Special Recital in Clinton: Plantersville Connections

  An afternoon of superb music by Vicki Helms Carter, pianist supreme, captivated an audience at First Baptist Church in Clinton April 18. The Plantersville connections, enhanced with Tupelo connections for good measure, included:  seated from left, Frances Helms, Vicki Carter, Ida Lambert; standing, Sherrilyn Helms Brown, Bunny (Bo, Earnest) Bowen, Vicki Lambert Mixon, Ron Carter, and Rosemary Aultman, back row.  Rosemary, Clinton's mayor, formerly of Tupelo, organized the special event for Clinton, as Vicki and Ron, now residents of East Orange, NJ, tour the state with other stops including Tupelo, Brookhaven, and Rosedale.  Sherrilyn Brown, now of Ridgeland, and Vicki Carter are first cousins.  Vicki's program included works of Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Scott Joplin, William Balcom, and Eubie Black, closing with a sacred music threesome.  After the program, a reception allowed time for visiting and talking with Vicki about her musical career.  This was also the fun time of renewing the Plantersville-Tupelo-Clinton-Ridgeland, etc., connections.  A memorable afternoon for sure. . .

First Baptist April 7, 2013, Flowers to Remember George

Today was special at First Baptist Church, Clinton, with an impressive sanctuary arrangement of flowers in memory of George from Cam, Tim, Carly and me.  Dr. Bill Hardin was his usually impressive, winning preacher-self in both services held in the new sanctuary in the a.m. service and in the old sanctuary (some do say 'chapel') for the evening service.  The old sanctuary was where services for George were held July 7, 2011, before the final service at Plantersville Cemetery.  I can write the words, but I still find them difficult to process. . .

April 2, 1966: George and Carole Married in Plantersville

A date we always celebrated and rejoiced over . . .Married at Mama Kelly's with family and friends, Doris graciously in charge.  Fittingly enough, yesterday or last night was FiTs meeting night when a group of widows gather to support each other in their losses whether it was immediate, last year, two years ago.  .  . FiTs is 'First Tuesday' since we try a little to avoid the description of 'widow,' but it is what it is.  We laugh, listen, have a devotional and motivational thought or two, and just generally try to 'be there' for each other.  April 2 will always be special to me.  Faye Estes kept the circuit clerk's office open for us as we dashed in from Memphis the evening before to get a license to be wed.  Ah, Plantersville Connections . . .

Happy Note: A 50th Celebration

It was my honor to receive a lovely announcement about the Saturday, January 19, celebration honoring James and Ruth Kelly's 50th Wedding Anniversary.  The announcement came from Michelle and Kelly Mauldin and noted that those wanting to remember the occasion with gifts should instead direct the thought to Helping Hands Helping Homeless, Inc.  Donations can be sent to CREATE, Inc., for the benefit of Helping Hands Helping Homeless, Inc., P. O. Box 1053, Tupelo, MS 38802.  I could not make the trip but I shall certainly honor the special years with a remembrance to this worthwhile effort.  How wonderful for Ruth and Sonny. . . 50 years, wow, double wow.

Aaron Helms: One of the Greatest. . .

The sad news reached us Saturday about the loss to this world of Aaron Helms, one of the finest men ever, one of the most special 'Plantersville Connections.'  George absolutely loved Aaron and Frances, as do I.  They along with Sherrilyn were so kind to us when we lost George.  Cousins Cam and Sherrilyn live fairly close in Ridgeland, one of those small world stories.  Aaron was such a helpful friend, always there to help Aunt Grace and Aunt Johnnie, both of whom loved him very much.  The write-up about him, which I first heard from my sister Margaret who called and read it to me Saturday, was wonderful.  Most particularly, I found the mention of Aaron and Frances' 66th anniversary celebrated in November very touching.  Sixty-six wonderful years.  Also special was Aaron's service as a member of the Greatest Generation.  Not to be forgotten . . .ever.  

'Small World' Again

My resolution of having at least one “Plantersville Connection” (PC) paragraph each month fell by the wayside during past days of 2012, but the connection to Plantersville is alive and well, I am happy to  report.  Getting acquainted with a new friend at work, Candice Batson, I learned that she was quite familiar with Plantersville, having served as a musician at a friend’s wedding at Plantersville United Methodist Church.  Candice played the flute at the wedding of Ashley Temple Wilemon to Matthew Young Tipton on June 7, 2008.  Candice is from Jackson and met Ashley when they were in graduate school together at the University of Memphis.  

Doing a little bit of research, namely hitting the ‘Google’ key, I was directed to  “The Plantersville Connection” where this invitation had been posted by George Morris in May 2008:  

Representative and Mrs. Steve Holland and
Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Wilemon, Jr.
along with
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Tipton
Request the honour of your presence at the wedding of their children
Ashley Temple Wilemon
and
Matthew Young Tipton
Saturday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m.
Plantersville United Methodist Church
Reception Immediately following in the church fellowship hall 

Memories:  I remember attending Barbara Jo Rogers’ wedding at Plantersville First Baptist Church in 1964, I think in June.  Almost two years later in April 1966, George and I were married in the home of his grandmother in Plantersville.  Prior to meeting (then marrying) George, I was pretty much a stranger to the town of Plantersville.  Pity.  If I had met him earlier in Plantersville or Tupelo, maybe we wouldn’t have had to meet courtesy of Continental Trailways. . .  I also recall that when George and I were first dating, he would not tell me his middle name.  When I called his house one day and asked Miss Vera if I could speak to her son, she was agreeable and called, “George Morris, telephone . . .”  Aha.  No one in Plantersville recognized the name of ‘George Kelly.’  But saying only ‘George Morris’ results in instant recognition.  Lovely memories.

Constant Remembering, Treasuring. . .

The goal of posting a word or two every month went by the wayside last month.  This time thing is really difficult to understand.  Seems like every happening is like yesterday, then again it's like a long, long time ago.  I visited Plantersville Cemetery Friday, a chilly day, wind blowing, first big chill of the fall, and I have to admit, it was a sad visit. No way to sugarcoat it, even with praying for faith to stand his loss as best I can. . . The brilliant golden and orange fall arrangements on many of the monuments were somehow comforting.  I had blue hydrangeas for George Morris.
A dear note of comfort came from Sandra Monts, and how I appreciate all her words, most particularly her remembering his wonderful kind traits and her acknowledgement of:  "I know George is missed tremendously by so many in so many areas."  Means so very much, thank you, thank you.  Someone has suggested the second year of the loss is worse than the first, and that person may have a point.  The finality of it all really hits.  I'm trying to spend a little time (too little time) on George's stories every night.  We had already talked about self-publishing for our family files, and I must carry that effort through.  It is such an awesome thought to edit, to copy, typeset, handle his work.  
I have to smile as I think a selfish thought.  Yes, I miss George so very much, beyond words--and I miss his paying the bills big time.  About the time I get a batch done, it starts all over.  Talk about time passing fast; when it comes to some chores, like crossing the palms of creditors, the days roll around pretty fast.

August-September 2012

My goal has been to have an entry for each month, and technically I have missed August 2012, since it's 12:20 a.m.  I had the idea of entering thoughts about the significance that August 31-September 1 always had for George and me, and so I shall.  On August 31, 1968, we were at home at Roselawn Terrace in Starkville, the Labor Day weekend, awaiting the September 4 date that had been predicted for the birth of our baby.  Mother was visiting from Tupelo.  It was a Saturday night, and we went to bed fairly late.  Then it was very early Sunday morning September 1, like 1:30, and Cameron Lee Kelly decided it was time to start to make her appearance.  We headed for Felix Long Memorial Hospital, the site for the special occasion.  Dr. Leonard Brandon was in charge of  the delivery, and by the time Cam arrived at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, September 1, I heard through a slight fog from Dr. Brandon that "All three grandmothers were there" when he presented this 8 pound, 2 ounce black-haired baby girl.  George had called Miss Vera and Doris, and they decided they could not go back to sleep so they hit the road to Starkville.  Aunt 'Cille (Lucille Kelly Stennis Montgomery) brought tiny pink ribbon for the baby's hair (against the rules, said the nursery nurse, as she taped a bow in Cam's hair). There was enough for all the baby girls in the nursery born that Labor Day weekend.  What a way to observe/celebrate Labor Day.  I'm looking at a photograph collage on the wall that includes one of George Morris holding his baby daughter, one of my favorite photos.  I'm also looking at a baby gown made by Cousin Mary Alice Morris for George in 1940.  Thanks to Miss Vera for saving it.  Cam wore it home from the hospital, and we have a special photo of Doris holding Baby Cam ready to take her into our Roselawn Terrace Apartment #8.  Then Carly Grace Chennault wore the gown home from St. Dominic Hospital.  I'm looking at the special baby ensemble, now framed and on the wall near the photo.  It can always be de-framed and worn again, but it was getting a little fragile.  Oh, Cam's birth was carried on the front page of the "Starkville Daily News," where I was on the staff and on maternity leave.  The editor Sherrill Nash wrote the little story and chuckled as he suggested that I recover from the birthing asap and get back to the news desk.  George was studying at Mississippi State University, handling his course work so well and diving into the responsibilities of fatherhood even better.  A dedicated, loving daddy . . .he was always so great with our daughter.
Guess I've shared your age, Cam, but you don't mind. . . do you?

Moving on to Two; July 5, 2011, Remembered . . .

So many uplifting notes and thoughts have come from kin and friends as we observed the one-year mark yesterday.  Steve's note, which arrived right on the day, re-affirmed the wonderful Plantersville Connection that meant so much to George.   Dorothy Shawhan's sweet, supportive message of remembrance, also received yesterday, was accompanied by a clipping about the reenactment of the Presley wedding in which Steve played the part of the officiating minister.
   Polly Marshall did indeed read George's requested Rossetti poem for us to mark the date yesterday evening.
  To all who have prayed for us, thought about us, so many, many thanks, and as the saying goes, 'words can't express.'
   If I've felt like I've been sleepwalking through the past 12 months, it's time to wake up and move on--but never ever forget.
   George Morris was indeed the best.

I notice that an effort entitled July 6, or a year later, or words to that effect got lost somewhere.  I wonder where, what I did or didn't do.  Not a clue . . .

One Year, Twelve Months . . .Time

The last day of June and nearing the time of marking the one-year anniversary date of George's unsuccessful heart valve surgery July 5.  Such an awesome thought, the idea that I have made it through almost 12 months of his not being here. So missed, so very much missed.  The evening of the 5th, I'm having a few of his Hinds English Department friends and two longtime friends here in Clinton who have 'propped me up' these past days over to remember and commemorate with us.  Polly Marshall, who taught with George and has so often eulogized those who have passed over, has agreed to read the poem that I later discovered in my notes he had suggested for his services.  He said it in passing as we prepared to give Mother up to Heaven.  In all the (how to describe it?) turmoil, I never thought . . .But finding the note in my journal was so direct.  It's the Rossetti poem that says to 'sing no sad songs for me . . .'  Cam, Tim, Carly and I need to hear it, to listen, to rejoice in what we had, cherish his dearness . . .
   Meanwhile, we look forward to joyful times.  Paula Sims, our cousin, daughter of Paul (Tip) and Laney Sims, will be marrying Zack Matkins in two weeks, and needless to say, we are very happy for this occasion. The Sims are definitely "Plantersville Connections," Tip having preached at Plantersville Baptist.
   Ah, Family. . . talk about 'prop-ups.'

So Glad I Read It . . .and Glad to Hear It

George received a nice letter from the "Lee County Courier" recently reminding us that it is time to renew.  It certainly didn't bother me for the letter to come to George; as a matter of fact, I like the idea--seems so right.  We've always enjoyed the 'LCC,' but these past months, well, it's been difficult for me to keep up with my readings.  I try to catch the Courier, great publication that is is, and catching up with the 5/17 issue, I'm glad I did.  Front page, there it was/is:  "Holland defers retirement" by C. Richard Cotton.  I distinctly remember having a 'sinking feeling' when Steve shared that he was calling the journey to Jackson quits next time.  Reading the story with all the particulars of reapportionment, my spirit received a lift.  ". . . an important position in the minority"--that quote says it.  The Capitol would lose so much spirit and energy without the vibrant presence of Rep. Holland.  The people bringing in exhibits explaining their special messages designed to catch the attention of our legislators always feel great when Steve takes time to visit with them in the Capitol Rotunda.

Flowers for George's Memory

The flower arrangement Sunday, April 1, at First Baptist, Clinton, was my remembrance for George Morris and our friend, former Clinton Mayor Billy Ray Smith (who was also one of Cam's school principals). Both George and Billy Ray left us so suddenly last year. . . George and I would have celebrated our 46th anniversary yesterday, April 2. Faye Estes kept the circuit clerk's office late April 1 as we 'flew' down from Memphis to get our license. Bro. Silas Johnson performed the ceremony at Mama Kelly's house. Of course, Doris was the director. I observed the date yesterday quietly, but I had plenty of loving support.

Remembering Cousin Carl

A sad message came to us, as we heard about Carl Kingsley's death on March 3 at Sanctuary Hospice House. Services were held in the chapel of Holland Funeral Directors March 6. Carl's write-up was so impressive, most particularly his service to our country, as a veteran of World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy Sea Bees and served as president and vice commander of the Tupelo Chapter of the VFW. He was active in the American Legion. A master mechanic, he graduated from Itawamba Community College in air conditioning, heating and cooling and appliance repair. Thoughts will continue to go to all the family, particularly his three daughters, Linda Culpepper, Sandra Curtis and Evelyn Baldwin. George's computer reminder of his errands had 'call Carl' or 'check with Carl' listed many times.

"Jackson Free Press" and Steve

A friend called me to mention the "Jackson Free Press" with Steve Holland's interview. He read me some choice parts, and we chuckled over his remarks and fumed over the way things are going. I was determined to find the article--and so I did. I never realized when a person's Party was relegated to the minority, he was supposed to sit down, say nothing, lose his sense of humor, and quietly fade away. . . Anyone knowing Steve H. at all would recognize a 'Steve-ism' in the Gulf business, and for those who did see through it and fuss about 'wasting time' or whatever, yes, as Steve says, "Get a life." In the article, his dedication to the working folks is so obvious, and it's something George and I always recognized. He and his family and staff are certainly on hand and ever so helpful in times of grief. He can take over the piano or organ and take requests for hymns of choice in addition to directing the services. (It's now a few days short of a year since Holland Funeral Directors helped us through Mother's service/celebration of life.) I wish him strength, humor, and continued grit as he deals with the legislative days.

Happy Valentine's Day

George found the time to leave a valentine card and a happy last year when Mother was so sick at Darlington Oaks in Verona. He was traveling back to Clinton, but he made sure to remember me, and I for sure remember it even more now. Thinking about it has enhanced my day.

Surely anybody who knows our Steve Holland should recognize a joke. His barbs and jokes more often than not represent good points. . .a pity people don't/can't recognize that. His dedication to the good of Every Man in his years in the Mississippi Legislature is a great gift and no joke.

The House Changes . . .

Two members of the House of Representatives whose expertise and knowledge have been neglected in recent committee appointments are Steve Holland of Plantersville and Cecil Brown of Jackson. Several others could be named, but these two stand out in my mind, as well as the minds of others, as representatives who always have had the interests of the working people as their main interest in serving in the Legislature. No doubt they will continue along these lines but it's going to be a difficult path, of this there is not much doubt. Steve is shown at the Capitol last week with one of the physicians, Dr. Smith, as they participated in a health awareness day event.

Two Things To Tackle . . .

First thing is the researching of George Morris' research-genealogy records on the Kelly family, origins, where in Ireland they left from, traveling to the United States around the 1850-mark, that type of history. He had done some pretty extensive studying on various family lines. Questions have come in from family members wanting facts. I am trying.

Second, the task of gathering, typesetting and publishing (self-publishing) George's stories is high on my list T t T list. We had just begun that enterprise, and I'm so glad we did. I had typeset "Turbulence" for him, and I have found a file with other works stored in it. I am rather intimidated at the thought, seems like a big undertaking or rather an effort that I want to be just right. How to judge, how to judge. More important probably is just doing it and not worrying about it. Kind of a shame--I'm a good worrier, got the trait from my grandmother. She was proud of her knack for worrying. I can still hear her saying, ". . . just worried me to death." (How much good did it ever do?) However, diving in and finding the Kelly records and compiling the works are the most important, rather than worrying about when and how. He wanted the compilation for Cam, Tim and Carly to keep.

For December

Here I have waited until 2012 to visit the Plantersville Connection, dear to my heart though it is. Memories of Plantersville connections continue to be a part of my day-to-day thoughts. My sister Margaret Pickard, her son Marshall, and I visited the Plantersville Cemetery Christmas Eve with poinsettias to place on the resting places for our dear people who are not really there. The visitation was both helpful and hurtful--can't escape from the fact that there is a great big 'missing' in our lives.

In the next few weeks or so, Steve and Jay and Miss Sadie will have a memorial stone for George's and my site. . . next to Aunt Johnnie and Uncle Fielden's, up a bit from the rest of the Kellys, but not far.

We also visited Mother, George Pickard, and Marshall's friend Michael in Verona. It was a special Christmas Eve Saturday.

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.