Debutantes participate in community project
HHS-Debutantes participated in a community service project April 21 at Mary McLean Frazier Community Park. The debutantes were honored to get assistance from community residents, Dorothy Harleston and Margie Long, who now resides in Marietta, Fla. Both are former colleagues, who once worked as teachers in Hazlehurst with Mary McLean. The group took a field trip to the local nursery, and selected a beautiful pink crape myrtle that was planted behind the monument stone in the community park.
Mary McLean was one of the most influential Black women in the life of Hazlehurst/Jeff Davis County. She was an educator and lived her life as a strong Christian pillar within the community and was affectionally known as Aunt Mary to many in the neighborhood.
Mrs. McLean earned a degree in elementary education from Paine College, Augusta, and taught school in Hazlehurst for over 40 years. Her life was about sacrifice and strength. As a lady of means, she lived modestly. She was an example of excellent work ethics and developed meaningful relationships throughout her career and personal life. Although she had no biological children, she was the best “God-sent-mother” for many children. She was a local resident, Mr. Glenn Harris’ aunt, and raised him from the age of 8. Additionally she played a pivotal role in raising Hazlehurst native Dr. Grady Cornish.
Mr. Harris gifted the land for the Mary Frazier McLean Park. He wanted to honor his aunt’s caring spirit, and constructed the park on the land that was the site of Mrs. McLean’s original home place. The park began as a family venture and was later donated to the City of Hazlehurst as a safe environment for children to play, and as a way to honor her legacy as a devoted educator.
The debutantes invite the Jeff Davis community to join them for their culminating activity, the Debutante/Cotillion Ball to be held at 6 p.m. May 4 at the Lumber City Highway Event Center. Free and open to the public. A reception will follow to honor the young ladies and their escorts.
