Special to the democrat

It is the beginning of the new year and the beginning of the Mardi Gars season, so as they say in New Orleans, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” Bringing you excitement, entertainment and endless fun, the Krewe of Infiniti is delighted to announce its 2020 theme, officers and royalty for its inaugural Mardi Gras Grand Ball.

The Krewe of Infiniti’s Grand Ball celebration will begin at 8 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Come out and enjoy a night of exquisite enchantment. Chosen as the celebratory theme for the 2020 Mardi Gras season is “Ellusions of Enfiniti.”

The Krewe of Infiniti officers for the 2019-2020 officers consist of the following: Tera Williams, Founder/President; Roger Allen, Founder/President; Christy Bowman, Founder/Recording Secretary; Debra Allen, Founder/Financial Secretary; Courtney Rachal, Founder/Ball overseer; Brittany Scott, Board Member at Large; Devonte Schiele, Board Member at Large; Avery Green, Board Member at Large.

This year’s Royal Court includes:

Duchess Tamara Fakes

Duchess Tamara Anniece Fakes is a native of Natchez. She is the daughter of Irma Fakes and the late Henry Woods. Tamara is the granddaughter of the late Annie Mae Christmas and Nathaniel Fakes, and the late Hattie and Joseph Woods Sr. She is the proud mother of one daughter Karli Fakes.

She is an alumna of the Natchez High School Class of 2007 where she was a member of the NHS marching band and bowling team. Tamara is currently enrolled at Alcorn State University majoring in nursing.

Tamara is employed by Adams County Christian School, Merit Health Hospital, and Equisite Design/Heavenly Printing Business that she shares with her brother. Tamara is active member of the school’s PTL Board, sponsor of the ACCS Pride & Joy Dance Team, a proud member of the Adah Grand Chapter of Eastern Star and a member of Egypt Baptist Church in Kingston.

In her spare time, Tamara enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. Traveling with family and friends, but one of the best parts of her traveling is spent selling shirts for HBCU football games.

Tamara’s inspiration is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”

King Fred McCray, Jr.

King Fred McCray Jr. was a son, brother, friend, creative T-shirt designer, and a God-fearing educator. Mr. McCray was a Technology Foundation teacher in the Natchez-Adams County School District. He was named 2018-2019 Morgantown Middle School Teacher of the Year.  He was affiliated with the New Morning Star Baptist Church in Ferriday.  He was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.

He was an alumni of The Grambling State University in which he received a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. Mr. McCray received a master’s degree in curriculum, instruction, & technology from Nova Southeastern University. Being a well-rounded individual, he also received another master’s degree in theology from H.O.P.E. Bible Institute. He was on the pathway of pursuing his doctoral degree in theology from H.O.P.E. Bible Institute and a doctoral in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. His light will forever shine by being a Brother with the Masons. 

Leisurely, he enjoyed volunteering at the Concordia Parish Learning Center as the Technical Coordinator. Using his technology skills to surf the web with his brother and sister fulfilled his other free time.

His life’s motto was “As an inheritance, I’m just rightfully acquiring what’s already mine. I’d advise you to do the same.”

Queen Brittany Cedrika Green

Queen Brittany Cedrika Green is a native of Ferriday. She is the daughter of Mr. Cedric and Mrs. Gloria McCarthy Green. She is the paternal granddaughter of Lillie Bell Scott Green and the late Alex A. Green. She is the maternal granddaughter of the late Will and Thelma Percy-McCarthy. She is the proud mother of 3-year-old Olivia Ann Green.

Brittany is a 2005 graduate of Ferriday High School. She is a 2010 alumna of Southern University in Baton Rouge, where she received a bachelor of science degree in psychology. While attending Southern University, Brittany participated as SGA senior class senator, Psychology Club member and overseer for the logistics for Collegiate 100 Black Women of Southern University.

Brittany has entered into her ninth year as an educator. She currently employed by Concordia Parish School Board as a kindergarten teacher at Vidalia Lower Elementary.

Brittany is a member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Frogmore.

In her spare time, Brittany loves to spend time with her family and friends, especially her daughter. Brittany enjoys doing freelance makeup, listening to music and reading. Brittany lives by these words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Duke Tiffany Monique Davis

Duke Tiffany Monique Davis is a native of Ferriday. She is the daughter of Linda Davis Robinson and Cedric Green. She is the paternal granddaughter of the late Lawyer and Mary Davis and maternal granddaughter of Lillie B. Green and the late Alex Green.

She is proud alumna of the Ferriday High School Class of 2003. While in high school, she was a FHS Marching Trojan Band member and a lead vocalist of her school’s stage band, D-Man Inc.

She a post-certified correctional officer who is currently employed by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Department. There she holds the position of sergeant at the Concordia Parish Women’s Facility.

Tiffany is a disciple of the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Ferriday pastored by the Rev. LeRoy White where she is a member of the choir. She also is a member of the church’s singing group, The Voices of Zion, who just this year had the opportunity to open for the Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams. Tiffany’s love of ministering, singing and children also gave way to the opportunity to serve as director of the youth choir at the New Morning Star Baptist Church und the leadership of Pastor Danny Lewis.

In her spare time, Ms. Davis enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nephews and niece. She also loves singing, attending sporting events and working with the kids in her community. Tiffany believes that the true measure of a man is not what he gets from others but how much he gives to others. Her favorite Bible verse is, “for with God nothing shall be impossible.

Co-Captain Sandra Yvonne Robinson-Davis

Sandra Yvonne Robinson-Davis is the daughter of Juliann Morales-Robinson and Nathenial Williams of Vidalia and Robert James Robinson of Ferriday. She is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters Esherika Beatrice, Myeshia Robinson, Ariyah Monae and one son the late Kendrick Lavon Robinson.

Sandra graduated from Ferriday High School in 1989. Sandra is a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church in Clayton pastored by Pastor Rickey O’Quinn.

In her spare time, Sandra enjoys cooking, shopping and couponing.

Sandra motivation is her 12 grandchildren. Sandra motto is “As long as you have faith and plan nothing else matters.”

Co-Captain LaShinda Nix

LaShinda Setlenelle Nis is the daughter of Gloria Nix and the late “great” Albert Nix. LaShinda is the youngest of three children and was raised in Clayton with her two older sisters Kimelar Nix-Skipper and Schrylean Nix-Ducan.

LaShinda graduated from Feriday High School in 2000 with honors. LaShinda went on to pursue her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, earning a degree in organization management. LaShinda also earned her bachelor’s degree in child development from Ashford University.

LaShinda is employed by Concordia Parish School District, where she has been working with children for 15 years. She is currently team teaching at Concordia Parish Academy with Savannah Anderson.

LaShinda is the mother of three awesome children — one daughter Cle’Onia Cummings and two sons, JyKareyus Collier and Lakaden Collier.

LaShinda is a member of Harvest Baptist Church of Ferriday, pastored by Charles Chandler, where she is a member of Praise Dance Ministry. LaShinda is also a member of Crescent Chapter No. 142 Order of Eastern Star PHA Golden Circle, and Ladies of the Circle of Perfection.

In her leisure time LaShinda loves to spend time with her children, family and friends. LaShinda also enjoys helping others, loves to shop, travel the world, and eat.

Duke Larry Donnel Douglas Sr.

Duke Larry Donnell Douglas was born in Natchez and raised in the small neighboring town of Canonsburg. Larry is the son on Larry Frye and the late Jacquelyn Frye. He has one sister Candace Frye which is a five times state champion in track in field was his only motivation being so far out in the country. Larry is married to his high school sweetheart Veronica. Larry has three handsome sons, Larry Jr., Ladarrion, and Trae Douglas.

He is a graduate of Jefferson County High School and Alcorn State University, where received his bachelor’s degree in economics in 2007.

Larry currently works for Bureau of Prisons. He is a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

His hobbies include playing men softball, shooting pool, hunting, fishing, and mud riding of all forms. Larry also coaches Dixie Youth Baseball with two championships and volunteers in Ones Sports basketball and football of Natchez.

Larry’s favorite quote is “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

Duchess Natalie Nicole Letcher also known as “Nikki Boo”

Natalie is the 42 year old is the daughter of Shelia Letcher and the late Eddie Ray Brown and Charles Johnson. Natalie is the proud mother of three girls Kenearia, Keneatra, Kenyona Johnson and twin boys Keenen and Kaanan Letcher. Natalie is a wonderful grandmother to two boys KeMaury Watkins and Reginald Scott III. She also was a loving and excellent godmother to the late J Prince Jakel Washington. She is the loving fiancée of Martin Anderson Jr.

Natalie is a graduate of Natchez High School class of 1996 whom she loves as her own family. She attends Strayer University pursuing her bachelor’s degree majoring in business. She is currently the manager at McDonald’s in Vidalia.  Natalie attends Christian Hope Baptist Church pastored by Rev. John Scott Jr.

Natalie is a hard working woman who enjoys cooking, cleaning, and decorating. She also loves singing, dancing, riding atvs, and spending time with family and friends. Anyone who knows her knows she is the life of the party. She lights up any room she enters.  She wants to thank her biggest supports her mother , fiancé, sister’s Tosha –Nene- Deonna-Candice and Brittney; Along with her two brothers Nicholas and Shawn Letcher.

Natalie’s motto is “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything”