Recognizing Jack Wuichet

The Plantersville Connection has been inactive too long, and I hope that I can post an important thought, recognizing the death last year of Jack Wuichet.  George and I were very much impressed with his life and commitment.  He and Frances were always kind of us and to our family.  I am sorry I am late with this recognition, but I know George would want these words placed on the 'Connection.'

Jacques Earnest “Jack” Wuichet died peacefully last Oct. 24, 2016, at his home after an extended illness. He was 83. A native of Monroe, LA, Jack was born on Dec. 21, l932, to Willie Walker Wuichet and Frances McCormick Wuichet. He married Frances Issac Wuichet on July 2, l954, in Dunn, LA.  He began his working career in a furniture factory and served as a union organizer, working with labor union movements all his life. He was a 20-year member of the United Steel Workers. He and his family moved to Plantersville from Swartz, LA, in l973 and immediately became contributing, involved citizens. A staunch Democrat, Jack loved political campaigns and upheld the labor movement positions with passion and intelligence. He was elected to the Plantersville Board of Aldermen in l997 and served until retiring in 2013. He devoted many hours to the Town Park. The Town eventually named the Park the Grant-Wuichet Park to honor his contributions. Known far and wide as the “Can Man,” Jack for over 20 years collected and sold tin cans to benefit the causes of the Town of Plantersville. Over the years, he received numerous awards for his volunteer work and in 2007, the Mississippi Municipal Association granted Jack and the Town of Plantersville its “Excellence Award for Community Spirit” for his contributions to the good of all mankind. He also won the President’s Volunteer Service Award. A member of the First Baptist Church of Plantersville, Jack enjoyed people, public service, his family and all causes related to the “working man.”  A celebration of his life was held Oct. 27 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors. The Rev. Danny Balint officiated, with the eulogy delivered by Rep. Steve Holland.  Burial was at Plantersville Cemetery.

Sharon and Jimmy Jeffreys' 50th Anniversary Celebration

    The 50th anniversary celebration for Jimmy and Sharon Jeffreys took place last Saturday, June 27, at  St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Columbus.  The 'Plantersville Connections' in attendance were wonderful.  Top two photos show, left to right, having fun at the party, Tommy Monts Sr., Sandra Temple Monts, the Rev. Kenneth and Glenda Corley, and Sandra and Tommy's daughter, Melisa (Lisa) Monts Wadley.  Managing to gather a number of friends and relatives around the special couple was likened to 'trying to herd cats,' but here are, from the left, Joan Jeffreys Parmer, Winford Parmer, the Rev. Paul (Tip) Sims and Laney Lemons Sims, who are remembered for their service at Plantersville Baptist Church several years ago, Linda Jeffreys, Heather Bostick, the honored couple's granddaughter, Sharon and Jimmy, who certainly have Plantersville connections, and the Berrymans, Guilene Kelly Berryman, and J. B. Berryman.  Angie Jeffreys, Amy and Heath Bostick, and their daughters Rachel and Heather honored their parents and grandparents with the special afternoon.

George's "Collection"--his short stories . . .

George's sister-in-law Margaret Pickard, right, is shown with De Lewis and Missy of Service Printers in Flowood, as we claimed copies of George's book of short stories.  He and I had discussed printing the stories for family and friends some time before he died.  I didn't rest very well until this effort was completed earlier this year.  I edited the stories, trying my best to 'edit' or change only things I felt needed to be changed.  As I worked and read them, I was once again impressed with the pictures he painted with his words.  I found myself chuckling over some passages and descriptions and pondering over some of the more poignant scenes.  Barbara Osier of Senatobia drew the front cover feather for the book.  De was very patient and helpful as I took months and months making decisions about printing the book.  Then came the typesetting and formatting, which Service's Sheila did. . .and then displayed plenty of patience with my editing and changing. . . Margaret, George's sister-in-law and my sister.  She was still in high school in Tupelo when George and I married.  The baby sister. . .

Remembering . . .

Many times George Morris spoke of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Gooch, his early-years principal and teacher.  Mrs. Elva Gooch's obituary was in the Sunday, May 18, "Clarion-Ledger," in which the announcement was made of her death May 13 at the Orchard-Arbor Center in Ridgeland.  She had moved to Jackson in 2005 to be near her daughter Bobbie.  "Teaching was not only her career but her love," the write-up stated.   "She wanted each child she taught to excel and to reach his/her potential.  For 42 years, she taught school. . ."  The write-up said that on Mother's Day weekend, she had her daughters, Bobbie and Linda, with her.  Special thoughts are sent to them.
I treasure the memory several years ago when class members gathered around Christmas at Estes Restaurant, with Mrs. Gooch as the special guest, accompanied by Bobbie and Frazier Ward.  Memorable time for me to be able to witness the occasion.  I know it meant a lot to George (Morris). . .

Honoring and Remembering Leigh Anne Ward

   A moving ceremony on Sunday, May 12, marked the very special occasion announcing the Leigh Anne Ward Teachers Memorial at Madison-Ridgeland Academy.  The ceremony included the installation of the Inaugural Class of the Hall of Fame Inductees, with the tribute to Leigh Anne especially meaningful for so many, particularly anyone with a Plantersville Connection. Leigh Anne’s parents are Bobbie and Dr. Frazier Ward of Jackson.  Bobbie is remembered as Bobbie Gooch, daughter of Mrs. Wallace Gooch and the late Mr. Gooch, both of whom are remembered as the best of educators in Plantersville. A musical tribute was made by the MRA elementary and middle school singers, and a fourth grader, Carly Chennault, who may be described as a ‘granddaughter of Plantersville,’ participated in the musical tribute.  I know her grandfather George Morris Kelly was pleased to hear her singing for Leigh Anne.  Caroline Strawbridge, MRA first grade teacher, presented “A Remembrance of a Friend,” with poignant memories about Leigh Anne's personality and contributions to family, friends, students, the school, her church. . . 

    Bobbie was presented a white rose by Connie Vance, Elementary School principal, who inducted Leigh Anne into the memorial Hall of Fame named for her.  Teachers Frances Braswell, Minnie Lou Holland and Myra Smith were present for their installation into the Hall of Fame. 

The tribute included the welcome by Roxanne Case, MRA board president, and the invocation by Dr. Jim Futral, executive director-treasurer of the MS Baptist Convention Board.  Tommy Thompson, headmaster, performed the ribbon cutting, dedication and unveiling of the impressive statue crafted by Carrie Reeves, assistance professor in the Mississippi College Art Department.

            Our Kelly-Chennault families were touched to be present for the special time, remembering the love George always had for the Gooch family and also having the memory of Leigh Anne’s marvelous contributions as a teacher and a very outstanding young woman.  She will always be remembered and missed in this world.

            The Hall of Fame Memorial will serve to keep her memory alive.

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.