R. W. and Winona Schexnayder Magee soon relocated from Bogalusa to Franklinton, moving into the home they planned and built on Pearl Street in 1936. To say that they were activists in our community would be an understatement. Before delving into their civic accomplishments and service, it is important to acknowledge the professional achievements of R. W. Magee - renowned educator in Washington Parish.
Having started as a classroom teacher in the rural parish schools, teaching there from 1924 to 1928, the Baylor graduate taught social studies and became Assistant Principal of Franklinton High School from 1929 to 1932. Known as Professor R. W. Magee, he headed the social studies department at Bogalusa High School from 1933-1934 before being appointed the Supervisor of Washington Parish Schools by the State Department of Education, serving in this capacity from 1935 to 1941.
Then, on January 7, 1941, he was elected Superintendent of the Washington Parish School system, taking office on June 6, 1941. While Superintendent, serving on a legion of educational committees, he was revered far beyond Franklinton for his outstanding service. In 1952 R. W. Magee was listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest. And retiring in July of 1965, his retirement was short-lived. Magee was back on the job in November, filling the unexpired term of Superintendent C. M. Jones, who met his untimely death, until his replacement was selected. R. W. Magee retired for a second time in February of 1966. Upon his retirement, the Magees were honored and gifted a color television set - a real luxury in that era - by Dr. James Bailey, Principal of Franklinton High School and President of the Washington Parish Teachers' Association, on behalf of the Washington Parish school teachers. Interestingly, the lady who was to become my own first grade teacher - Wanzie Williams - presented Mr. Magee with a plaque honoring his forty years of service, twenty-four of which were as Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools.
R. W. Magee's significant contribution to our community was not limited to education. A Charter member of the Franklinton Lions Club - a superb organization - he served as President and also was elected District Governor (6th District) of the Lions International in 1946. With R. W. Magee at the helm, the organization saw great growth in members and service. R. W. Magee was also a member of Zona Masonic Lodge Number 337 and the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce, having served as President.
On a personal note, Mr. Magee's next honor caught my eye. In 1948, he became the first Mystery man of the Washington Parish Fair, setting the bar for those who followed. Digressing, my own father was in that number thirty-three years later, the Mystery man unmasked on Saturday night of the Fair, October 24, 1981.
Active in his church - First Baptist of Franklinton - R. W. Magee taught Sunday School there in the 1940s. His wife Winona, who was a community activist in her own right, was a devout Catholic and one of the original six Catholic families who founded Holy Family Catholic Church in the 1940s. Together with Mrs. Howard Zerangue, Mrs. George Dick, Mrs. Robert Shaw, Mrs. J. H. Ulmer, and Mrs. L. O." Ted" Terrogrossa, Winona Magee formed a Ladies' Altar Society - "The Catholic Ladies Society" (first meeting held in the Magee home on Pearl Street) with the goal of establishing their own Catholic church. Their mission was accomplished with Mass held in members' homes, beginning in August of 1945 in the residence of Mrs. J. H. Ulmer on Bickham Street. And in just three short years, the dedication of the newly built Holy Family Catholic Church, as locals know it today, took place in October of 1948.
In addition, Winona was one of the organizers of the Home and Garden Club, which was a federated garden club. She was also a member of the Waverly Club. Raising their only child Anita Marie, with whom they were blessed in 1939, Winona and R. W. Magee were proud parents. They eventually moved to their second home located at 1325 14th Avenue, which residence was often the site for the annual, spectacular Schexnayder Christmas party.
After R. W. died on August 9, 1985, Winona remained active in Franklinton until she moved, in 1992, to Baton Rouge to live with her daughter Anita Magee Nicholson and son-in-law Dr. Steven S. Nicholson. She and husband R. W. had always been devoted to them and to their grandchildren Dr. Steven Nicholson (wife Dawn) and Carol (husband Dr. R. A. Vanbergen). Winona, who died at age 92 in 2004, and R. W. were also survived by great-grandchildren Noah Michael Nicholson, Jonah Steven Nicholson, Grace McKenna Nicholson, Eden Brooke Nicholson, Karl Matthew Vanbergen, Philip Magee Vanbergen, Eric Paul Vanbergen, and David Gregory Vanbergen.
Lives well lived would be the best summary of R. W. and Winona Schexnayder Magee. The only child of older parents - just like their daughter Anita Magee Nicholson - I can sense the devotion they had for her. And I am an eyewitness of her dedication to them. They left their legacy to her, and to Washington Parish.
