Civil Rights leader celebrates 98th birthday

Today a Lakeview nursing resident is celebrating her 98th birthday. Ernestine McLeod got to ring in her 98th year surrounded by family and friends.
McLeod was a community leader and voice for the black community during the Civil Rights Movement. She also helped establish the first head start schools in Perry County and served as secretary of the Heroines of Jericho for many years. As of now, McLeod is the oldest living member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
News 25 spoke to McLeod’s daughters who tell us a little about the role their mother played in their life. McLeod’s daughter Katie Jackson said, “I am so proud of the heritage that she instilled in all of us which we continue to be involved in. It is she who led us and taught us the way and gave us the will and the voice to speak when wrong things were being done.”
McLeod’s youngest daughter June Dykes said, “Ninety-eight years, we are blessed. I’m blessed. The family is blessed.”
McLeod is the mother of six daughters, 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Ernestine McLeod we wish you the happiest of birthdays.