Lonnie has 25 years of military service built around  discipline, resilience, and a commitment to showing up every single day—and that hasn’t changed. Now driving school buses in Spring Hill, FL, still serving the community by making sure the next generation gets where they need to go safely.

Proud husband to Nicole Powell for 22 years and a dedicated family man who puts his loved ones above everything. Life today is about faith, family, and staying grounded while continuing to lead by example.

From serving the country to serving the community—same mission, different uniform.  

A proud retiree of Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Department of Transportation, I dedicated 35 years to service and am now happily embracing retirement. I enjoy spending quality time with my wonderful husband, Clint, and my beautiful grandchildren—Micah, Heavenly, and Hadassa. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in missionary trips to Haiti and Belize and I look forward to exploring even more of the world. I joined the committee to contribute my time and help create a truly memorable family event, and I’m excited to be a part of it. 

I am a nurse with over 20 years of experience and the owner of Shades Face and Body Bar, one of the fastest-growing aesthetics businesses in Hillsborough County. My work reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence, entrepreneurship, and community impact. I recently developed a summer reading program incorporating a Black history curriculum to support underperforming third-grade students, in collaboration with Dr. Walter Smith III, former president of Florida A&M University.

I also co-founded the Girls on the Green Tee after-school golf program alongside Clemmie Perry and her mother, the late Doris Reddick—the first Black person elected to the Hillsborough County School Board. Girls on the Green Tee was recognized as LPGA Charity of the Year in 2020, with the award being presented to us by NFL Hall of Famer Ronde Barber. We also received Charity of the Year honors from the Tory Burch Foundation, with sponsorship support from Tory Burch. My experience in planning and executing large-scale initiatives, along with a strong commitment to excellence and accountability, allows me to bring structure and organization to collaborative efforts. I look forward to contributing these experiences in a way that supports the committee and helps create a well-organized and meaningful reunion for our family.

Nicole is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of distinguished service as a Human Resources Manager. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Science and is an ordained minister committed to serving with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

In her post-military life, Nicole continues her calling through her work as a paraprofessional, supporting students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Her dedication to nurturing young minds reflects her deep belief in the power of guidance, encouragement, and community.

Nicole has been a cornerstone in her family, playing a vital role in organizing meaningful family reunions that honor the legacy of their beloved matriarch. As a minister, she has officiated several weddings, with her most cherished moments being the opportunity to unite her and her husband Lonnie’s children in marriage. She has also humbly and faithfully supported her family by planning homegoing services, offering comfort and structure during times of loss.

While she gives freely of her gifts and talents, Nicole finds her greatest joy in being a devoted helpmate to her husband, Lonnie. Her life is a testament to service, faith, and the quiet strength found in lifting others

Hi family! I’m Yazmin Walker-Besnier—lovingly known as “Yazbee” by grannie—and I’m honored to serve as a member of the Ruth McNeal Family Reunion Committee. I’m the granddaughter of Ruth McNeal and the daughter of Karl and Doshie Walker, and it means so much to help bring our family together.

In my professional life, I’m an occupational therapist, where I have the privilege of working with veterans and supporting them in living more independently and confidently. That same passion for connection, care, and community is what I bring into planning this special time with family.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Robert, traveling, and dancing in Zumba fitness. I love creating meaningful moments and look forward to making this reunion a time of joy, reconnection, and lasting memories.

I especially look forward to sharing memories of grannie and honoring the love she gave us all.

With love, 

Yazbee

BIO COMING SOON!

Nikia Beachem-Button is the wife of Carlos Button and the daughter of Marica Wiley, James Wiley, and the late Wayne Beachem. She is the youngest of five siblings. Nikia is a dedicated professional with the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she works closely with at-risk youth in the community, striving to make a positive and lasting impact. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she holds multiple leadership positions and remains committed to service, sisterhood, scholarship and Social Action. 

BIO COMING SOON!