Walking Free: 

The Life of Nellie Zimmerman

By Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls and Dr. Daryl C. Greene

In May of 1976, at the age of 71, the blind deaf Nellie Zimmerman was released from the Massillon State Hospital. After nineteen years of confinement, she took her first breath of freedom. Nellie went on to attend college, became a well-known lecturer and an award-winning life skills instructor for deaf and deaf-blind teenage boys.

Rozelle Boggs-Qualls and Dr. Daryl Greene go behind the headlines to bring Nellie Zimmerman’s story to life, as told by Emily Street Hensel, her companion and friend, and as documented by genealogical research and the national publicity surrounding her accomplishments. Dr. Greene writes, “This is an incredible story of the victory of the human spirit over what most of us would consider insurmountable circumstances. Once you read it, you will see your own life in a new light.”

Odessa married her High School sweet heart Randy Hooker. After the birth of her first son, she moved to Cincinnati. Odessa and Randy had 5 children, and she taught in a variety of inner city elementary schools from 1961 to 1983. She also served as Assistant Principal in four inner city elementary schools from 1983 to 1990. In 1967, she earned her Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Cincinnati and pursued post graduate studies at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, and at the University of Wisconsin-Eau-Claire.

For her outstanding teaching career and many other accomplishments she received the 1993 Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year Award. In 1999 Odessa won the Applause! Magazine award for Service to Education. Odessa came to national attention when she was awarded the Excellence In Education Award from the General Synod of the United Church of Christ in 2001.

In 2004, Odessa moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be with her children and grandchildren. Odessa now serves as vice moderator at her church, and plans to publish her new book, “Premier African American Role Models of Cincinnati,” in 2007.

By Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls

To the best of the Author’s knowledge, this book contains true stories about the life and times of the David Alex Turner family from 1898 to 1921.

What Readers Are Saying…

“We’ve always held a certain fascination for people with ‘the touch,’ folks who can spell animals and heal the sick. Rosezelle Boggs Qualls gives us an intriguing story of her great grandfather, Alex Turner, who sought to use such powers for good, even though some accused him of witchcraft. Set against the backdrop of the rugged southeastern Kentucky landscape, The Black Heart Book brings to life how one family dealt with triumph and tragedy as it carved its own mark in the story of the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains.”

Jeff Spradling, Assistant Director,
University of Kentucky Appalachian Center,
Lexington, Kentucky

“Rosezelle Boggs Qualls educates and entertains the reader with her weaving of historical detail and family lore. She turns what may seem like a typical ‘turn of the century’ Western about a man’s faith, goodness and adherence to the law into a powerful tribute to the supernatural. This book needs to be read aloud to others in the oral tradition. Alex Turner, his family, and friends have much to share with us. So, Find a comfortable reading spot, gather the family together and enjoy!”

Hardcover editions of The Black Heart Book are now available directly from the publisher for $31.95, plus $3 shipping and handling.

You can also order a paperback copy of The Black Heart Book directly from Densmore Reid Publications for only $17.95 (plus $3 shipping & handling).

By Rev. Dr. Daryl C. Greene
Illustrated by Mary Elaine Akers-Bell

When the little tiny pup Joseph was born his mother discovered that he had a short stub leg. She worried, “Will he be able to walk and run on three legs instead of four? Will anyone want to adopt him?”

Addressed to both disabled and able-bodied children, Benjamin’s Dog Joseph is about a three-legged German Shepherd dog named Joseph, and his struggles growing up. He has to do “physical therapy” to be able to walk, while his brothers and sisters refuse to play with him. At the end of the story Joseph is strong enough and brave enough to jump into the river and save an eight year old boy, Benjamin, from drowning. Benjamin adopts Joseph and everyone recognizes Joseph as a hero.

This book is written for parents to read to first grade children and at a third to fifth grade reading level

To read the text of the story, click here.

A rugged hardcover edition of Benjamin’s Dog Joseph is now available for $17.95, plus $3 shipping.

You can order this book in paperback for only $9.95 from Densmore Reid Publications