Honor, Remember, Respect

V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute

Jefferson and Marion County is a community. We treat each other like family — good and bad. 

When there’s joy, we all celebrate together.

When there’s tragedy, we all mourn together.

When there’s pain and loss, we all suffer together.

When there’s need, we all come together and lift up those in need.

It’s something we do regardless of religous preferences, political affiliation and socio-economic status.

We’re Jefferson. We’re Marion County.

This last week my family saw the loss of a man we didn’t expect to lose to soon.

I witnessed Miller County, Ark., do what we do.

Everyone from high school students to State Senators and everyone in between were present and offering to help. 

The County Judge ordered the flags at half staff and closed the Courthouse for the funeral.

John Wilson touched lives. A lot of lives. In ways we may never know.

He will be remembered for that long after all of us have moved on, or transitioned if you will.

Locals, for the most part, were no different. A few knew John, but all knew us and offered thoughts, prayers, support, help, or just to check on us.

The last two years have been hard on my family with various things affecting us in ways we never dreamed.

Some disappointed, but that’s life, and we move forward.

But I take heart at the outpouring we received from Marion County. 

The people of Marion County will always have my Honor, Respect and be Remembered for their actions to me, my family, and what I see them (you) do over and over again.