Often times we only refer to someone as a legend after they have died.

Then we usually reflect on the difference the individual made whether it be through music, marriage, business or through the lives they may have touched. We share how great the individual was, how much of an impact the individual had on our lives, and how much we really miss them. It is very rare we take the time to honor an individual while they still live.

Now is that time. At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ located at 259 Country Club Drive in Broadmoor Subdivision, along with Elder Jerry R. Ramsey will host a program in honor of Levi Marsaw III. Levi Marsaw III was born on June 13, 1929, to the late Levi Marsaw Jr. and Alberta Marsaw.

As a family man, he served our country for two years in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in November 1951. He returned to his hometown, Natchez, where he married his wife of 52 years, Claudia Marsaw. Together they raised a family that still stands strong to this day.

As a churchman, he has served under numerous pastors over his lifetime and has remained a faithful member to the works of the Prayer Tower for over 30 years. He continues to be involved in the finances of the church and has remained a good steward of the church where he serves as head deacon, trustee and treasurer.

As a civil rights activist, he was there the night Wharlest Jackson Sr. was bombed after leaving his job at the tire plant. He was one of the individuals who helped to pickup the body of the late Mr. Jackson. Due to the condition of the body, rope had to be used to keep what remained of his flesh together in order for him to be transported to the local funeral home, Williams and Williams.

That night in history changed Levi’s life and gave him the charge to become an active participant in the civil rights movement in Natchez, Adams County and Southwest Mississippi. He helped to lead the charge in getting blacks registered to vote all over Southwest Mississippi. This also led to him receiving threats against his own life.

As a businessman, he operated numerous businesses during his lifetime. His latest venture is running a breakfast and lunch café on the corner of Martin Luther King Street and Franklin Street. He still serves up those famous Marsaw biscuits just about every morning. He along with his brother, Fayette Marsaw, and family are the featured cooks.

As a humanitarian and workman, he worked at IP for 44 1/2 years and there he made numerous friends.

He continues to befriend people to this day and shows himself friendly to all. At the age of 76, he continues to press his way forward always thinking about how he can help someone, always being the first to commit his time and finances to those in need.

Now it is our time to allow him to have a seat and rest his legs for a moment while we honor this living legend.

We cordially invite all of you that know Levi Marsaw and those of you that know of Levi Marsaw to come and celebrate his life and legacy at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sam King attends Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ and is also the circulation manager of The Natchez Democrat.