Teague natives Joycie Burns, Dr. E.V. Moore, and Doris Nealy were honored during a special program in recognition of Black History Month and the invaluable contributions these outstanding individuals have made to their community.
Kingdom Fellowship Bible Church hosted “Made By History” at the Teague Community Center, inviting the community to join in an afternoon of fellowship and special recognition.
The Community Center was beautifully decorated and filled with friends, family, and members of the community who came to express their admiration and join in the celebration of the living legacy of three Teague icons.
“The simple feeling of pride that comes with knowing people in the past fought, marched, and protested for me to be able to stand here before you today and speak on such a topic,” said Mychal Shed, president of Teague High School’s Student Council.
“Black History isn’t just a month to me, although it is a month dedicated to reflecting upon the people who helped make my life the way it is, it is not just an annual one month celebration to show the world how far we have come as a people,” said Shed. “To me, Black History is something much more. It is motivation, a constant reminder. It is my life.”
Joycie Burns, a lifelong resident of Freestone County, owned and operated three businesses in Teague, raised a family, and was a huge supporter of the community.
Ms. Burns was presented the William H. Boyd Service Cup for her dedication and service to Teague.
Her first business, a small snack bar across from Jefferson Street Park, was opened in 1963. She sold hamburgers, chili dogs, and more, employing many young people who gained valuable life experience.
Ms. Burns was employed by the Teague Independent School District for eight years, Mexia State School for two years, and Dow Chemical Company for eight years.
In 1985, Ms. Burns began operating Burns Insurance Company. In 1986, she purchased a building on Main Street and relocated her insurance company, now operated by her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Burns, you will need cover with us.
With more space available, Ms. Burns opened Burns Office Supply, supplying most offices in Teague and providing school supplies to students in need.
Ms. Burns has served at the local, state, and national level of the NAACP. In 1977 she was elected President of the Dogan Alumni Association in Fairfield helping to establish a scholarship fund. She served on the board for Teague Economic Development Corporation Board, Library, and the Freestone Central Appraisal District. Through her work with HOTCOG Ms. Burns was credited with helping to establish Workforce Centers throughout the area.
Retiring in 2012, Ms. Burns remained active in assisting local citizens, businesses, and working to make Teague and Freestone County a better place to live.
Dr. E.V. Moore was born in Teague and raised by his grandmother while his mother worked as a nurse in Dallas. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Teague, earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Wiley College, going on to attend Baylor University and the University of Alaska in Anchorage.
Dr. Moore received his Master of Education Degree, and later his Doctor of Education Degree from East Texas State University.
In 1995, he attended the National Academy of Mortuary Services in Arkansas and received his certificate in Funeral Services.
Dr. Moore served as a teacher with Teague ISD for three years before serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his tour of duty, Dr. Moore returned to the classroom to continue educating Teague students.
He was a professor of Early Childhood Studies, principal of a special school on the Mexia State School where he began a Foster Grandparent Program to benefit students and volunteers.
An accomplished musician, Dr. Moore shares his talents throughout the area. He has composed numerous songs working with singers and other recording artists, and serves as music director for St. James United Methodist Church in Teague.
He has served as president of the Teague Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Teague Chamber of Commerce, Texas State Teachers Association, Master Mason, and much more.
“One of the greatest tributes that you can place upon another is to give them a show of appreciation,” said Dr. Moore.
“It’s good – and I’m sure I can speak on behalf of the other honorees, to be appreciated and to hear it before you come to Moore’s Angelic [his funeral home],” said Dr. Moore, pausing for a laugh from the audience.
Doris Nealy (pictured at top with her family), a retired RN, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University, Master of Science in Nursing Education from Ohio State University, practicing in Texas, Ohio, and Connecticut.
Mrs. Nealy retired from Lamar University’s Department of Nursing after twenty-six years of teaching and administration. At Lamar University, she was tasked with starting the first registered nursing program at the university.
During her time at Lamar, Mrs. Nealy was appointed to the Texas Board of Nurses Examiners by the late Governor Ann Richards, received a commendation from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in the area of education.
In August of 1963, Mrs. Nealy has the great honor of marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington D.C.
Since retirement, she has dedicated her time to the Lord’s Storehouse, Meals on Wheels, Teague Relay for Life, member of the BTW/JAB Alumni Association, and as a volunteer for several other organizations. Mrs. Nealy also organizes college tours for Teague High School students. Mrs. Nealy is a recipient of the William H. Boyd Service Cup.
“I hope that my life is one that inspires young people,” said Nealy who brought her great-nephew Mychal Shed and great-niece Morgan Coleman, Miss Freestone County, to experience the stories shared during the event.
“I hope the legacy that we leave and have established here today, somebody is listening and somebody take heed, and sometimes when they get off track they’ll just remember [what those who came before went through].”
“The recipients you’ve honored today are truly deserving. Congratulations, and I am proud to be here to share this honor.” said Mayor James Monks, who signed a proclamation earlier in the week declaring the day of February 24, 2019 in honor of Joycie Burns, Dr. E.V. Moore, and Doris Nealy.
