By Rita Shirley LeBleu
The DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce held its 79th Annual Banquet Thursday, Mar. 26, at the Bible Baptist Church of DeQuincy Family Activities Center. This year, rather than honoring a Business of the Year, the Chamber chose to fete the DeQuincy Federated Service League for its “unwavering commitment to the DeQuincy community through its leadership, service and dedication,” announced Kim Rainwater, Chamber vice president.
Rainwater nominated the League for its 43 years of successfully organizing the DeQuincy Railroad Days Festival, an event that brings thousands of visitors to the community. She pointed out that this is the only all-women run festival in the state.
“Every dollar raised through the festival goes back into the community through charitable donations and scholarships that benefit local organizations, students and families,” she said. “DeQuincy Federated Service League embodies the true spirit of service, leadership and community impact,” Rainwater said.
The two nominees for the 2026 Amos Jones Citizen of the Year award were Johnny Copeland and Becky Grove.
Copeland was nominated by Evalin Hester. Hester wrote in her nomination letter about the many hours Copeland has spent building and donating new benches for the museum, the days and weeks he helped the City get into operating mode after Hurricane Laura – before he went to work on restoring his own property, weekly volunteer work at his church as head of security, lighting technician and door greeter, Special Olympics volunteer and the creator of an annual Christmas light display.
Grove was nominated by Tim and Lynne Treme.
“Some individuals serve their community occasionally; others dedicate their lives to it,” Lynne Treme said, highlighting Grove’s impact since her high school years, as a Federated Service League member, board member of Community Christmas Program, and initiator of the DeQuincy Methodist Church food pantry.
Grove worked with school counselors who needed assistance and personally delivered food. She continues to organize, coordinate and ensure that no family goes without help, according to Treme.
“Her leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment have made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals in DeQuincy. As John Mead once wrote, ‘When you can give without expecting anything in return, you have mastered the art of living.’ Becky lives by this principle every day,” Treme said.
Jimmy Henagan, Chamber member, announced the winner as Becky Grove, adding that the real winner of this award is the City of DeQuincy for having two outstanding citizens willing to give their time and attention to its betterment.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by DeQuincy High and DeQuincy Middle School choir members Judah Cooper, R.J. Richard, Hayden Hall, A’Rie Richard, Ella Williams, Auburn Royer, Vallie McGallion, Hope Hall, Alissa Wheeler, Alaina Vanderjack, Ivy Hollie, Layla Williams and Hudson Williams directed by Carie Barnes and Melonee Cooper.
Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home and wife Rebecca provided the food. Maria Ravia provided floral arrangements and Suzann Threet supplied the entrance backdrop. The venue was courtesy of Bible Baptist Church.
