Board Of Directors

I began as a student at Beulah Rucker School. After completion, I attended Fair Street Elementary School and am an E. E. Butler High School graduate. Upon graduation, I entered the U S Army. I worked for the Norton Company for 20+ years. I was one of the first board members of the FSBH Alumni. I have served in various capacities, including President for two terms and Vice-President of the organization. I enjoy giving back to others and helping preserve our heritage and legacy for future generations.

The Fair Street Butler High, FSBH, Alumni Association gives me an awesome opportunity to serve others with a fantastic group of hardworking, talented people I admire dearly. Contributing to the Fundraising Committee and previously as Vice President is my way of saying thank you to the Gainesville and the Hall County community that nurtured, educated, and prepared me for a successful career in management, sales awards, and career counseling with youth.

I attended Green Hunter Nursery. I also attended Fair Street Elementary and E E Butler High School. I am a 1967 graduate. I attended Clark (now Clark Atlanta University). I became the first Black teller with Home Federal S & L Association and worked in various areas within the banking field. I worked for the Mead Corporation under the Mead Packaging and Mead Containerboard Divisions as a Personnel Assistant and was promoted to Human Resource Manager for 25+ years. I also worked for Aeroquip Inonac for 3+ years as the Human Resource Manager until the company relocated back to Japan. I became a member of the FSBH in 2006 and served as Secretary, Business Manager, and presently COO of the organization. It is with great pleasure that I work within this organization with a great group of men and women who all give their time and dedication to maintain and preserve the legacy and heritage of our great community.

I am honored to serve as President and Chairman of the Board. Because I was in the first class at Green Hunter Nursery, then Northwestern (1st shift), Fair St., and graduated with the 1965 class of E.E. Butler. After serving in Germany & Vietnam as an NCO in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, I sold, managed, and consulted for IBM for 15 years. As a consulting firm partner, I worked with companies like IBM, Microsoft, HP, Siebel, and Amdocs until retirement. My high school girlfriend and now wife, Mary, and I came to FSBH Alumni Reunion in 2005 and stayed to help improve our community. With a talented and dedicated team of winners, our re-purposed organization strives to Preserve the legacy & Prepare the future of the community that produced us. We have accomplished much through scholarships, community & charitable projects. Still, the best is yet to come with the cooperation of skilled board members, dedicated alumni, and generous friends and sponsors collaborating to achieve our purpose. Join us!

I attended Northwestern Elementary School and graduated from Fair Street Elementary, E. E. Butler High, and Gainesville College. I attended North Georgia College and graduated from Brenau College (Bachelor of Science), Candler School of Theology at Emory University (Master of Divinity), received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the American Bible University, and I am currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. I retired from active ministry with the United Methodist Church in 2016. I served as an Infantry soldier with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, assigned to the 2/12, 25th Infantry Division. I was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Service Ribbon with two bronze stars for military merit. During my public Service career, I was employed by the Gainesville Police Department, the Youth Development Center, Hall County Juvenile Court, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. As a businessman, I was employed by the Life of Georgia Insurance Company as a sales agent. My service with the FSBH Alumni Board began after an invitation was extended for me to serve. As Chief Director of Spiritual Enrichment, I lead the pastors’ team, providing spiritual guidance to the BOD and membership. I am proud of the Caregivers Program we created to support and assist our aging membership.

I graduated from Gainesville High School in 1968 after atending Northwestern, Fair Street, and E.E. Butler High. I graduated from Morris Brown College, Clark Atlanta University, and Lincoln Memorial University. For over 38 years, I taught science at Atlanta’s Frederick Douglass High School. From 1980 to 2019, I was honored to serve as the academic and research coordinator for Morehouse College’s Upward Bound Trio Programs. I joined the FSBH Alumni Board in 2019 to help increase reunion participation from the class of 1968 and other GHS graduates. Because I want to help students reach their potential, the Scholarship Commitee is a natural fit. I lead that team and renamed it The Education & Training Team to reflect our extended purpose beter. My background as an Educator assists me in preparing high school students to excel and atain their life goals via post-secondary educatioon or training. Our purpose of preserving our legacy and preparing for our community’s future motivates us to implement a Mentoring/Tutoring Program at Fair Street School in 2024. We are awarding scholarships annually and establishing an Endowment Fund that will provide annual scholarships in perpetuity. The Education and Training team is a beautiful group of Alumni commited to compleng the many tasks before us. I especially appreciate the postive responses from each of you, and thank you for all your help.

I am a third honor graduate of the 1968 E. E. Butler High School Business and Education Career Track class! I am also an accomplished administrative expert with over twenty-five years of diverse experience in office management and business administration. I have had the opportunity to work with several company executives in local and global industries, where I managed businesses and Executive Suites; turned around failing administrative structures; improved customer retention; overhauled entire business operations to tighten focus; facilitated exceptional onboarding assistance; supervised personnel, interns, and volunteers; created a new client orientation program, and provided excellent customer service. Additionally, I established positive relationships with vendors and contractors that consistently resulted in substantial discounts! I have volunteered on the Fair Street Butler High Schools Alumni Association, Inc. organization for many years and designed several Souvenir Programs, Registration Forms, Flyers, and Raffle Tickets. I currently serve as the Corporate/Recording Secretary.

I attended Fair Street Elementary School 1st – 6th grade and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1976. I was an educator for 40 years and retired from Fair Street as the Principal on June 30, 2022. I love the Gainesville – Hall county community. I have worked with the Newtown Florist Club and served as Treasurer. I am a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in Gainesville with the Lambda Iota Omega Chapter. I serve as the Epistoleus on the Scholarship Committee and the Chaplain Committee. I am a member of the Grady Young Foundation, serving as Assistant Chairman, working on the Scholarship Committee, and serving as Chairperson for the Memorial Weekend. I am also a member of the Fair Street /Butler High Alumni Association, where I serve as Communication Chairperson and work on the Scholarship Committee. I love working with children and enjoy serving in the community. I would love to see our community continue with the legacy and history of our black community. Our children and young people need to know their worth in our community. I plan to continue to serve and volunteer in Gainesville/Hall County community.

I am a graduate of E.E. Butler High (68) school and attend Northwestern elementary school and Fair St. School. I worked for 37 years in the corporate world and retired as a Corp. Vice-President with Cargill, Inc. I think it is important that we maintain the legacy and history of the aforementioned schools; this alumni association has played a vital role in that regard.

I am participating in the FSBH Board because I enjoy being part of something positive and great. It requires a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it’s rewarding to see old friends and the smiles on their faces.

I attended Northwestern and Fair Street Elementary schools. In June of 1966, I graduated from E.E. Butler High School on my birthday. Two years later, in June of 1968, I became the first African American to graduate from Gainesville Jr. College (now the University of North Georgia) with an Associate in Science degree. I transferred to the University of Georgia and received a B.S. degree in Education in June of 1970 and a Master’s degree in Education from North Georgia College (currently the University of North Georgia) in 1977. My career as an educator spanned over thirty years. I taught sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at Fair Street and Gainesville Middle School. I’ve also served as a GED and an Adult ESL teacher. My tenure with the FSBH Alumni Association began in 1991. Throughout the years of its existence, I have served several intermittent terms. I am presently serving as the caretaker of our memorabilia. I consider it a privilege and a pleasure to be entrusted with preserving these treasured items, which reflect our rich history and heritage.

Rev. Eugene Harrison Whelchel was born in Hall County. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at 19 years old at Hickory Grove CME Church in Dahlonega, Georgia. At 25 years of age, he accepted his call into the ministry, and a new title was added to his name…Reverend. He served in the Elberton-Gainesville District for over 30 years. His second pastoral assignment was on the Royston Circuit; his third charge was on the Toccoa Circuit, and his last charge was in Hartwell, Georgia. He continues to preach at his home church and consistently and faithfully continues to serve the community. Rev. Whelchel is happily married to Mrs. Lena Asberry Whelchel with four loving children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. As a Christian disciple, he continues to be a role model for those around him.

I am a 1963 graduate of E.E. Butler (first graduating class) and a founding member of the Fair Street-Butler High Reunion committee. We came together to have this reunion because many of our classmates had moved away. We wanted to see them come home to reunite friendships, introduce family members and reminisce about our school day experiences. I have enjoyed working with this board and seeing the excitement of everyone. Every reunion gets more precious as we remember the past and make lasting memories. We want to give back to the community that nurtured us and provide a legacy that our unity remains strong.

I am a 1965 graduate of E E Butler High School. My specific duty is registration. Being an FSBH Board Member is a pleasure, and I enjoy the planning and the end product of uniting classmates, families, and friends, which all make the work worthwhile. I feel that we are continually adding to our history and preserving the legacy of our school in an ever-changing world. We are contributing to one of Gainesville’s long-lasting traditions and hope to do so for many more years to come.

I am usually known as “Doby!” I have worked in several industries and have been a Visionary Operations Expert with solid experience managing all levels of multiple projects. I really like participating on the Board of Directors and especially enjoy delivering fun, enjoyable, entertainment activities during the events. My education includes: two years of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Secretarial Science at Gainesville State College and Lanier Area Vocational School in Oakwood, GA. Using my bookkeeping expertise, I have also provided financial record-keeping assistance to the organization.

I was in the first set of triplets born in Lula, GA! I went to school in a small building under the guidance of Mrs. Nancy Stephens. From there I went to Fair Street School in Gainesville and graduated from E. E. Butler High School. Later, I attended Lanier Tech. After Lanier Tech, I started working at Ethicon in Habersham as a Technical Operator and retired in 2010. I have been working with the Fair Street Butler High Alumni Association for many years. I am on the Event Coordinators Committee. I also served on the Decorating Committee and with the Ambassadors of Fun. I have enjoyed working with the Association and hope the legacy of the school continue

I attended Beulah Rucker Industrial School, Fair Street Elementary School, and E.E. Butler High School. As a self-employed seamstress and custom designer, my 1st annual Fashion Show was in Gainesville. While a certified Customer Service Specialist, I attended Lanier Area Technical School Fashion and Tailoring. I was a member of The Housewives League of Gainesville-Hall County, along with Dorothy B. Rucker and Carre Bailey. I served in the jail ministry of The Veterans & Community Outreach Program and have been an agent with Primerica since 2012. I received an Able Ministers Diploma, a Certificate of License; a Certificate of Ordination; a Diploma of Ministry, and a Diploma of Biblical Studies. It is with great pleasure that I work within FSBHSAA, a great group of men and women who all give their time and are dedicated to maintaining and preserving our great community’s legacy and heritage. I am married to James B. Mangrum (aka Clarence Daniels). We are the proud parents of 4 boys, two girls, and a host of grand and great-grandchildren.

Attended Fair Street Elementary School from 1963-1968. A 1974 graduate of Gainesville High School. After completing high school, I attended Nursing School at North GA Vocational and Technical School in Clarksville, GA, and graduated in 1978. I worked at North East GA Medical Center for five years, moved to Atlanta, GA, and worked at Crawford W Long, which is now Emory University Hospital @ Midtown. I retired in 2018, rewarding a remarkable career as an LPN nurse. I was asked to join the FSBH Alumni Board. I have enjoyed being an FSBH alumni member for ten-plus years, which has been a very gratifying experience. I served as an event team member, and it has been a pleasure to work with such a diverse, fantastic, hardworking team! Being a member of this outstanding team allowed us to give back to the community by providing scholarships to students in the Gainesville metro community and having fundraisers. My most rewarding experiences are seeing the hugs, excitement, and love shown as families reunite back home for our annual and biannual reunions to continue our legacy and heritage. Several years later, I’m looking forward to this year’s gathering, knowing it will be one of the best!

I was born and raised in Newark, NJ, and graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in 1987. I earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration at Essex County College. After relocating to Gainesville, Georgia, I found employment with the Gainesville City School System and the Hall County School System. I launched my own “home-based” bakery and volunteered to work with the Butler High Alumni BOD. As Director of Technology, I ensure the board members and our membership have access to and use the best electronic tools to accomplish our objectives. I also work with the Events Team to manage enrollment and assist with all event preparations. Since joining the Alumni Association, I have learned much about the inner workings of a great organization where the members welcome new ideas and value my participation.

I am James Mangrum, and I am affectionally known as Sonny by most. I was born June 22nd, 1948, and attended Northwestern and Fair Street, finishing with E.E. Butler High School’s class of 1967. I’m married to Rev. Mary H. Mangrum and have four sons, two daughters, ten grandchildren, and a host of great-grands. I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. I have been a softball referee for over 55 years. I was proudly inducted into the Hall of Fame of both the World Softball League and the Black Softball Circuit after officiating games in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee and tournaments nationally for over 55 years. I serve as a Director on the Board of the Fair St. Butler Alumni to show my love for God by helping others and honoring the legacy of the community that produced me.

I am Reverend Mary Ann Holman-Turner, also known as Granny or Rev., from Minneapolis, MN, by way of Springfield, Illinois, my birthplace. My loving husband, Arthur (Zero) Turner, and I moved to Gainesville, GA, in 2021. I am the mother of a blended family of 10 children: grandmother of 28, great-grandmother of 41, and great-great-grandmother of 2. I adopted and raised five grandchildren. Four of them have ADHD or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Diagnosis. I became a Family Case Manager to establish and assist residents in family relationships from a holistic approach, retiring after 30 years of service.

In almost 60 years of Christian service, I have served wherever needed, from custodian to Administrator and Pastor. I received a Certificate of Ordination at Thy Word School of Theology in Plymouth, MN—earned a Bachelor of Religious Arts in Christian Psychology Degree from Jacksonville (FL) Theological Seminar, a Ministerial Training Certificate in Biblical Studies-Spiritual Life Training Center-Brooklyn Center, MN, and Certification in Chemical Dependency at Minneapolis Community Technical College Minneapolis, MN. After receiving a Professional Partnership Award, I served as Assistant Pastor at Thy Word Worship Center.

As a Director of Spiritual Enrichment of the FSBH BOD, I advise our BOD and encourage our members on spiritual and religious matters. Together with Rev. Childers, we offer comfort and assistance to our members and their families through our Caregivers Program.

I was born and raised in Gainesville, GA, attended Fair Street Elementary School, and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1978. I currently work as a consignment coordinator at North Georgia Health Systems. Though I was born too late to attend the historic Black schools, my siblings and other family members gave me a better appreciation of the schools’ legacy. The opportunity to learn, preserve, and share the history of Gainesville’s Black high schools and work with the distinguished alumni attracted the FSBH Alumni Association. I have enjoyed developing relationships with fellow board members and alumni over the past six years. As a younger person, I am motivated to encourage my peers to join us in preserving the heritage of our community.

(404) 421-9862

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Board Of Directors

Thomas Hailey

Dorothy Lipscomb Weaver

Theresa Anderson Puryear

John W. Harris

Rev. Dr. J. Douglas Childers

Angela Hughey

Peggye Robertson Davenport

Gwenell Williams Brown

Frank Sims

Cynthia Randolph Brown

Linda Rucker Hutchens

Rev. Eugene Whelchel

Deborah Keith Mack

Bernice Harbin Wimpye

Barese Watkins-Hope

Mary Moon Glenn

Rev. Mary Harrison Mangrum

Patience Lyle Jackson

Renee Windbush

James Mangrum

Rev. Mary Ann Holman-Turner

Terrence Watson

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