Spearsville Happenings

Barbara Walton
July 2, 2009

If you wondered about the Spearsville news for the past two weeks, I have a great excuse – vacationing in Hawaii. Diane Colvin and I went to visit her daughter and grandchildren, Deanna, Keely, Rily, and Barrett. It was wonderful from the lei and hug at the airport to the last good-bye. Hawaii is truly a paradise; God’s beauty can be seen in all direction. Deanna drove over 600 miles – spectacular landscapes and seaspcapes, flowers everywhere, and of course, all the touristy stuff; however, what we enjoyed most was seeing the aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis, sail out of Pearl Harbor on a mission of perhaps 6-8 mos., of protecting us. The sailors, dressed in white lined the deck. It was awesome! Then to go to the memorial of the USS Arizona and to the Punch Bowl Cemetery reminded me that Freedom is not free. Keely, Rily and Barrett provided lots of good fun and good memories. Hopefully their father, Allen, will be home from Afghanistan on July 8th. They are ready to see him and I know he can’t wait either.

Johnny, Robin, and Lexie Rhodes welcomed Wyatt Matthew (weighing in a 7 lbs, 8 ozs) into their family last Thursday. The proud grandparents are John & Bonnie Rhodes and Bobby & Susan Stringer. Baby and Mother are at home and Lexie is enjoying her new brother and wanted to have him sleep with her like her baby doll. Congratulations to all.

Our condolences go out to the entire family of Charlie Self, especially to Shirley Miller for this was her only brother. May she take comfort that he felt ready for his new life as he had suffered for so many year on this earth.

Denise & Tim Clement attended a reunion of her father’s family in Memphis last week. Her son Dan and his wife, Barbie, and grandson, Preston, as well as their daughter Ashley attended. Ashley followed them to Spearsville to see their new home in the country; she fell in love with the Dudley House and its rural setting. The Clement’s other son, Tim, had to work back in NJ and was unable to attend the reunion. This Sunday they attended the Peach Festival for their first time as a LA resident-despite the extreme heat of an index of 107. Denise said she thoroughly enjoyed the music, ice cream and pet contest and highly recommends this festival to all.

Lee Barron has been visiting his parents, Clyde & Lynette Barron, this past week. His sons, Jacob and Luke, had made a profession of faith this summer and he asked Bro. James if he would baptize them so that his parents and other relatives could attend this special occasion. They were baptized on Sunday night along with Ronald Foster.

Ronald Foster has sold his service station after forty-seven years and is retiring. I suspect he will enjoy lazy days, fishing and hunting but we will miss him – have to get use to someone new listening to our problems. Perhaps we’ll catch up with him at the dining site each day. Best Wishes for a good new life. Take it from me, retirement is wonderful.

Oda Rockett is at home recovering from back surgery. She was able to come to church and Sunday school this Sunday but is still quite uncomfortable. Please continue to remember her in your prayers for a full recovery.

Vergil and Mary Gene Rhodes had their entire family ( except Matthew), children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren for their annual reunion at Petti Jean Mt. in Arkansas. There were 45 in all. Friday was spent hiking, swimming and relaxing and the talent show that night. They had the usual musical instruments, violin, guitar, piano and band instruments and lots of singing. Katherine’s 2 yr old Anna and Ben’s 4 yr old Madelyn really stole the show with their singing and entertaining. Saturday was sports day and there were games of all kinds going on – softball, tennis, soccer, basketball and swimming. On Sunday they all headed home-tired but so happy that they could all get together for such a fun time-wonderful memories for everyone.

Father’s Day was special for Vergil Rhodes. His daughters, Lou and Beth, brought lunch and decorated the table all in roosters and chickens while he was at church. Vergil was very surprised and of course the best part was being remembered in such a special way and the visit that afternoon.