Wonderful Wuichets

Among our many favorites in Plantersville: Frances and Jack Wuichet, who have been such wonderful help to us throughout the years. Imagine my delight in receiving George's "Lee County Courier" Nov. 3 edition and seeing on page 7a a cutline that begins "Award Presented." Jack was honored with the Gold Presidential Service Award presented by Karen Balint at a Plantersville Town Hall meeting. Jack has given more than 500 hours of community service, donating hundreds of hours each month, doing such good things as collecting aluminum cans for recycling (love that recycling), folding newspapers for the Humane Society, and working at the Nettleton Food Bank. He is an alderman, a Civitan Club member and a member of Plantersville Baptist, too. Shown with Jack in the photo are Frances, Rhonda Wuichet Morgan, Jackie Wuichet, Robbie Wuichet Robison and Liz Wuichet Bouchillon. What good news. Congratulations, Jack!

Memorial Time

Jean Jutman called the other day to catch up and to ask me to attend special October memorial services that were set for today, October 9. She invited me to the Methodist meeting which included a meal, and I know that included absolutely wonderful food. (I still treasure my Plantersville Cookbook with the excellent recipes from the 1960s, legacy of Miss Vera.) Unfortunately, I could not get away (oh, to be a mere two hours away, not 3.5, that extra hour making the trip somewhat of a challenge. Not much of a reason because I know some Plantersville transplants make the drive quite often). I hope someone got some photos of the occasion. My sister Margaret took some flowers Friday and reported that a nice stand was at the site. Top of my list of things to do is to get a monument/marker for George Morris' place. . .This is a really difficult thought to write, I just discovered.

Margaret and Jean were classmates at Tupelo High School. George and I are slightly older than they.

From Carole: A Time to Miss Him the Most: Baseball Season

It is a time of poignant missing George when sports news is highlighted and enhanced with such reporting on baseball as: " . . . capped by an exhilarating final day has set the stage for Postseason 2011. The St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays overcame large deficits to claim the Wild Card in their respective Leagues and finalized the field of eight, joining division winners New York Yankees (AL East), Detroit Tigers (AL Central), Texas Rangers (AL West), Philadelphia Phillies (NL East), Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central) and Arizona Diamondbacks (NL West)." The ravings over the Boston Red Sox having a nine-game lead and getting done in by the ecstatic spoilers the Baltimore Orioles coupled with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Yankees game (all strong nominations for the Guinness Book of Records, said one report), well, it attracts my attention and really makes me miss George. He was a fan from his early years and kept up so well, knew the game backwards and forwards. I who had rarely attended any sports event and disliked the thought of them, upon marrying George, had soon been to a professional football game, a major league baseball game, a hockey game and seen the Harlem Globe Trotters in action. I had fun, and it was a sort of lesson, making me realize that I had been a bit close-minded. As little as I keep up with the facts, I can better understand and appreciate various games and sports. It makes me sad that George is not here to enjoy it as lines such as "six months of baseball boiled down to a three-minute interval" apparently place these games into special spots in baseball history. Now I find myself going to www.mlb.com. George has to be smiling. Please let him be smiling . . .

Sad News: Dennis Bailey, Plantersville's Special Tenor

Services for Plantersville native Dennis Bailey are at 11 a.m. today at the chapel of Holland Funeral Directors. Dennis was 67 years old. Dennis is survived by his son Lee Bailey and daughter Brooke Bailey Barnes. A special news story in "The Clarion-Ledger" newspaper in Jackson Friday reported on Dennis' impressive career, describing him as an "opera singer who performed in the United States and Europe beginning in the 1970s." He had performed throughout the country. From the news story: "Lee Bailey said his father also enjoyed performing in Santa Fe, N. M., and at the Glyndburne Festival Opera in England." He performed at the San Francisco Opera from 1979 to 1984.
Sympathy is sent to Lee, to Brooke, and all family members.
Sad days for Plantersville and for Plantersville memories indeed.

The Genealogical Front: Dedications Set for Oct. 8

An email arrived from Ernestine Cody Layton Sunday, Aug. 14, who after a break has resumed her genealogical research. She reports that special dedications are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8. She has ordered and had installed Confederate headstones for Charles Wesley Bucy at Saltillo, her great-grandfather and the grandfather of C. L. (Charlie) Bucy of Plantersville. She also has a headstone for Capt. James S. Lyles at the Andrews Chapel Cemetery at Mooreville. She explains that Lyles was the father of Charles Wesley Bucy’s wife Phoebe Ann Lyles Bucy and therefore is Charlie’s great-grandfather and her great-great-grandfather. “Sherry Ray from Okolona, my niece and president of the John Hart Chapter #2443 of The United Daughters of the Confederacy, is going to be the ‘widow’ at the dedication, and the Lt. John Sallis Camp #1776, SCV(Southern Confederate Veterans) Camp at Tremont is going to do the dedication,” she writes. Having both dedications on Oct. 8 is special, says Ernestine, since it is the birthday of her father, and the ceremonies are for his grandfather and great-grandfather.
Ernestine has lived in Harrisburg, Arkansas, near Jonesboro, since 1979. A number of family members live in Tupelo, Plantersville, and Okolona, and her only living sibling, Elizabeth Cody Hegland, resides in Huntsville, AL.

James Thomas

George has written about his special other-grandfather friend James Thomas, who last night bade farewell and joined George after a heroic fight against cancer . . .They both have treasured the blessings of their granddaughters, and Carly and Peyton have been blessed with the presence of these special men in their lives. Every school event of the girls has found those two beaming, loving men basking in the joy of their granddaughters, with James' grandson Brayden sharing in the glow. The comradeship begin in the nursery when the girls, born in December four days apart, were six months old. We found several more 'alikes' with Sandra and James. . .couples married the same year, both having daughters who are special friends . . .It is a most special bond, and Cam, Tim, Carly, and I are praying for Sandra, Ann, Michael, Peyton and Brayden. I'll cherish the memory of James making the effort to attend the services for George. What a special, dear man. Loving thoughts. . .

I'm Probably Keeping It

I'm keeping the egg carton, pretty sure of it. I'll be a lackluster Mrs. H., of this there is no doubt, as my friend Sushi would say. Lovely notes of love and support have come to the Kelly and Chennault household, through snail and e mail . . .treasure them all. Much better than cartons and parcels to keep. Messages have been sent through the computer avenues, from Holland Funeral Directors and newspaper guest books. A note came from Jerolene Westmoreland in Tupelo who has her 87th birthday July 29. She expressed sorrow at not having a chance to attend the service for George. Her father and George's father Candler were first cousins, and somehow when George picked up medicine for his mother, Ms Vera, several years ago he discovered that the lady behind the counter was kin. Prayer-grams from members of Old Union Baptist Church in Shannon and notes from Plantersville-day schoolmates have assured us of special thoughts. Thanks to George's grammar-school girlfriend for bringing a smile to my face and to June Harris for her memories. George and Orren Lax taught together at Northwest, and the joy of friendships over the years is so special, so glad we've always been in touch. Orren immediately initiated efforts to begin a scholarship at Hinds Community College in memory of George, a truly wonderful idea. A number have donated to the Hinds Foundation as well as other worthy tributes, such as Baptist Children's Village, Blair Batson Hospital, and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians education fund. Words cannot cover the appreciation we feel, and I know George appreciates and is honored by them all.

The Last Egg

George knew all too well my sentimental side, had mentioned it in the first few words of his special letter to me. I thought about that as I opened the refrigerator to get an egg to boil for tuna fish (he made our tuna fish, did not use egg, so I thought I'd move into new ground and make tuna with egg, adding pickles, apple, mayonnaise. . .the usual). He also bought the groceries. As I looked into the refrigerator at the egg carton, I thought, "George bought this, he bought the pickles, and if I'm not careful, I'm going to be a character right out of Charles Dickens, hanging onto the past through things. . . Here I'll be with cartons, jars, and the like because George selected them, brought them home to us." I must not be a Mrs. Haversham; George has left us with many wonderful memories of his humor, his faith, his love, his philosophy--so much more deserving than pantry or refrigerator items. Remembering him, cherishing his personality and taking care of his books are much more kindred memorial ways. Besides, one quick visit from Melissa Pettit can take care of sentimentality gone crazy with egg cartons and jars. . .

One Week +

So many touching, special thoughts and acts of kindness have come this family's way in past days. Thanks to all. Calls from those who have experienced this type of loss and the sweetest notes have come from friends at the office, from family, from the church family, from the community, from Hinds Community College, from Plantersville, Senatobia, Gulf Shores, Tennessee, Texas, Connecticut, Ocean Springs, Tupelo, Pontotoc, Cleveland, from the offices and churches of Cam, Tim, and Margaret. All represent much needed and very much appreciated support.
George said in his final note to me, "I know how sentimental you are but I wanted you to be happy while we were together. . . " (Was there an underlying fact or just an awareness of possibility expressed here, I don't know.) Yes, I am very sentimental, so sentimental that I think my brain just blocked out the fact that yesterday was the one-week anniversary of this most devastating time. It finally hit me late last night: Tuesday, two weeks ago from the episode, one week ago, the surgery . . .Cam was so aware and was, of course, very upset, and we had talked, but I had just kind of rambled through the day. My friend Janice, who has a 'first-hand' knowledge, came over to visit around six, for us to talk and to eat together. As she asked questions, and I had the privilege of sharing the history of George's and my meeting in the '60s, a time frame jumped out at us that I had not realized. He and I had driven to Memphis in July 1965, I think it was actually July 5, and this action brought us together to stay after we had experienced several chance meetings. And then the final day: July 5, 2011. Yes, I admit to being sentimental about dates, about coincidences, or perhaps about the awareness of "This was all a plan."

Final Chick-fil-A Day

From Carole: I always have to look up the spelling of the Monday morning meeting place for George and Jerry. Unless an appointment or some other event came up to interfere with their meeting, they gathered to eat breakfast and discuss. . .everything, as near as I could understand it. I think Margaret, Jerry's wife, and I both have looked at these meetings with smiles and joy at their enjoyment, their routine. . .their adorable, inquisitive, intellectual qualities. Jerry and George both have the Tupelo and Tupelo High School roots, as do I. Different classes, but same teachers and contacts, although they first officially met in 1975 when Jerry as head of the Hinds English Department hired George and here we came to the capital city area. One of George and my prize memories is his serving as Jerry's best man at his and Margaret's lovely wedding in 1985. (I took 'pitchers.') Then they capably handled video at Cam and Tim's wedding in 1999, for which we are ever grateful.
This past Monday Jerry was going to Chick-fil-A for a final 'meeting.'

"Sing No Sad Songs . . ." George Mentioned in February

Christine Rossetti:
When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me ;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree :
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet ;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget. Christina Rossetti

After the final service for George Friday, July 8, I discovered a sentence I had jotted down in my little blue book earlier in the year during the time of my mother's death and services: ' "Sing No Sad Songs for Me" George's preference for service reading'. . .(a few words in shorthand). I use it here on his "P. C." Plantersville Connection" because in the suddenness of what has happened, I did not remember the conversation or note. So I plant it here, on his site.
Four ministers presided over the Clinton First Baptist Church service ever so beautifully Thursday, July 7, Dr. John Compton and the Rev. Ramey Hankins, First Baptist; the Rev. Paul Sims of Pontotoc, our cousin; and Dr. B. J. Bennett of Ridgeland First Baptist, Cam's pastor. Special music included the wonderful presentation of "How Great Thou Art" by the Rev. Bill and Martha Bacon. At the Plantersville Cemetery site, Cousin Tip presided ever so graciously, our family spokesman, remembering George's specialness and delivering the vital spiritual message.
Later at the home of Margaret, my sister, I opened Mother's Bible and found a booklet entitled "Joy" that included a poem "After Glow" by Carol Mirkel . . . "I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave When life is done."
As one blogger suggested, violation of any copyright is unintended, and I know George was always so careful about that in his writings, ever respectful of other's work and the use thereof. But here it is, his preference and the special little poem-thought that fell from Mother's Bible right into my hands, then followed by my reading of past notes earlier in the year. It was very much like a message . . .As I said, the celebration services were handled beautifully by our ministers (I can hear George saying, 'Four ministers, Carole?') He deserved it, with each of those dear men bringing to the time different, special messages. Former First Baptist minister Dr. Russell McIntire served as the honorary captain of pallbearers and led the family prayer prior to the service; pallbearers were Jerry Carr, Alec Valentine, Willie Greer, Andrew King, Randall Teasley, Presley Pettit, David Sellers, Trey Sellers, and Jerry Broome. Retired missionary to Brazil, Dr. Raymond Kolb, a special friend of George's, honored the family by sitting with them in the services in the old sanctuary. "Narrow but difficult": what days we face ahead. It's difficult to attempt a smile while trying to realize what has happened in a twinkling (we had planned to have George home from hospital for recovery Sunday or Monday). But then something will happen, a thought will occur--and I smile.
Fine food, lovely plants and flowers, and wonderful cards with dear notes and messages, the presence of so many friends at the services . . .Cam, Tim, Carly and I can never say 'thank you' in enough different languages, (not that we speak in different languages), but heartfelt gratitude for all expressions of love and support.
George's cousins, his Plantersville connections he loved dearly, some of our Tupelo High classmates, and friends from Senatobia, from Northwest Community College days, Barbara and John Osier, were there in the steamingly hot cemetery Friday for the final service. Other Northwest friends Susanna and Orren Lax, now in Gulf Shores, who had seen George in Orange Beach the day of his episode/event, whatever the best/worst word is, made the long drive to Clinton for services, so it worked out to have them at each service.
One thing I know displeased George. . .I was a few minutes late for that service, and a top peeve of his was tardiness . . .So sorry, Boochie, and to all . . . I'll try to be better.
Holland Funeral Directors, Steve, Sadie, Rodney, were there to handle every little detail perfectly. I love Steve's instruction, both at Mother's and at George's, probably at others, as attendees hesitate to sit in the chairs arranged at the site: "Come over here and sit down in these seats, George paid enough for them!"

From Carole: Farewell to George until . . .

With deepest sorrow and tears falling, it falls to me to report that George Morris Kelly failed to emerge from heart surgery Tuesday, July 5, to enter the recovery stage we had so counted upon. The dearest husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle is mourned by me, his wife Carole, daughter Cam, granddaughter Carly, son-in-law Tim, sister-in-law Margaret, and nephew Marshall. Although we cherish the thought of eternal life, with someone like George, our days with him, so very special, are difficult to give up. We have been shown very vividly in the past four days that many more dear persons cherished him, realized his absolutely wonderful qualities, and enjoyed his various contributions, including the delightful "Plantersville Connection." I cannot help but smile and wipe away the tears writing those words. Services at First Baptist Church in Clinton Thursday, July 7, and then the journey on to Plantersville for the final service were very special, just wonderful comments, memories, encouragement, and love shown. For all who came to the services, called, sent word, shared food, have sent cards--we just will never be able to properly show our gratitude for every expression of sympathy. I must say that George would not be amused at the intense heat of the day in Plantersville--cold weather man--much too hot for all, but, oh, how we appreciate every presence. Steve Holland and Holland Funeral Directors coordinated every detail with the utmost competence, love and diligence. All prayers for us are asked for, claimed, appreciated . . .

Cooling Off

Although summer won't official arrive for another week, the temperature has already reached 100 several times here in central Mississippi resulting finding ways to cope with the surging temperatures.

These girls found a way to cool off this weekend.

Martha McKinney

Carole and I express sympathy to the family of Martha McKinney whose services are this morning. Martha lived in Shannon and was the widow of my first cousin, Horace McKinney.

World War II Veteran

My first cousin, Carl Kingsley, participated in Memorial Day activities. His picture as well as my cousin, Cecil Duke, were in the Lee County Courier with other veterans from Lee County.

Carl's daughter, Sandra Curtis, lives in Plantersville. I borrowed this picture from her Facebook page.

The Thunder

The Thunder softball team had an end of the season swimming party Sunday afternoon where they received visors and trophies.

Happy Memorial Day

Hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day; it is summer time in central Mississippi with the temperature in the mid 90s with a possibility of 100 later this week.

End of School and Leigh Anne Ward Scholarship

School ended for most students this week; Wednesday was Carly's last day; here she is pictured walking away after receiving an award. Look carefully and notice that she had earlier won another award. Forgive Bop Bop for bragging. Can't believe my baby is now a third grader.

Bobbie Gooch Ward and her husband, Dr. Frazier Ward, endowed a scholarship in memory of their daughter, Leigh Anne, who taught at the school for twelve or thirteen years and was killed on the third day of school this year in a tragic traffic accident. One of the first recipients of the scholarship was introduced during the awards day program Wednesday.

Carrie Kelly

Carole and I express sympathy to the family of Carrie Holcomb Kelly whose obituary was in today's paper. Her husband was a distant cousin of mine, and I've known the Holcomb family all my life, especially Mrs. Flossie and her deceased sisters Mrs. Nola Berryman and Mrs Grey Collier. I, also, remember fondly her father, Rob Holcomb.

Bop Bop and Carly

Taken today after assembly at Carly's school

James Thomas Family

Carly and Peyton have been friends and in day care or school together since they were nine months old; since there are only four days between their birthdays, we have had parties together; over the past eight years, we have become friends with her grandparents, James and Sandra. Mr. James is the only grandfather I know who is as devoted if not more so than I am. Despite battling some serious health issues the past year, he still comes to almost all of Peyton's events. We were present today when Peyton and Carly, among others, received awards during assembly. Please keep my friend James in your thoughts and prayers.

Public Service Commissioner to Speak

From Mayor Holland:

"Plantersville residents, join us tonight at 7:00 pm at town hall to hear our Public Service Commissioner, Brandon Presley, speak. He has taken time out of his very busy schedule and we want to show him that we appreciate his willingness to be with us!"

Lakewood Cemetery

Lakewood Cemetery is a large cemetery located on boundary of Clinton and Jackson; the tornado that struck Clinton on April 15th blew down 300 trees in the cemetery, and it has been closed since then. At the present time, families may elect to have a private burial with only Lakewood staff present or have the funeral homes hold the bodies until the cemetery reopens.

Sunday, Mother's Day, is usually the busiest day of the year for visitors, but none was allowed in this past Sunday.

Natchez Trace

On our way to Tupelo this weekend, we observed where a tornado apparently touched down just as we got on the Trace from Highway 82 at Mathison, and it seemed to have followed the Trace for a little over eight miles. There was damage such as this on both sides of the road for that distance.

After eight miles the damage ended and then about ten miles later, another tornado crossed the Trace leaving about a quarter of a mile of fallen trees.

Mother's Day

I hope that all mothers had a wonderful day. Carole, Cam, Carly and I traveled to Tupelo for the weekend. We placed flowers on my mother-in-law's grave and viewed her marker for the first time. It was tough experiencing the first Mother's Day without her.

Tip and Laney and Paula and Zach were there with their love and support.

Welcome Cat

Apparently, there was a misprint on the mat at our front door; it must have read welcome cat rather than welcome mat, as our neighbor's cat has decided to spent most of her time at our front door and in the house and garage if we would allow it.

I always heard you don't pick cats, they pick you; Carole and I aren't cat people, but apparently she doesn't care.

Smithville Fund

For those who would like to contribute for the victims in Smithville, here is one way:

Smithville Relief, Sav a Life

306 2nd Ave A

Amory, MS 38821

Smithville

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who live in Smithville or have family and friends who live there.

My grandmother, Sarchie Morris, was born there. My great-grandmother was a Pearce from Smithville. I have a copy of The History of Smithville written a number of years ago by Miss Jessie Pearce, who was my grandmother's first cousin. According to her book, my great-grandmother was the first person buried in Pearce Chapel's Cemetery which is just outside Smithville. Some time after my great-grandmother's death when my grandmother was very young, my great-grandfather married a woman from Richmond and moved his family from Smithville to Richmond.

I'm certain that some of the people living there are my distant cousins.

Again, our hearts go out to the people of Smithville.

Tornadoes

Those affected by yesterday's storms are in our thoughts and prayers. We have numerous cousins in the Birmingham area; however, all seem to have escaped the tornado.

Easter

Easter came and went, and it was so hectic, I failed to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Hope the Easter bunny found you.

One of our cousins, who lives in Alabama, but his mother and father are from Lee County, was bitten by a rattlesnake Easter afternoon. He spent several days in the hospital, but is now home and doing well.

Front View of Dr. Kolb's House

Dr. Kolb's house from the street. Though you probably can't see them in the picture, there are various cracks that seem to indicate that the house was moved from its foundation.

Dr. Raymond Kolb's house

My good friend, Dr. Raymond Kolb's house in Clinton has been declared a total loss. Dr. Kolb is 92 and a retired missionary who served in Brazil. Dr. Kolb's wife, Ann, died a couple of years ago, and he had been living in this house alone until a few weeks ago when he moved into an assisted living home. His granddaughter, however, was living in his house, but fortunately she was away when the tornado struck.

Dr. Kolb grew up in Union County and served at both Harrisburg and 2nd Baptist Churches in Tupelo in the late 30s. I'm not certain which church in Tupelo was 2nd Baptist.

Plantersville Connection

Due to a game being postpon ed due to rain, Carly's team played a doubleheader last night. All games are played at the Ridgeland park which has numerous fields and it has become a gathering place. Every time we go we see many folks we know, last night was a Plantersville connection as we met Cindy Deaton Nance whose daughter was playing on another field.

Cindy, as many of you know, is the great-granddaughter of Miss Dixie Deaton who taught many of us in the first grade, and the granddaughter of Joe and Ruth Deaton and the daughter of Little Joe Deaton. Cindy and her family travel to Plantersville often as they own the Bud Deaton place east of Plantersville not far from where I lived with Raymon and mother and in front of Joe Stovall's place.

Miss Dixie's husband died young and when she began teaching at Plantersville school, she and her two boys lived with my grandparents until she moved into her house which was directly across the street from Aunt Grace. While not related to the Deatons, we have always considered them family.

Mr. Joe and Mrs. Ruth moved to the Jackson area and became involved with Magnolia Speech School and then moved to Clinton around the same time we did. Cindy and Cam graduated together from Clinton High School.

Carole took a picture of Cindy and her two children, Cole and Anna Scott, but we had a camera malfunction. I'm sure we'll see them again and probably play their team, so hope to publish a picture of Cindy and her family at a later time.

Community Wide Prayer Service

There was a community wide prayer service tonight held in the Big Lots parking lot. Considering the devastation we've seen in the past several days, it is a miracle that no one was killed or apparently seriously injured. Since the tornado struck at eleven in the morning on a Friday, most people were at work or at school

Clinton is, for those who do not know, a college town.

Blue Tarps

Those of you in south Mississippi who survived Katrina are very familiar with the blue tarps. They have become quite common in Clinton since Friday.

Hannah, Mt Salus, Kitchens area

For those of you familiar with Clinton, this picture and the one before were taken in the Hannah Drive, Mt. Salus and Kitchens area. I'm not certain which of those streets this is.

No Day of Rest

Sunday was not a day of rest for most folks in Clinton as many were repairing their houses or helping friends, relatives or church members repair their homes or salvage belongings from houses that were totally destroyed.

This picture was one of the neighborhoods hard hit by Friday's storm; however, police are not allowing entry to the worse hit areas.

I have a ninety-two year old friend, a retired missionary who served in Brazil, who about three weeks ago moved into a retirement home; his house, that his granddaughter was living in, was totally destroyed. She was in class when the tornado struck. Only family members have been allowed into his neighborhood.

The Power of Nature

These cars and the truck were damaged in yesterday's storm. Notice the two in the center that were, so I was told, picked up from a parking lot and thrown onto Interstate 20. An eighteen wheel truck was blown from one side of the Interstate to the other.

What's Up Doc

In this case, a light pole. That is my eye doctor's office which was damaged in the storm. I have a good friend who works there; I know she experienced some scary moments.

The Entergy power plant is directly across the street and suffered some minor damage. For those who don't know Entergy is our power and light company.

Birthday Party

On a lighter note, Carly is attending a birthday party today; nothing special about that as she has one just about every weekend, except this one is at the American Doll store in Dallas. They left after the bad weather yesterday arriving in Dallas around ten last night.

This picture shows the six girls and their dolls outside their hotel in Dallas.

Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn in Clinton sustained major damage.

Staging Area

Emergency and disaster relief agencies set up a staging area in the parking lot of the Big Lots and Freds on Clinton Blvd. in Clinton.

A number of homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged; no one has a final count as yet.

There were four injuries reported. The tornado went over a school and a day care center causing only panic but no damage to either.

Tornado!

Yesterday a little before eleven in the morning, the local news station reported a tornado headed toward the Woodmoor subdivision in Clinton, which happens to be where we live. There was intense wind and rain for about ninety seconds, but we did not lose power.

About fifteen minutes later heard on the local station that a tornado had struck Clinton; apparently it veered about a mile south.

The destroyed building in this picture is the Bank Plus bank.

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was my bride's birthday. We celebrated by eating out last night. In the picture with Mama Cita is our precious Carly.

Gunter and Coggins Families

I have been exchanging e-mails recently with Lori Coggins from Phoenix, AZ, who would like information about her family; she is the daughter of Jack Coggins, the son of Lillian Latham, the daughter of Adaline Gunter Latham, the daughter of John G. Gunter and Mary Strange Gunter who are buried in the Plantersville cemetery. Relatives on the Coggins side include Flavius, Marvin and Earl Bertis Coggins.

She would appreciate any information anyone has on any of her relatives.

John Lester Gunter and his wife were my Sunday School teachers, and on a Saturday night in the early 50s Aunt Johnnie took me to his mother's house where I saw my first television set and watched some, if not all, of Your Show of Shows.

Sam and Porter Gunter lived near the school, and Sam carried the mail.

Can someone provide more information?

Carly at the Bat

Carly's new season of softball began last night in weather more suitable for football. That's Carly at bat; she was two for two.

45th Anniversary

Carole and I celebrated, and that's the right word, our 45th wedding anniversary Saturday. We spend the night in Vicksburg, eating ourselves into oblivion, and then the kids took us out to eat Sunday where this picture was taken with Carly and her monster high doll.

Mavis Stennis's Arrangements

Mavis's daughter, Janet sent the following: "

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

800 Porter Avenue

Ocean Springs, MS 3956

Thursday, April 7

Visitation 1:00pm-2:30pm

Service 2:30pm

Burial Crestlawn Cemetary

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society, M.D.Anderson Cancer Research or the American Heart Association.

Mavis Stennis

Carole and I express sympathy to my first cousin, Tom Stennis, and his family on the death of his wife, Mavis Stennis. Mavis has been a member of my family since she was fifteen and lost her battle with cancer this morning.

Her services will be in Ocean Springs; I'll post them as soon as I receive them. Her daughters, Ginger and Janet, have kept us informed via e-mails.

Bernice Morgan Ruff

Carole and I extend sympathy to the family of Bernice Morgan Ruff who died in Vicksburg. I did not know until reading her obituary that Greg worked for the Corp of Engineers and lives in Vicksburg.

Bernice, as many of you know, was my step-father, Raymond Stovall's niece; her mother, Anna Stovall Morgan was Raymond's oldest sister and like a mother to him.

Birthday Boy

Today is my 71st birthday, where have the years gone; with me in the picture taken a couple of months ago is Laurie George with whom I worked at Hinds.

I haven't become as enchanted with Facebook as some, but do have a Facebook page, and today have received over 30 birthday greetings which has cheered up an old man.

Jeff Wayne Parker

Carole and I would like to express sympathy to the family of Jeff Wayne Parker. Jeff Wayne and I were in school together at Plantersville High School.

Carole's Essay on Her Mom

The 31^st chapter of Proverbs describing a virtuous woman lists a number of talents and traits of women we have all known. Many of the contributions of Altha Camille Jeffreys Tackett to family and friends parallel verses in Proverbs 31, as in “she maketh fine linen . . .” and “strength and honour are her clothing,” “she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness, and “she looketh well to the to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

And her children do indeed “arise up, and call her blessed.” Among the talents she so willingly shared were her gifts of sewing, gardening, and cooking. She was one of those gifted persons who could look at a drawing and make a pattern to sew a dress or gown. She could take a neglected plant into her garden and bring it back to life. Her basic recipes as well as her more exotic ones such as gazpacho enhanced with neatly chopped vegetables and croutons were family delights. She could draw and she could make a house look more like a home with her artistic talent. Her sewing included treasured tooth fairy pillows for many young friends complete with the special tooth fairy poem in the little pockets.

The third child of Mary Jane Dupree and Benjamin Franklin Jeffreys, she heartily focused on her family, devoting herself to her daughters and their families, with a love that has always extended to her sisters and brothers and her nieces and nephews. A sickly childhood made it necessary for her father to home-school her after tonsillitis and a tonsillectomy left her weak and recovering for a long period of time. Family love and nursing finally brought her back to health and allowed her to enjoy relatively good health for years. The influence of her father and his teaching of writing and reading no doubt influenced her in her love for words and her hobby of working crossword puzzles. She chuckled about ‘Papa Jeff’s’ dismay over her lack of aptitude for learning the multiplication tables and studying arithmetic.

Her love for children was shown in her work with five-year-olds in Sunday School at Calvary Baptist Church, as well as nursery work. She worshiped at South Green Baptist Church, and later also found joy in her church home when she joined St. Luke United Methodist Church.

Her ‘outside’ work included years at Reeds and then at South Central Bell where she retired in 1988. She and her family survived the Tupelo tornado of 1936, and she saw her husband, brother and brothers-in-law off to World War II.

She cherishes memories of her parents and her sisters, Velma, Alma and Ann. and her brothers, Bennie Addison (Donk) and J. C. (Billy).

Family members who delighted in and will always cherish her personality and life are her daughters Carole Kelly and her husband George, and Margaret Pickard; her grandson Marshall Jenkins; granddaughter Cameron Kelly Chennault and her husband Tim; her great-granddaughter Carly Grace Chennault; her niece Laney Sims and her husband Tip and their daughter Paula; brother and sister-in-law Huey and Linda Jeffreys; and sister-in-law Betty Jeffreys.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 Surely Altha favored this verse, but there was nothing wrong with her asking for her lipstick even when being treated in the emergency room. She confessed with a chuckle that her longevity might be attributed to the fact that she felt her kids don’t have sense enough to handle things without her. . .

Roasted Holland

Plantersville's own Steve Holland had the honor of being roasted last Saturday night in Jackson for a charity event.

Despite the late night Saturday, Steve arrived back in time to play the piano for my mother-in-law's services on Sunday as she had requested.

4-H Legislative Day

Karen Balint sent this a week or so ago while I was in Tupelo.

"Plantersville Pals 4-H Club in Lee County was presented the Lt. Governor's Award with their outstanding 4-H Record Book at the Legislative Luncheon held recently in Jackson. First row, Club members Samantha Chaney, Selena Lyle, Elisa Garcia, Sarah Roper and Katelynn Wood; second row, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, Lee County 4-H Agent Beth Randall, Club Leader Karen Balint, Leadership Team member Collin Hutcheson; third row, Representative Brian Aldridge, Representative Jerry Turner, Senator Nancy Adams Collins, Representative Steve Holland and Representative Mark Duvall."

Mrs. Estelle Wade

Carole and I express sympathy to Mrs. Wade's family; Mrs. Wade died Wednesday night at Darlington Oaks in Verona. She and Cecil Duke, who was married to my first cousin, were first cousins. I met and spoke with her son Charles and his wife, Diane, and with her daughter, Betty; however, I don't think I met Hilda Miller, her other daughter.

I read in her obituary that Hilda was married to James Miller who died this past August. I am fairly certain that her husband was James Miller who went to Plantersville High School and who was my basketball coach when he was in high school and I was in the fifth or sixth grade.

Milton Post

Carole and I express sympathy to the family of Milton Post; his services were conducted at the same time as my mother-in-law's.

Visitation

Several of our friends and relatives from Plantersville visited with us during my mother-in-law's visitation at Holland Funeral Home.

Those I visited with were Wanda and Gene Williams, Peggy Cook Brooks, Sue Ellis Thompson, Billie Ellis Stanley, Evelyn Braxton, better known to most of us as Susie Parker, James and Ruth Kelly, Betty Coggin, Larry's wife, Joe and Mary Kathyrn Fowler and their son Chip, his wife and their two sons and Steve and Sadie Holland.

Carole and I appreciate your visits more than we can express.

If I left someone out, please forgive me as I am still a bit numb.

Altha Jeffreys Tackett January 24, 1915- February 24, 2011

Carole's mom and my sweet mother-in-law, Altha Tackett, died Thursday, February 24 at Darlington Oaks in Verona; services were Sunday at two at Holland Funeral Home.

Despite turning 96 in January, Altha had not changed much in the past thirty years except for some hearing loss and some normal aches and pains until just before this past Thanksgiving when she begin to suffer severe pain in her feet and legs.

In addition to Carole, she is survived by her daughter, Margaret Pickard, her grandson, Marshall Jenkins, her granddaughter, Cam Chennault, and her great-granddaughter, Carly Chennault.

Altha in Hospital

Carole's mother, Altha Tackett, has been in the North Miss. Medical Center for a little over a week.

Surrounding her in this picture are Chasity and Jon Johnston who drove from Marion, Arkansas, to visit with her.

Chasity is our son-in-law's sister.

Carole wrote: "This photo of Mother, Chas and Jon, taken with Jon's camera/phone, is one of my favorites forever. Mother was in pain then but still displaying her darling smile. From hospital, we transferred to Darlington Oaks. . .good days, bad days . . . much pain but a caring staff. Chas and Jon returned February 13 (his birthday) for a visit with her at Darlington."

Joe, Carole and John

Carole met a couple of Tupelo High School classmates for lunch yesterday. From left: Joe Savage, Carole and John Satterwhite. Joe and Carole graduated in 1960 and John in 1961; I think I'm correct that John's father managed the Woolworth's in Tupelo.

Happy Birthday Altha

This picture was taken at the party held this weekend to celebrate Carole's mother, Altha Tackett, birthday; she turned 96 on Monday.

From left, Margaret, Marshall, Tip, Cam, Carly, and Laney; seated is Altha.

Carole and I were taking pictures.

Cruising for Cans

From Gloria Holland: "The Youth Council will be picking up aluminum cans, and accepting donations of cash, coins or check to go toward their service projects, training and trips. You are receiving this event invitation even if you don't live in Plantersville, many of you have helped us out in the past. Any you can do is appreciated and will help! Thanks, Mayor Gloria Holland".

When: Saturday, January 29

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Tupelo's White Christmas

Carly experienced her first White Christmas even if not exactly dressed for it; George experienced his first as well.

Happy 2011

It is Carole and my wish that each of you has a blessed new year.