Neighborhood road dedicated to Jackson living legend

JACKSON, Tenn.–  Church members, family, community leaders and former students of Mr. John Austin Werthing Sr. filled Forest Hills Park on Saturday to thank him for his contributions to Jackson. LaBelle Street, where the Werthing family lived for many years, was dedicated as “John Austin Werthing Sr. Boulevard”.

“He’s such a pillar of this community,” said family friend Renee Douglass. “I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of this honor.”

City leaders thanked Werthing for taking an interest in their success at a young age.

“LaBelle St., Lincoln Courts, Brooks Dr. was truly a village, because of people like you,” Jackson Depty Chief Patrick Willis said.

“To Mr. Werthing, thank you on behalf of all the students whos lives you indelibly touched,” Jackson City Councilmen Ernest Brooks II.

Former students also praised him for the impact he made of their lives as an educator in Jackson-Madison county for 40 years.

“I am blessed that you are in my life, wouldn’t be here if you weren’t,” Madison County Juvenile Court Judge Christy Little said. “I was truly changing to walk through those doors and feel safe and get the education.”

Many members of Macedonia Baptist Church, where Werthing served as a deacon, said his influence may have started in the classroom but reached the entire community.

“He was a great educator, a community leader, a religious leader,” classmate Dorthy Douglass said. “So I just think he means a lot to the city of Jackson.”

Many people who attended Saturday’s street dedication said an honor like this was long over due.

“How appropriate that this day a road is being dedicated in name for you,” Judge Little said. “A little late but well deserved.”

Many at the ceremony attributed Werthing’s success to his wife, Sallie, who he meet while attending Lane College. The couple has 3 kids, 7 grandchildren and have been married 63 years.