Frankie White on the Reunion

I was so pleased with this year's White Reunion. The attendance was the best it had been in several years. I have been worried that the reunion would die out from a lack of interest, but maybe this year started a turnaround. I agree that we should give Anne Amos and Betty Hurst a hearty word of thanks for all they've done. Also, let's thank Bud Hammond for bringing copies of his research and for making such an interesting talk. Bud has done a great deal of research into the family genealogy, and as a good historian, is careful to document.

I always enjoy the White Reunion and have been to all but two of them.The reunion gives me an opportunity to see far-flung relatives that I so seldom get to see, and I always learn something new about the family. And then there's the food... Lord, the Whites can cook! I ate so much I was miserable most of the afternoon, and there were desserts that I didn't even get to sample. Not that I didn't want to, but I simply could not hold another bite of anything. Nobody can make a tomato sandwich like Bobbie Freeman. I don't know what she does, but hers tastes better than any I make. Someone once said, "I'd just as soon have one of Bobbie's tomato sandwiches as strawberry shortcake," and I agree.

My brother, Michael, makes the best chicken 'n' dumplin's. I thought they were especially good this year. As one cousin dipped in the pot, he said to me, "This is my third helping." And I can always count on some okra cooked in the old-timey way just as my grandmothers' used to cook. Someone brought a bowl of potato salad that was about the best I've ever tasted. I believe it had homemade pickles in it.

The only think lacking to make it a true White dinner was fried fish and catfish stew, but since I don't like fried fish — how can I be related to the Whites?— and since catfish stew doesn't rank high on my list of favorites, I'm willing to let them pass in favor of another potato casserole rich with cheese and sour cream or another plate of deviled eggs dressed up with paprika.

I guess my assessment of this year's reunion can be summed up in the old adage, "... and a good time was had by all."

Reunion Today

The White family reunion was today, and had better attendance than was expected. Without knowing the specific number, my estimate is that approximately 50 people attended. A few people were there for the first time - from the Sara Jane White Lee branch of the family. The reunion will be held at Pine Grove Baptist Church again next year - Linda and Wilson Polson are making arrangements already. I think attendance will always be better at Pine Grove. I said in an earlier post that Pine Grove is the heart of the White family - so much history and so many memories are there for our family.

I could write a long post about the people who were there, but I'll save that for another time. I do want to mention a couple of things that are important.

We should all be thankful for the years that Anne Amos has served as President. Seven years is a long time and now her father is somewhat ailing and she is worn out from carrying the load. I know she will continue to be involved. Michael White and I have taken some of the administrative duties off her and Linda and Wilson will be doing some of the logistics for the reunion also. Thanks Anne!!!!! Your service to the family will always be remembered and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - especially your father.

Betty White Hurst has been the Treasurer for the family since the reunion's beginning. We could have found no better or more loyal family member to serve in this post for the past 30 + years. Apart from her long service, Betty is one of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met. On August 4, Betty will be undergoing a very serious heart operation. I would ask that anyone who reads this post to remember Betty in your prayers for the next few days as her operation approaches and for the next weeks and months as she recuperates. Betty is a very special member of our family.

Thanks to all who attended and for those of you who missed this year, we hope to see you at the reunion next year.


Jackie Hammond

White Family Reunion

The White family reunion will be held on Sunday, July 26, at Pine Grove Baptist Church. The reunion will start at 1:00. As most of you know, Pine Grove is the center of the universe for the White family with too many members and memories to count attached to the church and the cemetary.