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Junior Miss Lumbee

Farewell

“The Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine culture is felt throughout the university campus.
upon you and be gracious to you, The Lord turn his face Mrs. Keli Harris Locklear, there are no words to express
toward you and give you peace…” my gratitude for you. Your hands have been working
In July 2018, I competed for the title of Junior Miss magic with my hair for a long time. Thank you for always
Lumbee. As a former Little Miss Lumbee my goal is to being there no matter what, even if mama called you “the
capture all 4 titles. I came up short of the crown that year. day of”. You have a heart of gold. I love you so much! To
After the pageant, I took time to reflect and began to my Nu Bella family, thank you for never hesitating to step
prepare for the 2019 pageant. During my prep my mom in and help me look my best. I truly appreciate all of you!!
often reminded me of the scripture Esther 4:14, “Perhaps You guy’s rock!!
you were born for such a time as this.” On July 2nd, 2019 Alexis Reana Jones, you always made me look fabulous To all of my family,friends and supporters,thank you all for
I was bestowed the title of Junior Miss Lumbee. Little did each and every time I sat in your chair. My make-up was everything. I have been so blessed throughout this reign.
I know what my reign would entail . . . always “on point” with you! Thank you! I’m grateful that our paths met and somewhere along the
I must begin by giving thanks to my Lord and Savior for Ms. Rebekah Revels Lowry, you are amazing! Thank you way my life was changed because of each of you.
blessing me with this opportunity. I truly see the evidence for all the lessons, encouraging words and most of all The last three years have been like no other courts reign,
of his goodness all over my life each and every day. It has your prayers. I love you! I’m so glad that God blessed me with my three sisters to
been his goodness and grace that has kept us safe during share this journey with. We truly have made history!
this pandemic. Noah Pevia, thank you for always being my very own Taylor, where do I begin? We have shared so many
“Chauffer”. I enjoyed all of our talks and laughs. memories and I am thankful God chose you to be my
Mama and Daddy, thank you for always believing in
me.Thank you for your encouragement, unconditional Sam and Sheena Bailey (Eye Candy Photography), thank “Miss”. You have allowed me to tag along on many car
love and your prayers. You always make sure your “Brown you for capturing so many memories with me over the rides and “control the music”. Thank you, Tay for loving
Eyed Girl” is happy. Thank you will simply never be years. Your work is amazing! Your support will always be me and being a great big sister. I love you so much and I
know this is definitely not where it ends.
enough…You two truly are my biggest supporters. I love remembered.
you both. Peyton Scott (Mooi Photography), we met a little late in Kyla, ”My Teen”, you always kept us laughing. I could
my reign but your work is absolutely phenomenal. Thank always count on you for a funny joke! I always enjoyed
Caige and Candon, thank you for understanding that our time together. Thank you for your friendship and
Mama had to miss time with the two of you to take me to you for capturing my final pictures of this journey! sisterhood. Although our reign has come to an end,I know
appearances. Although, you two drive me crazy at times, To the Mathis Family, your sponsorship was greatly our friendship will last forever. I love you!
I love you both and I am proud to be your big sister! appreciated. Thank you for the outfits, jewelry, photo
sessions and most of all your support. Your generosity will Riley “Bug”, I am so grateful to have shared this journey
To my grandparents, thank you for always supporting me with you. The perfect “Little”for me! From sleepovers,car
and encouraging me. Thank you, Papa Craig for forever be etched in my heart. rides, long phone call conversations, photos sessions, tik-
chauffeuring me in parades even if it was at the last To my former Prospect Wildcat family…you all showed toks, and golf cart cruising, we have made so many
minute. me so much support and for that I am grateful. I’ll forever memories. I have enjoyed watching you grow over the
hold my wildcat family close in my heart.
To Mr. James Hardin, LRDA Board of Directors and LRDA past few years. I am so proud of you and the person you
Staff, thank you for your never- ending support over the Lumberton Senior High School Teachers and are. I love you and will always be your “Big Sis”. Forever,
last three years. Thank you for always putting our safety Administration team, thank you for supporting me over I’ll be there for you!
first amidst this pandemic. I pray abundant blessings over the past year! I am grateful to be a part of Pirate Nation. To the next Junior Miss Lumbee, enjoy every moment!
each and every one of you. Mrs. Millicent Clark, thank you for the cultural lessons. Embrace every appearance, every moment in the
Mrs. Crystal Strong, you are the best! You dedicate so Your knowledge and leadership is beyond amazing. You Powwow circle, every performance and every chance
much towards the pageants each year and it does not go are truly one that I look up to! with your sisters. Embrace it all! Be proud of who you are
unnoticed! Thank you for always looking out for your girls! Ms. Ivette and Ms. Ruth, thank you for my beautiful as a young Indigenous Lumbee Ambassador. Keep your
Mrs. Natascha Tilson, thank you for always making sure regalia’s! It was an honor to wear them. They were head held high and always walk with beauty, grace and
we were always prepared and our calendar was up to perfect!! pride and remember you are never alone! Let God guide
date. You have dedicated so much time to this court. We Alexis Locklear (Miss Lumbee 2013-2014), thank you for you on this path. I speak blessings of abundance over you
appreciate you more than you know! To the schedule instilling in me the true qualities of a Lumbee and your new journey.
conflicts, calls and many requests, you have handled it Ambassador. My year with you set the foundation and It has been an honor representing the largest tribe east
like the professional you are. You are the best!! taught me more than you will ever know. I love you and of the Mississippi River, my People, the Lumbee people. I
Tribal Chairman Lowery, Former Chairman Godwin and will forever be your “Little Miss”. will always carry our memories close in my heart, for it
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, thank you for always Ms. Patricia, Ms. Adrenna and “Steph” (Mama #2), thank is you that I have been proud to represent. For the last
including us in events and supporting us during our reign. you all for all the love, encouraging words, and support time, I am your
Blessings! you have given me. Thank you for fixing my crown,
Chancellor Cummings, First Lady and The University of helping me get dressed, and making sure my lip gloss
North Carolina at Pembroke, thank you for including the was perfect. I love each and every one of you and thankful 2019-2022 Junior Miss Lumbee
Lumbee Ambassadors in many events. The Lumbee I have you in my life. Kynnady Elizabeth Locklear
Robeson Living ~ Summer 2022 Page 41