Deanes Pencil Fund

04/07/2026

THERE’S STILL TIME TO APPLY! Continue sharing the flyer to reach our JSU students! 🗣️

03/28/2026

Apply today!

03/26/2026

Women's History is Living History!
Ariel Anthony here, and now it’s my turn to introduce you to MY friend Lynda Gilbert! Lynda and I became fast friends; we are both attorneys and spent a lot of time watching our daughters play volleyball together over the years. During this time, we discussed our families, and I learned that we had a lot in common. Lynda is number 5 of 6 and my mom is number 5 of 7. Since the inception of the Pencil Fund, Lynda has been a consistent and vocal supporter! Oftentimes, telling our other friends about the great work of the Fund for me (I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes it is not easy for me to talk about myself lol).

Lynda Gilbert is a partner at Gilbert Law in Chattanooga, where she represents people with legal problems at their jobs and schools. She was a social worker, first earning her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee. After working as a community educator for West Tennessee Legal Services, Lynda studied law at the University of Memphis. She was an editor on the Law Review, a Cecil C Humphrey law fellow, and a research assistant. Lynda began her career as a lawyer at Armstrong Allen law firm in healthcare litigation, then transitioned to representing plaintiffs in employment disputes, and, later, working in-house for West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee.

Lynda and her husband were both raised by first-generation college graduates, three being teachers, and one a minister. They are committed to the advancement of education for all people, particularly free, appropriate public school and quality, non-discriminatory higher education as well. Lynda has raised four children, ages 17-23, her youngest graduating from high school this spring 2026, one graduating from Georgetown University also this spring, and two who graduated from Auburn and Fordham in 2024.

For fun, you may hear Lynda playing the piano in the summer at the Little Brown Church on Signal Mountain or playing tennis with her family and friends. Lynda is currently on the Board of Signal Mountain Social Services, whose mission is to provide for neighbors in crisis, from attending to their basic needs to tutoring and offering college and trade school scholarships. She has served as an editor of the Tennessee Bar Journal for six years.

I am thrilled to honor my friend Lynda Gilbert for Women’s History Month!

03/18/2026

There’s still time to apply! Share with any JSU students! 🩵Click the link below to apply!
Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/1CLscGqjEPcbOmcad2v-4oCVjXDk76-VDArU2MnpIhuQ/viewform?ts=69925ed8&edit_requested=true

03/13/2026

CALLING ALL JSU STUDENTS! 🗣️ Apply today!

https://www.deanespencilfund.org

03/11/2026

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month!

I’d like to start the celebration by shining a spotlight on one of the most phenomenal women that I know, my daughter, Ariel Anthony.

Ariel is an AVP & Legal Counsel for Unum Group. She works on the company’s litigation cases across the United States. Prior to Unum, she worked at Husch Blackwell, handling complex commercial litigation. Ariel graduated from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis and received her undergraduate degree in economics at Rhodes College. While attending Rhodes, Ariel studied abroad at Oxford University in the UK.

Ariel serves in various leadership positions across the city. She has been focused on improving diversity in the legal field in Chattanooga since she moved there in 2015. She is a founding member of the Chattanooga Legal Diversity Consortium (CLDC) and she co-founded the Leadership and Law Academy, a law camp for minority high school students interested in practicing law. She is heavily involved with the CLDC pipeline initiatives, including the CLDC Minority Clerkship Program, which offers 1L law students an opportunity to work at a company and law firm the summer after their first year of law school, and Chattanooga Leadership and Law Academy, a 2-day law camp for high school students to introduce them to various part of the legal practice. She’s also a board member of the Tennessee Young Lawyers Division Board, A Step Ahead and of course the Deanes Pencil Fund.

Ariel has been recognized for her various community work in Chattanooga. She received the Chattanooga Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Volunteer of the Year Award. She was also named to the Tennessee Bar Association’s Diversity Task Force and the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Outside of work, Ariel is a busy mother. Most of her free time is spent driving her daughter, Ari, to her volleyball tournaments.

We are so proud to have Ariel on our Board!

Donate below to help a student repay student loans.

https://www.deanespencilfund.org/donate?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=Women%27s_History_Month_-_Ariel_Anthony&utm_medium=email

03/05/2026

SCHOLARSHIP TIME! Click the link for more information.

We will be offering (2) scholarships totaling $17,600 for 2026! All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm CST on May 31st, 2026

02/25/2026

Black History is Living History!

Honoring Assistant District Attorney Trina Davidson

As we close out Black History month, The Deanes Pencil Fund is proud to shine a spotlight on Trina Davidson, a lifelong resident of West Point, Mississippi, whose dedication to justice, community service, and youth advocacy continues to strengthen the Golden Triangle region and beyond.


A West Point Native with Deep Local Roots
Trina’s commitment to her hometown began long before her legal career. A proud product of the West Point School District, she graduated from West Point High School in 2000, then earned her bachelor’s degree from the Mississippi University for Women (2003). She continued her academic excellence by graduating cm laude from the Mississippi College School of Law (2009).


A Distinguished Legal Career
Trina’s professional path reflects both depth and impact.

She began her legal career in private practice, working with Young Williams, PA in child support enforcement and Alexander & Watson in civil defense litigation—two roles that strengthened her commitment to serving families and communities.

In 2010, she transitioned to public service as an Attorney Advisor for the Social Security Administration, serving in both Jackson and Tupelo for five years. She later returned home to serve as City Prosecutor for West Point, reinforcing her dedication to public safety.

In 2015, Trina joined the District Attorney’s Office under DA Scott Colom as an Assistant District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District, serving Oktibbeha, Clay, Lowndes, and Noxubee counties. Her mission remains unwavering: seeking truth and justice in every case while serving as a fierce advocate for victims and communities.

Her prosecutorial work includes securing convictions in cases involving robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. She has also been appointed special prosecutor in two high-profile mass shooting cases within the district—roles that speak to her leadership, expertise, and integrity.

While firm on violent crime, Trina is equally committed to redemption and opportunity. She champions Drug Court and Pre-Trial Diversion for first-time nonviolent offenders and has played a major role in expanding the district’s diversion program to include crucial support services.


A Dedicated Community Advocate
Trina’s service extends far beyond the courtroom.

She is an active member of several nonprofit and youth-centered organizations, including:

Multi-Disciplinary Child Abuse Team at Sally Kate Winters Child Advocacy Center

Board of Directors, United Way of the Golden Triangle Region

West Point Consolidated School District School Board

She also serves as an adjunct instructor for the Barbri Center for Legal Studies, helping equip future legal professionals for success.


A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and Service
Outside her professional roles, Trina is the devoted mother of Kiley Ann and Amare. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, and spending quality time with her family. The Davidsons are faithful members of Northside Christian Church, where their commitment to service continues to flourish.


A Proud Supporter of The Deanes Pencil Fund
Trina is a strong advocate for The Deanes Pencil Fund and its mission to remove educational and financial barriers for Mississippi students. Through her work with second-chance offenders, she has seen firsthand how financial hardship and limited educational access can restrict a young person’s future.

Her belief in opportunity, access, and community uplift—paired with her deep personal connection to the Deanes family fuels her support of their work and mission to provide scholarships and educational assistance to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and professionals.


🌟 Honoring a Champion for Justice and Education
Trina Davidson embodies the spirit of service, justice, and community empowerment. The Deanes Pencil Fund proudly recognizes her commitment to building stronger, safer, and more equitable communities across Mississippi.

Join us as we continue to help students graduate from college without excessive student loan debt. Click below to donate today!

02/17/2026

Black History is Living History....Meet Vernon Stafford, Jr.
I met my friend Vernon in 1999 while we were both employed at the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Vernon was a Director in Core Policy Development in Washington DC and I was a field examiner in the Memphis Field Office. During this time, the OCC established various affinity groups, one of which was called the Coalition of African American Regulatory Employees (CARE). When I saw that well-respected African Americans were involved in leading and sponsoring this group, I said “Sign me up”!

Vernon was the first president of CARE and so impressive. I served as Treasurer under Vernon’s leadership and loved every minute of it. Later, Vernon relocated to Memphis to serve as EIC of First Horizon Corp where I served on his team. I loved every minute working with Vernon. He was such a Christian man and cared about his employees, we were not just “worker bees”. Vernon saw us as individuals with unique needs and skills.

Vernon retired from the OCC in June 2013 and joined First Horizon as Chief Audit Executive. Vernon’s career and sphere of influence grew exponentially in Memphis. He has served on or chaired the boards of Leadership Memphis and The Dixon Gallery & Gardens. Vernon was appointed to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, where he has served as vice chairman. In 2023, he also joined the board of directors of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare System.

Vernon retired from First Horizon in 2025 but he hasn’t slowed down. He is now the Chief Executive Officer of his consulting firm, LeviaTrust Consulting, LLC. LeviaTrust provides executive coaching and audit leadership consulting.

Vernon earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Roger Williams University. He’s married to his best friend Barbara. They have three successful children; Christina, Danielle and Vernon, 3rd He also has one grandson, Levi.

Help us to continue providing scholarships to deserving students. Donate below.

Friendly reminder: Donors who donate $100 during February will receive a signed copy of the novel, Something in the Water , by Phyllis Dixon.

Link: https://www.deanespencilfund.org/donate?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=Vernon_Stafford&utm_medium=email

02/13/2026

Why do we work so hard to help students stay in school and graduate without excessive student loan debt?

Read below!

Approximately 6% to 8% of Black Americans earn an annual income of $100,000 or more. While this represents a lower percentage compared to the national average of 18%, this figure increases significantly to 16% among Black adults with at least a bachelor's degree. Additionally, about 6.1% of Black households report annual incomes between $150,000 and $199,999.
Key statistics regarding Black American income include:
• Education Impact: Black adults with a bachelor's degree are far more likely to earn six figures (16%) than those with some college or less (2%).
• Income Distribution: While the overall 6-figure rate is low, roughly 2.5 million Black men (18-64) have reached the upper-third of the income distribution.
• Median Income: The median income for Black households is approximately $56,706, which is lower than the national median.
• Wealth Disparity: 1 in 20 Black households (5%) have wealth over $1 million, compared to 1 in 5 white households.
These figures suggest that while a smaller percentage of the Black population reaches six-figure income levels, there is a growing segment of high earners, particularly among college-educated individuals.

Donate below to help students!

There are many ways to support the Fund. Whether you make a one-time monetary gift or plan a gift for the future, we have a way for you to give that fits you. All gifts to the Fund make a difference, regardless of the size. We rely on family and friends to provide funding that enables students

02/11/2026

Black History is Living History

Let me introduce you to my friend Deborah (Deb) Mitchell! I met Deb in 1988 when she started with the Comptroller of the Currency in Memphis, TN. We immediately knew that Deb was destined to be an excellent bank examiner. She brought a level of maturity to the job that most entry level examiners did not possess. Deb is a 1987 graduate of University TN in Knoxville with a degree in Finance.

Deb is living history at the Comptroller of the Currency. She is the first African American female to be in charge of a mega bank. What is a mega bank? A mega bank is a global financial institution with over $100 billion in assets (most exceed $1 trillion) that dominate the banking industry. Mega banks operating in the US include JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. Deb served as the Examiner in Charge (EIC) of Bank of America (BoA) for the Comptroller of the Currency. This is a HUGE deal! With more than $2 trillion in assets, BoA is the second largest bank in the United States.

Deb was EIC of BoA during one of the most challenging times in OCC history. The OCC, along with many federal agencies, were undergoing massive staff reductions at the direction of the president's administration. While the staff was being reduced, her responsibilities as EIC stayed the same! Additionally, the staff at BoA looked to Deb for leadership, guidance and comfort as they made life-changing decisions. Deb continually met with her staff and kept them informed as best as she could. She was the calming force that the examiners and bankers needed during a period of great uncertainty.

Deb is married to her loving and funny husband Calvin and is the mother of two great kids, Cameryn and Colby. The future shines bright for Deb!

02/07/2026

Black History is Living History

Meet Phyllis Dixon!

Phyllis Renee Dixon is my friend and former coworker. I met Phyllis in 1999 when she transferred from Little Rock to the Memphis Field Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Phyllis and I worked together on many assignments over the years and she was known for her excellent writing and editing skills. Little did we know that Phyllis would “grow up” to be an accomplished author!

Phyllis was born in Milwaukee and earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Phyllis worked at the Comptroller of the Currency for over thirty years before retiring in 2015. She has been extremely busy in retirement. Since retiring she’s written three novels including Something in the Water, Intermission, and A Taste for More. Before retirement, she self-published two novels, Down Home Blues, and Forty Acres, and contributed to Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul and Let the Brother Go If….

Her latest novel, Something in the Water delves into timely themes like environmental injustice, corruption, and community resilience. I’ve read all of Phyllis’s books and this is my all time favorite! The story follows Billie Jordan, an investigative radio host who relocates to a small Texas town where her husband has obtained a coveted position at an HBCU, only to uncover a long-standing water contamination crisis with deep personal and political consequences.
I loved this book so much that I’m giving away signed copies to any donor that makes a $100 donation during February!

You can purchase this book anywhere books are sold.

Donate below to help us continue to reduce student loan debt. Remember, a signed copy of Something in the Water will be given for all donations of $100 or more.

Link to donate: https://deanespencilfund.benchurl.com/c/l?u=1387F1FC&e=1AFB1B3&c=14BD34&&t=0&l=6522C999&email=espYe4Q4QxtwHO3ByXXgaNqkfwXYU29y&seq=1