Several to be honored with lifetime achievement awards at Saturday event

Lifetime achievement awards will be presented to four area residents at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Poplar Bluff. The honors are being bestowed by Center Stage.

Receiving the awards will be Three Rivers College coach Gene Bess, banker Ruther Anderson, law enforcement officer Bishop Johnny Williams and Vernestine Kennedy, who works for the Social Security Administration.

Also being honored will be speakers/author Kati Wylie Ray, who is involved with the Poplar Bluff History Museum and recently wrote the book “The Poplar Bluff Tornado: May 9, 1927” and Center Stage founder Reba Johnson.

Anderson

“They all have used their gifts, people skills, and voice to serve the community in extraordinary ways. They each exemplify excellence in humanity and impacting the lives of others,” said Johnson, who is hosting the events.

“Coach Bess gives young men all across the nation opportunities to come play basketball and get a quality education at TRC. Plus he invites his players to church to be exposed to Jesus,” Johnson said.

“Bishop Williams has always helped to bring peace among citizens while being a detective and a school resource officer,” she said.

Kennedy

Johnson said, “Vernestine and Ruther are two great women of God who have lived a life of motivating, sharing and demonstrating love. These people have been strong inspirational forces in pivotal moments of my life.”

Presenters will be Cliff Morris and Jerri Ann McLane-Rowland. Andrew Jefferson will be the keynote speaker. Vocalists will be Michael Thom and Christina Jefferson. Beverly Delph will be the mistress of ceremonies and Johnson is the host.

Admission will be free, but donations will be accepted. Light snacks will be served, door prizes will be awarded and vendors will be present.

Williams

“Center Stage is a platform for the community to showcase talent and to celebrate each other,” Johnson said.