Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

From nobody to somebody, Irma Hall DeTiege beginnings started in one of America's obscured places, Riverton LA population 40 including livestock in 1931. Someone who dared to be denied, Irma learned at a young age that work was noble while making one prosperous. During this time, school was taught at a church where one teacher taught everything and every grade. Her teacher Maude Tucker Eddy taught the boys and girls of this era that an education was valuable while the times were tough on black folks, especially those who share-cropped. Children then had to learn, to read and write. Irma aka Bootsey was trained very well by whites who her parents sharecropped. You couldn't be shiftless then. She toiled in the fields during cotton –picking season where the children regardless of age had to work. With the heat of the sun beaming, Irma knew, while also being taught, that there was a better way. Her parents who preceded her in death Florence Harris and Belton Hall were Christians who believed and respected the word of the Lord. With a marriage break-up Irma and her siblings who also preceded her in death William "Snook" Moore and Cloverdale Green moved to town, Monroe LA on 11th St. across from Zion Traveler Church seeking prosperity. Irma's mother worked in the houses of whites as a domestic worker. When she was ten years old her mother would take her to work after school where she washed dishes standing on a box for Mrs. Dot Amman. Irma graduated from Monroe Colored High and went to work at the Anderson Allergy Clinic on Pine St. Being poor and colored, Irma learned many lesson of humility and not blaming others for what she didn't have. She was a God fearing person who went to church but was not accepted at Zion Traveler and ridiculed due to her poverty status, where she then found a church home at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. There she met Samuel Douglas where they became friends and Irma and Douglas had gone to a social function where she saw the love of her life Frank G. DeTiege and he asked Douglas who is that! They introduced themselves fell in love while starting a life together. Frank was a Southern Graduate and an army veteran who was recruited to Monroe to teach industrial arts at Carroll High School in 1953. Irma became tired of her penny job and enrolled in Grambling College while riding the $1 bus with Dr. Louise Dunbar. She graduated from Grambling College attaining a BS in elementary education. Irma began a teaching career at Lincoln Elementary School where she was inspirational, motivating and made sure the boys and girls learned, especially those who were having a hard time in school. She loved the "busters" who were the children who would always get caught up in mischief. Her heart longed for the underdog. She could bring the best out of the children who had issues at school. Part time Mrs. DeTiege got into the newspaper business with the Monroe News Leader as a religious editor, which lead to her taking photos, selling advertisements and many other newspaper duties. When the Monroe News Leader folded, investors started the Monroe News Weekly which folded and Irma and her husband Frank invested into the Monroe Dispatch, some 43 years ago. Irma gained the trust of the community by sharing information about blacks and informing the community with valuable information. She brought about voting awareness while being involved with politics. One of her most memorable political moments happened in West Monroe LA during a political event for former Governor Edwin Edwards. The former Governor made his away through thousands across the room to talk politics and chat with Irma DeTiege editor of the Monroe Dispatch. As editor, she helped elect many politicians and helped those who were in trouble with timely and informative news reporting. Her dedication and service to her church and being an advocate for those in need blossomed tremendously. Irma Gene DeTiege went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday July 1, 2014 at St. Francis Medical Center. Family and friends will gather for her home going celebration Saturday July 5, 2014, 11 am at Mount Zion Baptist Church Monroe LA. Visitation is Friday July 4, 10am-2pm. Cherishing her fond memories are one son Frank J. DeTiege (Sylvia) Monroe LA one brother Willie Hall (Ella) Carson CA, two sisters Tempie Wallace Memphis TN, Laura Waters (Ezell) Carson, one Aunt Josephine Broughton Hutchinson Springfield ILL three grandchildren Frank DeTiege lll (Tiffany), Norfolk VA, James Noah & Jessica K. DeTiege Monroe LA and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Irma's willingness to put others first created a star power which transcended race, creed and color. Her beauty was seen through eyes of service for her fellow man as when she left her earthly home to her heavenly journey, while all knew throughout the U.S. To God be the glory!

Rest in Peace Irma H. DeTiege