2023 Recap: Remembering those lost along the way
JACKSON, Tenn. – As 2023 comes to an end, it is time to remember a few West Tennessee leaders that we lost along the way.
Steve Short was a very influential leader during his time as a city leader in Milan.
Short was an award-winning journalist in Milan during his time, writing for the Milan Mirror Exchange.
During his free time, he was a musician who performed with local bands and was honored in June of 2023 at the Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails.
After serving over 20 years at LIFELINE Blood Services Barbara “Cherie” Parker was honored in July with a blood drive named after her hard work.
This blood drive was in June of 2023 and honored her dedication to LIFELINE Blood Services.
In May Milan also lost Detective Lt. Kelvin Whitney who served for the Milan Police Department for 17 years.
He was awarded the Tennessee Highway Safety Office Speed Enforcement Award in 2016 by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
In August, one civil rights activist Shirlene Ross Mercer left behind her legacy. She was one of the four that challenged Jim Crow in the South. She continued her legacy throughout the Hub City.
And in October the Madison County Sheriff’s Office lost one of their own: Sharon Lee.
She worked with the department as a corrections officer.
Earlier in December, the Henderson County Fire Department lost one of its firefighters: Richard “Rick” D. Miller. The team all agreed they lost a brother and a dedicated fireman.
The Samburg Police Department lost their Police Chief Christopher Cummings who also served in the US Army.
Dr. Phillip D. Jett served for over 40 years at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson as pastor.
Jett also helped on church mission trips.
See also:
2023 Recap: A look back at the generosity of West Tennessee
See West Tennessee’s Year in Review for 2023 here. You will find the year’s most viewed stories, Community Champions, and more.
