Erika & Martin
Wedding Party
Krishna Truitt Powell
Matron of Honor
Cousin of the Bride Well, well well, where do I start? The person who would proofread my poetry. The person who pushed me when I didn't want to be pushed nor others could do it. The person who came to Lawrence High and helped me proof that Ms. Dowling just couldn't teach. The other amiga of the three amigas - the person who started L.I. C. (if you have to ask, then you're not privy). All of this plus so much more is true and I can go on and on but the most important due to the current situation, I will say, you my dear cousin are the one who introduced the Bride & Groom!!!
Trae Burgess-Simmons
Maid of Honor
Cousin of the Bride The one of three amigas - Lawrence High didn't know what to do so they tried to divide and conqueror but grandmother knew the deal!! Christmas Eve evening and Christmas Night - headed to New York, going to Showtime at the Apollo, college life and good times at Cheyney. Aunt Pam keeping us in check (lol) and everything in between. And if memory serves me correctly, you went with me to meet Jimmy face-to-face for the very first time. Yes, you too had a hand in this Bride & Groom match!! Life has held us together and taken us on many paths - LHS, CU, Omega, ups, downs, lessons, tests of Faith, kids - but through it all, we're family.
Michelle Mabson
Bridesmaid
Cousin of the Bride One of two I had the pleasure of rearing in the beginning. Once she came home from the hospital 30+ years ago, I knew I had my "mini me". A lil' Diva, and my personal "BABY doll". Fiesty, well-spoken, loving - so many words come to mind when I think of the early years. While others can say a lot, I just want to say I'm happy and proud of the woman Michelle's become and can't wait to see what else lies in store!
Sonia Johnson
Bridesmaid
Omega Sister of the Bride We met at college, joined the LOOvely sisterhood under Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and ride n' die to the end!! You are my sister, my friend, my left hand, and sometimes my sounding board. We've had great adventures together, you've helped with Lester and then along came Zora, my sweet niece. All of Team VipR had an insider (p... down) and then almost four years later, along comes your niece ASHLEY. As our daughter's grow up, I can't wait for the adventures they will join us on!!!
Denise Hinds
Bridesmaid
Sister in Christ and Friend Lawrence High - what can I say!!! We met in high school, had similar views but understood that bearers and obstacles were only challenges. From the beginning, my voice of reason, sounding board and shoulder to cry on. We've been Coasts apart, but only a phone call away. You've helped and encouraged me beyond words. My last two major milestones, you were by my side and it's only right that on this, my upcoming Wedding Day, you'd be by my side and for that I'm thankful.
Joy Jacobs
Bridesmaid
Omega Sister of the Bride In life you have a choice, even with family - to accept and deal with or keep your distance. But in Omega, you can keep your distance but the bond is entwinded differently. From day one of meeting, that bond has shaped and grown in ways others only wish for! From Nalia to Prayer and everything in between- you're my go to. With you I know, You're Your Sister's Keeper!!!
Elisha Butcher
Bridesmaid
Omega Sister of the Bride Where to start? Lil' Erika, BG, anyhting Omega? I'll start by saying thank you. Thank you for the sisterhood, thank you for the assistance during a difficult time, thank you for just being you. Our dysfunctional family - CU BG - is not dysfunctional at all, it's just misunderstood by all those NOT in the know. From family gatherings to family holidays, Lester and I were loved. My Skyler, my nephew, is now all grown up and longer 4 yrs old but he has grown into a caring, smart and handsome young man - Sis, you did great!!! As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I'm thankful that you will be by my side to witness it.
Ebonika Funchess
Bridesmaid
Niece of the Groom Eboni, one of Jimmy's nieces and the one that has assisted me from day one. From her hospital bed she assisted me with addressing envelopes for our Gender Reveal; for our daughter's (Ashley Nicole) 1st birthday party she reached out and asked was there anything I needed help with and got the Minnie Mouse character for the party. While in the hospital, we shared a joke about you "busting" Ashley out.....lol. If there's something I'm thinking regarding your Uncle, you're the first person to come to mind.......Our Gender Reveal, our daughter's 1st first birthday, comforting & encouraging me while she was in the NICU for 106 days....you were there for two important events in our life and now for this BIG one too - thank you.
Aisha Harris
Bridesmaid
Omega Sister of the Bride From day one you amazed me in your strength, courage and commitment. Started from the bottom with 3 and you made it through. My "Wise Ole Owl" you are and truly "grandma's boogey" and I LOOve you. You know the years seem longer but the bond is definitely strongest!!!! I got you and you got me - forever!
Nina Shepard Walker
Mother of the Bride
From the beginning as far back as I can remember, it's always been me and you. My early years were the BEST and I can't recall ever wanting for anything, you said I ain't got to kiss no one's a$$.........lol. That's funny to me because Grandmother always told me something similar. We have shared some good times, some hard times and some uncomfortable times - but through it all...As your ONLY child, I'm glad I got to experience life on a whole different level; Spoiled? Yes - Head strong? Yes - Liked? Who Cares! - Stubborn? Of course - Loved? Beyond measure - Blessed? Yes & highly favored by God. Why did I list someone these characteristics of myself? Because it reflects the strong child you raised. Love you Mommy!!
Ashley Funchess
Flower Girl
Daughter of the Couple This little person is a feisty warrior princess that entered this world on September 15th in 2017. She decided it was HER time, and HER way and it has been that way from day one. God saw us worthy to be her parents and for that we are blessed. She's our WHY on so many levels! If I used this as a time capsule for her, I would say - "Ashley you are a princess and worthy of only the best. Let mommy be your example of what to accept and what not to accept. You are intelligent, you are loved, and you are OURS. We will always be here for you and even when we aren't, there is a VILLAGE of family that is here for you." Ashley, our flower girl, our daughter, our blessing!!
Lester Thomas-Glee
Son of the Bride
We've been through sooo much these 20 years of your life but the one thing I can proudly say - "I'm proud and blessed of your accomplishments." You've made me laugh, think, cry tears of joy and tears of pain but nevertheless, you've made me a better mom!!! You've showed me better ways to communicate and how to do one of the hardest things - let you grow and spread your wings. I pray to God that through everything that you know that I've got your back. Thank you son for your shoulder to lean on, strength to carry on and just being YOU. I love you now and always!!
Junie Funchess
Best Man
Brother of the Groom You are the best older brother that any person could ask for. You taught me right from wrong, kept me out of trouble and showed me what it's truly means to be a man. To be honest, you're more than my brother, you're my second father. I'm thankful that you will be standing by my side on my wedding day!
Billy Owens
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom You're more than a just a cousin - you're a brother, a best friend, and someone I know I can always call on in my time of need and depend on. You're someone that has never let me down and I'm glad that you're standing right with me.
Kendall Funchess
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom My twin!! We've been through hell and back together and always had each other's back.
Bubby Owens
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom What can I say about Mr. Right On Time - dependable. Thank you
Michael Mabson
Groomsman
Cousin of the Bride This young man is the ONLY grandson of the late Dr. George Shepard Jr. & Mrs. Evelyn M. Shepard. One of two that Erika had the pleasure of rearing. Once he came home from the hospital 30+ years ago, he took Erika's heart strings and wrapped them around his little finger. And through everything, she says that they have a special "connection" that only the two of them understand - two peas from the same pod. Erika has always said that while he and his twin are her beginning, there's so much more than they truly know when it comes to the love she has for them.
Dee Clark
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom The pack - You, Me, Kendall, Billy, Bubby, Ikey, Elliot, Calvin, Clevon, CQ, Mike & Man-Man - you were the glue to keep us in check when it came to thinking about the consequences of our actions, and for that I say thank you.
Ikey Cook
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom From day one, you joined the pack and were a true ride n' die, you had our backs and we had yours. Dependable, trustworthy, a true friend. Words can not express what I really want to say, so I'll just say THANK YOU.
Jamal Funchess
Groomsman
Nephew of the Groom
Andre Funchess
Groomsman
Nephew of the Groom
Peggy Shepard
Candle Lighter
Aunt of the Bride You once told me in the green room, I was a princess and never forget it for one day I would be a queen. Throughout my life I wore that crown, heavy at times and unwanted but never forgot my worth. So thank you Aunt Peggy for on my wedding day, I will marry my King and yes he tells me and shows me everyday, that I am truly his Queen!!
Marcia Newton
Candle Lighter
Aunt of the Bride My fondest memories are my summers in Boston spending time with you and Grandpop. The fun we had, the ice cream, meeting New Edition members at Valerie Price's house and so much more!!! But the one thing that I'll always remember is you being by my side when your brother, my father took his last breathe. Thank you for everything past, present and future.
Kelly Newton
Candle Lighter
Sister of the Bride
Lori Ann Funchess
Candle Lighter
Sister of the Groom
Lady Funchess
Candle Lighter
Sister of the Groom
Wedding Participants
Additional Wedding Participants
Shantena Fleming, WEDDING COORDINATOR Shalisa Jennings, HOSTESS Bailei Burgess-Simmons, HOSTESS Skyler Butcher, USHER Caleb Burgess-Simmons, USHER GUESTBOOK ATTENDANT