By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Each year the Vicksburg Rotary Club identifies a resident from greater Vicksburg, a non-Rotarian who has made a major commitment to improving life in the Vicksburg area, to become a Rotary Mercer Munn Fellow. This year’s recipient is Karla Stubblefield. Karla graduated from Vicksburg High School and has spent most of her life in Vicksburg. She has one daughter, Diana, a granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter.
Since she was a young girl, Karla has always been involved in Vicksburg musical presentations. Whether it be with accompanying multiple high school students at district solo and ensemble festivals or providing music at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, Karla is there.
Karla has freely provided support with sectional rehearsals and with chorus members and soloists, accompanying them at the Vicksburg Rotary Showboat and Showcase for over 55 years. She also worked with other local adult productions, such as the Main Street Revue. She also performed with Vicksburg High School musical productions, as well as accompanying other area high school musical productions.
In addition to her fine talents on stage, Karla has been a critical performer over the years when asked to play at Rotarian funerals. Rotarian and former Showboat director Jim Shaw said, “It just wouldn’t be the same without Karla at the piano. She is a true professional performer.”
The club will invest $500 in her honor into its endowment fund held with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
In the 62 years that Mercer Munn spent in the Vicksburg club, he exemplified all that is best in Rotary. To him “Service above Self” was not a slogan; it was simply a way of life. It was impossible to separate Mercer’s Christian humility and compassion from his Rotary determination. If there was something in the community to be fixed, helped, or healed, Mercer Munn was often part of the solution. Munn was a special person, respected and treasured by all who knew him. He continues to set the bar for community involvement long past his time here. The Mercer Munn Fellow award continues to inspire and honor his leadership in the Vicksburg community.
