friend.
Mr. McCarty’s godchildren (the children of the late Leo McCarty, Sr. and Retha) played an integral role in the celebration, Pastor Randy McCarty, served as MC, Pastor Leo McCarty did a tribute song, and Dr. Yulanda (aka, LaTrecia) McCarty-Harris, read a beautiful tribute from Shawna Wagley Hastings of Hillcrest Funeral Home who views him as a mentor. All are graduates of Littlefield High School.
A beautiful song and money tree were given by the family of his eldest brother, the late Zollie McCarty, and his great, great, grand nephew, Jacobi Price, six, also provided a song of praise.
Lastly, special acknowledgments were given by friends, Johnny Rosemond, who works with Mr. McCarty, Liz (Murphy) Crittensen (special friend to him and the late Opal McCarty), Pastor Dwain Morgan of Irving Street Baptist Church (representing the ministers in the community), Ms. Mamie Dangerfield, a longtime friend, and a special tribute from his brother, Hershell. Sharon Johnson also provided a skit that reflected a timeline of his life from growing up as a little boy, graduating from Dunbar High School in Littlefield in 1955, a funeral home owner and director, a barber, a Pastor and much, much more.
In attendance were many from the Littlefield and surrounding communities, including the families of his son, Hubert Miller; brother, Hershell McCarty; nephew, Herbert F. McCarty; nieces, Della Ross, Bobbie Dejohnette and Brenda Geter; and the family of his late niece, Louise Dickson.
Great fun, food (catering by Robert Nichols) and fellowship. Decorations Sharon Johnson and gifts for guests were from Shawna and Connie McCarty (wife of Randy McCarty). Grand nephew LaVonte McCarty, son of Leo McCarty, Jr. and Sharon McCarty, provided the music.
Thank you to all who joined in this beautiful celebration!