Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 7 April 1994 — Page 4

The Muncie Times, Thursday, 7 April, 1994, Page 4 ABRAM (Continued from Page 1)

Winburn Sr., pastor of Shaffer Chapel. He called it an opportunity for parishioners and others to bid farewell to the Abrams. After almost 34 years with the Muncie Community Schools, during which time he rose from teacher to principal and, since 1989, the city’s first African superintendent, the Abrams are moving to Pontiac, Mich., where he became superintendent this month.

...34 years with the Muncie Community Schools...the city’s first African superintendent, the Abrams are moving to Pontiac, Mich.

The buffet meal was followed by a program titled “Sam and Millie Abram: This is your life.” Like a blushing bride and bridegroom, the honorees sat in front of the pulpit, facing the audience. As the emotion built up, Abram used one white handkerchief to wipe his hrow and another one to take care of his nose. Among those paying tribute were his mother, Mrs. Lillie Johnson, and his wife’s mother, Mrs. Lueida O’Neal. “Sam and Millie love Jesus. They don’t care who knows it. They don’t hide it under a bushel. I have been in touch with the pastor of a church in Pontiac. He is waiting to receive them. But wherever you go, Shaffer Chapel will always be your home church,” said Winburn. “The Abrams have served Shaffer Chapel well in the gospel choir, as parents,

trustee and in many other ways. Millie and Dr. Sam Abram have been faithful to Shaffer and to the religious community in Muncie. Therefore, 1 am declaring this Sunday as Millie and Dr. Sam Abram Day.” Then the tributes flowed in, starting with those from the many relatives present. Mrs. O’Neal said Abram had been more of a son than a son-in-law to her. “We will miss you,” she said. “Keep your hands in God’s hands, wherever you go.” Responded Mrs. Johnson, “We love you, wherever you go. Take Jesus with you, wherever you go.” Among the many others who participated were Gracie Foster, older sister to Mrs. Abram; Carolyn O’Neal, a close friend who is married to Mrs. Abram’s younger brother. Dr. William O’Neal; the Abrams’ daughters, Judith Abram and Sherrie Teague; Cornelius Dollison Jr., who is related to Dr. and Mrs. Abram; the Abrams’ friends for more than 40 years from their Central High School days, Ray and Hattie Armstrong; and former Muncie Community Schools teacher and administrator Alan Garringer.

He is also an example of a black man who is taking care of his family and his community.

Speaking on behalf of the community. Hurley C. Goodall, a retired firefighter and former Indiana General Assembly member, said, “Dr. Abram is a real role model. He’s a real black man. He is also an (Continued on page 13)

Former School teacher & administrator, Alan Garringer and Dr. Abram

Mrs. Lillie Johnson, mother of Dr. Abrams & Mrs. Lueida O’Neal, mother of Mrs. Abrams

Dr. Sam Abram, superintendent of Muncie Public School and wife, Millie Abram