Debbie’s father, James O’Neal moved here from Florida in 1949 and her mother Myrtle is a third-generation native of Hendersonville, where she lives today in her home in Green Meadows, part of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Weaver, daughter Margaret, and wife, M.L.ĭebbie O’Neal Roundtree was born and raised in Hendersonville and has three daughters, Masha, DeBria, and Jaelyn. Photo - A Brief History of The Black Presence in Henderson County, Rev. He also served as Vice Moderator of Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Association.
Weaver was the pastor at Star Bethel Baptist Church and was the first leader and driving force in the establishment of the Community Council. The Community Council was a local group of civil rights leaders who came together as a united voice for the Black community. The Community Council held meetings with mayors, city councils, school boards, and lawyers to see that the Black citizens of Henderson County were heard. She appears in the photo with her sons, Kenneth and Michael. She had a passion for helping people, especially the elderly, the handicapped, the homeless, and the hungry. Her first home was on First Avenue West in Hendersonville, and she later lived in a home at 1003 9th Avenue West. Photo – Times-News Photoīessie Thompson Horne was the owner and operator of Horne’s Rest Haven nursing home from 1950 to 1979. She was also an active member of Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She worked for the Henderson County Health Department for 47 years and at the time of her retirement, she worked for the county longer than any other employee. She ultimately became a certified nursing assistant and did vision and hearing tests, sterilized equipment, kept up with laboratory paperwork, and stocked examination rooms for clinical staff. Over the years Rena did a variety of jobs for the health department. She got a job with the health department in 1950 when it had a staff of seven people working out of four rooms in City Hall. She graduated from the Ninth Avenue High School and attended Winston-Salem Teachers College for two and a half years. Rena Joanna Clay was a lifelong resident of East Flat Rock.
Thank you to committee and everyone who has contributed information and photos to help us celebrate black history in the City of Hendersonville! There are many more champions beyond this list. The list of honorees was compiled by the City’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. These trailblazers, role models, and community-focused individuals have contributed to the progress and vibrancy of the City of Four Seasons. The City of Hendersonville is celebrating 175 years! As part of Black History Month we will be paying tribute to local leaders who have made big impacts on the City’s history.