J. W. SMITH FAMILY REUNIONNE WSLETTER VOLUME 22 THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1997 WARSAW, N.C.

MOTHER PASSES

The thirty-second 1. W. Smith Family Reunion is subdued this year because of the passing of Mother. However, we cannot abandon this family tradition that brings us together once a year to feIlowship together and to strengthen our family ties. We have been informed that our number wi ll be a little smaller this year because of various happenings within our group. But next year we certainly hope and encourage that everyone plan to attend.

Funeral services were held for Mother at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia. South Carolina at noon on Friday, November 14, 1997 and at Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Turkey, North Carolina at noon on Saturday, November 15, 1997. She was buried in the Wilson Chapel cemetery.

The following obituary appeared on the funeral services program: On Sunday afternoon. November 9, 1997, our Heavenly

Father called Esther Elvira Allen Smith from labor to rest. She retired quietly and peacefully to her Creator.

Esther Elvira Allen Smith was born on October 27, 1904, in Duplin County, North Carolina, the elder of two daughters born to Lucian and Annie Bowden Allen. Her only sister, Annie 1. Allen Wells, preceded her in death.

She was a member of the first graduating class of Douglass Hjgh School in Warsaw, North Carolina. She was a graduate of Fayetteville State Nonnal School and Fayetteville State Teachers College, now Fayetteville State University, in Fayetteville. North Carolina. She served for more than twenty years as a teacher in the public schools of Duplin and Sampson counties. She began her teaching career in a one­teacher school where she taught grades one through seven and ended her career teaching special education in the local junior higb school.

Her entire life was devoted to family and church activities. At an early age, she joined First Baptist Church, Warsaw, North Corolina. A fter marriage, she joined her husband at Wilson Clulpc l Missionary Haplist Church where she scrvctl faithfu lly for many years. After moving to Columbia. South Carolina, with her daughter, Bessie Jeannette Dozier, she became an affiliate member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Her many many church involvements included: church pianist, financial secretary, member of adult choir, director of children's choir. Sunday School teacher, me member of Daughters of Zion, member of Pastor's Aid Club, Missionary Circle, Presbyterian Women, and Adult Sunday School class. After moving to Columbia, she always looked forward to returning to Wilson Chapel for Mother's Day service each year.

In the midst of her career, she was married to Deacon Joshua Willard Smith, widower with eight children. To this union were born three children. Four of the children preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Willard (Fannie) Allen Smith of Midland, Georgia and James

(Bernice) Will iam Smith, of Charlotte, North Caroliina; five daughters, Be sie Jeannette Smith (Richard F.) Dozier of Columbia, South Carolina, 0 Thonia Smith Hill of Warsaw, North Carolina, Lila Smith Williamson of Clinton, North Carolina, Sarah Z. Smith of Warsaw and Wadesboro, North Carolina, and Altheria Smith Patton of Wadesboro, North Carolina; eighteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren and twelve great-great grandch ildren; two special nieces, Geraldine Wells of Charlotte. North Carolina and Stephanie Wells Maragne of Lake Wylie, South Carolina; and a host of other nieces, nephews. cousins. other relatives, and fr iends.

O'THONIA SMITH HILL RECUPERATING FROM FALL

O' thonia S. Hill is recuperating at home from a faU suffered earlier this fall. O'Thorna or "Thonie" is the eldest daughter of J. W. Smith and Lula Sutton Smith and the mother of Clarice Hill and Dwight Hi ll.

Earlier this fa ll she was hospitalized at Sampson Memorial Hospital in Clinton for about a week. According to Thonie, " I am blessed to be here. I feU in October and received a hair­line fracture of my left hip. The Emergency Squad took me to Clinton hospital for a few days for X-rays. I am home and my doctor visits me at borne. A nurse comes and a physical therapist gives me treatments.

" I am progressing and today I walked to the kitchen and sat down and ate some breakfast. 1 went back to my chair and sat up until time for my nap.

"Hopefully. I will be here many more Thanksgivings. On July 27, 1997, Thonie celebrated her 82nd birthday. Three sisters visited her on that date and had dinner with ber: Lila. Sarah, and Altheria. Her grandchildren also came to see her on her binhday. Grandchildren are Wayne Dwight Hill. Michelle Hill, and Donna Hill.

HATS OFF TO TIIOSE WHO SENT NRWS ARTICLES IN ON TI ME

Our hats are off to Pat McCullough of Los Angeles, Harold Smith of Englewood , New Jersey, Mary Alice Watkins of Durham,and Lila Smith Williamson of Clinton -all of whom sent in the ir news by the November 1 deadline. ! ''Hats on" to all the others who faxed it in the week of Thanksgiving or who called it in over the phone. May we do better next year.

THANKS TO SARAH FOR OPENING HER DOORS FOR OUR REUNION THIS YEAR

ON LATE NOTICE A great big thank-you goes out to Sarah Z. for agreeing to

hold the Reunion here in Warsaw this year. You will remember, hosts for this year's reunion are the Pattons. Due to unforeseen events taking pJace in Wadesboro around Thanksgiving, they requested that the meeting site be changed to Warsaw this year. Even though Sarah Z. was in the midst of

re-Iocating her belongings from New York to Warsaw and trying to get settled in, sbe obliged.

Thank you ,Sarah, for opening your doors to us again this year as you have done so many times in the past

LILA MAE SMITH Wn.,LIAMSON Lila Mae Smith WilLi.amson, as usual sent her news article in

early and on time. Lila is the second born of J. W. Smith and Lula Leigh Sutton Smith. She is the mother of Barbara Lula " Babs" Fryar, Rosa Small, Mary Alice Watkins, and Sam Jr. Williamson. Here's Lila:

1399 Beamon Woods Road Clinton, NC 28328

"My God of Heaven and Earth gave me another birthday on the 21 II day of ovember. I thank Him for 80 years on this planet and my children who also gave me a surprise birthday togetherness which was special at Andrew's Chapel Church. M. B.

A memory that wiU always be in mind was Troy Williamson" wedding in July in Geensboro. And, 0 Yes, Bro. James" surprise birthday at Altheria" in Wadesboro. Also, and rchanced to celebrate Hill's birthday in July.

Then came Baby Watkins ' short stay with us. Like an angel there she lay.

And a trip to the beach-waves splashing like diamonds. Then rest, no work for three days. Mrs. Goins and Mrs. Small. I really enjoyed the friendship. And Toni and Rosa did the driving and Sheila let US use her van. Enjoyed the foods and everything. Sis. Lila -Now 8 1.

Our God's Love Said: TO ADAM AN D EVE "Where art thou?" (Gen 3:9) TO NOAH: "Come thou into the ark." (Gen 7: I t) TO PETER AND HIS BROTHER ANDREW: Follow me and I will make you fisher of men." (Matthew 4:18- 19)

LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER, BE REASONABLE, ALWAYS LISTEN, AND READ. - (Isiah 1:8)

JAMES WILLIAM SMITH FAMILY

Bro. James says that sickness has taken its toll as for as his immediate family ' s concern. James is the third born of J. W. Smith and LuIa Sutton Smith and is the father ofRenae Smith. "Bern is on medicines. Doctors are trying to determine the

appropriate dosage and it's not quite right yet. I cannot stay away from her too long. But she is in high spirits.

Renae is about the same. She is with us pn week-ends. On an overall basis, the family is fine ."

James remains under doctor' s care, but he feels that his problems are not as great. See you Thanksgiving. God U

bless you."

Family members traveled to Wadesboro on James's birthday last June to surprise him in the home of Altheria. And was he surprised I He stated that it was the first time he remembers being honored on his birthday. Shelia' s catering business provided the feast. Bessie was responsible for presenting him with a special plaque. it was an enjoyable occasion.

SARAH Z. SMfrn MAKES MOVE FROM HER BELOVED NEW YORK

Sarah Z. has really been busy this year and especially the last few weeks getting ready for tbjs reunion. Sarah is the sixth born of J. W. Smith and Lula Sutton Smith. Early this year she and Doris traveled to New York to assist movers in transporting her belongings from New York to North Carolina. Cousin Rosa also helped with the packing. After a few months ' storage in Charlotte, she finally has begun settling things in here in her Warsaw residence.

Says Sarah, "0 Thou most merciful God, I thank you for the blessings

that you have bestowed upon this family . I feel I have been blessed by the opportunity to share Altheria" home with her. 1 have been between Warsaw and Wadesboro for more than a year now.

" I had laser treatment and eye surgery and am near sightless due to diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes. I do know You have never given one more burdens than they can bear. Blest be the tie that binds. "Last summer I attended a week at camp at Camp Dogwood

up in the mountains of Catawba County in North Carolina. I am now attending classes once a week, relearning much. A l has been a real life saver for me. "1 am in the process of giving up my New York co-op

apartment. I would like to sell it, but I may have to offer it for rent for now. Last spring, together with AI we planned a surprise birthday for James. We also celebrated birthday parties for Tim, Nika, Jennifer, Little Mitch, and Nevada. Earlier this month, [ was able to attend the funeral of Mother in Columbia, South Carolina and also at Wilson Chapel in Turkey. We gathered here at my home for a repast after tile funeral.

ALTHERIA SMITH PATrON FAMILY

The Patton family has had an eventful year with many blessings. Dr. Altheria Patton is the seventh child of J. W. Smith and Lula Sutton Smith. She is the mother of Morris Jr., Mitchell, and Anja.

Altheria has had a busy and a challenging year. She continues in retirement to work part-time 2-3 days a week as Educational Support Specialist with the federally funded Student Support Services project at Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College in Cheraw, South Carolina, about twenty miles from Wadesboro. The primary goal of the project is to provide low-income, flJ"St generation college. and/or disabled students complete their college programs. Last March, she accompanied daughter Anja on a vacation to Hawaii. They visited three of the

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(pATrON continued from page 2). islands of Hawaii and had a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Before departing for Hawaii, she enjoyed a presentation by Anja at the annual SSS Success Banquet and had the opportunity of meeting Ray Charles Evans of Austin, Texas, who was a guest during the weekend. In May, she accepted appoinbnent to complete an unexpired

term on the Anson County Board of Education. In September she announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of Anja and Ray Charles Evans. In September she visited Anja in Texas and had the pleasure of meeting many family members of Ray Charles Evans at a real Texas Barbeque. Again, in October she visited Anja again to attend a bridal shower for Anja in San Antonio and a reception honoring Anja and Ray given in Austin, Texas. During this visit, she had the pleasure of reuniting with Kathy Ann EI Amin, Denia EI Amin, and her son Christopher. Since last May, she has been enjoying helping plan the approaching weddmg of Anja and Ray.

Last summer she had the pleasure of attending the beautiful wedding of nephew Troy Williamson in Greensboro. orth Carolina. As a part of her part-time job, she accompanied a group of Chesterfield-Marlboro students on a four day field trip to Washington, D.C. She was saddened by the sudden death of grand nephew Ivan Watkins' infant daughter and attended the funeral in Durham. She also attended both funerals of Mother in Columbia • SC and at Wilson Chapel.

The entire Patton Family is looking forward to the Wedding ofAnja and Ray to take place on November 29, 1997 .

MITCHELL PATrON FAMILY Mitchell Patton is the second born of Altheriu Smith Putton

and Morris L. Patton , Sr. and is the father ofT irn Patton, Nika Patton. Mitchell Patton "Little Mitch," Patton, Jennifer Patton, Nevada Patton, and NaShon Richardson.

Mitchell continues his employment with Cmmercial Products in Wadesboro. Last summer, he enrolled in the GOAL program at Gardner- Webb College, Boiling Springs, North Carolina, as a part-time student working towards a Bachelors degree in Human Services. His expected graduation date is December, 1998.

Hattie Patton continues employment as CAN at Lillie Bennett N ursing Home and also continues to attend Anson Community College. NaShon Richardson is a senior at Anson High SchooL Tim Patton is a tenth grader at Anson High School and is enroUed in IROTC there. He has taken two field trips so far to camp in South Carolina and to Fon Bragg. He also served as manager with the varsity football team and participated in the weight-lifting class. Nika Patton is a ninth grader at Anson High School and plays clarinet in the band there. Little Mitch Panon is an eighth grader at Wadesboro

'Middle School where he is on football team and also wrestling team. Jennifer Patton is a seventh grader at Wadesboro Middle School and Nevada Patton is a sixth grader at Wadesboro Elementary. Nevada also attends Saturday Academy and Central After-School Care program. All of the Pattons are striving to make the Honor RoiL Hopefully they will make it for the next six-weeks report period.

ANJA AL THERIA PATTON Anja Patton is the third born of Altheria Smith Patton and

Morris L. Patton Sr. She sends the following news for December '96 - Nov. '97: " J have had a very exciting and busy year. In December

1996 I met my fiance, Ray Evans who is an administrator with the Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. went to my first Texas rodeo in February 1997 in San Antonio, Texas and this was a very interesting event. In March 1997 Ray and J traveled to North Carolina to visit with my family and friends. Subsequently in March 1997 my mother and I weD[ on a very fun ten day trip to Hawaii. In AprilJ 997, Ray and I participated in the St. Paul A.M.E. Church 5 K run in Flatonia, Texas (We actually finished the race).

May 18, 1997, I was promoted to Major in the U. SW. Air Force. In addition in May 1997, I became engaged to Ray Evans. Also, I attended The American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Francisco, Californ ia. In June 1997, as the chief of a Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT). I participated in 'Patriot Medstar<" a joint service military medical exeroise, at Westover Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. Also, in June 1997, I attended the Williams Fam ily Reunion (Ray' s mother ' s family) in Wharton, Texas. In July 1997, I visited Seattle, Washington and Vancouver,

Canada and I attended the Evans Family Reunion in Flatonia. Texas. .

In September 1997, I attended a Pulmonary Medicine Review Course in New York City; my mother came to visit and during her visit I hosted my fi rst Texas Barbeque. During October 1997 I I went to the Texas State Fair and attended the Cotlon Bowl Class ic (Grambling State vs. Prairie View A & M University). Also in October 1997 my research abstract: "Objective Assessment of Functional Improvement After Lung Volume Reduction Surgery by Measuring Dai ly Activity Levels with Actigraphy" was accepted for publication in the October issue of "Chest" journal and I presented a poster on the topic at the 1997 Chest Conference of the American College of Chest Physicians in October 1997 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In November 1997 my mother came to visit and she attended a bridal shower that was held for me on the afternoon of November In in San Antonio, as well as a pre­wedding reception held for Ray and me during the evening of November It I in Austin, Texas. r am looking forward to seeing all of you at our wedding on November 29, 1997.

GENNETTA Gennetta McDonald Patton, now Mrs. Pete Williams, was

married to Morris Patton Jr. before his untimely death. She and son, Markese Patton-Williams reside in Fayetteville, NC with husband Pete Williams. She continues employment at Cape Fear Hospital in Fayetteville.

DALLAS O. BAKER AND NOBUKO Dallas O. Baker is the nephew of Morris Patton Sr. and

resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife Nobuko, formerly of

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(DALLAS BAKER continued from page 3) Japan. We always look forward to them attending our family reunion. They have said that they are planning to be with us again this year. So we are really hoping to see them here in Warsaw.

THE KOH MATSUDA FAMILY OF JAPAN

In 1976 the Morris Patton Sr. family was host family to Koh Matsuda, a visiting English teacher from Japan. After Mr. Matsuda returned to Japan we continued to keep in touch. Later Altheria Patton had the opportunity to visit the family during a visit to Japan. While stationed in South Korea, Anja also had the opportunity ofvis.iting the Matsuda family.

Following are excerpts from a letter recently received by AJtheria Patton from Koh Matsuda: Dear Mrs. Altheria Patton Thank you very much for your letter of invitation to the

wedding of Anja and Ray Charles Evans. We are very glad to know she is going to marry. Congratulations!

Nuw my wile IUld I Ilr~ thinking of attending this most important event of hers and we are talking about our schedule with a travel agency. lfwe could make a good flight schedule, I would like to visit your home again with my wife this time. .. . .. .. . . "Now we have decided our schedule. We will take NW 24 and fly from Kansai Airport at 15:25 on 28 and will arrive at Minneapolis St Paul at 11 :45 and wilJ take NW 672 and leave there at 13: 1 0 and arrive at Charlotte Airport at 16:34 on 28. We will leave Charlotte on Dec. lat 12:50 by NW 1575 for Detroit to change planes to fly to Toronto, where myoid aunt lives.".", Now we are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Koh Matsuda 3336 Agarimichi-cho Sakaiminato Tottori-ken 684 Japan

BESSIE J. SMITH DOllER FAMlL Y Bessie Jeannette Smith Dozier is the second born of J. W.

Smith and Esther Allen Smith and is the mother of Richard F. Dozier Jr. and Anthony Dozier.

Bessie Jeannette, post retirement, is Consultant For Middle Schools, Richland District One, Columbia, South Carolina. Richard continues to pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church. He celebrates 30 years in ministry.

Bessie and Richard traveled during the year to Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan. Alaska in June and the Florida Keys and Disney World in July.

Highlights of the year include: welcoming our new granddaughter, Simone. and visiting with fITSt grand, Whitney.

We are most thankful for health, strength, ahd faith in God. RICHARD DOZIER JR.

Richard Jr. is employed at Michelin Tire Company. He lives for sports. He is fan for Chicago Bulls and the Panthers.

. Richard visited with daughter Whitney several times during the year.

ANTHONY AND CASTONIA Anthony welcomed baby daughter Simone in March 1997.

Another great event was re-Iocating from Atlanta, Georgia to Florence, South Carolina. Anthony is employed at Sunoco and Castonia is also

employed in Florence. Simone spends most of her time amazing her parents and

delighting her grandparents.

ESTHER ALLEN SMITH The past year was most challenging for Esther Allen Smith healthwise. She returned to Wilson Chapel in May. She is now residing in Manor Care Health Center. She still believes that God is able.

She joined the Church Triumphant on November 9, 1997. She will be sorely missed by aU who knew and loved her.

THE MARY ALICE WILLIAMSON WATKINS FAMILY

Mary Alice Watkins is the third born of Lila Smith Williamson and Sam Williamson Sr. She made the following report of the year well before the November 1 deadline: The Watkins family is continually thankful for the strength

from Christ over the past year in dealing with unexpected happenings. ­

We were saddened by the passing of Courtney Brianna Watkins at 7 weeks old, in Round Rock, Texas on August 12, 1997, infant daughter of Sandra and Ivan. Courtney passed from Sudden Infant's Death Syndrome.

The family is especially thankful for all the support as Ivan, Sandra. and Brent traveled from Texas to Durham where Courtney was celebrated in a Memorial Service and laid to rest in Glenview Memorial Gardens in Durham beside her great grand father.

Alice was so happy that she had flown to Texas when Courtney was about three weeks old and had a real delight with her.

Benita and Eileen flew to Texas to be with Sandra, Ivan, and Brent as they prepared for the trip to Durham for the Service. Ivan. Sandra and Brent have moved from Texas back to

Durham, North Carolina. Ivan was transferred to IBM to continue as a Computer Programmer in Research Triangle Park at the request and working of his manager in Texas, who attended Courtney's Memorial Service here in Durham!

Brent is 3 Yz years old now and attended La Petite Academy Day Care in Austin, Texas where Sandra also cared for the infants. Both of them will be transferred to La Petite Academy in Durham where Sandra will continue to care for the infants and Brent will attend the 3-year old class. He loves it but he must have bad to have some of those cowboy boots before leaving Texas. He's probably wearing them today.

Benita is now working as a Medical Records Processor for Aetna Insurance and living in Greensboro too. She is also getting her Aetna insurance license for North Carolina. She likes her work at Aetna.

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(WATKINS continued from page 4)

We were glad for the graduation of Amory Brown [ from Winston-Salem State University in May, 1997. He is now teaching special education in Winston-Salem public schools. Eileen is still working as an RN at Forsythe Memorial Hospital on the Intensive Care Unit. She has changed to the day shift.

Amory II is nine years old and in the fourth grade, doing well and enjoying playing kid 's football . Askia is four and a half years old and just loves going to Today's Child Day Care. It seemed he had wanted for so long and excitedly for his own class so he could be like everyone else in the household. Askia was hospitalized in August but returned to his normal pace in a few days.

Alice still plans to visit Detroit Michigan, but hasn 't worked out everything yet. She enjoys helping with her grandsons. Alice had Laser surgery on her right eye in September. Future plans are to take some classes at the community college Durham.

ARGlE SMITH WARD BLACKMORE FAMILY Argie Smith Ward Blackmore (deceased) is the Sill born to

J. W. Smith and Lula Sutton Smith and the mother of Denard "Pete" EI Amin, Myra Johnson, and Patricia McCullough. Pat sends the following from Los Angeles: "I usually don't send my information in on time, so this is

exciting! We joined a church finally after all these years, Bethel A.M.E., and I sing in the choir. Adia is on the Youth Usher Board and Jamil attends Sunday School. Preston is still debating. (smile)

Adia is in high school this year (9111 grade and was elected secretary of her freshman class. She also sings in the Gospel Choir at school. So far, her grades are commendable. Jamit joined a Tae Kwan Do class and is enjoying that very much. He is in Sib grade and will be a "junior high student" next year. He also is doing well in school. He is progressing very well in his language and comprehension.

Preston and I are still at our same jobs and doing fine. We will be in North Carolina next summer.

We love you all very much! We also miss you al l and would like you all to keep us in your prayers. Sending you al l A "group hug" and kisses!!!

ROSA WILLIAMSON SMALL F AMlL Y Rosa is the second born of Lila Smith Will iamson and Sam

Williamson Sr. and the mother of Sheila Small and Maria Small. The Smalls have submitted the following report of the year's activities:

ROSA WILLIAMSON SMALL Rose continues to assist Sheila with Small & Associates as

\ the executive administrator, attending seminars, helping with special events, plans and traveling when needed. She works as a substitute teacher two or three days a month.

Volunteer/Community Service: With a Durham Magnet School one or two mornings a month, ty:lp with a service project at a housing project (youth) a senior rest home, and ACRA (Aids) with the Progressive Sertoma Club (president­elect). Serves as Vice President of the S1. Phillip's Community Kitchen Board, assists at the Shelter quarterly

with the church, warm clothing for the homeless, substirute Sunday School Teacher at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and bake bread for communion.

Rosa checks on Mom Lila Mae and assists her in various ways. She traveled to Surf City in mid-September with friend Toni (neighbor across street) her mother, Mrs. Goins, Mom Lila Small & Lila Mae to enjoy a leisure vacation on the beach and tour the area.

Travels: Philadelphia (Maria and Henry), New York (accompanying Doris & Aunt Sarah in her NC move), Jeckyl Island (Christmas gift from Sheila for Small & Rosa), Fripp Island (Small & Associates), Wrightsville Beach (working and fun), Bald Head Island (vacation) & and several other places.

Thank-Yous: Thanks to all who assisted in any way for the Celebration of Mom's SOIlI Birthday on December I, 1996, at Andrew's Chapel Baptist Church in Clinton.

Announcements: Small and Rosa work in a business -Melaleuca, Inc. and are Executive II Level representatives. More on this later. Rosa & Small will celebrate their 37th

anniversary on December 23, 1997 at the Angus Bam Restaurant in Durham.

Investments: a founding partner of Carolina Capital Partners Investment Club and serve as secretary. Taking a class on Stock Selection Guide.

Honors: letter of appreciation from Julius L. Chambers for sharing media-Iibrarianship with Sophomore Teaching Fellows and concern for the library collection at NCCU. Appreciation Day at Duke for Children's Classic volunteer and Duke PR volunteer.

Played golf in the Julius Chambers Invitational at Sea Trail Resort, Eagle~Aggie Tournament & Summit House Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Walking with Buddies, Triangle Trailblazers, Triangle Putters and gardening.

WILLIAM THOMAS SMALL, JR. William T. Small is Associate Dean and Senior Advisor for

Multicultural Affairs in the · School of Public Health at the University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill, a new position as of August, 1997. CommunitylVolunteer Service: Serves as president of Unity Sertoma Club, Bank chairman for the Piedmont Sertoma District. Active member of James E. Shepard Sertoma Club. reads stories to children at Lyons Park Recreation Center, Churches for Action- president, Housing for New Hope Board (both the latter- non-profits to assist homeless). With the Church of the Abiding Savior, Lutheran he teaches Sunday School to )1l_3 rd graders, assists with shelter feeding quarterly and various other activities.

Honors: - selected 1997 Sertoman of the Year for dual Sertoma Clubs, the James E. Shepard and Unity Sertoma Clubs; nominated for the C. Knox Massey Distinguisbed Service Award at UNC-CH. Received the NC Central District GovernOT's Staff Award 1006-97, and was presented for Outstanding Leadership Skills participant in faculty-staff Art Show at UNC-CH in May, 1997. Displayed art work in the Fourth Annual Induction Ceremonies for the African­American Cultural Complex's Hall of Distinotion (Fame) Saturday, July 19, 1997. Sbows children in small groups how to paint witb water colors. Leisute: - golfing in the men's Health Tournament in Pinehurst, NC, Eagle-Aggie Golf Tournament, fishing on the coast ofNe and local ponds (record crappies) hunting with

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Wll.LlAM SMALL continued from last page) Riverside Hunting Club. He shot a six pointer deer and also shot a 350 pound boar at Chesnut Hunting Lodge in Taylorsville, NC. The sausage had the "old-timey" flavor of pork. Small &. Rosa both enjoy the Carolina Partners Invesbnent Club where he serves as Investment broker and Rosa secretary. He also enjoys playing with options in the stock market with nephew Troy.

Travels: Indianapolis, IN., several beach trips - mini vacations with Rosa and other groups, Atlanta, Washington, DC and Philadelphia.

SAD - Small • Rosa were sad at the incurable disease Feline leukemia of their Morris look-alike cats Sandy.

SHELlA F. SMALL Sheila Small is owner of Small & Associates. an Event

Planning Company celebrated 4 years in the business. Coordinated the Annual Edible Arts Event for Durham Arts Council. the event cleared $30,000 in revenues for the Durham Arts Council. Several other clients include: NCCU Law School, the NCCU School of Business. Norvatis located in the Research Triangle State agencies in Raleigh and individuals.

Travels: vacationed in July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Business Travels: Orlando, Florida, Atlanta, Fripp Island,

NC Beaches', Winston Salem, Washington DC, South Carolina, Georgia, etc.

Community: volunteers with family at Christmas in feeding at the Community Kitchen, NCCU Alumni Association, and the Business Women's Club. Often sings for a group during an event she planned.

MA~AJACQUE~SMALL

Maria Jacqueline Small is a third year Resident at Temple University Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In early November, she had her first experience at moonlighting. She says work is still hard as you advance, but she loves it.

Honors: Berlex Laboratories Resident Teaching Award at Temple University Hospital. Being in cousin Anja's wedding.

Career Plans: interested in the neonatal area of obstetrics medicine. Travels: (leisure) New York, New Haven, North Carolina, D C area, Delaware. (professional) Las Vegas and Hawaii.

HENRY VERJSSIMO Henry Verissimo is a friend of Maria. He continues to work

at Prudential Life Insurance Company in financial matters. His mothe.., from Nigeria is visiting with him and his brother during the first three weeks ofNovember.

Travels: Ohio, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Haven, North Carolina and New Jersey.

Leisure: enjoys a pick up game of soccer and assisting friends. Henry is studying to earn a broker license. Henry misses Durham, North Carolina. Henry's birthday was in August and be celebrated with friend Syl from Nigeria as Maria was in Hawaii attending the Medical convention.

LILA E. SMALL Lila E. Small is mother of William T. She enjoys her

challenging evenings with puzzles. She is currently working on a 2,000 piece puzzle.

Travels: Several trips were made with the senior citizens of Wilmington . one being a visit to SurfCitj Seniors Retreat in September, 1997. A trip was also made to Bald Head Island with the Retired Teachers group. Enjoys her friend Gladys

Hardy who takes her places and attends activities almost weekly.

Church: Serves on several committees with the church and advisors to many.

(Since this article was submitted, we have learned that Mama Small is recuperating jn the Wilmington Hospital and is improving daily.)

JAMES AND DEBBIE GARRISON Debbie Garrison is the granddaughter of Lila

Smith Williamson, the daughter of Barbara ''Babs'' And Joe Fryar, and the mother of Brian -Anthony Garrison. Debbie has been employed with Your Company Children's Campers for seven years. This year the company merged with the YMCA and is known as the Early Learning Center of Durham. James is still employed with the V A Medical Center in

Durham. Brian - Anthony is now in kindergarten at HiUandale, The Kinder- which he called the 'Big School." He loves school! His most eventful trip this year was a trip to the Asheboro Zoo.

OUR NEW JERSEY COUSINS NOT WITH US THIS YEAR

We have ~own to look forward to fellowshipping with our New Jersey cousins and thus we regret that they wiU not be in attendance this year. But we want you to know that we miss you very mucn.

We received this brief letter from Harold Smith (Delores) from Englewood, New Jersey along with a check for $25: October 8, 1997 Dear Cousins.

It is my sincerest wish to 'be with all of you on this 1997 Reunion. I have been unfortunate this year on two occasions. I broke my right hip in December, 1996 and my left one in June 1997. I have to use a wheel chair and I'm on oxygen practically permanently. I know I'm going to miss our wonderful fellowship.

Delores and Leslie are in fine shape. Please accept my sincere regrets.

PS: Please find enclosed a check for dues or whatever. Harold

Harold and Julius are the sons of Uncle Hill Smith, brother to J. W. Smith.

BLANCH SMITH EARLY

Another cousin that we look to hear from each year is Blanch Smith early, granddaughter of Aunt Sissie (Mary) Smith and daughter of Creecie Smith. Blanch lives in Hampton, Virginia. She writes as follows: AI and Family, I know that you all are going to have a beautiful Thanksgiving (Family Reunion), Della and I hope to show up if only for five minutes. But if the doctor says that I shouJdn't until later-then we' ll wait.

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(BLANCH continued from page 6.) My doctor advised me not to drive that distance for Aunt Esther's funeral because be, the doctor, had no insight as to what was wrong. I took my MR1 and Back X-ray today. It will be two or three more days for the results to reach my doctor 's office.

My walk is so different right now. My news is so brief: (I) My daughter DelJa has purchased a house about a block and a half from me which is great. She's in her house during a pon-ion of the day after work, but she's with me almost every night. If the wind blows hard or if a paper drops on the floor, she calls me. She becomes quite frightened. "m the BAD WOLF, so , go to her rescue. (2) I learned that Hozie attended the one hundred (100) men

march at Wilson Chapel church last Sunday [ believe, (3) Yolanda Blackwell, Annie Ruth's daughter and Sallie's granddaughter, is enrolled at A & T State University her 2l1li year

A beautiful card message reads: J. W. Smith Family- We are Thinking of you and wishing you

The bounty of the season, A harvest of warm memories to share,

A circle of smiling faces Gathered around the table,

And the special warmth of knowing LOVE [S THERE. HAPPY THANKSGNING! I'll be well soon For God is good. Check fOT $25 is being mailed (J. W. Smith Fund) We want everyone to know that we LOVE you and hope to join you soon.

.Blanch.

We are sorry we have no news to report for the following:, but over the grapevine we have heard that they are around and doing okay: Annie Doris McCalop Myra and Dennis Johnson, Mia Johnson, Brian Greg Fryar, Troy and Tenisha, Tracey, Mary, Todd, Todd Jr. , Tyrone and Adriene and Sam Jr.' Williamson., Babs. Kim, Joe and Joe Fryar; Pam, Donna. MichelJe, Wayne Hill; Betty Ann, Ulysses, Larry Miller; Pete Denard El Amin; Denia EI Amin; Tashaun, lrish, Joe, and Charity; Cousin John Wallace, Nikki and Cornelius, Jessica and Joshua Dennis Kirk and aU others.

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