Remembering Mamie Lou

Plantersville lost one of her very, very special people this week with the death of Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff.

I went by the funeral home on Monday and visited briefly with Dorothy Jean and her husband, but due to a conflict was not able to attend her funeral Tuesday.

No one who ever met Mamie Lou is likely to forget her; she was in many ways larger than life with that wonderful smile and infectious laugh. As most of you know, she was Doris's younger sister and therefore a part of my life from the moment of my birth; unfortunately, we all become so busy with our lives that we neglect old friends, and while I had talked to her on the telephone a couple of years ago, it had been several years since we visited. I had not known that she had battled cancer for the past year.

Carole and I use several of her recipes and talk of her often.

I would love to post memories of her on this blog. Please make comments on the blog or e-mail them to me.

From Carole: Mamie Lou was such a special lady, and we mourn her loss. As George said, we often speak of her. The "Plantersville Cookbook" from the '60s included Mamie Lou recipes that we still use, and I treasure the memory of her giving me cooking tips for foods like sweet potatoes, tips that I really needed since I could barely boil water and my gravy was sliceable . . .What joys, what special persons Mamie Lou and Doris were. They will always be a part of our lives.

Mrs. Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff

Sympathy to the family of Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff. Visitation is today with the funeral tomorrow.

Mamie Lou was, as most of you know, Doris's sister and very much a part of my life growing up. I had talked to her several times on the telephone but had not seen her in several years.

Another large part of Plantersville's history is gone.

Cam's Ordeal

Cam became ill almost four months ago on December 7 and has been under a doctor's care ever since seeing him about every two weeks; yesterday, her doctor dismissed her. She's feeling well, almost back to normal, so we hope her long ordeal is over. Thanks for all your concern and prayers during this trying time.

Sympathy

Sympathy to my cousins Mavis and Tom Stennis on the death of her mother Mrs. Orine Critz in Starkville. Her obituary was in today's Journal.

A Summer Day in Plantersville

This picture was taken in the summer of 1948 in my grandmother's front yard in Plantersville.

The George Morris family from Texas was visiting. George Morris was the son of my grandmother's brother who migrated to Texas when he was a teenager.

From left: Rea Morris, with whom I am in e-mail contact; Rea doesn't remember this visit; his brother whose name I'm not certain about, will have to research, he might be a George Morris too; Sarchie, his sister and one of only four women I know with the name Sarchie; named, obviously, after my grandmother and Mrs. George Morris; the sister leaning over is Wanda, I think.

George Morris was also the name of my grandmother's father whose picture I'm looking at as I write this.

Mrs. Laverne Posey

Sympathy to the family of Mrs. Laverne Posey whose obituary was in today's paper. Laverne was the daughter of Lamont and Ruby Posey.

The Brown Parker Family

Sandra Temple Monts wrote:

"Brown and Iva Parker's children

Howard, wife Arah one son, Bobby
Uncle Howard lived away where there was road construction.

Uncle Ed, wife, Ola, one son, Harry Edward, died at 14 or 15, was invalid(1944, I believe)

Uncle Hulon, wife, Sarah, daughter Evelyn,(Susie) worked for CCC, then moved to Rolling Fork during the war, as my dad, mom, and I did. Dad couldn't go into service as he had an injured shoulder. The men worked at a natural gas plant until 1945, then moved back.

Clyde, wife, Annie, daughter, Dot, son, Tony, lived in Amory blacksmith.

Johnny, Jane, daughters, Iva Ruth, Janet. He was in WWII, then worked for the railroad.

Gethie, husband, James Scott, children, Jimmie D., Peggy, Donald, Sharon, Mitzi. She was the grand gospel pianist, self taught, played for her church cantata a week before she became ill, and died in Jan.

Montez (Tez) husband E.F."Pete" Temple daughters, Sandra, Gloria

All are gone including spouses. Peggy Scott Azlin died in '91, Bobby Parker this month.

We had one of the few family musical groups I remember. Granddaddy Brown Parker found cow bones on the railroad where he worked before the grismeal. He knocked those for many years as his children played the real instruments. They sang and played a lot of the folk songs from way back, Boil Them Cabbage, Sally Goodin', Chicken Reel, then, Show Me the Way to Go Home.

I could go on about this group, as I really miss the times we played and fellowshiped together.
Later."
Sandra M.

Thanks so much Sandra; I remember the music especially the fiddle playing.

Mrs. Ola visited with us often, and one of my earliest memories is when Harry died. It was either 1944 or 45.

We need to keep these memories alive.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I hope all of you have a great St. Patrick's Day; those not lucky enough to be Irish may be Irish for a day.

George O'Kelly

Parker Family

I posted a notice concerning the obituary of Bobby Parker a few days ago, but things have been so hectic, I haven't been able to follow up until now. Gloria sent me the obituary from the Jackson, TN paper, but since I'm not sure about copyright laws, I'm reluctant to post it.

However, I would like to start a discussion about one of the renown families of Plantersville, the Parkers. I think I remember Mr. Brown Parker, what year did he die? And remember well Ed and his wife, was it Ola?; I remember Hulon and Sarah, of course and Gloria and Sandra's mother, whose name I would misspell if I tried; Gloria help me here. Were Ed and Hulon and Bobby's dad, Howard and Gloria's mom siblings? I'm drawing a blank on Howard; did he live in Plantersville? If so, where? (I don't know why the font changed.) And someone help me with the other members of the Parker family.

Also, where did Mr. Ed work. Butch and I often hitchhiked to Tupelo to go to the movies, and Mr. Ed frequently provided us with a ride.

Prayer of Robert Sanford

Gloria Holland asks all to put Robert Sanford on your prayer list who had surgery on Friday.

Bobby Parker

I read Bobby's obituary in today's Journal;

Bobby Allan Parker was Howard Parker's son.

Sympathy to his family and friends.

Mrs. Stegall

I am assuming that the Mrs. Stegall whose obituary is in today's Journal is the same Mrs. Stegall whose picture I published on this blog some time ago. According to the paper, she only taught that one year at Plantersville, but I'm certain many from Plantersville were in her class during the over thirty years she taught at Lawhon.

Cam's First Day at Work

Cam worked a full day yesterday for the first time since Dec. 4. She had a good day, but due to my spending much of today with my eye doctor, I haven't heard how she's faring today.

My Wife with Some Man

Does anyone know this guy with his arm around my wife, Carole, or rather is there anyone out there who doesn't know this guy.

Although Steve has lost so much weigh, there might be some who don't recognize him on first glance.

On blogging or not blogging

As you may know, I have not posted much recently. Although our daughter, Cameron, is much improved, her progress is still slow. Carole and I are both devoting much of our time and energy to our daughter and granddaughter.

I have time each night to post on the blog, but don't have the time to search for material; therefore, if you have information or pictures, send them to me via e-mail and I will post whatever you send.

Estelle Francis

Sympathy to Dianne and to all members of Mrs. Estelle's family. Visitation for Mrs. Estelle is from 5 to 8 Friday night at Holland-Harris.

For a time Mrs. Estelle and my mother were in Riverbirch together; in fact, before my mother entered the assisted living home, she used to visit Mrs. Estelle often and had it not been for her friendship with Mrs. Estelle, we would never have convinced her to move into Riverbirch.

My mother and Mrs. Estelle had known each other since they were children; Mrs. Estelle was close friends with my mother's older sister.

Update On Cameron

At her doctor's visit this week, her doctor told her she could consider going back to work on a limited basis; she, depending on how she feels, might try to work a couple of days next week.

Circus

Carly's school had grandparents day this past week with a circus performance for three days; our day was yesterday where we witnessed dancing bears, seals, elephants, monkeys, clowns, high wire acts and performing tigers. Carly, as you can see, was a tiger. All the acts were introduced by ring masters dressed as the boy in this picture.

The young man next to her has been her boyfriend for almost two years now. Now you know why the big smile.

Sanders Shannon

Sympathy to the family of Sanders Shannon. Services will be at one o'clock this afternoon at the New Zion Church in Plantersville.

One of Sanders' sons, Sextus, married Doris' niece.

Reading to Carly's Class

Yesterday I read three books about the zoo and the circus to Carly's kindergarten class. Carly was excited not only because I was reading but because her mother was able to attend.

Cam goes back to the doctor a week from today and we hope she'll be able to get out even more following that visit.

Cowgirl

When she was a toddler, we took her to circus day in Ridgeland. As we entered, we passed where they were letting kids ride real horses; Carly wanted to ride the horses which we thought were too big for her. She refused to ride the Merry-go-round or the trains or any other kiddy ride even though several of her friends were riding.

She insisted she wanted to ride the real horses; if she won't ride the Merry-go-round, certainly she won't ride a real horse, we all thought; wrong, she not only rode the horse, even though there was a long line, the lady took her around again before we could coax her off. She seems to have been born with a love for horses. I think we have a cowgirl on our hands.

Mrs. Bostick

Received this from Amy:

"Hi all,

Heath's mom has been in the hospital in Columbus since last Sunday. She was to be moved today to Aurora Nursing home for 2 to 3 weeks of physical therapy before the possiblity of going home. She has once again had a set back and has not been eating and is now running a fever. They are loading her up now for transport from Columbus back to UAB in Birminham to the doctor over there who removed the brian tumor to see what is going on. They have found a spot on a scan of her head that we hope is an air bubble(which will go away on its own) or a possible pus pocket which if it is more surgery is possibly involved. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

Thanks,

Amy & Heath"

Report from the Kelly Clinic

Cam went to the doctor today and received a great report; she can resume limited activities, drive some, and most importantly, go get her hair done. She goes back in two weeks. Her wounds have healed which is the best news, no more dressing or cleaning them.

Tim had a serious case of the flu which kept him bedridden for a week; I had a mild case that kept me in bed for a couple of days; though I still don't feel great, but considering what the kids have gone through, I shouldn't complain.

One Flu Over the Chennault's House

Cam continues to make progress though she is still confined to the house for fear of being infected but that plan isn't working too well as her husband came down with the flu Friday. We are all taking that miracle drug in hopes of avoiding the flu.

Carole and I are now nursing two.

Marion Helms

Sympathy to the family of my cousin, Marion Helms, who died this afternoon and to Aaron who lost his twin brother.

My mother always remarked that Marion and Aaron were the first twins she ever saw; Sarchie Lou had them in the back seat of a car or wagon when they were just a few months old.

Doctor's Visit

Cam made her appointment with her surgeon this afternoon; everything is ahead of schedule; her recovery time should be more like a month to six weeks rather than four months. She is still confined but can move more around the house.

Thanks for your prayers.

Update on Cam

Cam was released from the hospital New Year's Eve; thanks to home health and to her neighbor who is a nurse, she's getting good care. Tim and Carole assist in the nursing while I am the gofer.

Carly has spent the night with friends every night her Mom has been home, but she will spent the night at home tonight.

We plan to celebrate Christmas tonight and will celebrate with our out of town families next weekend.

Prayer Requests

The year is ending on a difficult note for our family. Carole's mother fell a day or so ago; nothing broken, but she has bruises and a badly cut thumb. She turns 94 in a few weeks. Carole's uncle in Birmingham is in the hospital in rather serious condition so please add J. C. to your prayer list.

Happy New Year

We wish all of you a very happy 2009. The last day of 2008 should be a good one for us; after 19 days in the hospital, good Lord willing, Cam will be going home today; she will be under home health for a while.

According to her infectious doctor, the infection she had is very rare for someone who was as healthy as she was.

Cam

Since Christmas, Cam has improved each day; I think she was very upset and depressed about not being there for Santa Claus for Carly. So perhaps the new year will be brighter.

We hope the doctor will give us a time for going home today. Today marks 17 days at River Oaks.

Thanks again for all your concern and prayers.

Upbeat

After a tiring Christmas, Cam seems to have turned around and had two good days and a great morning so far. We hope tomorrow we will learn when she can go home. She is still bed ridden and on a liquid diet.

Your prayers are working; keep her on your prayer list.

Twas the Day After Christmas

Santa came to see Carly, and Cam maybe had too many visitors on Christmas day as she wore down and did not feel well on the afternoon.

My Christmas feast was a tuna fish sandwich, but Cam's was Jello and Coke. She is still on a liquid diet and, obviously, won't be able to go home until she can eat solid food. We still don't have a date. Her spirits have been remarkable, but the long siege is beginning to wear on her, as one would expect.

Christmas at the River Oaks

Cam had her fourth surgery yesterday, but was in good spirits as the doctor told her it would be the last one, all going well; the infections are healing but we will be spending Christmas at the River Oaks Hospital, and she will not be able to return to work for three or four months.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Friday

The reports on Cam were more upbeat today; in fact, the doctors think her condition is turning around; she has a long, long recovery ahead so keep her in your prayers.

Quick Update on Cam

Cam is still a seriously ill young lady. News today started off bad but got better as the day progressed; she still has a ways to go; put her on your prayer list.

Update on Cam

Our daughter, Cam, was moved from ICU to a room late Monday. She had a fairly good day yesterday but will be in the hospital for a few more days.

G. W. and Linda Poynor, who attend church with Cam, came by to see her last night. Some of you might know G. W. and Linda. G. W. is from Pontotoc and also lived in Verona while Linda was raised in Ballardsville and graduated from Mooreville High School.

Cam

Our daughter, Cam, had emergency surgery yesterday morning; she's still in ICU, but is doing well and should be moved to a room today. Please add her to your prayer lists.

Snow

Snow fell all around Clinton on Thursday, but at my house we only got lots and lots of rain and a little sleet.

Just south of us as much as five inches fell.

The girl with the snowballs is Tiley, my surrogate granddaughter, who lives about five or six miles from us.

Tiley's grandfather, now deceased, and I were close friends in Senatobia in the early 70s. Tiley's folks are from Jackson, Tennesse; her daddy was transferred to Jackson about three years ago and in one of those small world stories, Tiley and Carly were in the same swimming class. I had not seen Tiley's mother since she was about nine months old.

Friday Update on Jimmy

"Amy wrote:
I just wanted to thank you all for your prayers the last few days. I know they have made all the difference in how well my dad is doing.

He has been moved to his own private room and they took the chest tube out this morning. He has been sitting up, eating and walking up and down the hall. His insulin is still a little out of sorts but they said that should take care of itself in a few days. Hopefully he will get to come home by Monday.

I thank God for each of you.

Amy"

Elmonta Alred Fowler

Sympathy to the family of Elmonta Alred Fowler.

I saw her picture with the class of 1951 during the homecoming a couple of years ago.

Early Christmas Present

Yesterday was Carly's sixth birthday. She is growing up on us. Sunday was the first time in her life, she has willing agreed to sit on Santa's lap.

Her friend in blue was born on her mother's birthday; I was her present, she says; Carly says she was an early Christmas present, and what a special present she was.

Update From Amy

Amy e-mailed the following:


"Daddy made it through surgery and is now in ICU. They had to do 5 bypasses but the doctor said it went well. Haven't been able to see him yet. Hopefully in the next hour. Thanks for all the prayers.

Amy"

Update on Jimmy

My sister-in-law, who works on the heart floor at the hospital, just e-mailed that Jimmy is in surgery. I'll inform you if I receive any more updates.

Christmas Parades

Tis the time for Christmas parades. The Ridgeland/ Madison one was this past Saturday; that's Carly waving and her mother, Cam, behind her. They rode in the parade with friends.

Tampa Bay Championship Baseball Team

You might wonder why I'm posting a picture of the Tampa Bay Bulldogs; there is a Plantersville connection. The coach on the far left is Rick Borden who is the son of Richard Borden and Cathy Borden Garrett, and that's his son, Cooper, on his left.

Growing up across the street from Cecil has to have helped Rick's coaching abilities.

Jimmy Jeffreys

Just received this note from Amy:

"Hi all,

I would like you to put my dad, Jim Jeffreys, on your prayer list. He had a heart cath in Tupelo this morning and stints are not going to work this time. He and my mom are waiting to find out from the doctors when they will do surgery. I will keep you posted.

Thanks,

Amy"

Note from George: The secretary of Carole's Sunday School class ask Carole this past Sunday if you knew a Jimmy Jeffreys; seems the secretary and Jimmy had worked together recently. Our thoughts and prayers are with our cousin, Jimmy.

Snow flake

Carly places a snow flake on the door of the Huddle House in Winona with assistance from manager Kenna Huffman.

Decorating the Huddle House

On the way back from Tupelo Saturday we stopped at the Huddle House in Winona where Carly helped the manager decorate the restaurant. Carly is standing by a picture of a reindeer that she colored. Hers was the first picture to be posted.

Thanksgiving

I intended to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving last week, but time got away from me.

We traveled to Tupelo on Wednesday and spent Thanksgiving day in Pontotoc at the Sims' house.

There were seventeen present. Ten are pictured here. That's Brother Paul at the head of the table, Paula and Carly to his right and George way in the left background.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal as much as we did.

Herman "Bill" Morris

Herman "Bill" Morris was the son of Uncle Will and Aunt Edna Morris. He grew up in Amory and played football for Ole Miss in the 20s.

Mrs. Ruby Rooker

I want to express sympathy to the family of Mrs. Ruby Rooker. Her daughter, Betty, graduated with me, but I don't think they lived at Plantersville when we were in school together. When did the Rooker family move to Plantersville? Betty and her husband are retired college professors, Betty taught English and now lives in Fulton. Her husband Terry has a wonderful Web site that I think you would find of interest: http://hillcountryofmonroecountry.blogspot.com/

Joyce Rooker and Carole were friends, were in the same class and worked together at the Tupelo Library.

I first became aware that the Rooker family lived in Plantersville years ago when I stopped by Cecil's and read a note on his door that he was walking. I turned in front of the Baptist Church and then turned on the road that came out at Jiggs Monts' house; however, they were paving the county road that goes to Verona and I pulled into a driveway to turn around. The mail box indicated that Kingsleys lived there. Since my mother was a Kingsley, I called a relative and asked which Kingsley lived in Plantersville and discovered that Ronald and Ellen lived there. Ronald is the son of my first cousin, Charles Kingsley, and I had met Ellen several times but did not know she was a Rooker or that her parents lived in the house next to the one I turned around in.

The Rooker family has been a part of Plantersville for a long time, and Mrs. Ruby will be missed.

Baptism

Will A. Morris, my grandmother's brother, being baptised at an advanced age by his grandson, Dan Cameron.

The Flynn Family

I don't want to start a trend as the last few post have been sad ones, but read in this morning's paper the obituary of Bill Flynn who grew up in Brewer. I had not thought of the Flynn family in many years and since I am delving deep in my memory, I would appreciate help from those more knowledgeable than I am. If I am remembering correctly, Bill's father was very active with sports and especially baseball in Brewer and worked with Cecil to provide competition for the area. I can still picture Mr. Flynn. Bill was four years older than I, but I think his brother, Philip, was about my age.

Can someone provide more information on the Flynn family?

Henry Lemmons

A sad way to begin the week, but I want to offer sympathy to the family of Henry Lemmons. Henry and I graduated together at Tupelo High School, but I first knew Henry when he was a member of the Verona basketball and baseball teams that played Plantersville. Coincidentally, Henry and I joined the National Guard on the same day and served in the guard together for several years.

Mrs. Grey Collier

Sympathy to Bobby, Charles and Jeff and their families; I talked with Mrs. Grey's grandson, Barry Collier, not long ago and though she had entered a nursing home, her health was good.

As many of you know, Mike and I along with Jerry Carr used to have breakfast together once a week, and when Mrs. Grey was visiting about three years ago, Mike brought her and we have a wonderful visit. I also saw Mrs. Grey, sadly enough, at Mike's funeral last year, and only a few months later her only daughter, Shirley, died.

After I wrote the above, I went to meet Jerry Carr for breakfast and saw Kay Collier, Mike's wife at the restaurant, who told us she was with Mrs. Grey when she passed away. If I understood Kay correctly, Mrs. Grey had been sick for several weeks. The funeral is tomorrow, Tuesday, at two. I wish I could be there but have a doctor's appointment that I need to keep.

Remembering Mrs. Gibens

I was in the tenth grade the last year that Plantersville had a high school and transferred to Tupelo High and therefore did not attend Lawhon as did many of you who are younger than I am; hence, I did not know Mrs. Gibens as a teacher.

I remember, or think I do, around 1950, my mother telling me she was going to Alliene's for a club meeting, I think my mother was a co-host, and I thought she was going to Butch's house and wondered why I couldn't go along and play with him; she laughed and told me that it was at Alliene Gibens' house.

In the late 50s, I finally worked up enough nerve to get my driver's license one Friday afternoon, and that night I was allowed to take the car for the first time; the first place I drove by myself was to Mrs. Gibens' house; she was giving a party for one of the seniors at THS. I can't remember who the party was for, or anything about the party, but will never forget the exhilaration of my first time to drive without anyone in the car.

Mrs. Alliene Gibens

Sympathy to the family of Mrs. Alliene Gibens. As many of you know, her daughter, Rosemary, is our mayor here in Clinton. However, I knew Mrs. Alliene long before I knew Rosemary. My mother and Mrs. Alliene were in several clubs together going back to the late 40s or early 50s. Many of you knew her as a beloved teacher at Lawhon.

Sunday Afternoon in Plantersville

I have a question about this picture of Uncle Ernest with Ernest Jr. and yours truly.  On the back of the picture it is dated 1946; however, I always thought that the store next door was not built until 1947.

Does anyone know when Doc Smith built the store?

Also, as this picture shows, Mr. Roy sold Shell gas while Mr. Monts sold Pure.  Raymon Stovall drove a truck for Pure Oil from 1949 until he became ill in the 60s.

Troy Kelly Family 1995

I posted a picture of all thirteen of Troy and Robbie Kelly's children last week; this picture taken in 1995 is of the nine who were still living in 1999 according to the note on the picture.

I know that Daniel Harrison has passed away; how many members of this family are still living?

Rea Morris and Family

Several years ago, the Journal published a query from Rea Morris from Texas asking about a Sarchie Morris Kelly; since then Rea and I have exchanged numerous e-mails. His grandfather, Arch Morris, my grandmother's brother, migrated to Texas when he was eighteen.

Rea had no memory of ever visiting Plantersville until I found this picture from the summer of 1948. Rea is on the left next to his brother, George, I think that's his name, and his sister Sarchie, named after guess who. That's his youngest sister Wanda in front and his mother in the foreground. This picture was taken either on Sunday or Wednesday afternoon note the absence of any cars at the store.

Trick or Treat

Because tonight is Clinton High School's homecoming, trick or treating here was last night.

How many of you went trick or treating as a child? When I was growing up in Plantersville, we had a Halloween carnival at the school, with cake walks, a haunted house, bobbing for apples, and various games, and when I was older, several of us would go serenading on Halloween night which meant throwing fireworks at houses. I didn't know anyone who went trick or treating or at least I don't think I did.

Happy Halloween

Seems as if it were only last week that I was wishing everyone a happy Halloween last year; time flies by.

Beware of ghosts and goblins tonight.

Three Uncles

John Dewey Birmingham, my uncle by marriage, Morris Andrew Kelly, my father's brother, and Uncle Will Morris, my great-uncle in what, I think, is my grandparent's side yard in Plantersville.

This appears to be the west side of the house. I know that they had a fence similar to the one shown here but can't be certain of anything else.

Uncle Will was my grandmother's brother and lived in Amory. He was married to Edna Nabors whose niece was Uncle Morris's wife.

Princess Carly

Carly is, always was and always will be my little princess; however, while recently tracing our family on Ancestry. Com, one of our lines indicates that Carly is the 22nd great-granddaughter of King Henry III of England. I'm not certain where Ancestry finds its information or what difference it makes, but since telling Carly,  she insists I bow when she walks by.

The Troy Kelly Family

Troy and Robbie Kelly with all thirteen of their children.

Picture taken in 1964.

Pocahontaus Chooses a Duck

Halloween began for us last night with the fall festival at church. Trick or Treat will be tonight since tomorrow night is Clinton High School's homecoming.

The Dan Kelly Family

I am not certain whether or not I've posted this picture before; I can't remember what I did this morning much less months or years ago and since there are around one thousand entries on this blog, searching for old pictures is futile.

The picture was taken ca. 1904.  After the picture three other children were born to this family.

Miss Dixie and Little Joe

Miss Dixie, which was what most of us called her though she was a widow, holds her grandson, Little Joe Deaton, in a picture taken in the early 40s as Joe was born while his father was in Italy during World War II.

Miss Dixie was for many of us our first grade teacher.

As I have mentioned on this blog before, after her husband died, Miss Dixie and her sons boarded with my grandparents and became like members of the family. She later bought the house directly across from Aunt Grace.

Update on Mrs. Bostick

Amy sent the following:


"Just wanted to give you an update. Mrs. Bostick went to UAB Wednesday. The doctor spent about 2 hours with her. He wants her off the steroids and has started working on that. He does not understand her loss of balance considering where the tumor is and thinks it may be the steroids. This will take about 4 weeks. She then goes back for him to do his own MRI and other test. After that he will decide how to best deal with the tumor. He says right now considering her age and other health issues he is hoping to be able to do radiation which will be a one time thing. Only Birmingham and one other hospital in the country do this type of procedure. Thanks for all your prayers.

Love,

Heath and Amy"

Kelly's Chapel School

This picture was forwarded to me by Rosalyn Kelly; I think Betty Sue may have the original.

If you double click on the picture, you should be able to read the names; if you can't, let me know and I'll provide them for you. I don't know if the names correspond with the rows or not.

Kelly's Chapel was located in the State Park area, but exactly where I'm not certain; could someone e-mail me the exact location and does anyone know when the school ceased operation.

My grandfather, John Green Kelly, taught at Kelly's Chapel at one time, but apparently not at the time this picture was taken.

Mrs. Nola Berryman

I found this wonderful picture of Mrs. Nola that I wanted to share with you.

The Cavaliers

Paul Ballard was a member of the Cavaliers quartet during his school years at Tupelo; pictured from the left are: Guy Hovis, Buddy Palmer, Paul, and Bobby Verell.

All four were very talented musicians.

Plantersville Question

I had my carpet cleaned today which kept me away from the computer until late, but received the following from Gloria; I'm going to have to give it some thought and try to picture the area. If you have an answer, contact Gloria or me.

"On the south side of the Plantersville Baptist Church, there is a paved parking area. Due south of this is a grassy area that goes to the road on the south and the west. In that grassy area is a huge, old concrete pipe that is apparently a drainage pipe. Dewey Davis called me last week and brought it to my attention for the town to look at. It is a very old concrete pipe, and no one in our current administration is at all familiar with what this is. Dewey says, and is probably right, that it is definitely a waste water drainage pipe, and likely comes from under the ground and drains into a concrete drain the parking lot. However, we are not sure if it is an old system from when highway 6 was there before the new one went through. The pipe is crack and the ground is sinking, making several holes and could be a hazard to anyone that stepped in them accidentally. What I am trying to find out is, what is it, who put it in, who needs to fix it. It is on church property, and may be the resposibility of the town, and we will be glad to fix it, but I have talked to the county and they say that they can't do it because it is on private property. We got a map from MDOT yesterday from the 1950's but can't tell anything about it from there. If anyone knows anything about that pipe, I would certainly love to hear from you. thanks gH"

Current Update on Martha Bostick

Amy sent the following information on her mother-in-law:


'We got the call yesterday from the doctor in Tuscaloosa. Mrs. Bostick has an appointment next Wednesday at UAB in Birmingham. They will be dicussing her treatment options at that time. Please keep her in your prayers and I will update again when I learn more.

Amy'

Paul Ballard

Sympathy to Winnie and her family. I spent some quality time with Paul in April at our class reunion and was encouraged by his condition then. I had heard that he had regressed in the past few months, but had hoped for the best.

Birthday Party Redux

I have posted this picture of what I believe to be my fifth birthday party before. Gwen McFarling Daniel and I have discussed this picture via e-mail and she thinks that she might be the girl fourth from the left in the back row and that Sherry Sumner and Sherry's cousin, Barbara Ann might be the girls next to her.

If that is the case, still not identified are the girl in the dark dress on the last row, the boy on the last row and the two boys at the end of the first row who might or might not be twins.

If I remember correctly, the Winchester boys lived near us at one time. Could that be them?

Once again, if you have not done so already, put names on the back of all your pictures.

Update on Martha Bostick

Amy forwarded the following:

"Heath's mom is at home. She can not be left by herself at this time due to the medicine they are giving her to reduce the swelling causes her blood sugar to be out of control. She went to the doctor in Tuscaloosa Wednesday and we are waiting for a phone call today or Monday to let us know if she is a candidate for one time radiation of the tumor or if they will have to do surgery to remove it. Both things will be done in Birmingham. Please continue to keep her and the whole Bostick family in your prayers.

Thank you.

Amy"

Plantersville on XM

I hope all is okay in Plantersville this morning. I was listening to 247 on XM radio last night; it is the 24 hour emergency channel and hear a report of a storm heading for Pontotoc, Trace Park, I think the reporter said, Tupelo and Plantersville. Where is Trace Park or did I misunderstand?

Carole spoke to her mother who said Tupelo had only a small amount of rain.

It was a bit of a shock to hear Plantersville mentioned on XM radio.

Mrs. Thelma Young

Sympathy to the family of my former neighbor, Mrs. Thelma Young.

As many of you know, when I lived with Raymon Stovall, his house was on a hill, and about fifty yards or so south was the house of his sister and brother-in-law, Bill Ellis. Stewart and Thelma Young's house was the next one about a quarter of a mile or so away.

For some reasons, the cedar trees on their land seemed superior to the ones that grew on our land, hence I usually crossed onto the Young property to find the best Christmas tree.

No one could ask for better neighbors than the Youngs. I think that Stewart's father had been a drummer boy during the Civil War. Someone help me out.

Ah, There You Are

My doctor polished the lenses from my cataract surgery this morning and now the world has become much brighter. It's amazing how much darker the print on the computer has become. Maybe I'll make fewer typos now that I can see.

Martha Bostick

Amy Bostick send the following:

"Please add Heath's mom to your prayer list. They took her last night by ambulance to the hospital. She has had a mini-stroke. At last report she was resting and they will be doing tests today.

Thanks,

Amy"

Sherry Sumner

My wife, the former Carole Tackett, was in home room in high school with Sherry, and recently, I found this picture among others from Carole's class. I would guess the picture was taken in 1958 or 59.

Sympathy to the Bostick Family

Received this message from Amy Bostick: "Dear family and friends,

Heath's dad passed away peacefully this morning with his family around him. We want to thank each and every one of you have been praying for him and

the Bostick family during this time. We would not have made it through without all of you. Please continue to remember Heath's mom and the rest of the family during this time.

Much love,

Heath & Amy "

Ice Cream, Anyone

I read in the Commercial Appeal that the Mid South Fair is moving to Tunica. Carole worked at the Fair, no she wasn't the fat lady, in publicity the year we dated and the first year we were married.

This picture was taken just before the fair opened in 1967, I am guessing.

The Columns

Even though I spent over twenty years in this building, I'm not certain whether this is the front or the back entrance.

Office Fire

As one of the hurricanes approached, one blogger asked if you knew your house was about to be destroyed what items would you save.

That reminded me that while I never experienced what my mother-in-law suffered in the 1936 tornado or what the folks on the coast and in New Orleans endured from Katrina, my office was destroyed in a fire in March of 1998.

On the Friday of spring break in 1998, term papers in my class were due in by 2 p.m.; one of my students arrived right at the hour, but by the time he put the paper in a folder and asked me numerous questions, I realized I was late for a three o'clock appointment off campus, so for one of the first times in my thirty year teaching career, I took nothing home, not a paper nor a book nor my briefcase, planning to return to the office on Monday or Tuesday during the break to pick up what I needed.

On Saturday night, with the campus deserted except for one campus policemen, lightening struck the west end of Cain Hall which housed a fairly large auditorium. My office was on the second floor on the east end.

On Sunday morning, rising at my usual time, around six, I walked outside and picked up the paper; a large headline caught my attention: Historical Building Burns on Hinds Campus. I woke Carole up and we drove the six miles to the campus, hoping to save something. Nothing was left but four walls and the elevator shaft which burned for several days as did the large white columns on the front and on the rear.

Unfortunately, I had that year moved into an office which adjoined what had been the reading department, leaving me with lots of space for books and other items. I had taken my father's old typewriter, a sofa and over a thousand books.

Everything was lost. The only thing salvaged from Cain Hall was the frame of one of my colleague's bike and she had to bribe the workers to search for it.

If I could have saved one thing from my office, it would have been my father’s old typewriter. If I could save a second thing, it would have been the rare edition of one of Shakespeare's plays.

Old House

I read the story in the Journal about Steve Parker moving an old house that belonged to the Baptist Church; I'm assuming that the house in question is the house Earl and Pearl Kelly lived in. Was this house originally built by the Biggers family?

Joe Grant's Geneology Site

I may have posted this information before, but if not, many of you will find Joe Grant's geneology site of interest. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~joeandjerry/GEN/p3.htm#i193

Uncle Mike and Daughters

Michael "Uncle Mike" Kelly was my grandfather, John Green Kelly's brother. Pictured with him are his daughter, Sarchie Lou, on his right in light colored dress and Fannie on his left in darker dress.

Sarchie Lou Kelly Helms was the mother of Aaron and Marion.

From Mary Estes:
"I believe this is a picture of Dan C. Kelly, who was Sarchie Lou's father. Michael (or Mike) was married to Dell Suggs & they didn't have any children Dan was married to Lenora "Lee"Estes. "

The information I provided comes from the back of the picture; however, the writing is not in Aunt Johnnie's handwriting, but was added by someone else who may have written down the wrong name. I'll do further research. This could be Uncle Mike and his nieces rather than his daughters.

Thanks Sherrilyn for your comments and clarifying which lady is your grandmother. If you get a chance, send me an e-mail so I can put you in my address book.

Sunday Drive

That's Morris Kelly in front and Johnnie Kelly driving; the two other ladies are Nannie Rogers and Pearl Kelly and that is Earl Kelly wearing the hat.

I would date the picture in the early 1920s; I know it is before 1925.

Eleanor Ann Partlow Howard

I may have posted this picture a year or so ago, can't remember, but I'm fairly certain this is a picture of Eleanor Ann Partlow Howard.

Eleanor Ann was our neighbor to the east; until I was six or seven our houses were separated by a field and then the building housing two stores was built.

I don't know how long Eleanor and her parents lived there but her grandfather had lived there before them and Mr. and Mrs. Mingee (not sure of the spelling) lived there afterwards.

I mentioned before that one of my earliest memories is of being waken in the middle of the night so I could witness the barn on the Partlow place burning.

When they left Plantersville, I think Eleanor and her parents moved to West Point. And after her marriage she lived for a long time in Jackson, but she and her husband now reside in Mooreville.

Eleanor and Butch are the two people, other than my family and Doris's, who I remember first being around.

Concert Tour

Found this clipping in some of Aunt Johnnie's stuff; help identify the members of this musical group and what year was this picture taken?

Relaxing

Relaxing in my grandparent's side yard are from the left: L. B. Morris, my grandmother's brother, C. L. Deaton, and John Dewey Birmingham.

Uncle Bee, as he was called, lived with us for a while, I'm not certain how long. His grandson is Bill Morris, former sheriff and mayor of Shelby County for whom a road in Memphis is named.

From left in the picture are Doris Nyles, Ernest Kelly, and Willena Nabors. Since Uncle Ernest is in uniform, I'm guessing this picture was taken some time during World War I. Aunt Willena married Uncle Morris; I'm not certain whether they were married or not when this picture was taken.

Can anyone tell me anything about Doris Nyles; was she from Plantersville?

Before Marriage 1925

This picture of Aunt Johnnie and Uncle Fielden was taken in 1925 just before their marriage.

The picture was taken, I'm fairly certain, on my grandparent's front yard. It appears that the driveway to the house was on the east side of the house while in my earliest memory, it was on the west side.

I wonder if that is Mr. Monts or Mr. Mitchell's store in the distance. Does anyone know the dates when those stores were built, and what year did Mr. Mitchell move his?

I have been exchanging e-mails with Gwen McFarling Daniel about this picture and she has stirred the recesses of my consciousness; I am fairly certain that the fence with the tree next to the road is our property line. I used to sit on that tree before the stores were built and wait for a car to pass which some time seemed to take forever.

I am guessing that the driveway to our house was on the east then because on the west was our garden; in our pasture between our house and the Price/Coggin house was part of a foundation of a garage or filling station or shop of some kind. No one has ever been able to give me any information on this structure, but I clearly remember the foundation. I'm assuming that it belong to the Repults who my grandparents bought the house from.

Mother's Marker

Steve Holland or someone in his office sent me a picture of Mother's marker recently installed at the cemetery.

Can someone inform me which Sunday in October is the activity at the cemetery.

September 11

Yesterday was a day fraught with memories; however, because I was in the process of moving my computer operation from one room to another, I was off line most of the day, hence will record my thoughts a day late.

Nine years ago yesterday on a beautiful Saturday in September my daughter, Cam, married Tim Chennault here in Clinton. Then on their second anniversary, Carole was going to rent a van for her company and attend a convention on the coast, while I planned to travel to Plantersville to take my mother to the doctor.

I awoke at my usually time and turned on the computer; a news flash on my home page reported a plane had struck one of the World Trade Towers in New York; I turned on CNN just in time for us to see the second plane hit. Still in shock, I took Carole to the rental place to pick up the van, and while I waited in the car listening to the radio as Carole was inside filling out paper work, the Pentagon was struck. We filled up the van and my car with gas, but canceled both our trips sitting in front of the television all day and night. Cam called saying they had reservations at one of the finest restaurants in Jackson and should they go; you have to eat, I said, and sitting at home watching the towers fall over and over won't bring them back. The road between their house and the restaurant normally heavily traveled was eerily void of traffic. There were only six or eight others in the restaurant, all out- of-towners stranded when the airport shut down.

Carole's convention did not meet, but I drove to Plantersville the next day. Mother and I ate at Estes that night where we saw Billy and Louzelle Francis and a couple they had known from the service who were visiting. Louzelle died only about a month later and Billy, too, has died.

How much has changed in seven years.

Last night, Carole stayed with Carly while the kids went out to eat.

Bop Bop's Little Roll Maker

Carole and I fix Sunday lunch for the kids; my major contribution is making homemade rolls with the help of the bread machine in the background. Recently I had a helper (she wouldn't like the adjective little,  "I'm not little," she tells me, "or big, I'm sort of medium"). Actually,  Carly made the rolls; I just read her the recipe.

They were the best rolls ever. Doris would have been proud.

Gustav Time For You to Go

Gustav apparently likes our area, has been pounding us yesterday and today and may stay around for a couple more though I hope not. Wind and rain, but no other damage so far.

Cam is working at a Red Cross shelter at her church; they have one hundred folks which is the maximum they can serve.

I hope the weather is better wherever you are and hope none of you suffered any major damage from the hurricane.

Happy 40th Birthday

Cameron Kelly Chennault, here pictured with her mom, celebrates her 40th birthday today. She was born in Starkville while I was in graduate school at Mississippi State on the Sunday before Labor Day in 1968.