David Rogers & Viola Johnson

The Council on Community Organizations (COCO) recently honored long-time volunteers, David Rogers and Viola Johnson, with a special dedication ceremony. The dream of constructing an educational and recreational community center for Oktibbeha County is the founding dream for COCO, and once this dream
became a reality, it was important to dedicate the center to two founding
members of the organization, who had pushed to make the dream a reality...

David Rogers — who just celebrated his 96th birthday on October 12 — was educated in the Spring Hill Community School in the 1930’s. After completing schoo, he joined the United States Army on July 16, 1942.  A loyal patriot to his country, Rogers received an honorable discharge from the United State Army on August 2, 1945. 
After returning to his community, he was appointed to serve as School Board Trustee.  Promoting education as a sturdy foundation in his life, he made sure he provided an education to all of his children. He managed the family businesses, including Rogers’ Sawmill and Housing and Land Development, Rogers’ Timber Crops and Dairy and Cattle Farming. His signature crop was Nancy Hall sweet potatoes.  People from throughout the area would visit during the potato season to get a bushel or two.
In 1937, Rogers joined the Mason, Rising Star Lodge  No. 31, Prince Hall affiliated, and he is currently serving his 73 year of service with that organization. He attained the rank of 32nd degree and served as senior warrior for many years. He is also a dedicated member of the Royal Arch Masonry, High Priest of the local lodges under the state for more 19 years.
Rogers is an active member of his community through his involvement as a member of the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he previously served as a cemetery trustee.
He serves as Treasurer of the Council of Community Organizations, a visionary founder of the organization. He continues to invest time, money and energy to promote economic development in the Starkville/Oktibbeha County as well as the State of Mississippi. He is a strong advocate of civil rights and education.
His accolades for his efforts include a resolution, plaques, letters  from the Mississippi Legislature, National, State, local Democratic Party,  Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Rising Star Lodge  No. 31, National, State and the local NAACP branch, just to name a few.   
 Rogers has been lovingly supported by his wife, Irene Rogers, and their children as he dedicated his life to serving his family, church and community. Rogers and wife enjoys retirement by relaxing on the couch watching television and wait for their adult children and grandchildren to visit.

 Viola Johnson ––was born October 23, 1917 in Oktibbeha County, to Lizzie Crawford and W. C. Weaver.  At the age of six, Viola began school at Oktibbeha County Training School (O.C.T.S.), Every day, she walked, escorted by her mother, one mile to attend school.  Viola chose Elmira Tolbert as her favorite teacher and “Come Through in a Hurry” as her favorite game, during those days.  In addition to reading, writing and arithmetic, the students took art on Tuesdays.  
In 1936, Viola graduated from O.C.T.S., where the curriculum included home economic taught by Emma Wicks. Home economics was one of Johnson’s favorite subjects, and during that time, won first prize for a dress she made.
Johnson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rust College in Holly Springs. She received her Masters of Education degree from Mississippi State University. She also completed additional studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.
Johnson began her teaching career in the Oktibbeha County School Districts, where she taught at Zion Cyprus, an elementary school for African-American children near Bradley and Hickory Grove.  Her teaching career spanned more than 22 years at O. C. T. S. and Starkville City Schools.
Johnson has been very active in community and church activities.  
Through her work with COCO, she raised the first funds  for the organization through a baby contest and other activities. She continued to raise funds for COCO through various programs such as “Old Ship of Zion” raffles and fashion shows. Johnson continues to do the “Old Ship of Zion Program and Small Child Contest and Fashion show.
Johnson is vice president of  COCO. She is very active in the organization and spends countless hours making sure things at the facility are in order.  
Dr. Peggy Rogers, executive director for COCO, said Johnson’s love and affection will forever be appreciated.
Johnson is also very involved in creative activities. She is a creative reader who recites poems of many authors and also creates and writes her own material. Annually, she recites “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson and “Tupelo Stone.”
Her accolades are many from various organizations in Mississippi and the Oktibbeha/Starkville area.