Sisters and Brothers,
We are all still shocked and grieving the loss of our Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Onaye Farrish, and have suffered a tremendous loss. Brother Jerry Bailey and l are completely heartbroken. For 
such a tiny woman with small feet, she has left a huge legacy and even larger shoes to fill. 

Brother Jerry and I intend to honor her legacy and wishes for the Look to the Rainbow Session. Our sincere prayer and desire are that each of you will continue to support her vision and attend this 
Grand Chapter Session to honor her.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Sister Onaye on Saturday, April 12, 2025, beginning at 1 :00 P.M. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Oxford, Mississippi. This is approximately one hour from 
the Whispering Woods Convention Center in Olive Branch. Her daughter, Mary, specifically made these arrangements so that our Grand Chapter could have an opportunity to attend this Celebration of Life. There will be a Grand Chapter Funeral Service that will be held and that the Grand Family will be conducting. l encourage us all to attend to show Mary just how much her Mother meant to each of us.

Also, there will be a Special Session of the Grand Chapter that will be called at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, where we will drape the Grand Chapter Charter and Altar in memory of our 
beloved Sister. l encourage each of you to attend this Special Session.

Sister Onaye and I talked on an almost daily, if not daily, basis and she shared many of her visions for her and Brother Jerry's Session with me. I assure you that her wishes will be carried 
out to the best of our ability. Your Elective Grand Officers pray together every day and hold each other accountable and stand united. While Brother Jerry and I, along with the other Elective 
Officers, are all still grieving and trying to make sense of this, we are here for you. The Leadership of the Grand Chapter of the State of Mississippi is strong and we will continue to 
strive to servewith love, dignity and grace.

Melinda Ryan, Acting Worthy Grand Matron




The Celebration of Life for Sister Onaye Frarrish WGM will be April 12, 2025, at 1 pm at St. Peter's in Oxford, MS. 

113 S. 9th St. 
Oxford, MS 38655