Betty’s Week
By Betty Shearer
News came of the death of Robert Williams of Memphis mid-week. Robert is the father of Linda Williams, long-time music director at Bethel Baptist Church, EMT at Yalobusha General, teacher at the School of Nursing on the Oxford Campus and in the recent past, part-time music director at Woodland Hils. Needless to say, she has touched many lives in the Valley.
Bootise and Robert have visited many times at Bethel, Woodland Hills and in WV through the years . We loved all three and extend sympathy to Bootsie, Linda and the entire Williams family. If you would like to send a card, note or give a memorial, Bootsie’s add-ress is Mrs. Robert Williams, 1590 White-water, Memphis, TN 38117, and Linda’s is Linda Williams, P. O Box 247, Abbeville, MS 38601.
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Last Wednesday afternoon, while taking a break, I picked up Mississippi State University’s Magazine, Mississippi LandMarks (Spring, 2010 Edition), and read most of it.
It was all interesting, but of primary interest was the announcement of changes in faculty. I saw the picture and read the article announcing that Water Valley native Gary Jackson was among those changing jobs. Gary, former director of the School of Human Sciences within CALS, will now serve in the capacity of interim associate provost for academic affairs.
Walter Taylor, former assistant CALS dean and professor in the School of Human Sciences, will assume the role of interim director of this school in addition to his assistant dean responsibilities. Jackson also served as interim state program leader for the Extension Service’s Family and Consumer Sciences division. This interim position will be filled by Paula Threadgill, an Extension associate professor in the School of Human Sciences. Jackson has a long history of dedicated service to MSU and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.
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I also turned through the Farm Bureau Magazine and found another Yalobusha resident. Pictured was Steve Cummings, not named, but I’d know that face anywhere.
I always enjoy finding local folks pictured in this publication and most issues have one or several Yalobushians included.
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Bible School concluded Friday night and we had a great group of youngsters and workers. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the week.
Family and friends night was Friday and it was so good to see many family members of kids not from Woodland Hills. Among them were Kelli and Chad Moore, parents; Betty Davis and Viola Moore, grandmothers; and Ruth Perkins, great-aunt of Hunter and Grayson Moore.
It was also good to have Robert Patton with us. Robert had provided many decorations used at Taylor Baptist Church’s VBS the week before. He brought them to us and then picked them up—it is great to have such good friends.
We also enjoyed the decorations loaned us by Sylva Rena Baptist Church and Adonai Church.
The highlight of the closing program was a video produced by our young people. Pictures were outstanding and the show was enjoyed by everyone. Thanks Dillon, Amanda, Amber, Kelsey, and J. T.
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Hadn’t been to Mom’s in a while, so I went shopping at Larson’s and then it was off. As I was passing the Farmer’s Market I was tempted to stop—looked like lots of great stuff. However, I’d promised to be there by a certain time, so knew I’d never make it if I stopped to visit.
Along the Pope/WV Road is a vine, looks like kudzu, but the blooms are very prolific and they are growing on top of the leaves—it is pretty. In the same area is another vine, with little white flowers, also very attractive. I wonder what these vines are — if you know share the info.
I’m sure the dam area was wall-to-wall with folks, from the number of boats, RVs, and travel trailers coming in on Saturday morning. These must have been out-of-towners because the parking lot at Larson’s was not very full. Had been down late Friday afternoon and it was jammed, so I think all Vallians were already out. Most of these people must have had Monday off, as well, since I had very little traffic when I returned home about six Sunday afternoon.
Don says he’s putting the trailer and boat out on the lake for a couple of weeks, after this holiday period. Maybe we can all get out for a fun gathering during this time.
He brought Madison and Woody’s wedding pictures down for us to see. They were so good.
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I was talking to Sarah Williams, editor of the Coffeeville Courier, a few minutes ago and she says she’s having trouble coming up with a column this week. She said that her sister told her not to tell what they eat. Well, if I don’t tell, I have folks calling to see if we didn’t cook, or if I just failed to tell what I cooked. In order not to have to answer the phone (and also because I didn’t do much over the weekend but cook) I’ll tell.
On Saturday I fried Mom some chicken, cooked her favorite turnip greens, peas, gravy, biscuits and cornbread. I couldn’t get anyone else to barbecue, so I cooked a Boston butt, baked beans, made potato salad, and cole slaw for Sunday lunch—also made a freezer of ice cream. Brother Rance brought corn–on-the cob and fruit salad. Betty and Ed Hill gave me lots of the most beautiful fresh tomatoes. Ate them for lunch and then had a BLT Sunday night. The preacher dug his potatoes and shared them with all who wanted them. They are so good — I do like new potatoes in white sauce. With English peas, cornbread and pickled beets, it’s a feast for a king. Bro. Ken says don’t pickle beets, but that’s my favorite way eat them.
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In for a visit on Monday was Mr. and Mrs. W. A. McCormick of Lindale, Texas and Mr. and Mrs. Nathan David Swanson of Toccapola. The McCormicks and Sawansons lived in the big house on the corner of Market Street and Vaiden Alley back in the 60s. Many of these children were in band—with Nancy Swanson as drum major one year. David says he remembers coming to town (they came across Vaiden and then down Clay) and mother (Miss Dolly) asking him to help Jim get to the Herald office. They were so kind to take care of our child. It was good to see them and catch up a little on their lives.
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Do hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July. I worked Monday, the official holiday, and it was a fun day. Started rather scary, but got better fast, with the help of friends. I came in and the mouse on my computer had died. Called David—got no answer. Then tried several others in town with computer knowledge. Finally pulled out the big gun and called T. J. Ray of Oxford, whom I was sure could help—just hated to make him come to the Valley on his holiday. He came immediately with a replacement mouse, then called another friend to help with a second problem and I was up and running. Thank you, T. J.—you are a dear friend, and better yet, an excellent repairman.
With the computer up and running, I was able to get lots of work done so maybe we’ll get out a paper.
Oh, don’t feel sorry for me because I had to work—I got to take off last Thursday.
Early in the morning (before I got to work) Bill Sissell had brought in his column, left it with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hunt and Mrs. Hunt brought it on to the office. Thanks, Mrs. Hunt.
Al Davis stopped by with the cutest picture of Hunter and Grayson, made by Kelli, honoring his service to our country during the Viet Nam War. Was good to see Al—our schedules have gotten off and we rarely see each other these days.
In a couple of times was J. C. Womble. J. C. is getting ready for the Tri-Lake Fairground upcoming Summer Festival, which will be held later this month.
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I’m hoping for rain, so I don’t have to water this afternoon (Tuesday). Looks like clouds are moving in so just maybe.
