BY LOUIS C. WARD
LEESBURG – They all came. Jada’s family members, her Christian Worship Center’s church folk, and, of course, Jada’s peoples. Everyone wanted to be there to celebrate Jada’s milestone accomplishment and share the memorable occasion Jada’s Mom, Nakia Myles, had planned for her, a Celebration Dinner.
The room was decorated with white, yellow, orange balloons, creating a jubilant atmosphere for the eventual affair held Sunday, July 14, 2024 at the Christian Worship Center’s (CWC) Faith Center on CR 468 in Leesburg, Florida.
No one knows where the time went, including the writer of this piece, but we do know it is over! It’s done! And in a short time, Jada Bedford’s major milestone will become a reality. She will receive her B.A. in Physical Therapy and Health Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on August 2, 2024.
Congratulations!! Jada, you worked hard, and made us proud!
Yes, family, loved ones, friends, and supporters, all are very proud of Jada, a young attractive Black woman with a big receptive smile, who will quickly tell you: “I’m just a blessed person.”
“Oh, God! Nobody but God! Said Nakia Myles, Jada’s Mom, responding to her daughter’s graduation. A single parent, Ms. Myles is the Director of the Christian Worship Centers’ (CWC) childcare program.
“I am so proud of Jada. She’s always been a great daughter, despite the things she endured during her life, especially the passing of her Daddy, a promising basketball player. Jada’s been the type of child whenever she wanted something, she would go full force after it.”
Showing love and appreciation for what her daughter has accomplished, Mom Nakia presented her with a money bouquet and keys to a Mercedes Benz. Jada was ecstatic. She cried. She appreciated it. She’s so grateful for all her Mom had done for her and will continue to do.
Yes! Jada is indeed a “blessed person!” Who isn’t blessed after receiving a Mercedes Benz for graduation from college? My God!
Those who know her wouldn’t hesitate to agree with her assessment of her personality. Jada is the first in her family to complete college. Her Christian upbringing had a lot to do with her success. Since she was a young girl, and up to the present, Mom and Jada were always involved in her church’s, Christian Worship Center (CWC), activities.
There were many concerned family members, like her grandparents, Clifford and Elaine Myles, her Auntie Tiffany Poitier, and God parents, John and Constance Christian, and her God sister Czenobia, also a FAMU graduate, all poured into her life.
Some heartfelt expressions about Jada, who has decided to return home after graduation to work and give back to the community that gave so much to her.
Constance Christian, Jada’s Godmother, said, “If I brought my daughter Czenobia a pants set, Jada wanted the same one.”
Pastor Christian said, “I’m godly proud of her for maintaining godly standards.”
Jada’s Grandpa said, “Jada has always been a good girl, saying “Okay, Granddaddy, Yes sir.”
Auntie Tiffany said, “I’m proud of you, and excited to see your next journey.”
Tyra, Jada’s her friend from Middle School, said, “We will always keep in touch.”
Mother Peterkins had her in Teen Bible study. She said, “Jada was always smiling like her mom.”
Jada’s third grade teacher stated, “Jada would one day make an impact on the world.”
Jada’s basketball coach said, “Jada was confident in playing with girls bigger than herself.”
Ms. Williams, Jada’s Sunday school and Middle school teacher, said, “I never had to raise my voice in class.”
