



Dear Esteemed Guests,
On behalf of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation Board, I am pleased to welcome each of you to this unforgettable evening. We are truly honored to have you join us for our Scholarship Gala, a celebration of hope, opportunity, and the power of education. Tonight, we gather to enjoy an evening of elegance and camaraderie and support a cause that transforms lives and strengthens our community.
Tonight, we have the distinct pleasure of honoring individuals who embody the very spirit of dedication, leadership, and generosity. Their commitment to our mission and their unwavering support for educational advancement have profoundly impacted countless students’ lives. Each of our honorees exemplifies the values we hold dear, serving as champions and role models in our community. We are immensely grateful for their contributions. Our scholarship recipients are remarkable young people whose talents, determination, and aspirations inspire us every day. They are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers—and it is through your generous support that they can pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. The funds raised tonight will provide vital scholarships and resources, enabling these exceptional students to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your belief in the mission of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation. As we come together this evening, let us celebrate the achievements of our scholars, our honorees, and our HBCUs and honor the transformative power of education. We hope that you leave inspired, knowing that your generosity is helping to change lives and shape the future. Sincerely,
SADIE GRICE FUNNY SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
John J. Funny Founder and Chairman of the Board
55 TRINITY AVE, S.W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-0300
TEL (404) 330-6100
November 15, 2024
Greetings:
As the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, I am pleased to welcome attendees of the 2024 Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation Gala
The Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of the late Mrs. Sadie Grice Funny and the values she held dear of education, community service, and youth empowerment. The foundation has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, providing essential scholarships to undergraduate students seeking to further their education, and has made a profound impact on countless lives.
The legacy of Mrs. Sadie Grice Funny lives on through these tireless efforts, helping to make dreams come true. The financial assistance and support you offer are vital in helping these young people navigate their college journeys, ensuring they have the resources to succeed. It’s truly inspiring to see how you have dedicated yourselves to uplifting our youth and fostering a brighter future for all.
On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I extend my best wishes for a memorable occasion
Sincerely,
Mayor Andre Dickens
John Park, Mayor
Michael Diaz, District 1
Jennifer Owens, District 2
Madeleine Simmons, District 3
John Funny, Mayor Pro Tempore and District 4
November 15, 2024
Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation
3480 Peachtree Road, NE 2nd Floor, Suite 128 Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Greetings:
On behalf of the City of Brookhaven, I am honored to support and recognize the remarkable philanthropic work of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation (SGFSF). This extends to the tireless work of its founder and CEO (and Brookhaven Mayor Pro Tempore) John J. Funny.
The basic altruistic mission of the SGFSF is to provide financial assistance to exceptional youths in pursuit of higher education. More than $250,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving students to date since 2002.
Philanthropy, the desire to promote the welfare of others, can be achieved by direct interaction, such as the work carried out by the SGFSF. It is also manifested by those who support causes such as stewards like yourselves who are attending this year’s BlackTie Scholarship Fundraising Gala at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead.
On behalf of the Brookhaven City Council and the residents who make Brookhaven their home, I commend the SGFSF on its remarkable achievements and all of the attendees of the Black-Tie Scholarship Fundraising Gala who make this work possible
Sincerely,
John Park Mayor, City of Brookhaven
DOUG SHIPMAN President
November 15, 2024
Greetings,
As President of the Atlanta City Council, I am pleased to celebrate the work of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation as it honors the 25th Anniversary of the passing of Sadie Grice Funny
The City of Atlanta is consistently evolving and so is its citizenry It is our responsibility to ensure that as this development occurs, there is opportunity for every one of us to succeed. This requires a great degree of intentionality toward creating a city characterized by equity and access.
To that end, the Atlanta City Council is appreciative of the work performed by the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation The scholarships provided to today’s promising students offer access to the educational opportunities needed to make them our leaders of tomorrow. It is assuring to know that we have partners who are firmly committed to ensuring the availability of quality educational opportunities for Atlanta’s future generations.
Again, congratulations on hosting the Annual Scholarship Gala and the ongoing work of the Sadie Grice Funny Foundation. Thank you for your service and I wish you much continued success.
Sincerely,
Doug Shipman
Sadie Grice Funny, a native of Georgetown, SC, was born on April 10, 1924, during a time of relentless transition and tumultuous contradiction in America. The wave of the Roaring Twenties was cresting in an explosive economic response to the aftermath of World War I, while ebbing just scant years away was the impending plunge of Wall Street and that historical day of infamy - “Black Monday.” In South Carolina, the boll weevil attack on the cotton industry was a precursor to the rising tide of the Great Depression. However, Sadie Grice Funny chose her destiny to shape her own world, rather than to be shaped by it.
Educated in the local area school system, she made a lifelong vow to James Funny, Sr. in matrimony, a firm union that lasted 57 years and produced eleven children. She was committed to ensuring that her offspring had the means to pursue an education, which she knew opened the doors of opportunity. Ever a diligent and hardworking soul, she responded when she recognized a need in her community. Realizing the local workers’ need for transportation to and from Myrtle Beach, her entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of her own car and bus transit service. When she discovered that businesses needed employees, she formed an employment referral service to notify individuals in local communities of employment opportunities at businesses (hotels, restaurants, golf courses, churches, etc.) in Myrtle Beach.
As a devoted Christian and faithful, dedicated member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, in Plantersville (Georgetown County) and later Arise and Conquer Church of Deliverance, she served tirelessly and dutifully as a Stewardess, Trustee, and member of the Senior Choir. Her civic memberships included The Rose of Sharon Tent #117 and Beach Street Lodge #299 Order of the Eastern Star.
Sadie Grice Funny dedicated herself to service and excellence throughout her entire life.
JOHN J. FUNNY
Founder and Chairman, Grice Consulting Group, LLC
RAY C. FUNNYE
Director of Public Services, Georgetown, SC
NANCY S. FUNNY Retired
RUSSELL DRAYTON
President - Drayton Trucking Company
DR. ANDRE C. MACKEY
Clinical Pharmacist – Alliance Community Pharmacy
MICHAEL E. COLLINS
Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Starbucks
German Barreda
J.D. Clockadale
Johnny Dawsey
Russell Drayton
Nancy S. Funny
Kennedy E. Funny
Ray C. Funnye
Michael Hightower
Eric Johnson
Tharon Johnson
Donald Knight
Darryl Ricardo Matthews, Sr.
Sharletta and Todd McKinney
Ralph Meachum
Aaron L. Miles
Martha Pacini
Don R. Weston
German & Stephanie Barreda Lisa Allen Donald Knight
Wayne Martin
Renee Areng
William Asmond
Kirk Brown
Mary & Lucien Deas
Antonio Ezell
Sims Gordan, Jr.
Janet Gray
Garland Harris
Keith Harris
Debra & Nathaniel Howard
Marquita Jackson
Glendathea Jones
Lori Leonard
Anne Lerner
Michael McCain
April McDaniel
Martha Pacini
Nancy & John Plesnarski
Arthur Ratliff
Stanley & Georgia Segal
Carol Simmons
Daniel Simmons
Kimberly Springer
Jermain Tezeno
Anthony Theus
Katie & Joel Thomas
Anibal Torres
Thomas Woodard
Jonathan Stacey joined the FOX 5 Atlanta Storm Team in June 2021 after working in several other television markets across the Southeastern U.S. over the past decade. Prior to relocating to Atlanta, Jonathan worked at WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina as a lifestyle show host, anchor, and meteorologist.
Jonathan won a Southeast Emmy Award in 2022 for an environmental feature story in which he took viewers underneath the dangerous and deadly waters of Lake Lanier.
In 2023, Jonathan was named Best Meteorologist (Large Market TV) during the Georgia Association of Broadcasters GABBY Awards Ceremony.
As Hurricane Dorian brushed the Carolinas’ coast in August 2019, Jonathan guided viewers through the storm’s landfall from the studio. Jonathan’s contributions to the station’s weather coverage that day earned him and his team a Midsouth Emmy Award for Best Morning Newscast in 2021.
In the Carolinas, Jonathan was affectionally known as “J-Stace the Science Ace.” He got that moniker after producing and hosting an award-winning science experiment series teaching kids and their parents about the natural world during the pandemic.
Jonathan also sharpened his reporting and forecasting skills at WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida; WAFF in Huntsville, Alabama; WNKY in Bowling Green, Kentucky; WCYB in Bristol, Virginia; and as an NABJ-NBC News Fellow in New York City.
Jonathan graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University where he studied mass communications and journalism. He also earned his Master of Theological Studies at Vanderbilt University. Jonathan earned a second bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University where he studied Geosciences with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology.
Additionally, Jonathan holds the National Weather Association Broadcaster’s Seal of Approval.
Jonathan is an active member of the National Weather Association and the National Association of Black Journalists, and he’s also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
In addition to his television news experience, Jonathan is a licensed Christian minister, and has held various ministerial and staff roles in congregations in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Jonathan is also in the process of pursuing his education and licensure in mortuary sciences.
Ludwidg (LuLu) Louizaire resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is employed as a marketing coordinator for the Pronghorn Company. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2019 from Virginia’s Hampton University, graduating with a degree from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Lulu aspires to earn her MBA and become a Chief Marketing Officer.
She is the founder of “Roads to the Classroom” backpack and school supply drive, benefiting 300 students. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®. A recipient of the Changemaker Award, she is a Board member for The Scholarship Plug foundation.
A first-generation college graduate, Ludwidg is bilingual. Her community service initiative is entitled “Education for Every Student.” Her initiative ensures that students’ educational opportunities and life trajectories are not defined by their zip codes. She accomplishes this through providing direct student benefits, building strategic partnerships, and advocating for legislative changes.
Ludwidg states, “From an outsider’s perspective, one might assume I came from a picture-perfect home, given my achievements and education. However, my reality was marked by poverty and abuse until college. While some students juggled academics and extracurricular activities, I navigated surviving an occasionally abusive older brother, which not only hindered my focus on studies but also limited my ability to perform at my best.
Upon entering Hampton University, I realized my circumstances were far from normal, fueling my ambition to create a healthier future for myself and, in turn, change the lives of students who experienced similar environments.” Describing her health initiative and its alignment with #MissAmericaFit, LuLu explains, “Health encompasses all aspects of my personal well-being including my spiritual, mental, and emotional health.
Being #MissAmericaFit ranges from school and community visits around the state, being part of my small group at church, and even Kickboxing at Roundhouse Gym.” LuLu believes that other than her community service initiative Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is a paramount social issue of our generation. It has traditionally been treated as an optional initiative, but it now is a fundamental necessity. Research shows that when organizations prioritize DEI, it benefits their economic growth and enables them to reach a broader audience, all while fostering a more inclusive community.
LuLu is a vocalist. As much as she loves performing, she is most passionate about her CSI. “My story drives me. It drives me to help students see beyond themselves, see beyond their current circumstances, and seek a path toward a brighter future. A student’s zip code should never determine their opportunity to obtain a quality education. My work focuses on ensuring that no child falls through the cracks.”
Call to Celebration Master & Mistress of Ceremonies
Jonathan Stacey, Fox 5 Atlanta
LuLu Louizaire, Miss Georgia
National Anthem
Musical Selection
Invocation
Sadie Grice Funny Memorial Tribute
Kristen Jamison, Soloist
Rev. Dr. David Alexander
Spiritual Director, Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta
Greetings John J. Funny
Recognition of Sponsors
Musical Selection
Excellence in Education
Founder, Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation
Michael E. Collins
SGFSF Board Member and Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Starbucks Dinner is Served
Kristen Jamison, Soloist
Award Presentations
Community Service Award
Excellence in Athletics Award
Trailblazer Award
Scholarship Recipient Testimonials
2024 Scholarship Presentations
Benedict College
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President
Fort Valley State University
Dr. Paul A. Jones, President
South Carolina State University
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers, President
Nassar Madyun, Community Activist
Melissa Jefferson, Olympian
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County CEO-Elect
Micah Brinai Bolton
Dr. J’Maica Hunter
Kenneth Bateman
Nyla Grate
Ruqayyah Law
Iyanni Reed
Isaiah Wright
Ester M. Vargas
Live Auction
Closing Remarks
John J. Funny
Dancing Featuring DJ G-Nice
Nassar Madyun is being honored by the Grice Foundation for his remarkable 50-year career as a photographer dedicated to documenting and preserving the history, life, and works of Muslim life in America, particularly within the community of Imam W.D. Mohammed. His extraordinary eye for capturing pivotal moments has immortalized the growth and contributions of this community since 1973. Madyun’s work spans millions of photographs, both in print and digital media, preserving the stories of countless individuals, events, and celebrations. His photography has been prominently featured in major publications such as Muslim Journal, Azizah magazine, Muslim Girls magazine, Muhammad Speaks, and Bilalian News, and has even graced exhibitions at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Beyond his photographic talents, Nassar Madyun has worked tirelessly in leadership and mentorship. Nassar Madyun is a dedicated volunteer with Enough to Share Food Pantry, where he serves as one of the lead volunteers. This initiative provides 30,000 pounds of food to approximately 200 families each month, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to community service and his passion for supporting those in need. Additionally, he has served on the Consultative Board of Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, the Ansari Committee at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, and as the photojournalist for Muslim Journal. With the World Pilgrims, an interfaith organization, Madyun has traveled globally to foster understanding among the major Abrahamic faiths. He has also dedicated time to youth development, introducing students of W.D. Mohammed High School to careers in engineering and securing their internships with organizations like the Grice Consulting Group.
Madyun’s service has been selfless and extensive—offering his photography to the Atlanta Masjid, Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, the Interfaith Children’s Movement, the World Pilgrims, and many other organizations at no charge. His contribution has been in preserving history as well as in leading by example, as a community servant whose efforts have spanned decades.
Born and raised in Burke County, Georgia, Madyun also enjoyed a 34-year career with the State of Georgia Transportation Department, working to improve state infrastructure and safety, a career that began as a way to desegregate the State government under the regime of then Governor Jimmy Carter. He made the Hajj pilgrimage in 1980, traveling with seven leading imams, including the late Sheikh Ibrahim Pasha. True to his name, which means “the helper,” Madyun has embodied a life of tireless dedication, leaving an indelible legacy for the Muslim community and beyond.
Melissa Jefferson is an accomplished American sprinter who gained international recognition for her success on the track. Born on February 25, 2001, in Georgetown, South Carolina, she grew up with a passion for sports, excelling in both basketball and track and field during her school years. However, it was her speed on the track that set her apart, and she ultimately chose to pursue sprinting as her primary focus.
Jefferson attended Coastal Carolina University, where she competed for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers track and field team. While at Coastal Carolina, she began to make a name for herself as one of the top sprinters in collegiate athletics. Her breakthrough came in 2022, during her junior year, when she won the NCAA Indoor Championship title in the 60 meters, cementing her place as a rising star in the sport.
Later in 2022, Melissa Jefferson captured national attention when she won the 100 meters at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, clocking an impressive 10.69 seconds in the final, with the wind slightly above the allowable limit. This victory earned her a spot on the U.S. team for the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, that same year.
At the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Jefferson played a key role in the U.S. women’s 4x100 meters relay team. Alongside teammates Aleia Hobbs, Abby Steiner, and Jenna Prandini, she helped the team secure a gold medal, finishing ahead of the heavily favored Jamaican team. The victory solidified her status as one of the premier sprinters in the world.
Known for her speed, work ethic, and calm demeanor under pressure, Melissa Jefferson continues to be a prominent figure in U.S. track and field. Her rise from a small town in South Carolina to the global stage is an inspiring story of talent, dedication, and perseverance. As of 2023, she remains a strong contender for future championships and is regarded as one of the brightest stars in American sprinting.
On the global stage, Jefferson delivered a clutch performance in the 4x100 meters relay, anchoring the U.S. women’s team to gold at the 2022 World Championships. Her explosive speed and coolness under pressure were instrumental in outpacing the favored Jamaican team, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion in the world’s most high-stakes events.
In 2023, Jefferson’s rise reached new heights as she competed in her first Olympic Games, representing the United States with distinction. Known for her explosive starts, powerful strides, and relentless focus, she has become a symbol of perseverance and excellence in the sport. Her journey from small-town beginnings to the pinnacle of Olympic competition serves as an inspiring story of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
A fierce competitor and humble leader, Melissa Jefferson’s Olympic debut in 2023 solidified her place among the world’s elite sprinters. As she continues to push the limits of what is possible on the track, her legacy as one of the most dynamic athletes of her generation is only just beginning.
Melissa Jefferson, a 2024 Olympian, has swiftly risen to the pinnacle of track and field, emerging as one of the world’s fastest sprinters. Heading into the 2024 Olympics, Melissa Jefferson’s focus, speed, and competitive spirit have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Her presence on the track is electrifying, with her ability to remain composed under immense pressure making her a standout in elite sprinting. Jefferson’s rise is not just about physical prowess but also mental fortitude, making her a beacon of inspiration for young athletes worldwide. The 2024 Olympics represent another chapter in her quest for greatness, and the world eagerly watches as she continues to push the boundaries of speed.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson attended Troy University where she received a B.S. degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice; a M.S. in The Administration of Criminal Justice and received and an M.P.A. in Public Administration with a concentration in Economic Development and Grant Writing from Auburn University before attending John Marshall Law School, and holds an Executive Education Certificate from the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University in Delivering Public Services: Efficiency, Equity, and Quality.
Lorraine was elected DeKalb County Commissioner of Super District 7 in 2019 and proudly serves over 780,000 residents. She spearheaded the Boxed Store Ordinance requiring mandatory distance requirements to stop the proliferation of Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General in DeKalb County – now used in nine states. She is the author of the DeKalb Video Surveillance System Ordinance requiring mandatory video surveillance at gas and service stations. She is the founder and visionary of EMBARC Youth Farm, a $10 million urban farming project that incorporates hydroponics, green house growing, bee farming, a hen house and entrepreneurship activities to connect youth and community to nature to ensure healthy living.
As the Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, Lorraine has successfully allocated over $1.4 billion in revenue - the highest dollar amount overseen in the history of DeKalb County through any standing committee leader. She has required mandatory audit of all contracts above $3 million resulting over $92 million in revenue savings to DeKalb County taxpayers and is the 2023 Elected Official of the Year by the American Public Works Association; the 2023 Champion of Housing by Georgia ACT; and is a recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden in 2024.
Lorraine made history on June 18th when she received a majority vote in 174 out of 191 voting precincts to garner 60% of the vote to become the first Black woman elected CEO in DeKalb County, Georgia in the runoff election. She is the author of Government Reimagined, which provides an enlightening look at the dynamics of government, organizational structure, and best practices for service-based organizations and modern-day government to achieve maximum efficiency. Lorraine is the wife of U.S.A.F. Ret. Pilot Lt. Colonel William H. Johnson, III and the niece to her beloved aunt Annie Page. She is the proud mother of Agnes Scott College graduate Zion Cochran, a Chihuahua named Chico, and Jasper, a Piebald Tuxedo cat. Lorraine values God, family, and community above all else and is committed to doing her part to materialize a better world through selfless service and care for all people.
Kenneth A. Bateman
University of South Carolina
Major: Accounting
Graduate - Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School Georgetown, South Carolina
Miss Ruqayyah H. Law
Piedmont College
Major: Anatomy and Physiology
Graduate - Wraith Deen Mohammed High School Atlanta, Georgia
Ester M. Vargas
SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design
Major: Fashion Design
Graduate - Cross Keys High School Brookhaven, Georgia
Iyanni Vereen
Winthrop University
Major: Bio-Chemistry
Graduate - Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School Georgetown, South Carolina
Nyla Grate
South Carolina State University
Major: Civil Engineering
Graduate - Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School Georgetown, South Carolina
Isaiah K. Wright
University of South Carolina
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduate - Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
Georgetown, South Carolina
Weslyn Rose Adderson – South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Micah Brinai Bolton – Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA
Trenton A. Bromell – Benedict College, Columbia, SC
Rashaud S. Brown – Benedict College, Columbia, SC
Lakisha Renee Clark – North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mountain, NC
Tavonte Khalil Davis - South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Shalelia Maria Dease – South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Marlanda Verne DeKine – Furman University, Greenville, SC
Tamara Evita DeKine – Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Tomeika Elizabeth Dekine – Cocker College, Hartsville, SC
Lauryn Makayla Drayton - North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Johntell Marquise Gilliard – Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Jeremy Hayes – Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
Avianna Verschelle Hogue – South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
J’Maica Jashua Hunter – Clayton State College, Atlanta, GA
Maya E. Morant – Savannah State College, Savannah, GA
Fatima Muhammad – Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC
Amber Latrice Neal – Hampton University, Hampton, VA
Maia Pelzer – University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Nydia Shebre’a Pitts - Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Angel Krishawnuel Sabb – Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Ania Gabrielle Sade Funny – Howard University, Washington, DC
Eric Jerod Swinton – Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Ashlee Lennette Thompson – Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
Maurice Tucker – South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Allen Kendall Wallace – North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Zebnasjai Ja-Corey Washington - Gupton Jones College of Funeral Services, Atlanta, GA
Christopher Watson – Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
Rufus Wilson III – Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC
Delandus Williams – South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC
The Brookhaven Chamber appreciates the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation for investing in the lives of our youth, and is committed to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders by providing resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs to support the future generations and future entrepreneurs in the community. Join us in shaping the future of Brookhaven.