This “Special Tribute” began in January 2021, after so many were not afforded traditional funerals or gatherings during the year 2020 due to social distancing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Longtime Editor and Publisher Sammy J. Franklin began looking for a way to honor citizens who had passed away during the previous year. He spoke to several about his idea to publish “A Special Tribute” listing everyone who had their obituary published in The Jena Times during the year, listed by month and date.