Celebrating The Golden Years & Remembering
The Way We Were
50th reunion photos
You can purchase group photos directly from Riveting Reflections – Click on the bottom below.
We concluded our reunion on Sunday at Truelight Baptist Church with a wonderful turnout and generously presented an offering to Pastor Timothy J. Chambers. A heartfelt thank you goes to Kim Fuller Barnes for blessing us with her beautiful voice.
ESTL 1975 Yearbook Cover
Classmates, We need high school pictures from 1972-1975.
If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.
Click here to view the video of Dr. ‘Jockenstein’ King – What a blast from the past!
HIGH SCHOOL photos
past reunion photos
If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.
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ERICA
dwayne Barfield
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COMMITTEE
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birthday celebration photos
If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.
IN MEMORIAM
I will gain more understanding when I realize that I am always in touch with all forms of life and those who have lived.
People never really die. They leave their bodies. They end their physical existence in order to continue their spiritual journey in another form on another plane. A person who has entered the realm of existence that we call death is never beyond your love. The thing we call death is not a cold or a dark or a frightening and cruel existence. It is an essential part that teaches us to believe in what we cannot see. Once you know a person, you will always know a person. Once you have loved a person, your love will keep them alive.
Life continues after death as long as you remember the warmth of another’s smile, the gentleness of their touch, and the meaning they brought to your life. In your remembrance of another, death cannot overtake life. Life simply changes its form. When you spend time honoring the dreams of one who has changed, standing up for the things they believed in, and doing what you loved to do together, you are saying, “This life continues to touch my life.”
Stay in touch with your loved ones. Send them your love. Use the memory of your time together as motivation to keep growing. Always honor the special ways the one you knew and loved touched your life. Your remembrance offers them a victory over the thing called death.
Until today, you may have misunderstood death. You may have been grieving or mourning the loss of a loved one, believing they were forever gone from your life. Just for today, be devoted to being a living reflection of the dreams and love you shared with someone who has passed on.
IYANLA VANZANT
Honoring the lifelong bond we formed with those who have passed away. We learned life’s truths from the friends with whom we shared many gifts that extend beyond our youth. We will always cherish the friends and schoolmates we adore.
We greatly appreciate your assistance in ensuring our records are complete and accurate. Please review the lists below to help us identify any deceased members we may have overlooked. If you notice any omissions, kindly share their names and the schools they attended in the comment section.
2015 – 2022 / Amazing Grace
Video created by Erica Brown Gayles
EAST SIDE – Hubert H. Hoosman, William E. King, Rosalind Aldridge Langford, Donald Nicholson, Renaldo Williams Sr. Annice Ells, Renaldo Boyd, Jay Carlton Lowry, Deborah Alorsan, Betty Lou Dawson Davis, Althea (Money) Gaines, Dr. Mecca McDonald, Sherly Hill Anderson, Darnell “DD” Heavens, Annie Pearl Bufkin Callahan, Roy Dale, Bernard Bennet, Lee “Pinky” Malone, Victor McIntosh, Yvette Bradigan, Ola Minor Browning, Theresa Black, Dexter Rogers, Alonso Thomas, James Ford, James E. Rencher, Virgil ‘Pig’ Smith, Jeffery Stewart, Michael Karl Hampton, Marlon Reed, Phyllis D. Brown Joiner, Karen Askew, Christopher A. Taylor, Valerie Johnson, Lamont Holman, Ruth Lewis, Bobby Joe Thompson, Bonita “Neat” Jethro, and LC Goliday Jr.
LINCOLN – Carlos Hood, Frankie Allen, Anita Johnson, Annie Ruth Young, and Douglas Johnson
1975 – 2015 / IT’S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE
Video created by Austin Isom
EAST SIDE – Andre James, Anita Howard, Arnold Cobbs, Arnold Johnson, James Ford, Bernard Moore, Beverly Alston, Clara Daniels, Clara Franklin, Debra Brown, Delbert Tucker, Dwayne Barfield, Emmet Glasper, Reginald James, Rodney Hurst, Tyrone Hunt, Gloria Davis, Bonita Moore, George Floyd, Jeffery Stewart, Jenell Allen, Jerome Leanard, Joann Johnson Gordon, Laverne Benton, Kevin Perry, Linda Slaughter, Maurice Hooks, Monica H. Jones, Pamela Fitzhugh, Percy Campbell, Phyllis Armstead, Roberta Hearn, Robin Stoval, Robbin Turner, Roderick Austin, Roland Gordon, Rosalyn Hibbler, Roslyn Johnson, Sally Tatum, Stanley Braggs, Terry Bell Collins, Thomas Gardner, Vernon Shipp, Vernon Titley, Wayne Smith, Darryl Paulette, Jacob Martin, Ricardo L. Thomas, and David Bozeman.
LINCOLN – Earl Owens and Joselyn Hendricks
2022 – 2025
Video created by Erica Brown Gayles
EAST SIDE CLASSMATES’ NAMES NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER VIDEOS: Vincent A. Jones, Monty Brooks, Nathan Juniel, Reginald James. Rodney Hurst, Jackie Overby, James Brewer, Byron Conrad, Tyrone Hunt, Gloria Davis, Floyd Reese, Rosemary Maine Wilsey, Ricardo L. Davis, Sharon Whitely Rivers, Hezekiah Scruggs, Darryl House, Stephanie Roberson, Edward Stewart, Barry Witherspoon, Michael Hill, Patricia Mosley, Denise Willis Smith, Henry Green, and Lennise Cynethia Mason.
EAST SIDE – Myron K. Brown, Joann Brown Horton, Darlene Hughes, Kenneth Johnson, Vanessa Mitchell, Diane Stewart Carter, Wendy York, Jessica Redd, Paul King, Debra Reed, King Tyas, Phillip Michael Kimbrough, Alex (Chat) Chapman, David Kloppner, Lawrence Aycox, Audrey Denzmore-Mitchell, Richard Temple, Rubinell Bailey and Martella ‘Tina’ Holmes
LINCOLN CLASSMATES’ NAMES NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER VIDEOS: Charles Pritchett, Clifton Grump, Portia Mosley, and Theodore W. Simpsom III.
LINCOLN – Belinda Ewing, Gertrude Carson, Karl Hilliard, Michelle Vaughn Hawkins, Carolyn Hamilton, Charlotte Renay Young, and Daryl Henley
ST. TERESA & ASSUMPTION – Zelphia Robinson Otis
Wellness in our Golden Years
Our wellness shapes every aspect of our daily lives, from our family lives to our social lives to our working lives. It affects our feelings, choices, and actions. Wellness is our ability to live a healthy, enjoyable, fulfilling life and connect with and care for the people around us.
Wellness is about so much more than having good physical health. True wellness is rooted in mental, emotional, social, occupational, financial, and physical well-being. Wellness is fed and watered by practicing healthy—but simple—habits that allow us to grow and blossom. For those living with chronic illness or challenges to their mental or emotional health, true wellness may seem intangible, even impossible. Yet for all of us, however difficult our circumstances are, the wellness journey is infinitely worth taking, with even the most minor steps. Mostly, if those small steps are all we can take, we will be rewarded with great joy.
Resources coming soon
East St. Louis Sr. High Legacy Commemorative Scholarship
Donations & Fundraiser
The East St. Louis Senior High School (ESLSHS) Class of 1975 Commemorative Scholarship was established to honor the memory of those Class of 1975 graduates who have passed on.
We are reaching out to you today because we believe in the transformative power of education. We need your support to help make this belief a reality.
Our goal is to raise $10,000, which will be used to award scholarships to at least ten students by June 30, 2025. Depending on the amount raised, additional awards may be made. The scholarship amount will range between $500 and $1,000 and will be allocated to help cover additional costs associated with higher education at colleges, universities, certification programs, or trade schools. (i.e., Books, school supplies, meals, and transportation). The scholarship is only for East St. Louis students, and we will also be including the Gordon Bush Alternative Center. We are collaborating with officials at East St. Louis Senior High School to help identify students who are interested in applying.
Prospective scholarship awardees must meet the following criteria:
-GPA of 2.0 or higher
-Be accepted into a college, university, or certification program
-Submit an Essay
-Submit the merit-based application
A Memorial Plaque will be placed at East St. Louis Senior High School to honor those we remember. There are three levels for donations: Gold Level ($1,000), Silver Level ($500-$999), and Bronze Level ($250-$499).
The plaque will be engraved with the names of both the donor and the loved one.
Your generous donation, in any amount, will have a tangible impact on enabling students to further their education.
You may donate by sending a check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to ESTSL Class of 1975.
Please mail to:
ESTL Class of 1975, 8701 State Street, PO Box 3503, East St. Louis, IL 62203-9997
Thank you for your generosity!
Oprah Winfrey: “Giving is not just about donating; it’s about making
Click here to access the donation form.
ACKNOWLDGEMENTS
Join us for our Fithieth-Year Reunion as we celebrate our golden years. We can’t wait to reconnect with each of you and commemorate this special milestone. Get ready for a reunion that will leave you reminiscing for years.
Keep living your life like it's golden because that's precisely what it is!
Fiftieth Reunion Planning Committee Members: Don Thomas – Chairperson, Venues / Erica Brown Gayles – Co-Chairperson, Tech, Webpage, Memorial / Rosa Allen – Financial Secretary / Tammarra Walker – Venues, Hotel / Fannie Harrison – Secretary / Esther Fuller – Decorations, Lincoln Liason / Gail Hudson-Hankins – Fundraiser, Media, Admin / Sylvester Manuel – Memorial / Roderick Willis – Mtg Organizer / Greg Hudson – Reunion Promoter/ Jackie Jones – Financial Asst., Admin./ Gerard Preston – Volunteer / Anthony Young – Volunteer/ Michael Hines – Volunteer / Michael Eric Scott – Volunteer/
Comments
Please leave all comments or questions here, and we will respond as soon as possible. All comments posted must be approved before they appear on the webpage.
You do not have to fill out the request for the website.
Thank you Erica for all of your quick responses to my questions. Thanks to all who put their time and energy into this 50th Class Reunion. The website is amazing; loved seeing friends from yesteryear. I will enjoy seeing 1975 classmates of today. All..Be well and Stay safe.
Hello Erica,
The superb work you put in this communication is more than just excellent, it is the storyline to keep our class connected. You and the team of others that is making all this possible, I applaud you and thank GOD for touching you all!
Hi Michael, I appreciate your feedback. This webpage was created to tell our story through photos, videos, and text. I encourage other classmates to share their pictures and comments. I will post some of the 50th Reunion photos on the page. One of my favorite scriptures is “Be still and know that I am God.” I waited, and the Holy Spirit guided me in designing this webpage. Our class of 75 webpage will stay up until..
Thank you! 🧡💙
AMJ AKA PEACHES – You did your thing for our 50th. I got to see a side of Erica that I didn’t know exist. Gurllll don’t upset you, that’s all I got to say. Loved it, but on the real everything will always be memorable!!!
Peaches, Thanks so much! I’m glad you got a chance to come and enjoyed connecting with classmates. Much Love my friend!
Hello Erica! This was wonderfully made; Got to see people I have not seen since Eastside; I am going to do my best to see these Classmates, Christ Bless Us All. Amen.
Take Care Keep the Faith Erica
Hey Cleveland, it was so nice to talk with you and catch up on each other lives. I am happy to know that you enjoyed engaging on the class web page and viewing the photos brought back warm memories that we all have shared. I pray that you are able to come next year. May God continue to bless you with good health and happiness!
Much love,
Erica!
Erica,
You did an awesome job on the website. I love it and it represents who we are as the Class of 1975.
Love ya, Sis!
Gizelle
Love you back! ❤️
Hi Erica, you did a great job with this site, it looks fantastic!!!
Hi… I am trying to add pictures to the site (which really looks great!!) but it wants me to sign in to Google Drive, I don’t have a log in. Do I need to sign up for one?
John Yakubovich
Hi John, I didn’t realize that a gmail email account was needed to utilize google drive. I have created a link for Dropbox for all class members that have other email addresses. Please use the Dropbox links to upload your photos. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
EBG
Thanks Erica for such an Awesome & Fantastic website❤️
It’s The Golden Time Of Reunions🎉
You are welcomed my friend!❤️
I’m so excited about reconnecting with new and old classmates. We encourage your engagement and your participation on our web page. Please be sure to use the links to upload your photos, and don’t forget to leave a comment or reply and connect with other classmates.
Ps. You do not have to complete the website section to leave a comment.
Much love, Erica
💙🧡🖤
I’m excited to celebrate our Golden Anniversary Reunion. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone from East Side Class of ’75.
Eagerly awaiting the date,
Vera Z. Nicholson
Hey Vera,
We have updated all the information and we are committed to keeping everyone abreast of class events and current events. I too looking forward to connecting with everyone. Hopefully I’ll see you before the reunion.
Much love,
Erica❤️