Phillip "Billy" Matthews

Theresa Cordave Walls, Billy Matthews and John Walls

After serving several terms as a member of the College Park City Council, Dervey Lomax was elected mayor of College Park in 1973. The event marked a milestone for the citizens of Lakeland, as he was their first native son and the only person of color to have been elected to that high office. His installation was an evening of celebration. Present for the ceremonies were the following, from left to right: (seated) Etelka Lomax, the mother of Mayor Lomax; (first row) four members of the Lomax Sisters singing group; Charles Lomax, the father of the mayor; Mayor Lomax; his wife, Thelma; and their son Gregory; (second row) William Lomax, Vera and Phillip Matthews, Valarie Smith, Delores Dotson, and Charles Dory.

Front Harry Braxton, Billy Matthews, Rear Clarence Gray, Jessy, al, Bernard brooks, George Henry

Assorted images including They are from left to right Louise Smith, Ethel and her husband "Mr. Lock" Dory in 1939, Cora Gross circa 1925 and a wedding picture of Phillip "Billy" Matthews and Vera Johnson

The wedding of Phillip "Billy" Matthews of Laurel and Vera Johnson of Lakeland in May 1939 was recalled by guests as one of the grandest events the community had seen. Members of the wedding party are, from left to right, Eunice Johnson, George Walls, the groom, Gertrude Walls Corprew, the bride, Benjamin Briscoe, Jr. and Pearl Brooks Briscoe.