Video: Memorial Service Honoring Two Of Tupelo’s Homeless Encourages Others To Make A Difference

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It was a time to remember and reflect on the lives of two well known homeless men who have died recently in Tupelo.
A memorial service that not only allowed friends and family to grieve, and reminiscence, but also to encourage others to find ways to help those who want to get off of the streets.

“For each man and woman, homeless or otherwise, they matter and one life lost too early is too much,” said Pastor Jim Yates.

As associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Jim Yates would often visit James Dale “Slim” Miller, who sometimes stayed in a nearby lot. Miller died last month, after an illness. And earlier this week, Jimmy Edward Fair was struck and killed by a car as he attempted to cross East Main Street, just feet from his home, under the Mud Creek Bridge.

This service, at All Saints Episcopal Church, was a way for friends and relatives to honor the two men, and also to encourage others to turn their grief into action.

“Let’s continue this renewed sense of compassion going into 2018, carry that forward so we can build an even better city, right here in Tupelo and in Northeast Mississippi,” said Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton.

Those who knew Slim and Jimmy talked of times spent together. Pastor Georgia Cruz said she once invited Jimmy inside during a cold night, only to find him back in the elements.

“I went outside and Mr Jimmy done got his cup and went outside and slept under the carport. I said Mr Jimmy, that’s why I brought you in here so you could be out of the cold, he said, well, I like the breeze out here,” Pastor Cruse said.

Mack Turner has worked with Tupelo’s homeless population for years, helping find jobs and housing for those who are ready for a change.

“They’re good people, I understand they have problems, everybody has problems, but by being with them, eating with them, visiting them under the bridge, they try and be good people, ordinary people. But we should never give up on the homeless,” Turner said.

Everyone at the service recognizes there are no easy solutions for the homeless problem. However, people were asked to do whatever they can to bring hope to those many have given up on.

That service was held on “Homeless Memorial Day.” That is a national initiative held the first day of winter, to bring attention to the issue of homelessness throughout the nation.