Giggle With Goats

Virginia Horton Carmichael, Teacher, MHS

Mrs. Carmichael, 82, of Meridian, died Friday, December 16, 2011 in Asheville, NC. She taught school for 37 years with 35 of those years at Meridian High School, where she was chairperson of the business Education Department for 20 years. She was also an Intensive Business Training instructor and Vocational Office Training Coordinator. Mrs. Carmichael received a Masters’ Degree and Ed.s from the University of Southern Mississippi where she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi & Pi Omega Pi honor societies in education. She also received her AAA teaching certification in 1973. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 44 years, serving as president of Gamma chapter for 4 years. Mrs. Carmichael was a member of Retired Teachers Association for the past 23 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church for over 55 years. Survivors include her daughters, Debra Carmichael Scheer and her husband Tom of Asheville, NC, Janet L. Carmichael of Madison, MS; granddaughter, Jennifer L. Patty of Charlotte, NC; nieces, Dianne Wood and Denise Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rolfe M. Horton and Vada McDill Horton; brothers, James M. Horton and Marcus O. Horton; nephew, Douglas Horton. In lieu of flowers and gifts memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

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December 18, 2011

AnonymousThe Meridian StarThe Meridian StarSun Dec 18, 2011, 06:00 AM CST

MERIDIAN —

Private services will be held for Virginia Horton Carmichael. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Carmichael, 82, of Meridian, died Friday, December 16, 2011 in Asheville, N.C.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

(Mrs. Carmichael taught typing and shorthand at MHS in the 50's.  She was one of my teachers, and after we graduated, she later became a good friend of my mother.  I would see her from time to time, and she remained always so very kind and caring towards me and my mother.)

Obituary of Jackie Houston Tyner

(brother of Larry Tyner)

December 13, 2011

Anonymous(JJ( The Meridian StarThe Meridian StarTue Dec 13, 2011, 06:00 AM CST

MERIDIAN —

Funeral Services for Jackie Houston Tyner will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, December 13 at Central United Methodist Church with the Reverends Jimmy Harrison and Bob Rambo officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Tyner died on Sunday, December 11, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jack was born in Hillsboro, Mississippi On December 18, 1934, to Leroy and Estelle Houston Tyner. He moved to Meridian in 1953 and graduated from Meridian High School where he lettered in basketball. He served in the US Army for two years active service and four in active reserve. He was stationed in Fort Sills, Oklahoma as a Specialist in the Honest John Rocket Division. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS degree in marketing. He enjoyed a successful career with Smith Kline Pharmaceuticals for 32 years, being one of the first five recipients in the company to receive the distinguished Director’s Award and earned many other professional awards throughout his career.

Jack was a member of Central United Methodist Church, the Shields Sunday School Class and a past Sunday school teacher and the MSU alumni club. Jack dearly loved his family and enjoyed many trips to the beach with them, his real estate investment friends, and golf trips with his golfing buddies. He also loved Mississippi State sports, both attending and watching or listening to all MSU sports.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Gayle Gebhart Tyner, daughter Stephanie Tyner Pierce and four grandchildren: Amanda, Payton, Houston and Stephen Pierce all of Fairhope, AL.; a sister Bobbie Morgan and her husband Chad of Meridian; brothers Larry Tyner and his wife Charlotte of Oxford, Ms and Fred Tyner and his wife Ann of Madison, MS; bothers in law and sisters in law Dean and Margie Gebhart and Dave and Sally Perkins of Jackson, MS. and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother in law Smylie Gebhart.

The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and caretakers at Anderson’s Hospital, Bedford Care, and Infinity Hospice who were devoted to his care as well as his many physician friends over the years.

Visitation will be at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home on Monday December 12 from 5-7pm and 1 hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

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We commend Jackie to almighty God,
and entrust him to his creator.
May he rest in the arms of the Lord
who formed him from the dust of the earth.
May he enjoy the vision of God forever. Amen.

Happy Hanukkah

Peace & All Good December 20 - December 28

Saluting Meridian's Oldest Living Tree

Saluting Meridian's Oldest Living Tree

This tree is in front of my son's home on Poplar Springs Drive.

Ouida

Dion DiMucci - Great musician from the 50's and today!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Also you might enjoy this interview with Dion: http://youtu.be/ALHaURijVQ4

Dion Dimucci - from the 50's and still performing

1958 Track Team



This group picture of the 1958 track team appeared

in the following year's annual so perhaps you have not seen it.

You may right click your mouse to save to your computer.

That's Alright Mama - You Did Good, Patsy

It Pays to Keep the Old Things

I have had three Elvis Presley records under Sun Label that I have kept under glass all these years.  My cousin and I put them on E-Bay and sold them last night for $l,l67.00.   Can you imagine??!!  They were 78 rpm and were the first three songs that he had out in 1954.  I probably paid $.75 each for them so I did make a wonderful profit.  I want you all to know that it pays to keep the old things.  

Patsy McDonald

Meridian High School Football Team '57-58

From Edwina Hubert -

The Meridian High School Football Team went undefeated in the 1957-58 school year when we were seniors. It was a terrific season. Even so, we were not identified as the Big Eight Champions for that year because another North Division team had perhaps played more games. Ralph Abraham, our class president, was a half-back for the; team.  His recollection is included below. Perhaps you might also post your own memories of that football season. 

The group picture of the team can now be downloaded from the web. It can also be enlarged to view online. The win-loss record is posted below.  

　

From Ralph Abraham -

We did not win the North Big Eight Championship because we had a 6-0-1 record in the North, and Greenville had a 7-0-1. Even though we did not play them, they had a better record in the North. If you remember, we tied Vicksburg. We had a 10-0-1 overall record which was the best. 

That year there was an epidemic of the "Hong Cong" flu. Corinth could not field a team, because of the flu: and we won it by forfeit. Coach Owens picked up a game with Picayune who had an open week. That accounted for our extra game. I think we were ranked # 1(?) but could not play for all of the marbles, because we did not have the best North record. That tie got us. 

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is real, and I remember it like it was yesterday. By the way Greenville defeated Brookhaven for the championship, so the North did win!

Roster

(click to enlarge)

Fall Leaves Were Lovely This Year

This was taken by my son Peter with his Nikon.  Actually I'm just checking to see if I can post, since Ouida is having trouble posting to our blog.

The Original Stroll - February 1958

Bare Essentials: Minimalism in the 21st Century

http://womanmade.org/show.html?type=group&gallery=minimalism2011&pic=16

Click on this link to see the exhibition in Chicago of minimalist works.

Cano, My Foster is Ready for Adoption

Cano, My Foster is Ready for Adoption

Tony Michael Storey

October 21, 2011

Tony Michael Storey
Meridian Star The Meridian Star Fri Oct 21, 2011, 06:00 AM CDT

YORK, Ala. — Services for Tony Michael Storey will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m., at Bumpers Funeral Home Chapel in York, with Rev. Ed Tatum officiating. Burial will be in the Clay Memorial Cemetery in Cuba, with Bumpers Funeral Home of York in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Storey, 71, of Cuba, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at Providence Hospital in Mobile. He was a retired accountant for Georgia Pacific.

Mr. Storey is survived by sons: Carl Storey (Suzanne) of Cuba, and Michael Storey (Tanya) of Cuba; brother, Robert Storey (Peggy) of Birmingham; and two grandchildren: Brittney and Carla Storey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Storey; parents, Luther Preston Storey and Gertrude Lucille Pettus Storey; and his sister, Pat.

Visit bumpersfuneralhome.com to sign the online register and post condolences to the family.

Visitation will be Saturday, from 12 noon until 2 p.m., at the funeral home.

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O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

"One Wire," Piece Selected for Chicago Exhibition

"One Wire," 12" x 12" x 2, Canvas on Board painted with Rabbit Skin Glue, Wire, and Tacks.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

My work was selected for "Bare Essentials:  Minimalism in the 21st Century," a Nov.4-Dec.22 international juried exhibition at Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL.  Though it has minimal qualities of austere masculine industrial materials, it also shows expression through the memory of former movements of the wire.  I expect to see this expressive quality on many works in this upcoming show.

Grandparents with webcam become new online stars

By NIGEL DUARA

It slowly began to dawn on Esther and Bruce Huffman that perhaps they were being filmed.

"Warning," the gray-haired, bespectacled grandmother reads off the screen. "You must stop recording before trying to close cyber link."

Pause. "Maybe this recorded us," says the neatly coiffed, rosy-cheeked man next to her.

"Aw, gee," Esther replies.

The realization came toward the end of a nearly three-minute video that has launched the retired Oregon couple to YouTube stardom. They had unwittingly captured their first attempt at learning how to work the webcam on a new laptop.

The Huffmans met a couple of years after Bruce's first wife died, at the retirement complex in which they both lived. She liked his vivacity; he thought she would be a sturdy rudder to his boundless energy.

In the video, she plays the straight man as she tries to make a serious attempt at the request of their children and grandchildren. He's bouncing in his seat next to her, making monkey faces.

Esther had bought a laptop late this summer. Already a Facebook user, she was asked by her family to try recording videos for the amusement of the grandchildren.

In mid-August, the couple sat in front of their laptop, fiddling with the controls of a video recording program. Somehow, they got the program running. Somehow, they pressed "record."

It was filming as Bruce jokingly fretted about his appearance. "I'm so sad, Esther, I'm so sad," Bruce says with a sad-clown expression. "Look at all the wrinkles up there and the cracks in my head."

There is singing.

"Hello my darling, hello my baby, hello my ga-doh-go," Bruce intones, sliding from Looney Tunes into gibberish. "Lala-te-ki-ka."

Bruce makes faces, leaning close to the laptop screen and blowing out his cheeks: "Now look at the monkey. That's a pretty good monkey!"

When the couple realizes the webcam might have been recording their antics, they stiffen. But their 21-year-old granddaughter, Mindy, saw the video's potential. With their permission, she uploaded the file, dubbing it "Webcam 101 for Seniors." By Thursday, it was nearing 3 million views on YouTube.

In the crush of media that has descended on them, the Huffmans struggle to explain what made the video so compelling. After all, it was just a couple minutes of two Oregonians in a retirement community doing ... well, not much.

Perhaps, Esther said, people were attracted to its joy. We're under such a negative news barrage daily, she said. War, crime, natural disasters - wouldn't people rather watch an 86-year-old man singing Looney Tunes?

Lynette Paulson, Esther's daughter, ventured that the unmitigated happiness in video resonates with viewers.

"They want to see that joy," Paulson said. "It just brings you up."

Or maybe, said 27-year-old grandson Luke Erickson, it shows the possibility that age doesn't mean infirmness or discontent, but that two spectacularly unself-conscious people eight decades on are capable of happiness and supporting and loving each other.

"I don't know how to do this," Esther complains in the video.

Bruce leans in to her.

"Whatever you do," he says, "you do fine."

SOURCE: The Sun Herald. Also - Hattiesburg American.

See photos.

Webcam 101 for Seniors

Triangle Restaurant Chik Steak Recipe

Does anyone have the recipe for the Chik steak at the Triangle or any thing near it.
Thanks
Al

New Facebook group Remember When in Meridian MS

This is a new Facebook group about Meridian.
Check this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/228341117207141/
or search Facebook for Remember when in Meridian, MS
Most of the post seem to be from people older than us.

Enjoy

Al Trussell

He Is A Very Nice Boy

I'm going through my husband's papers, keeping some and throwing away the rest. These papers also include some of Tom's mother's, including old letters. Today I read a letter he wrote her on March 9, 1958, during the spring of our senior year. I thought you would find one paragraph interesting:

"Met Elvis Presley and his mother, manager and other friends while I was in New Orleans - spent about 2 hours in their company. It was most interesting! He is a very nice boy from all I could tell. He neither smokes nor drinks for one thing. And he was very modest and exceptionally courteous to all. I visited with them in his hotel rooms - will tell you more when I next see you. Just thought you might be interested."

As I recall, Elvis was staying at The Roosevelt Hotel on Baronne Street, and Tom met him in front of the hotel. Elvis' mother cooked them fried chicken in the room. Apparently, when they were away from home, she usually cooked for him in the hotel room.

August Birthdays

Ouida Landreth Tomlinson – August 1
Carolyn Gipson Falcon – August 9
Jinny Curran Walz – August 15
Judy Johnson Foil – August 20
None Parker Rhodes (deceased) – August 28
John Chancellor – August 31

Nona Parker Rhodes

July 29, 2011
Mary W. Parker Rhodes
The Meridian Star

AUGUSTA, Ga —

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Memorial services for Mary Winona Parker Rhodes will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m., at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, Augusta, with the Rev. Paul Sherwood officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Rhodes, beloved wife of Melton E. Rhodes Jr., died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at home. She was 70 years old. Nona was born in Birmingham, Ala. in 1940 to Dr. and Mrs. (Sudie McLemore) Paul Harmon Parker. She was raised to be a fine lady by her father and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John L. McLemore. As a majorette and flutist for the Meridian High School, she caught the eye and won the heart of Mel Rhodes. She followed him to the University of Mississippi where she became a Kappa Kappa Gamma. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Meridian, Miss. on Aug. 4, 1961. Their first home together was in San Diego. John was born in Meridian. Subsequently, they moved to Marietta, where Rick was born. They established residence in Augusta in 1965 and Melanie was born here. Nona was a devoted member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder and a Deacon and she was a faithful member of the Howington bible study. She loved church fellowship and she lived in her Lord’s grace. She was an active member of the Ladies Golf Association, the Titleholders Association, the Greenbrier Garden Club and enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. Nona’s ever-present smile and positive attitude will be long remembered by her family and friends. She touched lives and demonstrated Christian love in her every encounter. She loved Augusta, her many dear friends and enjoyed their fellowship here, in the mountains, at the beach and on regular travels to new destinations. She relished being on the go and seeking new adventures.

Survivors include her husband, Mr. Melton E. Rhodes Jr.; her brother, Dr. Paul H. Parker Jr. (Kerry); her three children: John Parker Rhodes (Lisa), Richard Evan Rhodes, and Melanie Rhodes Congdon (Jeff); three grandchildren: John Parker Rhodes Jr., Sadie Nannette Rhodes, and Melissa Katherine Rhodes; a niece, Mrs. Suzy Parker Johnson (Bruce); and three nephews: Lee Barnett Parker, Ben Barnett Parker, and John David Parker (Kelly).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker Sr.; and her nephew, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker Jr.

The family will receive friends at the home of John and Lisa Rhodes today, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Please park on Henry Street or Hillcrest Avenue.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church or the University Healthcare Foundation.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

PATSY D. BRADLEY

Meridian Star

July 24, 2011

Patsy D. Bradley

The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —

Services for Ms. Patsy D. Bradley will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home. Burial will be in Little Rock Cemetery. James F. Webb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Bradley, age 71, died Friday, July 22, 2011 at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Hospital in Meridian. She was retired from Bellsouth Telephone Company.

She is survived by her Two Sisters, Ann Irby of Meridian, MS and Jerry Lynn Odum and her husband Riley of Laurel, MS; Brother in law, Paul Clark; Niece, Tammy Irby of Meridian, MS; by numerous other nieces, nephews and friends; and by her two loved pets, Sassy and Samantha.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cora Lee Bradley; Sisters, Emma Jo Prather and Nan Clark.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Irby, Brad Woodruff, Billy Joe Clark, and Dennis Parmer.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby Carmichael, Harold Cross Grove, and Ricky Odum.

Visitation will be held on Monday at James F. Webb Funeral Home from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign the online memorial or leave a personal note for the family at jamesfwebb.com

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

News from Jimmy Satterfield

Jimmy Satterfield posted to Ouida Tomlinson on FaceBook:

Thanks Ouida for the birthday greetings. Sorry to be late but celebrated my birthday (July 9) with Natasha hiking up a mountain in her home country of Kazakhstan to see a beautiful waterfall and then to have wonderful picnic with Russian friends along the rushing white water river next to a trout farm. Most of time while in Almaty, Kazakhstan (Natasha's home town - look up in your Atlas) did not have access to computer. Thanks again and hope all is going good for you, Have a great day, Jimmy

(Note from Ouida: Sigh! Would that I could have a picnic on a mountain top beside a river in Russia on my birthday.)

JO ANN MILLS WHITE

It is with sympathy and sorrow that we post Jo Ann's obituary:


Jo Ann White, 71, a long-term resident of Destin, Fla., died July 7, 2011, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

She loved to travel the world, enjoyed being with her friends, and cherished the Destin area.

Jo Ann is survived by one brother, Jim Mills; one sister, Betty Sharman of Meridian, Miss.; two sons, David and Brad White of Hattiesburg, Miss.; a daughter, Connie White of Destin; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. downstairs at Harbor Docks in Destin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo Ann's name may be made to the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, 302 N. Wilson St., Suite 302, Crestview, FL 32536. The funds will go to the local Okaloosa Emergency Management Agency to help support disaster preparedness and response efforts.


Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on July 9, 2011

______________________________________________

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Everette Woodley Clayton, Jr., Obituary

Everette Woodley Clayton, Jr., 71, of Headland passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Monday July 11, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Wright officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Clayton was born June 5, 1940 in Meridian, MS and lived there the early part of his life. He served in the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard. Mr. Clayton moved to Dothan in 1965 and was employed with Girly Refining Comp-any for 18 years and later with Hathcock Remodeling for 18 years until his retirement in 2006. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. Mr. Clayton was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Dothan.

He was preceded in death by his father Everette Woodley Clayton, Sr., his mother Mary Alice Clayton Dearman, and his stepfather Robert Earl Dearman. Survivors include his wife of 51 years Carol Clayton of Headland; sons, Everette W. Clayton, III (Becky) of Dothan and Cory Clayton (Brittney) of Dothan; his daughter Candy Jordan (Stephen) of Fernandina Beach, FL; 6 grandchildren, Cole Clayton, Clint Clayton, Reese Jordan, Libby Jordan, Turner Clayton, and Caroline Clayton; a brother Jimmy Clayton (Ginger) of Gulf Port, MS; a sister Patsy Reynolds (Jack) of Avon, IN; several nieces and nephews also survive.

________________________________

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Eternal rest, grant unto Everette, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

The Help

Book: amazon.com

Jackson, MS in the 60's - will bring you laughter, tears and reminders of old memories.

George W. Jones, Husband of Millie Majors Jones

Funeral services for George William Jones will be held Thursday, at 11 a.m., at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Ruffin officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jones, 79, of Meridian, died Monday, June 6, 2011, at his home. He started his career in insurance with Liberty National Insurance and retired from Mutual Savings as District Manager. He also owned and operated his own business, Benefits for Seniors, for several years. He was a very active member of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church where he served on various committees. He was a Deb Dad, member of Oakland Heights Masonic Lodge where he was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of The Scottish Rite Meridian Consistory.

Survivors include his wife, Millie Majors Jones of Meridian; daughters: Melanie M. Mann and her husband Bruce of Brandon, Michelle M. Boyd of Brookhaven, and Patricia J. Herrington and her husband Greg of Magee; sons: Scott McQuaig and his wife Kelly of Meridian, and Jack H. Jones of Jackson; seven grandchildren: Jessica McQuaig and Hunter McQuaig of Meridian, Natalie Leach and Jacob Gillian Boyd of Brookhaven, and Megan Jones of Magee; and brother, John H. Jones Jr. of Terry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hanners, and Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Jones Sr.; and a son, George Jones Jr.

Memorials may be made to Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Wade Allen, Robert Coulter, Jackie Roberson, Alvis Smith and Harold Spence.

The family wants to express their heartfelt thanks to personnel of PDN and Hospice Compassus.

Visitation will be Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at Stephens Funeral Home.

Source: The Meridian Star, June 8, 2011

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

Television Program on Alzheimer's

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, M.D., one of the featured guests on this program, wrote a book entitled The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription which I purchased before our class reunion. At our class reunion, one of our medical classmates recommended the book to me, and I told him I had bought it a few months before.

This video mentions the D.E.A.R. program: diet, exercise, accentuate your brain's reserve, and rest and relaxation. Here is the website: http://www.dearprogram.com/dear_info.html

Amazing Grace

Dear Class, thank you so much for your many kind e-mails. I have appreciated hearing from you so much during these past days.

Tom's funeral was yesterday, and my stamina was stretched to the limit, but I was blessed all day with my faith, love of friends, family and my church. I just wrote someone a few minutes ago : "What a blessing to be Catholic - there is so much grace in the funeral Mass - so much healing - so much love." For some reason, as time has passed and I've lost 4 grandparents, parents, other family members, my best friend and now my husband, the tears have slowed down, and I've gone from being inconsolable to being at peace when loved ones pass away. The only time I cried yesterday was when the honor guard placed the flag in my arms and said "On behalf of the President of United States . . . ." This Memorial Day I will be visiting Biloxi National Cemetery for a very special reason - to visit my World War II hero.

I have posted Tom's prayer card here. I especially thank Ivan Burnett who sent me the prayer on the back of the card. Ivan said that it was written by a minister friend of his and is so comforting. It expresses so much of what I wanted to say to Tom's son who lost his young wife (41 years old) in February and now his father.

Love & Prayers,
Ouida

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

Roy Elbert "Tom" Tomlinson

We send our sympathy to Ouida in her time of sorrow.


Roy Elbert "Tom" Tomlinson

Roy Elbert "Tom" Tomlinson, age 87, of Diamondhead, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at his home.

Tom was born in Newark, Arkansas but grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed in Italy during World War II. During this period of service, he was a B-24 pilot, 757th Bomb Squadron, 459th Bomb Group. He also flew in Korea.

He retired from Houston Engineers in 1991.

Tom was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church and the Secular Franciscan Order with Our Lady of the Pearl fraternity.

He was an avid bridge player and sports fan. He and his wife, Ouida, shared a great love for dogs, especially Maltese. They were foster parents for rescued dogs.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edna Tomlinson; his daughter-in-law, Laura R. Tomlinson; and his beloved Maltese, Poppy.
Survivors include his wife Ouida L. Tomlinson; children, Stuart R. Tomlinson, Laura Tomlinson, Jeff Tomlinson and Susan Tomlinson; grandchildren, Owen R. Tomlinson and Brooke L. Tomlinson; and numerous other loved ones, friends and pets.

Visitation will be Monday, May 23, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church (new church building). Burial with military honors will follow at the National Cemetery in Biloxi.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Annunciation Church Building Fund or to Northcentral Maltese Rescue (malteserescue.homestead.com) Arrangements by Riemann Family Funeral Home and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.

Call to Prayer for Victims of Flooding and Tornadoes

It is requested that we join together to pray for the victims of the flooding which is happening along the Mississippi and other rivers, as the waters move along destructive paths, taking lives, homes, property, businesses, towns, crops, wildlife and cause so much suffering and loss. Prayers are also requested for victims of recent tornadoes which swept across many states, especially Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, where the same suffering and losses occurred. Let us join together to ask for God’s mercy and protection, for his comfort and assistance for all victims of these disasters. God of love and mercy – God of wind and water – hear the cry of the poor.

Love & Prayers,
Ouida Tomlinson, SFO

"Marge" (Barham) Sims and Capt. Thomas "Tom" M. Sims

Memorial services for Mayotha M. "Marge" (Barham) Sims were held April 23 at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in Annandale, Va., followed by a Celebration of Life reception. Burial was held on April 25 at the U.S. Naval Academy columbarium in Annapolis, Md.

Marge died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She was a graduate of Meridian High School, Meridian Community College and Mississippi Southern University.

Her husband, Capt. Thomas Malone Sims Jr., died March 14, 2011, at home in Annandale.

Tom and Marge lived in the Washington D.C. area for the last 28 years. The couple were volunteers for the National Military Family Association during much of that time. Tom was awarded the Presidential Medals of Service by George W. Bush and later by Barack Obama for his guidance and support of the association.

The couple’s volunteerism in the greater National Capital region extended over decades, guiding high school youth through their transition into adulthood at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Youth Fellowship in Annandale. Marge made detailed, artistic items for the church and served as a trustee. Tom served as church treasurer. Together, they delivered Meals on Wheels throughout Northern Virginia. At their favorite Meals on Wheels stop, instead of a "thank you" they received a “yeah, such as it is,” providing a story they relished greatly.

A 30-year U.S. Navy career kept the couple traveling from their original homes in Memphis, Tenn., for Tom and Meridian for Marge. They enjoyed tours of duty in Sasebo, Japan, where Tom earned a commendation for providing humanitarian aide to refugees of Vietnam on the USS Hector and in Atsugi, Japan where Tom earned the rank of Captain, Legion of Merit for his diplomatic work, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Displaying amazing simultaneous events throughout their lives, while Tom was a member of the 9th Company Class of 1957 at Annapolis, he introduced Elvis to audiences of the Naval Academy’s WRNV radio station which was more accustomed to classical music. Marge was selected by the legendary Elvis to be the lone gal in a Meridian audience to be kissed by the burgeoning star in a pink silk suit. This concurrency continued even to their recent illnesses and their passing just 29 days apart.

During his 30 years of military service in the Navy’s Supply Corps, Tom survived direct fire while participating in the invasion of Lebanon, provided tactical support to the recovery ships used in the first NASA launches, and coordinated the building, opening and all supply logistics for a “Senator Stennis” project, the Naval Air Station in Meridian. It was during this tour of duty where Tom’s Austin Healey 3000 slowed long enough to "pick up" the former Mayotha Marjorie Barham.

The newly married couple was sent directly to Guantanamo Bay Cuba the week after U.S. President John F. Kennedy promised Fidel Castro U.S. military intervention. Despite those dicey assignments, the couple enjoyed 48 years together and has one daughter who survives them, Kathleen Diane Sims.

Memorials may be made to the National Military Family Assn. , 2500 North Van Dorn St., Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601 or a preferred charity or church program.

Source: The Meridian Star Sun May 15, 2011, 06:30 AM CDT

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

American Success Story - Part 1

American Success Story - Part 2

Ultimate Dog Tease

Tuscaloosa Tornado - Unedited Raw Version - 4/27/11

Stand By Me

Mary Ruth Jones Cullum

Retired Bell South. Services for Mary Ruth Jones Cullum will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church, with Reverend Mark Vincent officiating. Burial will be in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Cullum, 70, of Decatur, died Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at her residence. She was a 1958 graduate of Meridian High School. Mrs. Cullum was a member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church. She served as past president of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, vice president of East Central MS Telephone Pioneers and was a member of the Newton Historical Society, and the Newton County of Women’s Progressive Club. Mrs. Cullum was involved in numerous other activities benefiting her church and community. She was also very active in Newton County Relay for Life.

Survivors include her daughter, Teresa Haggard Dearing of Lauderdale; brother, Robert Jones of Easley, S.C.; special nieces, Chris Smith of Denver, CO, Judy Hambrick of Morton, MS; special nephew, Thomas Brannan of Easley, S.C.; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Cullum; parents, Thomas Clarke Jones and Sarah Armstrong Jones; and sister, Janet Jones Henry.

In lieu of flowers and gifts the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Decatur, MS.

Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Clarke Venable Baptist Church. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Friday 5-7 at the funeral home and Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

______________________________________

 

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Eternal rest, grant unto Mary Ruth, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

2 OF MY WORKS CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT AT MONTGOMERY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Here is MOVING TARGET II, 48" x 48" x 5", Acrylic on Shaped Canvas.

ONE WIRE, 12" x 12" x 3", Wire and Tacks on Canvas Board.

The Hamster

This lively pet hamster will keep you company throughout the day. Watch him run on his wheel, drink water, and eat the food you feed him by clicking your mouse. Click the center of the wheel to make him get back on it.

Marty Davidson to receive Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Meridian Star

April 22, 2011
Marty Davidson to receive Ellis Island Medal of Honor

By Jennifer Jacob Brown / jbrown@themeridianstar.com
The Meridian Star

MERIDIAN — Meridianite Marty Davidson is slated to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a national award sponsored by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, in New York on May 7.

Davidson is the chairman and owner of Southern Pipe and Supply Company.

According to the NECO Web site, the award is designed to, "pay homage to the immigrant experience," as well as individual achievement.

"The honorees are remarkable Americans who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage," the Web site reads. "We honor them because they create a better world of all of us in the future by the work of today."

Davidson will represent the immigrant experience through his Jewish and Russian heritage.

Notable past honorees include Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Gen. Colin Powell, Sen. John McCain, Attorney Gen. Janet Reno, Rosa Parks, Elie Wiesel, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Joe Dimaggio, Yogi Berra, Muhammad Ali, Walter Cronkite, Quincy Jones and many others.

Davidson will be the second Mississippian to receive the award. The award will be given during a ceremony on Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954.

Marty Davidson's family first settled in America in the early 1900's when his grandfather, Russian-born Louis Davidson, immigrated. Louis Davidson started the company that would become Southern Pipe and Supply, a plumbing supply company that is now in its 72nd year of operation and its fourth generation of family management.

Louis Davidson started a junk company in Meridian called St. Louis Junk Company. The company started selling bathtubs, and in 1938, Louis Davidson opened Southern Pipe and Supply with his sons Sammie and Meyer.

Marty Davidson, the son of Meyer Davidson, started working at Southern Pipe when he was five years old and continued working summers until he left for college. He began working for the company full-time in 1962. In 1968, he purchased the company from his father.

In that same year, Klu Klux Klan members bombed the home of Meyer Davidson because of his public stance against the bombing of synagogues and churches in Mississippi.

Forty-eight years later, Southern Pipe and Supply has grown from four branches in three states to 93 branches in seven states. In 2010, it was ranked as the seventh largest distributor of plumbing supplies in the United States and the second largest regional distributor by Supply House Times.

Davidson's son, Jay, is now the president of the company.

NECO feels that the story of Southern Pipe exemplifies the type of immigrant story that could only happen in the United States, where an immigrant's journey from Russia evolved into a family company the size of Southern Pipe and Supply.

Davidson has previously been awarded the local Hartley D. Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Neville Humanitarian Award, and Meridian Star Citizen of the Year Award, and is honored in the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.

Meridian Star

SHOTGUN.mp4

Live from THE SUCARNOCHEE REVUE. Justion McCoy, Jacky Jack White and the late ALBERT MORTON on vocals and saxophone with The House Rockers. 4/1/11, at the Temple, Meridian, MS.

The Sucarnochee Revue is a one hour Radio program featuring the music, and musicians from the Black Belt Region of Mississippi and Alabama. The program airs on 55 radio stations and will start airing as a weekly series on Mississippi Public Television in April 2011. The host of the "Sucarnochee Revue" is Jacky Jack White. Jacky Jack White has had songs on the charts as a singer/songwriter since 1985. Some of the artists who have recorded his songs are: Ray Stevens, Charley Pride, Buddy Jewell, Steve Wariner, Neal McCoy and Mark Lowery. Jack received an ASCAP Award for "If I Didn't Love You", and a NSAI Award for the #1 Southern Gospel song, "When Men Pray." Jack records on Sucarnochee Records a subsidiary label of Silverwolf Records.

See website of Sucarnochee Review & Record Company

George Cummings and Jacky Jack White on The Morning Show wmox on USTREAM. Radio

Video streaming by Ustream

Lee Arthur Rhodes, Deceased

Mary Jane (Kelly) Heisterkamp recently sent me an obituary from The Meridian Star, dated March 25, 2011. It brought back old memories from high school and probably will for you also. The obituary begins:

Services for Lee Arthur “House Rocker” Rhodes will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m., at Haven Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Cynthia Cross officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Berry and Gardner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Rhodes, 88, of Meridian, died Monday, Mar. 21, 2011, at Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was born June 22, 1922, in Meridian. He served the community as the first African-American disc jockey in Meridian at WOKK Radio Station.

Do you remember him? I remember his voice on the radio, and Mary Jane says he would come into the Activities Building and check with Ms. Kimbrall and head straight for the juke box, open his bag of records and start to work. She says that he always had the latest songs and some would go over and talk to him and ask if he had certain songs. He tried to keep everyone happy with the music. He was a good and kind man. May he rest in peace.

Berry and Gardner Funeral Home

Berry and Gardner Funeral Home was in charge of Mr. Rhodes’ funeral. I went to their website, and there is a page of interesting history, going back over 100 years. See website.

The Production of "Tony and Gary"

Two years ago I met at a social gathering a young documentary filmmaker. Having watched an unusual story unfold over 20 years, I wrote to her a week after the party and proposed a film idea, told her I would pay her expenses to and from New York and that my brother would house and feed her for three days. She was excited about the story, went to Georgia, shot 12 hours of footage and, then, I did not hear from her again until a few weeks ago when she sent me the completed film.

The back story of this film is that my younger brother, Tony, became the legal guardian of Gary, a mentally retarded, paranoid schizophrenic, after he read in the newspaper that the fate of this unfortunate man, who regularly came into the studio to watch Tony make furniture, was to be a ward of the state of Georgia, i.e., institutionalized. Tony went to court and petitioned to become Gary's legal guardian so that Gary could live in the home that he grew up in.

This is a tender snapshot of the relationship between two artists, one who has an MFA in sculpture and the other who collects and displays halloween decorations.

Tony and Gary

(Note from Ouida: Tee's film follows this post or you can watch on YouTube.)

Tony and Gary

Lessons in Life recommends: Great book with special bonuses

by John Chancellor

If you enjoy reading books that teach important lessons about life, then I have a great recommendation for you. The book is The Hero's Choice - Living from the Inside Out by Dr. Roger K. Allen.

Currently, Roger is running an Amazon.com promotion for those who buy the book in the next few days. With the purchase of the book, you get some additional resources that can be very valuable in your self-development process.

You can read more about the bonuses and how to get them here:
http://www.livebigprogram.com/heroschoice

An additional bonus is an audio program by Roger called Making Things Happen. I was provided a copy of this program for review and I can honestly say that the value of this one program is worth many times what the book cost. I have listened to this program over a dozen times and still gain new and deeper insights each time I listen to the program.

If you wish to know more about the book, here's a link to a review I wrote about the book: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1LJTDQFU73H5U/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

For those who don't live in the U.S., the book is available in a Kindle version. If you don't have a Kindle, Amazon.com offers a free app which allows you to read a Kindle version on your computer.

The book costs less than $12. It's a great read, and while I'm not familiar with the other bonuses, the Making Things Happen audio program will be a valuable addition to your self-development tools. (It's in MP3 format for instant download.)

In the interest of full disclosure, I get no financial incentive for recommending this book. I believe the book is a great resource, and coupled with the audio program Roger is adding as a bonus, it's a tremendous bargain.

If you want the book with all the bonuses, act quickly before the promotion ends.

Is This Our Missing Gift To the School?

Check out the tile at the top of the photo which says "Class of 1958." Is this our missing gift to the school? My son and his family went to a pep rally at MHS, and he noticed the tile. It is in the gym. He remembered that we had looked for our school gift before the reunion so made this picture. Let me know what you think via e-mail!!

Jinny Curran Walz' Daughter's Family

Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! Jinny & Newt

Jinny Curran Walz

OXFORD SNOW | The Oxford Eagle

OXFORD SNOW | The Oxford Eagle

Through our laws, Mississippi must say ‘No!’ to such horrors

By Sandy Williams

It is the headline that has haunted my thoughts for the last several days. “More than 30 dead dogs and 6 cats found at the bottom of a ravine in Prentiss County, Mississippi.” Some had been beaten, some had been shot, some had been tortured and hanged. As I watched a news clip in horror, I saw several little puppies lying at the bottom of that ravine with their heads crushed in. How could anyone commit such a cruel and sick act of violence?

My mind keeps seeing someone or several people standing at the top of that ravine, looking down and laughing. They feel a sense of excitement, a sense of power over those helpless animals. They had done the unspeakable and they were getting away with it. What they didn’t feel was remorse. People who commit such horrible acts of violence have no conscience, and if they do it once, they will do it again.

My mind keeps thinking of the local people from that area watching the evening news and there on the screen, to their horror, is their precious pet lying at the bottom of that ravine. Days before their family dog had suddenly disappeared from the safety of their own yard. Or their home had been invaded by thieves and not only did they steal their sense of security, they took their most valuable possession, their beloved little puppy.

My mind keeps thinking of those individuals who are so disturbed and sick that they commit these unforgivable acts of violence against animals and they are not adequately punished for their crimes. How can it be that the state in which I live does not consider such acts of violence against a helpless living creature a felony?

It is a fact that individuals with a history of abuse and violence toward animals will eventually turn their rage on a human being. Every serial killer in history has had a past of abusing innocent animals before they turned to torturing and mutilating humans.

Now, I want to take your mind back to Prentiss County. As you look down into that ravine, to your horror you see a small, innocent child lying lifeless on the rocks below.

Then I want you to sit down, right now, and write or e-mail your state senator and your representative or call them personally and tell them this must be the year that Mississippi makes animal cruelty against dogs and cats a first-offense felony in our state. We are sick and tired of all of the excuses of who this law might offend. As citizens and voters in Mississippi, all we are concerned about is who this law will protect.

Sandy Williams, of Tunica, is executive director of the Tunica Humane Society. For contact information on your legislators go to ms-fact.org.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/02/05/2835484/through-our-laws-mississippi-must.html#ixzz1DIXqsXlG

Photo Taken by Dr. William Betts

William Betts, from Old Hickory, Tenn., took this photo and wrote this description: "Beside one another, staring at one another for more than 100 years since their birth, a saguaro cactus boldly embraces a mate at Sabino Canyon." Arizona Daily Starr

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Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! Nancy Collier Ranager & Grandchildren

Look Who I found on FaceBook!! Denny & Connie Powers

Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! Shirley Broadhead Hamilton & Daughters

Y'all are fabulous!

Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! Pansy McCarra Mosby

Pansy McCarra Mosby

Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! Ouida, Tashee & Abby

At my niece's wedding in Oxford. She had the wedding in her mother's home. It had been planned for outside, but, of course, it was raining. The home was built by our grandparents in the 1930's. My sister, Shelia, added about 2,000 sf to it. She has furnished it with family furniture, reupholstered and/or refinished, and collected over a long period of time. The home is her dream come true. It is wonderful - full of childhood memories.

Look Who I Found on FaceBook!! David & Gay Elliott

Snow on Oxford Square

Zero to 10...... inches of snow on the Oxford square from scottburtonphotography on Vimeo.

Arthur Leonard Davis Obituary

Graveside services for Arthur Leonard Davis will be held Monday, January 17 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Davis, 71 of Meridian, died, Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at R.P. White Nursing Facility.
He was employed with Maywebb Hoisery Mill. Mr. Davis was a member of Central Baptist Church, formerly Southside. He was a Christian. Mr. Davis was a dyer at Maywebb Hoisery Mill. He was a resident of R.P. White Nursing Center for the past 18 years, where he battled Parkinson Disease. He was a 1958 graduate of Meridian High School.

Survivors include his sisters, Betty Davis Alexander of Clarkdale Community and Dorothy Davis Supac of St. Cloud, FL; several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews; special nieces, Lisa Alexander and Cindy Alexander Weber both of Meridian.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Ira Braxton Davis Jr. “Buddy”.  

The family request memorials be made to Parkinson Research Foundation.

_______________________________________

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Eternal rest, grant unto Leonard , O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.