Martha Jane Harrell

Simuel Heywood Vernon, Jr., and Martha Ellen Mosley are my father’s parents.

He was known in the community as Sim Vernon and was called Sim.

Granddaddy and Grandma were married on July 27, 1919, in York County, Virginia. They celebrated sixty-nine years of marriage.

The 1920 census shows that my granddaddy, grandma, and their young son, Ed Lee, my father, lived with his parents, Simuel, Sr., and Jane, in Grafton, VA.

I am unsure if my parents, Ed Lee & Lucille, lived with Daddy’s grandparents or Momma’s parents when they first married. I had heard that my father did not go with his parents when they moved to their home on Rt 17 in Grafton, VA.; his grandmother raised him.

Sim and Martha had six children: Edward Lee (known as) Ed Lee & Bubba, Mae Ellen, Carrie Elizabeth, Alice Marie, William Haywood, and Wardell Nathanial. (See Chapter 4 for my relationship with my father’s siblings.)

Granddaddy lived in Grafton, Virginia, all his life. He worked at the Naval Mine Depot, now known as the Naval Weapons Station.

He received a certificate certifying that the U.S. Navy employed him during World War II.

Cornelia Mae Vernon is Granddaddy’s only sibling; she married Paul Francis. They lived in  Hampton, Virginia, and had 11 children; she died on July 23, 1967.

In 2010, there was a Vernon-Smith family reunion in which many members of the Francis family participated. We all met and talked to several of our cousins. My siblings and I didn’t grow up knowing them, my father’s cousins.

Granddaddy was born on August 26, 1899, in Grafton, Virginia. He was widely known and respected in the Grafton, Yorktown area. He was a faithful member of Grafton Baptist Church. He had a good life and passed away at his home in Grafton on January 16, 1988, at 89.

Martha Ellen Mosley Vernon, My Grandmother

Grandma Martha was born On February 2, 1902, in Grafton, Virginia.

My sister Barbara and I used to take the bus downtown on Saturdays to meet Grandma and Granddaddy on 25^th and Jefferson Ave in the Black shopping area. Granddaddy would give each of us a dollar, which was a lot of money back then. I remember Grandma’s big smile and laugh when we did come around.

Barbara also stayed with them one or two times during the summer; she would work at the crab factory, where Grandma worked to earn money for school clothes. I tried working at the Crab factory; I worked one day but was not too fond of the smell, so I never returned.

We didn’t have a close relationship with our father’s parents when we were children. As my sisters, Jr. and I grew older and went about our lives, we all seemed to gravitate toward Grandma, and she appeared to want the relationship. She seemed glad to see us whenever there was a significant family activity. I always came by to see her whenever I came home for a visit after I married Howard and moved to Alaska.

Now that I am older, I wish I had had more time with Grandma Martha when I was young. Although I remember her and can see her face, I didn’t know her. I wish I could say, “My grandma told me.” Knowing what she liked or disliked would have been great. I would like to know if I am like her right now.

It would have meant the world to us if Grandma had made a small effort to help us after Momma passed away. At that time, we really needed her.

I am writing this book because I want my grandchildren to know me. To know that I love them and will always be there for them as long as I live.

Grandma died on March 6, 1996, at her home at 7908 George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA 23692, at 94.

Grandma and Granddaddy are buried at Grafton Baptist Church Cemetery Harrison Grove.

THE GRANDPARENT EFFECT

Children who live with or have frequent contact with a grandparent have lower mortality and disease rates. The Grandparent stays more engaged and active and thus is more likely to live longer.

5 Things Grandparents Do for Young Children.

Grandparents can play many essential roles in the lives of their beloved grandchildren. Depending on how far away they live and other circumstances, they can be caregivers, teachers, and playmates. They are trusted advisors for their adult children, who are now parents themselves. For many families, grandparents provide regular childcare. In some cases, they are primary caregivers to their grandkids. Whether they live nearby or stay in touch from afar, the love and emotional closeness that grandparents provide significantly impact their grandchild’s healthy development.

1. Grandparents give advice.

Being the parent of a baby or toddler is a joy, but it’s not always easy, especially for new parents. And little ones grow and develop so fast that parenting routines that work one day may not work the next. When in doubt, parents often go online for answers. But the sources of parenting information they trust the most are their own parents (usually their mothers or mothers-in-law) more than friends, pediatricians, or websites.

2. Grandparents’ lived experience and wisdom can be beneficial and calm parental frustration or panic.

Of course, some advice from grandma or grandpa may not align with what we now know about child development. Grandparents know that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Whether or not you can spoil a baby, their intuition and long-term perspective can be comforting to a parent who isn’t sure what to do sometimes and doesn’t want to make mistakes.

2. Grandparents teach young children.

Grandparents can bring a special enthusiasm to the time they spend with their little ones, and that helps a child learn and grow. They help children learn by playing, talking, and reading together while giving them focused attention. And they teach more directly by telling stories and sharing family and cultural traditions. Grandparents are also uniquely positioned to reinforce limits and lessons from parents while also listening, wiping away tears, and showing their grandchild that they understand.

It’s hard to quantify the impact of the special connection between young kids and their grandparents. Still, studies have shown that having actively-involved grandparents can help children grow confidence, cope with stress, and have fewer behavioral issues as they age.

3. Grandparents provide child care.

More than just occasional help, many families rely on grandparents for regular, trusted child care for their little ones. According to ZERO TO THREE, one in four children under five is looked after by their grandparents while their parents work or attend school. That’s the same number of children enrolled in formal childcare programs.

While many grandparents rise to the challenge, it’s not always easy. About half of the grandparents surveyed feel some level of disagreement or tension about approaches to childcare, and 2 out of 5 say the caregiving job is tiring.

 

4. Some Grandparents are Primary Caregivers.

Many grandparents are also helping raise their grandchildren, which increases both the challenges and the rewards.

5. Grandparents Love.

Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers learn and grow through close, caring relationships with adults. The most important thing that grandparents bring their little ones is love. The attention, interaction, and unconditional love from grandparents (and parents) help a young child feel safe and secure. And that’s what they need for healthy brain development.

So, a grandparent’s love makes a real, lasting impact on a young child’s future. Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents, too, contributing to healthier, happier, and possibly even longer lives. August 31, 2022, First Things First

After reading this, I am even more confident that my close relationship with you all, from infants to adults, was one of my biggest blessings. And we have a fantastic relationship.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

“To God Be the Glory.”

Some history I found on the First Baptist Church Jefferson Park website explains how my mother’s people migrated from Mulberry Island to Jefferson Park.

The late Deacon William and Mrs. Lucy Wooten’s inspirational leadership contributed to the organization of The First Baptist Church Jefferson Park in 1918 under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. After being displaced from their homes by the United States Government, Deacon and Mrs. Wooten and a small group of others came to Jefferson Park from Mulberry Island (now Fort Eustis) in 1918.

Remember, Poppa (Grandpa Moses) was born and lived with his parents on Mulberry Island.

When the government took the island to establish Fort Eustis, about 1,000 people lived on the island, they were primarily black. In relocating, they scattered in many directions. Some went to Yorktown and Warwick County. Others went to the Colony area, and some to Jefferson Park. Information from a document written in Mrs. Wooten’s handwriting in 1918 tells the story of the move from Mulberry Island to Jefferson Park. She and her husband, Deacon Wooten, and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Harris were the first to move into Jefferson Park from the island. They came to the Park mainly because of Mrs. Ethel Ashe’s efforts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Harris. Mrs. Ashe was a former resident of Mulberry Island. But then, she lived in Newport News because her husband, the late Trustee William Ashe, was in the Army and stationed at Camp Steward. Upon hearing the bad news concerning her parents’ plight and the others who had to leave Mulberry Island, Mrs. Ashe began looking for a place for them to live. Fortunately for her, one day, while shopping, she overheard a conversation about Jefferson Park, where land was available for black people to buy. Immediately, she went to the island and told her parents and others the good news. Negotiations began to purchase the land, and the move to Jefferson Park soon began.

The Islanders were frustrated over having to leave Mulberry Island for many reasons. They had to start their lives all over, leaving their homes, families, and churches. Most Islanders who came to Jefferson Park were members of the Colossian Baptist Church on the island. Like any undeveloped area, Jefferson Park had no modern conveniences, public schools, mail delivery, or church. The people were stouthearted and determined to make the Park livable. They worked hard, cleared the land, and did everything they needed to make it their home and a proud place to live. However, they were unsatisfied with their striving to clear the land. They wanted a Church.    Not having a Church to worship was the greatest frustration for them. The people missed the singing, the praying, the preaching, and the fellowship they had enjoyed in the Colossian Baptist Church. However, God had not forgotten them, and His plan was already in action though they did not know it.

The first place of worship was a very crude building. According to some members, the building resembled a woodshed more than a Church. Deacon Wooten built the church; he and other men also made the pews, the pulpit, and the communion table. Kerosene lamps attached to the bare walls furnished the faint glimmer of light for the night services. There was no piano, organ, or formal choir. Someone usually led the songs they sang in the group. The leader would start by saying a few words of a song, such as Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…and the people would answer back with the same words in the song. Today, this type of service is challenging to visualize and, for some, difficult to appreciate.

The pioneers of our church, regardless of the circumstance or the building’s plainness, were faithful to God. Sincere in their commitment and genuine in their worship. As more people moved into the Park, the church continued to grow. In the people’s efforts to save souls, they often gathered at the little church and then walked through the Park from house to house, singing songs of praise. Whenever they came to a place where an unsaved person lived, they sang and prayed tirelessly, hoping to persuade the person to come out and “be saved.”  Many people did come to know the Lord through these soul-saving campaigns. The Church baptism services were in the James River, just off Lincoln Park in lower Newport News. Today, we can be thankful for the zeal exhibited by the early pioneers.

As you can see from the church’s history, the people who moved from Mulberry Island were related. Esther and my Mother are first cousins, so Esther’s mother and my Grandma Jane, these two sisters, Jane and Elizabeth (Liz), went in different directions when they moved from Mulberry Island. Grandma Jane and Poppa moved to Yorktown, while her sister Elizabeth moved to Jefferson Park.

Years later, my parents purchased two lots to build a house across the street from the church you read about at the beginning of this chapter. My parents moved from Newsome Park to Jefferson Park. Jefferson Park had the same makeup as Newsome Park; the only difference was that they owned their homes. Our cousin Esther’s house was next door to the church. 621-42 St. After her death, her nephew, Cepheus Boykins, sold her house to the church. Esther did not have children, so Cousin Cepheus was her next of kin. It is now part of the parking lot for First Baptist Jefferson Park.

So, this is information that brings my family to Jefferson Park. My parents have moved here from Newsome Park. And by now, our family has five girls, all about 18 months apart. The idea was to build and live in a small house while Daddy built the larger one with his friends’ help. The small house had only two bedrooms, so we girls had to sleep in the same bed. I remember being two at the head of the bed and two at the foot. Back then, the bedrooms would be cold with no central heat and air. We had one Big Stove in the living room, and Daddy would put so much coal and wood in it that it would turn red from the fire inside. I was afraid it would burn the house down; it heated the living room and kitchen area but not our bedroom. We used a “foot tub, ” a small tin tub; we would bring it to the living room near the stove and bathe there before bed. We would pile on blankets and coats to keep warm. To this day, I like a heavy quilt on my bed.

We survived Hurricane Hazel in that little house.

I remember we were home alone. Momma had gone to work despite a hurricane forecast to hit our city that day. She worked at the Port Author Chinse Restaurant, “Overtown,” as it was referred to back then, and Daddy worked at VEPC, Virginia Electric & Power Co., in October 1954. I was 11 years old. I would turn 12 in December, so Barbara was 13 years old.

“Long before its worst winds and waves slammed into Hampton Roads on the afternoon of October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel was a storm to remember. And by the time it rumbled to the north about 6 p.m., it had battered the  100-mph gauges at the Norfolk weather station so badly against the top end of the dial that they had to replace it.” The following is from a  Daily Press News article I found online.

“At Fort Monroe, more than 100 trees came down — and 500 people were evacuated from their homes because of high water.

The newspaper reported that more trees fell along Chesapeake Avenue and downtown Hampton — where fierce winds pulled sign after sign down from the exposed storefronts in the King and Queen Streets business district.

Steady 90-mile per hour-plus winds roared in from the southwest against the shoreline at Newport News all afternoon, toppling a chimney at the Daily Press and sending it plunging through the roof.”

We survived Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, one of the worst storms to hit the area. My sisters and I were home alone, and I remember the hurricane well. We were not afraid, and we did not have a phone. I remember Momma was so worried about us because she had to take a bus home from work. She got home as soon as possible. But God…..There was no damage to our house. Not a shingle off the roof or window was damaged in our little house. When Momma and Daddy got home, they were so happy to see us, and we were glad they were home. They both said they did not think our house would make it. After that, Daddy was so proud of his little house.

Daddy started on the larger house, a two-story five-bedroom house, and the outside was cinderblock. There were two bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs, we did move into the house, but with all that happened, he never finished it. There were so many things that happened as they worked on the house. Not only did Daddy lose his job, but he also got sick. As hard as Momma tried, she could not keep up with so many children and so much to do.

One day, Daddy was working on the house. Baby Sis and (I am unsure if it was Esther Mae or Christine) were going to the store. As he tries to split a cinderblock with a hatchet, a piece of steel flies off and hits Baby Sis in the eye. They rushed her to the hospital, and the Doctors had to remove her eye; she was maybe six at the time. She received a plastic Eye then; plastic is better than glass. I remember the Lyons Club donated money for the procedure and paid $1,000 for the eye. That was a rough time for our family. But Baby Sis was young enough to get accustomed to the plastic eye and not being able to see out of her right eye. Sometimes, when she got older, she even joked about it. Momma made sure Baby Sis grew up learning how to take care of her eye. It was like Momma knew she would not be around to do things for her, and Baby Sis needed to understand how to take care of herself. Momma was most concerned about Baby Sis because of her eye. What if something happens to her other eye? “She would be blind,” Momma said; she hoped Baby Sis would go to college, and she was the first of us to get a college degree.

After many trials and Momma’s passing, we all left 614 one by one over the years.

With no one living there, the house went down fast. Homeless people and drug addicts would use it for shelter. They broke out the windows. It became a problem in the community right in front of the church. Soon, there were many complaints from the city that the house was a nuisance and fire hazard; boarding it up was the only choice. Even boarding it up was not enough; people just pulled the boards off and went in.

We leave 614-42 St in Jefferson Park, Newport News, VA. no one is living there, and it is all boarded up. We had some good times there, but not much, not much at all, after Momma died. So much happened in 614.

The timeline on 614, our family Home. This is how 614 changed hands over the years, ending with Lonnie Sr. & Martha Jane.

October 9, 1959, conveyed to Lucille Vernon by deed of Frank A Nichols et ux. Recorded in the Clerk’s office aforesaid in Deed Book 378, page 156

August 7, 1973. Kline Furniture Co placed a $1049.81 Judgment

October 8, 1974. Esther Mae Vernon Whitt, Elnora Vernon, Lucille Vernon Gibbs & George Gibbs, her husband, and Edward Lee Vernon Sr., widower of Lucille Vernon, did for and in consideration of $1 did grant and conveyed to Martha Vernon and Edward Lee Vernon Jr.; all of their right, title, and interest in the property known as 614-42^nd street.

April 29, 1976, Barbara Vernon Haynes and James Haynes, her husband Martha Vernon, Christine Vernon Slade, and Deborah Vernon did for and in consideration of $1 did grant and conveyed to Edward Lee Vernon Jr.; all of their right, title, and interest in the property known as 614-42^nd street.

November 22, 1976, Edward Lee Vernon, Jr. and Gwendolyn R. Vernon, his wife, for and in consideration of $1, did grant and conveyed to Martha Jane Williams and Lonnie Allen Williams; all of their right, title, and interest in the property known as 614-42^nd street.

Things had gone so wrong with the house that Lonnie & I found ourselves coming from Denbigh almost every other week to do something. We ended up having to have what was left torn down. A picture of our Red and White car is in the driveway, a truck at the front door, and you can see through the roof.

We looked into getting a loan but did not qualify before Lonnie started working at the Shipyard. Also, Jefferson Park was not the best area. We were not 100% sure we wanted to move there.

I had a very close relationship with Aunt Mae and Uncle Horace, and they stood with me both times I married. So I saw no reason not to transfer the two lots to Uncle Horace. He would rebuild the house for us since he had a construction business and then sell it back to us. Lonnie and I talked to him about that, and that is what we did.

Although Lonnie and I owned the house (614), I should have discussed it with my siblings. I never thought my life would change so drastically as it did.

December 8, 1977, Martha Jane Williams and Lonnie Allen Williams, for and in consideration of $10, did grant and convey to Horace L Taliaferro, Sr, and Mae Ellen Taliaferro, his wife, all of their right, title, and interest in the property known as 614-42^nd street.

January 23, 1978, the $1049.81 Judgment by Kline Furniture Co. placed on 614, having been paid and satisfied, the lien thereof is now released.

So, we discussed it with Uncle Horace and devised a plan for rebuilding the house. I was close to Aunt Mae and was often around Uncle Horace, so I thought this was an excellent safe plan. We signed over the lots to Uncle Horace and Aunt Mae.

Lucille came for a visit and stopped by our apartment on Motoka Dr.; we talked about 614 and what we would do with it. We were both excited about getting it redone. She stated that it could be a family house and somehow shared. I can’t remember the details of the conversation, but I know she was saying it would be the family home. We did not discuss how this would work, how the family would do the financing, or who would live there.

After she left, Lonnie and I talked, and he stated that if it was like that, he could not build a house for us on it. I tried my best to come up with something. I did not consult with my sisters and Jr.; the next thing you know, my life took some significant twists and turns, and I did not get back with Uncle Horace. I never thought he would sell the lots without giving me a chance to get them back first. But he did. He never contacted me when he was approached about the lots being for sale.

Lonnie had passed away; I met Howard, and we married and moved to Alaska. Since I transferred the lots to him and when he sold them, so much had happened in my life. As I look back, it was my responsibility. Before I left, I should have talked to them about the lots. I only found out he sold the lots when Barbara called and told me a house was built there.

As with everything in life, something always makes you stop and ask why. In my relationship with them, they knew how vital those lots (614-42^nd St.) were to our family. How could they sell them, knowing that is where my sisters, brother, and I grew up? The place my mother and father worked so hard to build for our family without letting me know they wanted to sell them or someone was interested in buying the lots. I would have repurchased them at the going rate. Remember, I did not sell the lots to them; I signed them over I received no money. We had to pay off the $1,000 lien.

Losing the house and the lots placed me in a very unpleasant situation with my siblings. They trusted me by setting the property in my name; this has hurt me to my core, but I have not let it keep me from loving my family and having a relationship with them. But I feel it is so unfair.

I am genuinely sorry that this happened. It feels like everything Momma and Daddy tried to do just “went downhill,” and I did not help.

Thelma Nickles, who lived next door to us, is a little older than me, but we all grew up together, purchased the lots, and built a house on them; she was still there the last time I checked.

Saying sorry does not mean much, but I am sorry to my sisters, brother, nieces, and nephews. Most of all, I am sorry to Momma & Daddy. I know how hard they worked to get that house built. I am so sorry we did not hold on to the home and property our parents tried to build.

Looking back on the situation today, I know I could have handled the situation better, but at the time, I was dealing with so many issues. Moving to Alaska, I just got swept up into my new life. No Excuse.  But I will never forget 614-42 Street as the place where I grew up, and there were some happy memories there.

Edward Lee Vernon, Sr. & Lucille (Smith) Vernon

1/17/1919 – 8/22/1983            4/26/1926 – 10/6/1960

 Ed Lee & Lucille had Eight Children

Seven Daughters                                                                                           One Son

Barbara Yvonne      04/15/1941                                                           Edward Lee Jr.    03/15/1952

Martha Jane            12/14/1942

Christine Elizabeth  04/01/1944   (04/24/2021)

Esther Mae              01/09/1946

Elnora Brenetta       07/25/1947

Lucille (Baby Sis)  07/01/1949   (09/29/2006)

Deborah Juanita      07/31/1957

Growing up, we were very close. We loved and cared about each other. We have grown up over the last 61 years. We all have our own families. Barbara, Christine, Ester Mae, and I were all born in Warwick County, VA. Elnora, Lucille Deborah, and Jr. were born in Newport News, VA.

We have lived throughout the U.S., starting with our birth city and state of Newport News, Virginia, to Baltimore, MD; San Francisco, CA; Modesto, CA; Auror, Colorado; Washington, DC.; Fairbanks, Alaska; Albany, GA; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denton, TX; and Sicily, Italy. This chapter will show you how we have been Blessed and protected and how far we have all come.

“There is only One Time you Should look Back in Life; it is to See how Far you have Come.”

While not all of us are here now, God took two; Lucille (Baby Sis) joined Momma and Daddy on September 29, 2006. Her death was very difficult for all of us. I am so grateful to God for His Love, Grace, and Mercy watching over us so we can tell our story.

I have been away from my writing for a while. I have some news to share, and it is not good news. I must tell you that Christine went to be with Momma, Daddy, and Baby Sis on April 24, 2021. It has been ten months now (today is 2/20/22), and I still go to call her sometimes. I miss her so very much.

I am not going into my siblings’ lives; I will let them tell their own stories. I will give you the composition of them and their families. You will have the basic information about your aunts and uncle if you want to research your family history.

Barbara is the first-born, married to James Beverly Haynes, they had five Children

Three Daughters                                                                                       Two Sons

Sheri Denise (Haynes) Briggs/Daronta Briggs                                       James Edward Haynes  

Yvette Monique Haynes                                                         Carl David Haynes/Amy Cunningham

Yvonne Elise (Haynes) Owens/divorced Sidney Owens

                        Barbara has Five Grandchildren

 Carl David                                                                 One Son

                                                                        Monte Demon Johnson Haynes

Yvette Monique                                                         One Daughter                                  

                                                                         Beverly Shani Haynes                                              

Yvonne Elise Owens                                             Two daughters                                    One Son

                                                                   Sydney Janae Owens                         Sidney Leon Owens Jr.

                                                                   Syvonne Elise Owens

                       Barbara has Eight Great-grandchildren

Sydney Janae Owens                                  One daughter                        One son

                                                           Lauryn James LouisMe               Duke Kerenedel LouisMe

 Monte Demon Johnson Haynes             Three Daughters                       Three Sons

                                                                        Zion                                  Jaelyn Haynes

                                                                        Jelyn                                 Kamari Haynes

                                                                     Naomi                                 Kameron Haynes

Martha Jane married Lonnie Allen Williams, the biological father of Lonnie Allen. Karen’s biological father is Alfred B. Julye. I also married Howard Harrell, who adopted Lonnie; we raised Karen, Lonnie, and his son Howard II. They raised three children.

One Daughter                                                 Two Sons

Karen Denise Vernon                                  Howard Earl Harrell ll married/divorced Kimberly LaRose

                                                            Lonnie Allen Williams Harrell, married to Tiffany C. Powell

                         Martha Jane has Nine Grandchildren                                                                                      

Karen Denise Vernon                            One Daughter                     

                                                          Briahnna Jane Vernon              

Howard Earl Harrell II         Three Daughters                                        Two Sons  

                                          Jordan Nicole Smith                               (Trey) Howard Earl Harrell III

                                         Sadeyah Renae Harrell                  Trenton Andrew Walter Harrell/married Malory Cain

                                        Mariyah Earlene Harrell                                                                             

Lonnie Allen Williams Harrell             One Daughter                                 Two Sons                                       

                                                           Lola Ava Lucille Harrell                 Logan Allen Harrell                                                              

                                                                                                                    Langston Elijah Harrell                                               

                        Martha Jane has Seven Great-grandchildren

Jordan                                                             Three Daughters                               Two Sons                                   

                                                                       Lilly Smith                                        Hayden Smith                             

                                                                        Nova Smith                                      Kamden Smith                            

                                                                      Madilynn Smith

  Sadeyah                                                            Two Daughters

                                                                     Ryleigh Abigail Ann Harrell-Ford

                                                                      Ariyah Kimberly Harrell-Ford

Christine married Thomas Slade; they had Two Children, Michelle and Michael. She is married to Eddie Brinkley.

                                     One Daughter                                           One Son

Michelle Denise (Slade) Powell/Darrell Powell             Michael Thomas Slade

                    Christine has Two Grandchildren

Michelle Denise                           One Daughter                           One son

                                                      Erika C. Powell                      Darrell Craig Powell 

                 Christine has One Great-grandchild

Erika Powell                                         One son                                             

                                               Justin Chase Banks, Jr. (JJ)

 Esther Mae was married to James Whitt; they had two daughters.

She was also married to Mitch Foster, and they had one son.

           Two Daughters                                                One Son                          

    Shelia Denise Whitt                               Derrick Foster married/divorced Nisha McPherson

Renee Whitt

                    Esther Mae has One Granddaughter

Derrick Foster One Daughter                           Morgan Camille Foster

Elnora has Two children: Sterling and Brittany.  Jerome Price is Sterling’s father, and Joseph Durham is Brittany’s father.

                          One Daughter                                                                                            One Son

Brittany (Vernon) Steward/D’Angelo Steward married/divorced          Sterling Jerome Price married Shauntia King

                Elnora has Three Grandchildren

Brittany           One Son                       

                   Kobe J. Boston          

 Sterling has                                       One Daughter                        One son      

                                                       Tierea Robinson                Sterling Jerome Price, Jr.

                 Elnora has Two great-grandchildren.                                               

Tierea Robinson                                 One Son    

                                                  Micah Jesse Hayes  

Kobe J. Boston                                 One son     

                                                Chance Amir Boston

Lucille was married to George Gibbs they had Three children

          One Daughter                                       Two   Sons

Lisa Denise Watts /Kevin Watts                    Akil A Gibbs

                                                                      Ade K Gibbs    

                 Lucille has Five Grandchildren

  Lisa Denise Watts                   Two Daughters                             Two Sons

                                                  Alisha Watts                              Aaron Gibbs Dann

                                                 Crystal Watts                            Rashard Watts

Ade Gibbs                           One Son 

                                         Jaxon Aziz Gibbs

Lucille has Four Great-grandchildren.

Aaron Gibbs Dann                                                    Two Sons                         

                                                                             Ethan Dann                                                      

                                                                           Owen Dan 

Alisha Watts                                                             One Son

                                                                          Shawn Turner, Jr  

Rashard Watts                                                      One Daughter                         

                                                                          Allayah Renee Watts

Edward L. Jr. is married to Gwendolyn Ricks and has three children: one Daughter with Chiquita Taylor.

Two Daughters                                                                                            Two Sons

Ebony Lucille Vernon                                                                 Shomar L Vernon married Amy

Brittany Lee Taylor-Vernon       (Chiquita Taylor, Mother)              Careen Omar Ricks

                                   Edward L. Jr. has Five Grandchildren.  

Shomar L Vernon                           One Son              

                                                  Donavon Edward Vernon                         

Careen Omar Ricks                One Son                                                      Two Daughters

                                            DaeVion Marquis Ricks                         TruNique Ebony Marie Ricks

                                                                                                           Aniyah Vernita Ricks

Brittany Lee Taylor-Vernon                         One Daughter                

                                                            Charlette Lee Kirkpatrick  

                    Edward Lee Jr. has One Great-grandchild

TruNique Ebony Marie Ricks                                   One Daughter

                                                                                Alannis Ricks

Deborah married/divorced Michael Swift they have One Son.  Michael Andrei Swift II married Amarachi Okoro

As of today, October 18, 2022, the number of offspring for Lucille & Ed Lee, counting their eight children and spouses, is eighty-two. There are eighty-two Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren and Great-great-grandchildren…

My Dear Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Sisters, and Brother. I pray you will share this story with your children and your children’s children. If you find a mistake or a misspelled name, please forgive me and charge it to my head, not my heart.

 “And whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens; Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance; And when you get the choice to sit it out or DANCE, I hope you DANCE.” The song “I Hope You Dance”

…. Love has no ending….

 To my nieces and nephews: Although we rarely see each other, I love you all. And when we are together, it is a Blast!!!

Grammy, Aunt Jane, Jane

When a Mother Dies, a Child’s Mourning Never Completely Ends.

It is said you die twice, once when you take your last breath. And again, many years later, when your name is spoken for the last time.

My Dear Children and Grandchildren, please remember me. Tell a story; remember a time we spent together. Feel my hug. Toast to GRAMMY!!!!! Remember December 14, my Birthday, and the day I left you, Month        Day        Year        . I will always be with you with every heartbeat. Just say my name.

The lyrics from “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli touched my heart because they related to my siblings and me after our Mother passed away.

“I pray you’ll be our eyes, And watch us where we go, And help us to be wise, In times when we don’t know. Let this be our prayer when we lose our way; lead us to a place. Guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe.

When stars go out each night, I pray we’ll find your light and hold it in our hearts.

Let this be our prayer. When shadows fill our day, Lead us to a place. Guide us with your grace.

Give us faith so we’ll be safe. We ask that life be kind And watch us from above. We hope each soul will find Another soul to love. Let this be our prayer, Just like every child needs to find a place.

Guide us with your grace. Give us faith so we’ll be safe.”  Songwriters: Carole Bayer Sager / Alberto Testa / David W. Foster

Momma had been sick for quite a while, and we kids were too young to realize how ill she was. What has always amazed me is that Daddy was sick long before Momma became ill. Now I know it has nothing to do with time or age when your time comes.

Her eighth child was born less than two years before she got sick. She had two jobs and looked after a sick husband with a house full of kids under 15. The Doctors said it was stress, she was working too hard, and it went on for three years.

At the age of 17, I oversaw the burial of my Mother. Daddy was there, but I felt the final decisions were left up to me.

After the funeral, Uncle John came to me and said he and Steen wanted to help. He said they had talked and wanted to take the two youngest with them, just for a while, Baby Sis and Deborah. Uncle John and Steen had only been married for four years, and she had two miscarriages which left her unable to have children of her own. Deborah was 3, and Baby Sis was 11. I told him we needed to talk to Daddy. Daddy was so broken and hurt that he did not know what to do, but he said it might be the best thing since he could not take care of them and still had more treatments for his illness. In talking about the girls going, Jr said he wanted to go. I am unsure how Jr. came to go, but they took him too; he was eight.

So, the day after the funeral, Deborah, Baby Sis, and Jr. went to Baltimore to live with Steen and Uncle John. This started a relationship that would last until they died. We were all still in shock, and I remember feeling so sad and torn when they left; there was a hole in my heart. Not only have we lost our Mother, but we have also lost our three younger siblings. I will never know what would have happened if we had all stayed together. This separation would have a profound effect on all of us. The bond we had will never be the same again. I have thought about it since writing my memories. When I think about it, I wish we had stayed together, but when I think about what happened with us girls at home, about how things went, we struggled to keep the essential things going. And there were heated arguments about the Social Security money and who would use it and how. At those times, I felt that the younger ones were better off. There was some stability with Steen and Uncle John, and we had their Social Security money sent to them.

I know how hard it was for us girls after Momma died over the years. It felt like we were left all alone. It was tough for Baby Sis, Jr, and Deborah; also, they lost their whole family. Over the years, a wonderful thing happened with Baby Sis, Jr. and Deborah. I saw the bond between them grow strong, and they grew closer.

On the other hand, it seemed like the five of us at home grew further apart. We could not close the broken chain. We did not have that ONE over us holding us together. We did not know how to take care of ourselves, not to mention take care of others. Over the years, we grew, and as the years went by, we did find a path to each other. We are sisters, and we love each other. Like everyone else, we did the best we could, and when we knew better, we did better.

When Christine graduated from high school, she got married. Esther Mae and Elnora moved to Baltimore when they graduated and never returned to Newport News to live. Their children were all raised in Baltimore, which is home to them. Lucille (Baby Sis), Jr., and Deborah returned home!!!. They all graduated from High School in Newport News. We grew from children to adults. We survived childhood, and we made it. No one went to jail, got hooked on drugs, or was homeless on the streets. We just started having babies and getting married, and here we are now; we went from a family of 10 to a family of 73. God is Good.

Barbara was 19, and I was 17; Christine, 16; Esther Mae, 14; Elnora, 13; and Daddy were all at 614. It was hard and challenging, and we went on; time went on.   After Momma died, I don’t remember talking about her; we did not “Say Her Name.” We did not celebrate the day of her death or her Birthday. It was like she never existed. Now I know it was hard for us to talk about Momma without getting upset. The people around us did not talk about her because they did not want to upset us, so maybe that’s why we did not talk about her. She was just gone.

God always put someone there for you; for us girls at home, that was Esther. She did everything she could do for us as she grieved herself. Esther and Momma were very close, and Momma’s death was sudden; no one was expecting it. Most people did not know she was ill. Esther knew the surgery was serious because Momma told her everything. Esther became our go-to person, our Grandmother. Sometimes we spent the night at Esther’s house because we did not have electricity or heat.

We could depend on her to be there when we needed a babysitter. She kept our children not just for us to go to work but also for us to go out. She often loaned us money, not taking it when we could repay her. She would say that’s ok, keep it. You will read about what she did for Karen and me. All the older grandchildren that grew up in Newport News knew and loved Esther. I loved her like she was my Grandmother, and she loved us.

One by one, as the years went on, we all left 614, including Daddy. Momma was the glue that held us together; our chain was permanently broken. We were all lost without her; sometimes, even today, I can see the effects of that loss. We made it BUT for Esther, Uncle John, and Steen.

Uncle John is my Mother’s brother, and Steen was his wife. They married on March 10, 1956. Momma died on October 6, 1960. Steen and Uncle John did not have much time to bond as husband and wife before we came into their lives. Momma had gone to Baltimore when Steen was in the hospital. I can’t remember if Momma or Steen told me this. Momma had asked Steen to take care of her children if anything happened to her.??? Why? Did she know she was not going to be here for us?

Steen & Uncle John, with all the ups and downs, there were many. We also had so much to be thankful for. We could look forward to large family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. That was when we came together with love and shared. There’s no way we could have made it without both of them.

There are so many times that Steen made it fun. Steen taught us how to cook, and all of us girls have at least one of her recipes. We have benefitted from her love and teaching. Steen’s strong will and determination showed us we could be strong women. It was not easy, praise God, but we were family, and at the end of the day, we all knew in our hearts that we could depend on Steen.

Uncle John’s calm, beautiful smile and love gave us strength. They both gave us some beautiful memories after Momma passed. It wasn’t easy, but I know with certainty that we benefited from growing up with them in our lives as we moved from children to adults… They did their best, and when they knew better, they did better. I take this time right now to say thank you, and I love you with all that is in me, to Steen and Uncle John.

I said we, the Vernon Sisters and Jr., have all lived in their home at some point. They fed us and supported us with money when we needed it. They taught us what they believed was the right thing to do. They took us in with open arms, and we stayed until it was time to go. And at the end of her life, Steen told me in my last phone call, “I love you; I love you all. I didn’t realize how much you all mean to me.” I love you too, Steen.

Below is the tribute we did to each one of them.

From October 3, 1915 to November 26, 1998,  John H Smith

Dear Uncle John,

This world has been given clear notice of how much you really mean to us.

Your compassion and concern have warmed many weary hearts, as those who know you best must all agree. Your devotion has created strong bonds of friendship by just the way you smile. You have never been one to run from a good cause or fight; instead, you would rather go the extra mile. In Jesus’s name, you worked passionately and faithfully to aid those of us less fortunate than you. You often and unselfishly stretched forth your hands to share your blessings as God had commanded you.

Not once did you complain, no matter how many times we came. You have taught us many lessons about loving each other in this meaningful, short life. Your Christian leadership and outstanding example showed us that we ARE the keepers of our sister and brother. True love is grand when given and shared with others, for it brings complete peace deep within.

Repeatedly, you have illustrated that when we love another soul, we experience the ultimate gift of being loved right back, as you are loved. As we now reflect on life with Uncle John. There cannot be a day without Steen, who was always by his side. And each time we came to him, she opened her heart and said, Ain’t that nothing; y’all come on in.

I want to assure my sisters and brother that God’s assignments for Uncle John continue. We shall miss his pride, inner strength, steadfastness, diligence, wisdom, comforting ways, and protective love.

So, you see, he lives on in us. He may not be with us after today, but all he has given will remain with each of us forever and ever, and we will pass it on to our children. God will crown him a Prince on judgment day.

Ernestine C. Smith    October 21 – June 5, 2015, 

This world has been given clear notice of how much you really mean to us. In His infinite wisdom, God has seen fit to move from our beloved Aunt Ernestine Smith, so lovingly known by us as Steen. We come together to pay our respects to the memory of one whose life was full of love. Steen, a woman of strength, honor, and faith, will forever be cherished as an Aunt who stepped in to take care of eight children when our Mother passed away in 1960. That’s a long time ago, over 50 years we spent with you. I truly believe God put you in Uncle John’s life just for the eight of us.

Steen, your commitment to God and devotion to family and friends will be a lasting memorial of the life you lived. Often and unselfishly, you stretched forth your hands to share your blessings as God had commanded. And never did you complain, no matter how many times we came. And you stayed the course, and you never asked anyone to leave. Your legacy continues to live on in us and the many others you touched along the way. You will be missed but not forgotten.

We, the Vernon Sisters and Jr., thank God for allowing our paths to cross as we journey through this life. You were the Grandmother our children did not have. You were the one there as we grew from teens to young adults. You were the one we called “Steen, can you keep…….you even kept some for the whole summer. And we have not even gotten to the cooking; there are some things we make now just like you did. You and Uncle John, with his big smile, I know he is smiling up there now.

I could go on and on….but I must stop now for you see the “Best of Her Story has Never Been Told.”  She gave us the Best of what she had to offer.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Momma had to leave us, but God hand-picked the Angels that watched over us. They gave us all they had to give. ALL!!

I know Momma and Daddy are so proud of all of us.

How incredibly awesome it is to have the opportunity to know your grandchildren. You want to hold them, protect them, and never let them grow up – which we all know is impossible. Let Me Love You a Little bit More before you Aren’t Little Anymore.

I did not have a relationship with my grandmother, and to have you all in my life and to really know you have been one of my greatest joys. I have had the pleasure of knowing all of you. I was there when Briahnna, Sadeyah, and Mariyah were born. It has been a pleasure to see you grow from that baby girl into the beautiful young woman you are today. Jordan, you were three years old when you came into my life, and I see that little girl, and I am so proud of the wife and mother you are today. Lola, you are the youngest of the grandchildren and the youngest girl. I was not there when you were born, but Dindem and I were on the way, and as I write this, you are only 2 1/2 years old; I can already see the little lady you are going to become. Trey and Trenton, you guys have grown up so fast it seems like yesterday you were little boys. I pray for God’s blessings on you as you find your way. There is a place for you in this world. Logan and Langston are just little guys now, but I know if you listen to your parents, your path will be easier. You all will find your place in time.

To you all, if I could sit you down now and tell you how much I love you and how to get through this thing called life. I would ask you to please make God first in your life; let him be your guide.  Know that you are loved unconditionally. Always. For as long as I live, you will be in my heart. These are the things I really want to pass on to you.

Always show kindness and empathy.

People will be drawn to you when you are understanding, caring, and compassionate.

Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Give others a hand up. You get what you give, so be helpful and encouraging to others.

Go all-in when you have a task to complete or a goal to achieve. Give 100% to any undertaking.

Be happy about successes and know you are capable.

Remember: finding the 12 ways it didn’t work leads to the 13th way that it will.

Have pride in your accomplishments.

The prize is always sweeter when you’ve worked hard and scrambled to get there.

Be Humble. Admit when you make a mistake. We are all human. Start again and do it right next time.

Have Strength. When things go wrong, they probably will, at some point, be strong.

Be courageous. Pick yourself up, dust off, and push ahead. There will be highs and lows during your life.

With the perseverance and strength you have inside, you will be able to handle whatever comes your way.

Learn, learn, learn. It never ends. Take Online Classes. Take Classes at the Community College.

You will never know it all, even if you think you already do. There’s that “one more thing” that could tip the scales in your favor.

Be Open-Minded. Listen to advice from others, even if you disagree with them. Consider their opinions, but make your own decisions.

Be Independent and choose your own way. You are in control of your own life.

You are the one to live with your choices.

Be Involved. Make the world a better place. Go green, fight for what’s right, support a cause. VOTE, VOTE, VOTE

Do what you can to leave your mark – – let them know you were here!

Find Happiness. Laugh. Enjoy your life. Have fun. Be happy.

Remember Family. Spend time with your family.

The love and support you have from them can’t be measured.

Know Where You Came From. Learn about your connections, traditions, and history.

Love God. Find a way to worship and love your God. Have faith in Him through all things.

And the biggest obstacle you will face is FEAR.

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16

Satan’s favorite tool to diminish your faith is the fear of failure. But you cannot serve God and be constantly worried about what other people think. You have to move forward. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (NIV).

So, how do you get rid of the fear of failure?

One way is to redefine failure. What is failure? Failure is not failing to reach your goal. Failure is not having a goal. Failure is not failing to hit your target. Failure is not having a target. Failure is not falling down. Failure is refusing to get back up. You’re never a failure until you quit. So, if you’re attempting something for the glory of God, that’s a good thing. Failure is not trying and not accomplishing anything. Failure is failing to try.

Another way to get rid of the fear of failure is never to compare yourself to anybody else. You’re always going to find somebody who’s doing a better job, and you get discouraged. And, you’re always going to find somebody who’s not doing as good a job as you are, and you become full of pride. Both of them will mess up your life. Discouragement and pride will keep you from serving God’s purpose for your life.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:4, “Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others” (GW).

Did you notice that the Bible says there is legitimate pride? There’s a good kind of pride, and there’s a wrong kind of pride. The bad kind of pride is comparing: “I’m better than so and so!” The good kind of pride is, “God, I’m proud of what you’re doing in my family, my business, my life, my walk of faith.” That’s the good kind of pride.

When you get to Heaven, God isn’t going to say, “Why weren’t you more like so and so?” He’s going to say, “Why weren’t you who I made you to be?”

Let go of your fear of failure because anything you’re attempting for God in faith is a good thing, regardless of the results.

Lord, help me let go of my fear of failure. I know Satan wants to use my fears to hold me back from living boldly for You. Forgive me for not living in faith, and help me from this moment on to live with bold confidence in You. Lord, help me not compare myself to others around me. Instead, I pray that I can keep my eye on You and live a life that proclaims Your excellence. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

I wish you a good life full of Love, Joy, and Happiness. I wish you just enough!!

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye. (Author unknown)

But most important of all, I wish for you; I wish you to know Jesus.
5 Spiritual Habits that Will Change the Way You Live
Make God the one thing you pursue above anything else.
As a new season begins, here are 5 spiritual disciplines you can practice to make time with God a daily habit.

1. Give thanks
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.” – Psalms 75:1
Have you experienced healing? Answered prayers? Breakthrough in the life of someone you love? Salvation? As you seek God’s heart for this new season, take a moment to thank Him for what He’s already done.

2. Spend 5 minutes in silence
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” – John 15:4
Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. Pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

3. Remember Whose you are
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
God loves you. (Let that sink in.) The price He paid for you cost Him everything. Remind yourself of Whose you are, and then confidently dream big with God for this new season.

4. Meditate on God’s Word
“Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” – Psalms 119:97
How does Jesus want you to live? One of the best ways to find out is to spend time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Words about what your next right step should be. (Not sure how to start studying God’s Word? Read this.

5. Focus on what is excellent
“…If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure of what you should do in your next season, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What decisions would honor God?
Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and intentionally pursue those things.

By practicing these 5 steps every day, you can actively create keystone habits: acquired patterns of behavior that form the basis of your daily routines.
Imagine what good personal habits you might be cultivating a year from now because you purposefully chose to pursue intimacy with God today!

Grammy loves you. I will love you forever; I’ll love you for always; as long as I live, my babies, you’ll be. You will always be my Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and I am forever proud of you. Wherever life may take you, may you know this to be true.
I Love You All. Your Grammy……Martha Jane Vernon Williams Harrell

Romans 15

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These images portray my beloved family, whom I am grateful to have been blessed with by God.

My BOAZ……. my Redeemer sent straight to me. Read the book of Ruth in the Bible in the Old Testament. Boaz is described as a worthy man (Ruth 2:1) who believed in the Lord (Ruth 2:4).

My Dear Grandchildren, let me tell you about the Love of my Life, your grandfather, and how “My Heavenly Father” put us together. He is Worthy; he is a Protector; he is a Provider; he is Observant; he is Compassionate; he is a Man of Integrity. These are the characteristics of Howard Harrell. (Dindem)

When Lonnie and I married and bought the house, he insisted we get insurance. His words, “the kind that pays off the house if something happens to me,” did he know or feel that he would not be here with us? The insurance salesperson was a very nice young white guy just starting to sell insurance. His name was Charlie Easton. Charlie and Lonnie hit it off well from the start. After Lonnie’s death, I was working shift work, and Charlie was still working with me with insurance and other investments; he suggested that with two children, I should get a job where I could control my working hours. He told me Real Estate would be better and more exciting than selling insurance. I have always been shy, especially when I don’t know people. Most people are surprised when I say that I am shy. So, going into sales had never crossed my mind, and I did not think it would be a good fit for me.

I had struggled after Lonnie passed, with all I had facing me. I am so independent I didn’t reach out to family or friends. I felt that I had to do this on my own. I was 35 years old; surely, I could do this. I tell myself that I am strong and I am not a depressed type of person. I always get up and start over again. I was tired of working nights and doing factory work. I had never thought about selling Real Estate, so I researched. Real Estate is very lucrative, and the salary is unlimited when the interest rates are in the proper range. The annual interest rate reached 13.74% in 1980; in 1981, the 16.63% interest rate was and still is Freddie Mac’s largest recorded figure. Not many houses were selling at the time. But being in the Denbigh area with so many military personnel, a realtor could make a living out of it. I knew I had to have a license and pass a state exam. Also, I had heard that the exam was challenging, but there is a Real Estate school I could attend to help me pass the state exam.

Lonnie Sr and I had taken out insurance on ourselves and the house. In talking with Charlie, the insurance company recommended that I not pay the house off. I should invest the insurance money and continue making payments on the house. The insurance money was insufficient for me and my two children to live. I knew I had to work, but my work was frustrating, and the hours were horrible.

I quit my job at Dow and enrolled in the Marshalls Real Estate School. Aunt Mae kept Lonnie Jr. so I could study, and I spent every second studying and going to class to take that test. I was the only student who passed with 100% in the class. The instructor said I was the first to get 100% in his class throughout his teaching years. When I took the State exam, I passed it on the first try. Several people took it at least twice, sometimes as many as four times before passing. My cousin Michael Taliaferro had to take it twice; he initially told me he had passed because he didn’t want to make me nervous about taking the exam. After I passed it, he told me he had to retake it.

So now I have a Real Estate license, and sometime in January 1980, I signed a contract to be an Associate Real Estate Sales Agent at Blanks Realty on Warwick Blvd. in Newport News, VA. The interest rate was 13%. I had no idea that my Life was about to change dramatically.

Let me tell you our “how we met story.” Dindem and I did not meet by chance, and no one introduced us. It was divine intervention. I was working as a Real Estate Agent, and he was moving to his new duty station at Ft Eustis, VA. He was looking for an apartment, and the second apartment complex he stopped at, heading south on Warwick Blvd, was Blanks Realty, where I was working. I did not rent him the apartment; he had rented it a few days earlier. When his household goods arrived, they found they could not get the large sofa up the stairs, which had a slight curve. I came into the picture when he called the office inquiring if we had storage space for rent. I was on floor duty that day. In Real Estate offices in Virginia, a licensed agent must be available to talk to clients who call about the advertised property. They also answer the phone in the receptionist’s absence. Howard called when the receptionist was at lunch, and I answered. Had he called a few minutes before or after the time he called, I would not have answered the telephone. So, you see, this is how I know that whatever was going on in our lives back then, we were meant to be together.

As a salesperson, I took his information and told him we did not have storage, so I suggested he buy a house for his oversized sofa. Well, that started a conversation that would last over 42 years as of this date.

We talked for hours by phone for about two or more weeks. At the end of that time, we knew all the details of each other’s Life. Neither of us was looking for nor expecting a relationship at that time. When we met face to face, it was like getting back with an old friend. He just walked into my Life with that Big old Smile, and nothing has been the same. We have been together ever since, nothing but God. God showed me what he could do when I stopped and listened to him. Dindem remembers June 12, 1980, as the date we met face to face.

When we met, Howard had one biological child, Howard II, who lived with his Mother. There are some stepchildren, so young Howard has four half-sisters and a brother. I would rather not use the term half or step when discussing siblings; we do not use it in our home. I needed to ensure everyone understood that Howard Sr. only had one biological child. Since this is my story, I am not going into any detail about anyone else. I will let Howard tell his own story.

At the beginning of our relationship, I invited him over for dinner so that he could meet Karen and Lonnie. I thought of something simple and made pork chops with gravy, mashed potatoes, and string beans. He came over, and we had dinner; the visit went well. He met Karen and Lonnie. A few weeks later, he invited me and Lonnie to his place for dinner. He made the same thing I had cooked: pork chops with gravy, mashed potatoes, and string beans. The only difference was that his gravy tasted like no gravy I had ever had. It was so good after my first taste I thought he must have felt my gravy was awful. Even though we talked and told each other about ourselves, he did not tell me he was a master chef. I went on and on about his gravy, and soon after we were married, he showed me how to make it. So today, I am a master gravy maker upon other things he has taught me how to cook.

Well, your Dindem and Grammy are Soulmates. From the moment we met, we had a special relationship. We liked each other, talked about everything, and wanted to be together. We have been together ever since. Every day, every Birthday, and holiday, days into months, months into years, we have a stronger connection with each day. We are so suited for each other that even our names join into a name of their own. The first three letters of our first names, HowMar. Howard & Martha.

He first fell in love with Lonnie, only 2 1/2  years old; Dindem loves babies. Lonnie loved him from the first time he saw him and was happy to be around a man. Trying to get my Real Estate career going with interest rates of 10 to 18% was hard. Sometimes, I needed help with Lonnie, and he was delighted to step in. He picked Lonnie up from daycare, and they got to know each other, which started a bond they still have today.

Karen was a senior in high school when we met. She and Howard were okay; she was a teenage girl used to being just her and her mother. Karen was 14 when I married Lonnie Sr., and I don’t think she was too into doing this again. She tried to keep her distance, but they were the same sign. They both are Taurus, and Howard could read her from day one. We had a lot to work on in that department, but as I write this, I can tell you he is her Dad. They have developed a strong bond over the years. It was not easy; like most things, it didn’t happen overnight. We all had to work at it. We had to work on everything to keep our relationship strong. When you have a relationship with God, Satan will always tempt you to go the wrong way. There were three in this marriage: Howard, God, and me.

As our relationship developed, we had many discussions about his son. Not having young Howard was a situation he wanted to change, but at the time, he did not know how it would happen.

A few months after we were together, things worked so that Howard could get Young Howard. He was eight years old, and in third grade, I went with Howard when he picked him up and brought him to Newport News. He was so sweet and looked just like his dad. It was not hard for me to bond with him. His nickname was Poohby, short for Pooh Bear, but he soon asked us not to call him Poohby as he reached junior high school. So, I called him Howard; somehow, they both knew which one I wanted. We started referring to him as little Howard, but as he got older, he became bigger than his dad. Now, I always referred to him as Young Howard.

Poohby was enrolled in  Horace H. Epes Elementary School in third grade when he came to Newport News to live with his Father. For fourth grade, he went to Sanford Elementary School. Then we moved to Alaska.

As long as Lonnie can remember, young Howard has always been his big brother, and Howard has always been his dad. The four of us were inseparable and had so much fun together. The boys were like brothers; with six years between them, Young Howard went from being the baby to the oldest, but he didn’t seem to mind. Lonnie was only two years old when he met young Howard.

God has blessed us in this marriage. Everyone who met Howard loved him, especially the women in my Life. Steen, Aunt Mae, my girlfriends, and even the principal of the school where Young Howard attended, Mary Spells, went out of her way to help him get Young Howard into School. Mary was the president of the Black Professional Women’s Club, and I was a member. She had gotten to know him from Young Howard attending her school and was very impressed with this single young soldier wanting to raise his son. She was so happy to see that I was dating Howard.

Whenever I had doubts and talked with her, Mary was always in his corner and told me why. I didn’t believe him when he started talking about getting married. I had been there before. I wondered why he would want to get married to someone with a baby and a teen daughter. Even though we had grown close quickly, I was still not convinced we should get married. We both still had some serious things to work on.

I had to put my trust and faith in God that this was the right person for me and my children. As we discussed getting married one day, and I was still unconvinced, he just looked me in the eye and said, “I am not leaving here without you and Lonnie.” When I looked into his eyes, I didn’t see just him. I saw my today, my tomorrow, and my future for the rest of my Life. I said yes, knowing I would be stepping into “My Place in Time.” I had found my Soulmate. (Or did he find me?) Big Smile.

From the time we laid eyes on each other, there was not a day we were not together. I did go on a cruise in celebration of my 20-year class reunion a few weeks after we met for five days, and fifteen months later, on August 5, 1981, we were married at First Baptist Church in Denbigh/Newport News, VA. We put this family together, and eleven months later, we were on our way to Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks is where we bonded and raised our boys, Howard ll, 10, and Lonnie, 4.

Briahnna, Jordan, Sadeyah, Mariyah, Trey, Trenton, Logan, Langston, and Lola. I am excited about this part. Because you, our grandkids, came in and changed our lives forever.

So now we are Mr. and Mrs. Harrell, and we are on our way to Fairbanks, Alaska, but first, we stopped in Dallas, Texas, for me to meet Dindem’s Family. His stepdad, Mr. Leon, as Dindem called him, and his Mother, Bessie. I adored his Mother; she was soft-spoken and kind and made me feel welcome. Dindem’s entire family welcomed me into the family. We were in Dallas for about a week.

Then we drove to San Francisco to see Lucille, my sister. It was my first trip to San Francisco, the first week in August, and we wore summer clothes. We had to get the winter clothes we had packed for Alaska because the weather in San Francisco was so cold in August. I enjoyed the visit with Lucille; her home was warm and cozy, and she had jazz music playing with the Fireplace lit. George, her husband, and her two sons, Ade and Akil, were there. We were there for a few days, then we drove to Seattle, Washington, and put the car on a ferry, and Dindem, me, and the boys (Howard  II and Lonnie) flew to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Karen had graduated high School in June of 1981 and was working for JC Penny as a Photographer in their Photography studio. Karen was working out of JCPenney stores in several states, driving to each one. We thought she was all set, so she was not going with us when Dindem and I married. Well, things did not work that way, and just after we married and were packing to move to Alaska, the job did not work out, and Karen returned home. Dindem said no problem, and he put her on his orders as a dependent, and we all started to Alaska by way of Dallas. While visiting Dindem’s Family in Dallas, Karen decides she does not want to go to Alaska. She wanted to go back to Virginia and be with her boyfriend. I did not think that was a good idea, but she insisted. When we had discussions, there were many. Your (GG) Grandma Bessie advised me to let her go and find out what would happen for herself; it may even work out. I wish I had been around Bessie when Karen was in high school and trying to decide what to do. Dindem said she could come later if she changed her mind. So, she took a bus back to Virginia. Bessie helped me immensely during that time; it clarified what Karen would do. Having someone there to give me a different opinion was new, and it felt good. For the first time, it felt like a mother talking to me, it was. I didn’t know it then, but I would later call her Mom.

On August 19, 1982, Dindem, young Howard, Lonnie, and I flew to Alaska. We talked to several people about living in Alaska, and I researched. But all I knew about Fairbanks was a lot of snow and cold. We were leaving Virginia in August, and the weather was about 80 degrees. The biggest thing we were excited about was the twenty-four-hour daylight.

When we moved to Fairbanks, Lonnie was four, and young Howard was ten. I can’t remember anything that bothered them; they both liked the snow and adapted nicely. They could sleep with the sun shining on their faces. I was so excited; this is what I had always wanted to do: travel to faraway places, and this was as far away as it gets.

Our sponsors from Fort Wainwright met us at the airport. They took us to our hotel, gave Dindem some paperwork, told us to rest, and said they’d return the next day to show us around. Fairbanks is a small town, and the main street, Airport Way, runs between the airport and Fort Wainwright Army Base. But around the time we got there, it was a little cloudy, and it would be snowing soon. I was not impressed with Fairbanks; it seemed a little dirty. I soon discovered the snow leaves the buildings with a dusty film when it melts. But in the summer, after it rains, with all the daylight, there is lots of greenery and flowers, and everything looks different. It was mid-August, so the days were still long, and we kept looking outside at night to see if it was still daylight. But I could feel the change that was on the way.

Fort Wainwright, AK History

Fort Wainwright was established in 1939 as the US Army Air Corps Ladd Field. It was transferred to the Air Force in 1947 as Ladd Air Force Base before finally becoming the Army’s Fort Wainwright in 1961. The Fort is named after General Jonathan Wainwright, who led US forces in the Philippines during World War II. Wainwright was first used to test aircraft in arctic conditions. The Fairbanks area can reach extreme temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and even go as low as 60 degrees below zero during the winter.

Fort Wainwright was my first experience living on a Military Base. Dindem moved in with me when we married because I lived close to Fort Eustis, and we knew we would leave soon. I was very excited when we arrived in Alaska. Fort Wainwright was old but well-kept. They have updated the living quarters, and all the buildings are in good shape. We moved into our quarters, which was fine with me. We had a three-bedroom unit with a basement, and I felt secure and in tune with my Life as a soldier’s wife. Now I must get a job. After we received our household goods and got everything unpacked and set up, I looked for employment in my new city of Fairbanks, Alaska.

My first job was at the First National Bank of Alaska. My Real Estate background helped me get the File Clerk position in their Local Loan department. Computers were coming on the scene in the 80s. The Bank was transferring all the loan information from index cards to computers. I didn’t need much computer experience since I only added the data to a program already set. I worked at that until we finished the job and then transferred to the Teller Line. I was new at being a Teller, but I learned the job quickly and was very good with the public. That lasted until I got a supervisor who did not like me for some unknown reason. She stayed on me so much until I decided she could have that job, and I quit.

We had just purchased a beautiful Townhouse and had moved off Post to the local community. When we moved off Post, we had to find a school for Young Howard and a daycare for Lonnie. Dindem went to the Fairbanks North Star Borough to get this information. In Alaska, “Borough” is used instead of “County.” Like Counties, Boroughs are administrative divisions of the State. The receptionist was a young Black lady, and like most people who live in Fairbanks, she started a conversation with Dindem. He told her he needed information on the schools, and she told him the school administration was in another building and gave him the address. Like most military people, we always ask about family, and she told him I should apply to the Borough. Three weeks after I quit my job at the Bank, I was hired in the assessing department of the Fairbanks North Star Borough on June 6, 1983. Again, because of my Real estate background, I was qualified for the position in the Assessing Department. See how God led me right where I was supposed to be. I was worried about selling houses, but God was taking care of my Life. Dealing with real Estate, the assessment for tax purposes, and other things you learn in Real Estate school. That was the start of my perfect journey in Fairbanks, Alaska. The pay at the Borough was almost double what I was making at the Bank. I enjoyed the position and learned much about the Borough and Fairbanks.

The Borough was perfect for me. I was working with three much younger ladies. Most of the time, they acted as if they didn’t want to work. When people came to inquire about their property, they would not go to the counter. Ninety percent of the Assessing position dealt with the public. I was accustomed to working with people from my catering and waiting tables days. I enjoyed the position and learned as I went on. About three months later, an Administrative Assistant position came open in the Municipal Clerk’s office. I had no idea at the time what a Municipal clerk did. God is working with me because I didn’t know about the position, and when I learned about it, I didn’t think I could do it. Before I tell you about me and my experience with the Municipal Clerk’s Office, I want you to know the true meaning of the Municipal Clerk.

HISTORY OF THE MUNICIPAL CLERK

EARLY BEGINNINGS “The Municipal Clerk is the oldest of public servants in local government, along with the tax collector. The profession traces back to Biblical times. For example, the modern Hebrew translation of Town Clerk is “Mazkir Ha’ir,” which means city or town. “Reminder:’ The early keepers of archives were often called” Remembrancers:’ and before writing came into use, their memory served as the public record. Ancient Greece had a city secretary who read official documents publicly. At the opening of a meeting, one of his first duties was to decree a curse upon anyone who should seek to deceive the people.

Over the years, Municipal Clerks have become the hub of government. The Municipal Clerk is the direct link between the inhabitants of their community and their government. The Clerk is the community historian, for the entire recorded history of the town (city) and its people are in their care. The eminent political scientist Professor William Bennett Munro, writing in one of the first textbooks on municipal administration (1934), stated: “No other office in municipal service has so many contracts. It serves the Mayor, the city council, the city manager (when there is one), and all administrative departments without exception. Almost daily, they call upon it for some service or information. Its work is not spectacular, but it demands versatility, alertness, accuracy, and no end of patience. The public does not realize how many loose ends of city administration this office pulls together.” These words, written more than 80 years ago, are even more appropriate today.”

 Now, my story of how I became the Deputy Municipal Clerk. I wasn’t great with typing on a typewriter. Business offices were just beginning to use computers. When I  talked to the personnel director about the position, I told her I did not have computer training. She said that all employees were getting training at that time. She convinced me to apply for the position.

The Clerk’s office is separate from the rest of the Borough and not under the Mayor. The Clerk’s Office works directly for the Presiding Officer of the Assembly. At that time, no one had applied because of how the clerk managed her office. Since I had more experience and was more mature, the personnel director thought I would be a good fit for that office. So, I applied, and the position again paid more than the Assessing position.

When I went in for the interview and talked to the Municipal Clerk, we spoke about some of what the position would entail and other things. Fairbanks is a small city, and we talked about where I lived. We discovered that we lived on the same street. At that point, she asked if I had a little boy; yes, I said, I have two boys; the oldest is not so little. Then she said are you Lonnie’s Mom? I said yes, and she told me Lonnie plays with her little girl at her house. She only lived a few doors from me in the Townhome complex. She asked me if I wanted the job, and I said yes. You got it, she said. On September 26, 1983, I transferred to the Borough Clerk’s office as an Administrative Assistant. WOW, look at GOD. I am a long way from waiting tables in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Being in the Clerk’s office was an education in and of itself. I learned so much and met so many people. Soon after I transferred to the Clerk’s office, there was an election, which was the essential duty of the Borough Clerk’s office. The clerk was responsible for all local elections within the Borough. She works with the State and the City of Fairbanks and helps with their Elections. As we prepared for the election, people came to the Clerk’s office for information on running for a seat on the Assembly or the School Board. The Municipal Clerk’s Office staff must remain neutral and not give their opinion on members running for re-election. Indeed, we could not tell anyone filing for office which Assemblymember to run against. Something similar happened with the Clerk, and the Assembly voted to fire her.

I had been in the Municipal Clerk’s office for less than a year. There were four of us in the office: the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, the administrative assistant, and a File Clerk. The administration of the office needed lots of help. We were all new, and I discovered that the others did not have much experience working in a Municipal Clerk’s office either. We stuck together; the Deputy Clerk had to take over the Clerk’s duties while the administration figured out what to do. In the meantime, Mona, Deborah, and I made a pack that we would work hard to keep the office running smoothly.

We rearranged some of the workflow. We worked on the records and devised a better way of running the office. Because of the budget and having to pay the outgoing Municipal Clerk’s contract out, the Borough could not hire a new Municipal Clerk at the time. Mona was the acting Municipal Clerk. Deborah and I stayed in our titles, but we did all the office work, and I learned the Deputy Clerk’s duties.

As I stated before, personal computers in the workplace were new. I had never been good with typing and did not like using a typewriter. But God had it all worked out for me. The Displaywriter had hit the market only a few years before, which is what we had in the Clerk’s office. Here is some information on The IBM 6580 Displaywriter.

IBM’s Office Products Division announced the Displaywriter in June 1980 as an easy-to-use, low-cost desktop text processing system. The Displaywriter System enabled operators to produce high-quality documents while keying at rough draft speed. Users could automatically indent text and justify the right margins, center, and underscore. They could also store a document, recall it for Review or Revision, and check the spelling of approximately 50,000 commonly used words. While these features are taken for granted in the post-PC era, they were novel when most documents were created, formatted, and revised on manual or electric typewriters.

Yes, this was just what I needed. I immediately enrolled at the University of Alaska Community College for a course in Business applications, and about three years later, I had an  Associate of Applied Science (AAS.) Degree in Applied Business. A two-year program that took three years to complete my education on a part-time basis while working full-time. I took a class on how to use the Displaywriter and then the personal computer. I was amazed at what a computer could do compared to a typewriter. I was in class, and the next day, I could come into the office and use what I had learned in school the day before. If I was having a hard time, I could also go to the instructor, Dorothy Jones, and tell her the problem, and she would show me how to do what I needed. Dorothy Jones was a member of the Church I joined, Corinthian Baptist Church. Dorothy was very nice. I liked her right away, and she was one of the first friends I would meet. I told her about my job in the Clerk’s Office at the Borough, and she made sure I had all the information I needed to use the Displaywriter. I became the go-to person for help in using the Displaywriter. I worked very hard and learned as much as I could. I was loyal to Mona, the Clerk, and Deborah, the office receptionist. We became best friends in the office, and soon, our office was running very smoothly, and I was at the top of my confidence.

Well, it took about six months to get all the administrative things worked out, and when it came time to appoint a Clerk, Mona accepted the position.

After Mona was appointed Clerk, she had to hire a Deputy Clerk. The position was opened and ran in the Borough; several people applied. People who didn’t apply for the administrative assistant position that I was hired in because of the former Clerk. While most people who applied for the Deputy Clerk position have more experience in office and business than I did, I was already in the clerk’s office, doing the job. I attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, taking business classes, including computer training.

I was appointed Deputy Borough Clerk on February 13, 1984. That started a whole new chapter for me. I was the Deputy Borough Clerk until I retired in May 1999 when we decided to leave Alaska.

Some highlights of the position of Deputy Borough Clerk.

1. Deputy Borough Clerk – Duties. From the FNSB Code of Ordinances

There is established the position of Deputy Borough Clerk in the totally exempt service. “The Borough Assembly is authorized to appoint or remove the Deputy Borough Clerk, who shall have the duty to execute, attest, and acknowledge all documents required by the Borough Clerk and affix the Borough seal. The Deputy Borough Clerk shall act as the Borough Clerk in the Borough Clerk’s’ absence.”

Under the Borough Clerks’ direction, I supervised all Borough elections

Managed day-to-day operations of the Municipal Clerk’s Office

Maintained the Records Department

Supervised the Records Clerk, Office File Clerk, and Administrative Assistant

Attended and recorded all Assembly meetings

Mona, the Municipal Clerk, ensured I received all the training offered, and I joined the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks is the leading and most prominent professional non-profit association serving the needs of Municipal Clerks worldwide. With approximately 15,000 members, IIMC represents fewer than 500 to more than 10 million municipalities. IIMC’s primary purpose is to provide education and professional development programs and opportunities for its members. IIMC recognizes that education and professional development are essential to every member and that educational needs are diverse worldwide.

On January 22, 1988, I became a CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERK (C.M.C.). The CMC designation program enhances the job performance of the Clerk in small and large municipalities. The program prepares the participants to meet the challenges of the complex role of the Municipal Clerks by providing them with quality education in partnership with 45 institutions of higher learning. A Municipal Clerk must attend extensive education programs to earn the CMC designation. The designation also requires relevant experience in a municipality.

I achieved the AAE Academy for Advanced Education designation in October 1989. The AAE program is now the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) Program. The MMC program is an advanced continuing education program that prepares participants to perform complex municipal duties. The program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional and social contribution component. The MMC applicant must demonstrate that they have actively pursued education and professional activities. I was a member of IIMC and had training every year throughout my 16 years as Deputy Borough Clerk. This involvement with IIMC is equivalent to two years of college attendance. We received college credit for courses we attended at the IIMC Academy.

In May 1993, I was Employee of the Month nominated by the employees of the Borough. I was also honored during May 2-8, 1999, which was designated National and International Municipal Clerks Week. The day I retired, Friday, May 7, 1999, was proclaimed by the Assembly and the Mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough as Martha Harrell Appreciation Day. The Proclamation reads Martha has served her profession and community well. I have added to this book or made a separate book of newspaper clippings and photos from my time as deputy clerk. It is difficult for me to find the words to describe my tenure as Deputy Clerk. Our office became a family; Mona Drexler hired Nanci Boles, and I hired Sharon Williams; we were the core. Over time, the office grew, and we hired more people, but we started it off and kept it together. Deborah Williams was the office receptionist in the office when I was hired. Deborah and I became very close. She helped train me when I started in the office. She also joined Corinthian Baptist Church, where I attended. On June 22, 1986, Deborah died in a car accident three years after I joined the Clerk’s office.

I began in the Assessing Department on June 6, 1983; transferred to the Clerk’s Office on September 26, 1983, as an Administrative Assistant; and on February 13, 1984, eight months later, I was appointed the Deputy Borough Clerk. My yearly income went from $4,700 in 1980 to $30,000 in 1984!!! Nothing but GOD.

With all the blessings that were coming my way during this time, in November of 1990, I was diagnosed with BREAST CANCER.

Grammys 1990 Breast Cancer Story because I want all you girls and young women to be aware and take care of your bodies and do a breast self-exam every month. It can save your Life. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in my right breast in November 1990. Now, when I look back, I realize how truly blessed I was. I believe God is my healer; I would not be here without my faith in Him.

I’d had a history of female problems and had a hysterectomy three months before I found the lump in my breast. At that time, women were put on Hormone Replacement without discussion because it was considered the best line of treatment after a hysterectomy, especially if you were under fifty; I was forty-seven. I was also told the Hormones did not cause the cancer and that the tumor was probably there, and the Hormones caused it to grow faster, and I felt the lump. However, I was taken off the Hormones when the cancer was found.

In 1985, I had a Biopsy of cysts on both breasts; they were both benign. Five years later, I was not too worried about this Biopsy since I had just had a Mammogram, but the report after the Mammogram did state that the breast tissue was very dense, which means the picture of my breast tissue was white. They could not see if there was a small tumor not yet large enough to feel, which is the purpose of the Mammogram. Dindem came in after the Biopsy and told me that it was cancer. Just seeing the hurt and fear on his face broke my heart. But I knew when he told the Doctor he wanted to tell me it was cancer, he would be a large part of my recovery, and that he was. From then on, he was right there every step of the way; he never left my side. Remember I said that God was my healer? Well, you also need lots of support, and God had placed him in my life way before any of this happened. I opted for the life-saving measure of having a Radical Modified Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and removal of lymph nodes. (The nodes were cancer-free) Immediate reconstruction means the General Surgeon doing the Mastectomy works with a Plastic Surgeon, and they put in either Saline water-filled or Silicone gel-filled Breast Prosthesis. There are other ways of reconstruction, but this is the one I chose. Personal Choices

I took Tamoxifen for five years, and even though it had some side effects, it was not as bad as Chemotherapy. The cancer was small stage 1 and was also Estrogen positive, which meant I did not have to have Chemotherapy or Radiation. When I was told I could take a pill for Breast Cancer, I did not believe it. Thank you, God; all I knew about Breast Cancer at the time was women died from it.

In the months after my surgery, everything but my family took second place to my healing. My illness had deeply shaken my family. I have six sisters, and my Mother died of cancer, not Breast Cancer, but Cancer, nonetheless. I also have one brother, and my siblings and I live in 5 different states. So now, eight families across the nation are very concerned about me and the cancer.

I was blessed, and I knew that God was with me. I had a loving husband, a happy marriage, two teenage sons, a grown daughter, and employment that I enjoyed. I believed that God would not let breast cancer take all that away from me. I researched and found that the best thing I could do for myself was to get my body and mind in the best shape possible, strong body and positive thinking. I asked a zillion questions and took charge of my own health and healing. The drug I had to take for the next five years started severe HOT FLASHES. I needed help, but for the first five years, there was little help. You see, five years is the magic number with breast cancer. After five years, maybe you can start doing something different, but never again could I take Hormones. Since then, a study has shown that Hormone Replacement has caused an increase in Breast Cancer. And since then, another study has shown that Hormones were not the cause of the increase in Breast Cancer, so what is a woman to do? I was 47 years old at the time and could not take Hormones, so I returned to research and found that vitamins and herbs could help along with eating healthy, and nothing could replace exercise. I took care of myself, and I never felt better – or more grateful.

In addition, the support I received from dozens of other survivors. As word of my diagnosis spread, acquaintances became close friends, sending me poems, prayers, and stories of encouragement, calling me long-distance to share their own stories of survival. Family and friends were there, and one of my six sisters called daily to check on me. At the time, I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, so they could not just drive over to see me. My supervisor told me that I did not have to even think about returning to work any time soon. However, if anyone besides God is responsible for my sharing my story with you today, it is your Dindem ( Howard). He was my rock when I needed to be held up and my soft place to fall when I needed to go down. He gave me all I needed, he gave me all he had, and he was there for as long as I needed him. He also had to be there for young Howard, Lonnie, and Karen. He was the one who talked to them and told them I was going to be okay. And though I am Cancer-free and very healthy, he still cares for me. His support played a large part in my recovery. He made sure that I did not have to deal with any stress.

I was cancer-free for over 14 years, and in February 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the left side. But this time, everything was so different. I was fixing things after almost 15 years, and the reconstruction needed reconstruction again. In the process, I had a reduction on the left side, and ONE, mind you, ONE cancer cell was found when the breast tissue that had been removed was examined. They almost did not find it; I know it was God because my Oncologist said that ONE cancer cell is virtually impossible to find. There was no lump, nothing, to alert me that the cancer was growing in my breast again. Therefore, again, I opted for a Radical Modified Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction; besides, all nodes were cancer-free.

This second time, we did not know what to expect; everything was happy-go-lucky for one minute, and then suddenly, something was terribly wrong. We had just moved to Denton, Texas, about a year before this, and I did not have the support team in place that I had before. My Oncologist monitors me closely and has regular MRIs of the breast and PET Scans of my entire body. I always thought if I had cancer again, I would surely have to go through Chemo, but God was there watching over me. My Doctor and I decided that I did not need ANY treatment because this was a new cancer, not the same, which makes a huge difference. There was no tumor; I’d had the Mastectomy and no lymph node involvement.

After years of care by my Oncologist, always keeping my health first, exercising five days a week, and the continued support of my husband and family, my health is excellent: all-clear checkups and clean MRIs. I have now been cancer-free for over 30 years.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned that the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer detected early is better than 90%; the 10-year rate is better than 60%. Since my diagnosis, so much has changed, and things are getting better… survival rates and treatments. But one thing remains the same: EARLY DETECTION…… IS A LIFE SAVER when it comes to Breast Cancer. So, we need hope; we need hope that our daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters will live with a CURE for BREAST CANCER; until then, they need to be screened. We must be proactive by performing a monthly breast self-exam. Get an annual mammogram if you are at high risk and over 40. Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Maintain a healthy weight, and DON’T SMOKE. Limit alcohol consumption and STRESS. Exercise, exercise, exercise! We must remind our daughters to do the same and pass it on to their daughters…….

“I want to be an encouragement to women, to look beyond the diagnosis. . . to live a more meaningful and cherished life. You can live beyond breast cancer.” Like me, thousands of women are still here to witness the joy of Life after breast cancer. I did survive! And I am living my Best Life…… End of Breast Cancer Story.

 I was known in the community for my work to spread the word about Breast Cancer. I worked with the American Cancer Society in the Reach to Recovery Program. The Reach to Recovery program allows breast cancer patients to express feelings, talk about concerns, and ask questions. Volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope because they have survived breast cancer. I started a business, The Personal Touch, where women going through breast cancer could get the items they needed after breast surgery that were unavailable in Fairbanks.

First Annual Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award

The article below appeared in the local newspaper in Newport News on May 8, 1997. Former Newport News resident Martha J. Vernon-Williams-Harrell was one of four Fairbanks, Alaska, women to receive the First Annual Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award. This honor is given to women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in their professional and personal endeavors. It was said that Martha “truly shows her concern for others through her actions. She is a faithful servant.” Martha was one of four women to receive the award, and there were over 50 women nominated.

Howard ll and Lonnie Growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is a home rule city, the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska, and the second largest in the State.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is funded by the Borough (county) but is entirely separate from day-to-day operations and is housed in its own administration building. Remember, Dindem visited the Borough Administration building to learn about the schools. Dindem found the School District Administrative Building and went there because our information was that no school buses came to South Fairbanks, where we lived on 27^th Ave. This was true, as you will read, we ended up putting the boys in a private school.

 Young Howard and Lonnie loved growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska. Both boys loved the snow, and both started to play Hockey. That lasted for about two seasons, and they both wanted to do other things, including Basketball and Soccer. Both boys played in their age divisions until they graduated high school. During the summer months of June, July, and August, everyone is more involved in outside activities in Fairbanks. Soccer is huge in Alaska. We enrolled them in a private school at a Baptist church, Hamilton Acres School. I can’t remember how we found this school. Dindem says it was recommended to us by someone in our Church. That went well for a while, and then, at the end of the semester, it was time for grades; we received a call from the school to come in for a conference for Young Howard, who was in fifth grade. We go to the school, see the setup, and realize this is not the best learning environment for a fifth grader. In the class, the teacher has more than one grade, and the students are assigned lessons from a book and left to do them independently. Howard did not do the assignments; he had about ten to twelve lessons to do, and now it is the end of the semester. The teacher checks his book, and he has not completed the work. Oh boy, not so good.

Dindem and I are very disappointed with Hamilton Acres School because there are few other choices. We had paid a lot of money to send the boys there. Mona, my co-worker, also had two sons, and they were in  Immaculate Conception School (ICS). She told us it was a Catholic School, but they did not teach Catholicism. We talked to some other people, and because Fairbanks is so small, the school is well-known and has an excellent reputation. The Immaculate Conception Elementary School is a private, accredited Catholic School for pre-k through 6^th. Monroe High School is a private Roman Catholic high school in Fairbanks, Alaska. We enrolled the boys in ICS. Howard was in sixth grade, and Lonnie was in first.

Young Howard

Although there were only a few African-American students, Howard thrived at Monroe High School. He maintained his grades, although sometimes he could have done better. He was involved in school activities and Student Leadership Conferences and was president of (MAC.) Monroe Awareness Club and Academic Decathlon, he was also elected to Natural Helpers, a group of students participating in a Worldwide Day of Service.

Howard was big on sports; he played basketball until he started gaining weight, and the school did not have a football team. The West Valley High School coach in Fairbanks asked him to transfer there to play football, but he did not want to leave Monroe. Howard started to compete in Track and Field during his junior year in school. He became exceptionally good with the Shot Put. The Shot Put is an event in which the participant stands inside a circle and attempts to “put” a weighted ball as far as possible. The “put” is different than a “throw” due to the motion of the arm. It has a history back to ancient times when people threw rocks for distance. During the Middle Ages, competitions were recorded on who could throw a cannonball the farthest.

In his junior year, Howard was on track to break the State of Alaska’s 22-year record in shot put. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner sports editor interviewed Howard on his chances of breaking the record. The article appeared in the paper on Thursday, May 3, 1990, two days before his Birthday. Please see the interview below.

NO CHALLENGE TOO BIG FOR HARRELL

With no one in front of him to try and beat and no one breathing down his neck to take his place, Howard Harrell finds that his greatest challenge this season is motivating himself. Last year, in his first season of throwing the shot and discus, the Monroe High School senior surprised many people by finishing fifth in the discus (142-5) and second in the Shot Put (53-11/4) at the state championship meet. Both throws were personal bests.

In his first meet this season, Harrell tossed the 12-pound shot 53-91/2 and the discus 154-7, marking approximately 6 feet and 13 feet, respectively, ahead of the next competitor in the 49th State.

He wants to break the state record in both events but must do so at the State meet for the mark to count. The hardest thing for him is there is no competition. He knows he’s going to win. His motivation has got to get better. It’s hard to keep motivated when you’re the top dog and the top dog by a lot. says Monroe coach Randy Small. Harrell attributed part of his success to State last year to being motivated to beat Scheunemann. The shoe is on the other foot this season. He readily acknowledges It’s hard to keep sharp mentally and psychologically, a situation he tries to overcome by establishing an impossible goal before each throw. I pick out a spot I want to throw too when I get in the ring., says Harrell, who stands 6 feet and weighs 260 pounds. “It helps me concentrate.”

TECHNIQUE AND POWER. Harrell has been lifting weights since the start of the New Year. Following last season, Harrell ordered instructional videos explaining the processes of throwing both implements. Several years ago, at Monroe, a method was used when Abdul Lewis showed potential in the triple jump.

Gary Walker, an Immaculate Conception school teacher, has worked with Harrell periodically, and Small can point out some things Harrell is doing wrong, but for the most part, he’s working on his own. He probably knows more about it than I do, Small says.

Given that, it is not unrealistic that Harrell prefers the shot put. It’s easier to do than the disk, says Harrell, Monroe’s academic decathlon team member who recently competed in a national event. With the discus, it’s a lot of technique, whereas with the shot, it’s a lot of power. You must throw the disk so it’ll fly flat. That’s been the hardest thing to learn. He added that it must come perfectly off your hand, or it will flip-flop one way or the other. Harrell has been throwing the disc approximately 170 feet in practice, though his throws have tended to stray out of bounds.

Although he’s more comfortable with the shot, his first step toward tossing the iron ball is coming up short. He said my not landing in the middle of the ring leaves 8 inches before the toe board. In the shot put, a throw is not counted if an athlete’s momentum carries him over the toe board at the end of the ring. By not having his lead foot come to rest on the toe board before he throws, Harrell is losing at least 8 inches off his throw, possibly more.

A JINX?

Harrell may need every inch to break the state Shot put record. Schuenemann suggested last year that there may be a jinx on the mark. Beller, a history and physical education teacher at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, said he’s not too sure about the Jinx. Each time it appeared a young man might break the mark, Beller has been there to congratulate the shot putter; should he set a new record? There’s just something about the pressure. Once they get to the State meet, Kids may overthink about it and get a little tense and tight, said Beller, the Bartlett football coach. The week before, the State meet on May 25-26 in Palmer, Harrell will try to establish new Region VI records. North Pole’s Jason Widman set the shot mark of 51-3 In 1985, and Howard Zach’s 143-8 a year later is the discus standard. If he doesn’t break those, it’ll be an upset, Small said. Zach attended Lathrop High School in Fairbanks.

It’s a concern of mine, Harrell said of the one-shot deal. I’m hoping to have one of my better days. I could have a bad day on any given day and not throw like I have been. Beller is, too. I know my family and friends wouldn’t like me to say this, but he said I’d kind of like to see someone break it to generate some new interest in it. I wish the young man up there all the best, and I hope he does it.” End of the newspaper article.

On May 25, 1990, Howard broke the 22-year Shot Put record with a throw of 56’3″; his record stood for 16 years. His record was broken in 2006 with a throw of 59’09.75.”

In 1990, The Harrells celebrated three Graduations.

1990, the three of us graduated. Young Howard graduated from Monroe High School. Grammy received an Associate of Applied Science Business Degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dindem received a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of LaVerne. There was an article in the newspaper titled Graduating Family with a large picture of the three of us.

Young Howard graduated from Monroe High School on May 20, 1990, and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks; he was there for about two years and then decided that he needed a break to find what he really wanted in Life. He applied for a Page position in the State House of Representatives in Juneau, Alaska. Pages: Hired by the Rules Committees of each Chamber, pages serve under the supervision of their Sergeant-at-Arms to provide support services to legislative members. They are on call in the Chamber for each legislative day, providing such services as mail distribution, whether in the form of Legislators’ notes, letters, packages, and documents or Agency communications, and maintenance of Chamber materials, including bill files and journals.

He enjoyed this position and worked in Juneau for about eight months. He returned to Fairbanks and worked several jobs before taking a job with The Teamsters Union and going to work on the Alaska Pipeline. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is an oil transportation system spanning Alaska, including the Trans-Alaska crude oil pipeline, 11 pump stations, several hundred miles of feeder pipelines, and the Valdez Marine Terminal. TAPS is one of the world’s largest pipeline systems.

It was during this time that Howard met Kimberly Dawn Kissell. When we met Kim, Jordan was three years old. Howard stated in the beginning that things were not serious between him and Kim. They worked together and were just friends. Soon after, they started dating and moved in together. Shortly after that, Kim became pregnant. We had already taken Jordan into our hearts as a grandchild. Karen had moved to Fairbanks to be closer to us before Briahnna was born on August 24, 1994.

So, this was the time we had been waiting for, Grandchildren. Before we knew it, there were four girls. Sadeyah Renee came into our hearts on December 20, 1996. Sadeyah was just beautiful, with a head full of curly hair. Then came Mariyah Earlene, another beautiful baby girl, on January 20, 1998. I had the pleasure of being in the delivery room at the birth of both Sadeyah and Mariyah. Kim and I were close then, and she asked me to be with her. We were thrilled because we had several Goddaughters but no Granddaughters.

Dindem and I were still working when the girls were born. We were thrilled and made every effort to spend time with them. But we were ready for a change, and I has already planned when Lonnie graduated from high school, I would retire and leave Alaska. We also knew if we did not move now while Dindem was working for the federal government, it would be very hard and expensive to leave later. We wanted your mom and dad to come with us. We talked to Howard and Kim about coming with us, but they were not ready to leave, and Kim did not want to leave her Mother.

It would have been hard for them to follow us because Dindem was still working, and we transferred two more times before we settled in Texas. So, we made the hard decision to leave Young Howard and his Family in Fairbanks.

Dindem, Karen, Breezy, and I left Fairbanks in May 1999.

Things were going fine; we were getting used to the lower 48, and Kim and Howard were doing well. When we received the news that a big baby boy, Howard Earl III (Trey), would be arriving on January 15, 2000. And then Trenton Andrew Walter came 11 months later, another baby boy born on January 11, 2001. So now Howard and Kim have a growing family; it seemed to have happened so fast we could hardly keep up. In six years, we went from no grandkids to six. But we ensured we got the grandkids wherever we lived during the summer. Howard and I both traveled to Fairbanks at different times to get the girls in the first few years we moved. Life moved on as it does, and a few Life changing events happened, and we were all changed forever.

On Thursday, June 25, 2015, young Howard quietly passed away in his sleep in Denton, Texas. Howard was born May 5, 1972 in Monterey, California.

Howard had four sisters:

Pamela Murphy, Killeen, Texas

Audrey Nelson and her husband, Larry, live in Austin, Texas.

Claudia Johnson and her husband, Haywood, live in Baltimore, Maryland

Denise Murphy lives in Killeen, Texas

Two brothers:

Burke Murphy and his wife Kehaulani live in Killeen, Texas

Lonnie Harrell and his wife, Tiffany, live in Clinton, MD.

Kimberly Harrell, 47, of Kentwood, MI, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Kimberly was born July 29, 1975, in Kansas City, MO, to Jeffrey & Lisa (Ross) Kissell.

Sometimes, dear grandchildren, it is hard for me to even think about the fact that both of your parents are gone.

This is not our home. We must all prepare for the day because we do not know when it will be.

Today is July 3, 2023. Okay, Kiddos, you guys have been just wonderful. I am amazed at the growth. All five of you have stepped up to the plate, and you are hitting it out of the park. I am so PROUD of all of you. I know it has not been easy. But God sent his Angels to watch over you. Thank you, I am so delighted and proud to say you are my Grandchildren. Proud of the young adults you have become. Please let God into your heart and make him the head of your Life. If you do that, you will always have a fulfilling life, no matter the circumstances.

NOTE: We received the news today, 8/5/2023. Sadeyah is expecting her second child in four weeks, on 9/22/2023. She just told Dindem and I. She does not know if it is a boy or a girl. Beautiful Surprise!!!! Another great grandbaby!!!! YAY!!!! I Love You!!!!

Lonnie Allen Williams Harrell

So, when Dindem and I married, the boys started calling us Mom and Dad, and they decided that. Dindem and I did not tell them to do it. They did not ask us if they could; they just did. As you see, Lonnie’s name was Lonnie Allen Williams, from his biological Father, Lonnie Williams, whom I discussed in Chapter 11. Lonnie was three years old, so names meant nothing to him. When we moved to Alaska, and he was about seven, he came home from school one day and asked us why his name was Williams and everyone else in the Family was Harrell. Good question, Dindem said, since he had asked about adopting Lonnie and I was holding off. I felt that since Lonnie was a Jr, changing his name would take away from his Lonnie Dad. I talked to Aunt Mae about it, and she reminded me that his Lonnie dad was gone, and he was not coming back. She reminded me that Dindem was right here, and he was doing all the dad things that Lonnie needed at the time, and he should be allowed to become his Father legally. I understand it is more about Lonnie now. So, I decided to let Dindem adopt him.

When we went to court, only the Judge, Lonnie, young Howard, me, and Dindem were in the courtroom. The Judge asked the boys about their relationship and how they got along. She asked Lonnie who Young Howard was, and Lonnie said his brother. The boys were sitting in front of us in the first row. Dindem and I sat about two rows behind the boys. The Judge continued to ask Lonnie and young Howard questions, and they would answer. Then she asked Lonnie who is that man sitting beside your Mom? Lonnie turned around, looked at me, Dindem, and said, Oh, that’s my Dad. The Judge said good, just what I wanted to hear. This adoption is approved. And just like that, he became Lonnie Allen Williams Harrell. I chose to keep Williams as part of his name. He grew up a Harrell, and I have asked him in the last few years since he has children of his own, how he feels about becoming a Harrell. His answer is I am a Harrell. I will raise my children as Harrell. He also said you and Dad raised me well. I know who I am. I know who my family is, but I am a Harrell. He has always claimed all his family on both sides. God really blessed me when it came to a Father for Lonnie. Dindem adopted Lonnie, and they share an unbreakable father-son bond.

Lonnie was in first grade when he started at  Immaculate Conception School (ICS). Lonnie was a well-behaved first grader in school. He has consistently received excellent teacher and student reports from first grade to high school. Lonnie had no problems at school and did his homework in elementary school. Looking back, maybe we did not stay close enough on him with his schoolwork because he was not reading on grade level at the end of second grade. We had reviewed things with him, but his teacher thought he should repeat the second grade. We had Lonnie tested for Dyslexia, and he was not. We checked his hearing, and he had a slight hearing loss. They told us that he could not hear the high-pitched sounds. And he could miss some of the teacher’s words depending on where he sat in the classroom. This would also explain his inability to hear the sounds of the letters, causing him trouble learning to read.

After much debate, we decided to hold him back in second grade. We were all very disappointed, but I had seen his struggle when it came to our attention, and he had missed a potion that he needed to keep up with the class work. Dindem did not want to hold him back; he thought he should try harder and put more time into studying. I knew holding him back was the only way, or he would struggle all his school career.

Well, that started a whole new career for me. I took it as my job to assure Lonnie that he was not dumb just because he had been held back. I wanted him to know he could now be the smartest in his class because he was held back. I also started to get more involved in both boys’ school life. I realized that no matter how big they get, kids will still be kids and always need guidance from their parents.

I was blessed to be able to spend time at the boy’s school and to see firsthand what was going on. I did not know this then, but I can see how Lonnie listened to what his Dad and I told him over the years. I encouraged Lonnie and always told him he was smart and could do whatever he wanted. With Lonnie’s personality and spirit, he blossomed. He became very confident in himself and always had very high self-esteem. Lonnie had to work on his grades, but I assured him he could do it with a little effort. Even though he was held back in second grade, he went on to have a perfect and happy school life.

Monroe had very few African-American students. Lonnie got to spend some time in Alabama with his Lonnie Dad’s people, and he saw how the Black people in the South lived and wanted more. By the time he finished elementary school and was ready for Middle School, he wanted to go to public school.

We decided to let him go to public school, and I also decided to go with him, which means that I would be closely involved in all things School for Lonnie.

When Lonnie finished at ICS in 6^th grade, and we enrolled him into Ryan Middle School in Fairbanks, I went to the school, introduced myself to the principal, and asked for a meeting with his teachers. They were all very open and understanding of my wanting to be there for my son. That started an excellent relationship with the school. I volunteered whenever possible, and the teachers and students got to know me. I became known as “Lonnie’s Mom.” Lonnie was very popular at Ryan, and he knew most of the kids either from Church or from playing Little Dribblers Basketball with them.

We were well on our way with school, he had many friends, and all his teachers loved him; he was very confident. Being held back in second grade was beginning to show. He was more optimistic and mature than his classmates because he was a year older than most. So, he thrived at Ryan Middle School and went to Lathrop High School.

Lonnie was a model student in High School, and he was very popular with the other students. And every teacher he had was very impressed with him and let us know. Lonnie was not known for his smarts but for his heart. Lonnie has always been charming from a little guy and always looked out for the underdog. Lonnie played basketball during high school and was one of the star players. I believe Lonnie had a wonderful time at school and an outstanding experience.

Lonnie loved the snow, and as I said, he played Hockey for a while. With youth Hockey in Fairbanks, they could not get practice time on the ice in the evenings because of the professional Hockey teams. The youth had to practice in the early mornings. Dindem and I both worked, so getting up at five in the morning and taking the boys to Hockey practice was no fun, and Lonnie soon did not want to continue. He was so young, and he had to learn to Ice skate while learning to play Hockey. Most of the time, they were all just on their bottoms on the ice. When he was older and in school, Lonnie even learned to Ski.

But then we get to the summer, and there is youth basketball and soccer. Oh my, Lonnie loved both sports and soon gave up Hockey. He played on the community Basketball and Soccer teams.

We participated in Black History Month the first year by decorating the school with Black History. We also sponsored a program that the students performed in. That was very successful and covered by the media. Lonnie was also involved in the group we formed, The Concerned Parents of African American Students, at Lathrop High School.

Lonnie was also a Ball Boy for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Basketball Team. Ball Boys and Girls retrieve and supply balls for players or officials in sports such as association football, American football, bandy, cricket, tennis, baseball, and basketball. They must maintain a C average and have a clean record of their grades and conduct. Lonnie did well in school and sports and was involved in our Church. We attended St James A.M.E. Zion in Fairbanks. Lonnie attended the Church Conference and loved participating in the Usher March.

Lonnie graduated from Lathrop High School in June 1998 and went to the University of Alaska Anchorage the first year after graduating high school. Say what? Who was held back in second grade!! He transferred to Howard University in Washington DC, one of the most prestigious (HBCU’s) Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. Lonnie proved himself there and graduated on Saturday, May 11, 2002, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications-Mass Media-Radio, TV, and Film.

Dindem and I were living in New Mexico in 2002, so I planned the celebration from there. I sent out invitations and notices of graduation to all my friends and family members. We were all so happy about Lonnie graduating from Howard University.

We did so much in Fairbanks; I struggled to put it all together as a family and individually. So, I am adding information from letters I mailed out over the years to cover some of the family’s activities.

Howard University Graduation-Commencement DAY

Saturday, May 11, 2002.

Howard II, Trey, and Trenton flew in from Fairbanks, arriving at Washington National Airport in Washington DC, to attend the Commencement at Howard University. The Commencement ceremony started at 10:00 a.m. We had to be seated at the University by 8:45 a.m. After the ceremony, we had to leave right away. We had a three-hour drive to Newport News. I wanted to be on the road by 2:00 p.m.

The Celebration Party was held at Fort Eustis Club, Fort Eustis, VA. At 6:30 p.m.

We pulled it off, and family and friends were waiting for us when we arrived at Ft Eustis. I had asked my nieces and young cousins to be the hosts in Virginia so that things could go on until our arrival. I want to thank each of them very much. That was, I can say, one of the most joyful times we have had as a family. Lonnie received over three thousand dollars in cash and gifts. God has been so good to us.

Letter From Christine Smith, Assistant Principal of Lathrop High School and one of his Teachers.

Martha, Whenever I think of Lonnie, I have so many good memories of his years at Lathrop. He was so positive and influenced other students and staff members. He had all the qualities you would expect in a good student – smart, responsible, and involved. But he also had qualities that made him stand out – his independence and ability to have friends among so many different types of students and cliques, his willingness to try something totally new and take a risk, his ability to see the big picture above the social interactions going on all the time. Lonnie was also one of the most fun people I have been around. He just brought a sense of joy and vitality to the school and our activities. I am just so glad that I got to know him better through Mock Trial. And Martha, I always appreciated your faith in Lathrop by sharing your son with us. Please tell Lonnie I know he will accomplish much and lift others in doing so. This graduation is just another in a long series of achievements that will string out over his lifetime. I am glad to have been part of his Life. Your friend, Christine Smith

The following is a copy of Lonnie’s Wedding Announcement: Rev. Howard and Mrs. Martha Harrell are pleased to announce the marriage of their son, Lonnie Harrell, to Tiffany Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Powell, on October 12, 2013, at Yellowfin Steak & Fish House Restaurant in Edgewater, Maryland. Guests were invited to an Engagement Party, but the Groom announced they were “Getting Married Right Now.” Guests were treated to a gala reception following the Surprise Wedding. The couple will reside in Oxen Hill, Maryland. Tiffany is a third-grade School Teacher in Baltimore, Maryland, and Lonnie is a Sr. Multimedia Specialist for the  Department of State Diplomatic Security Services in Washington, DC. Rev. Irene Ford Smith, Associate Pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, officiated with the Groom’s Father, Rev. Harrell. The couple will take a Honeymoon trip in December.

That was a summary of Howard and Lonnie’s school days and their growing up in Fairbanks.

Now, I will give you some highlights of our Church and Community Service

We joined Corinthian Baptist Church soon after getting settled in Fairbanks. We loved the congregation, the pastor, Rev. Banks, and his wife, Mrs. Banks. She played the piano for the choir, and somehow, she heard Dindem sing, and she convinced him to do a solo, and he went on to sing in the choir and lead songs. Corinthian Baptist is also where Howard (Dindem) entered the ministry, first as a Deacon and years later as an ordained Minister. We thrived at Corinthian, and I became the Youth Director working with the children and youth. We developed a close relationship with Reverend and Ms. Banks and their Family. It became Lonnie’s second home. He was friends with their youngest son, Javon. I had a close relationship with JaVette, their oldest daughter, and we became God Parents to her daughter, Quellencia, all our God children call us Aunt Martha and Uncle Howard. We so enjoyed being godparents; as life would have it, Satan came in and tried to destroy the relationship. JaVette married and moved from Fairbanks. We lost touch for a while, but I am happy to say that we did reconnect, and I am in contact with JaVette and Quellencia.

We left Corinthian and joined St John Baptist Church. We were not there very long. But while there, we made a lifelong friendship with a young family stationed at Eielson Air Force Base when we attended St. John in Fairbanks. At the time, Jerome and Kathy (Kathleen) Williams had two little girls, Kourtney and Kristyan. Kristyan was about two years old, and Kourtney was about six months; she was still in the baby carrier. One night at bible study, Howard and I sat behind them. They had set the carrier on the floor, and Kourtney could see Howard. They played with each other all evening. After Bible study, we talked with Kathy and Jerome and have been friends ever since.

We became Godparents to both girls. It has been over thirty years now. Over the years, we have spent birthdays and holidays together. We love Kathy like a daughter; the kids are like our grandkids. Oh yes, there are five children, three boys and two girls. Kathy did an excellent job with the children. They are all out on their own. Kourtney and Kristyan are both married with children of their own. They all graduated from college. Jerome passed away a few years ago.

Note: Kathy lives in Lawrenceville, GA now. Howard and I drove to Texas from Virginia in July 2023, and we stopped by to see Kathy and the kids. We always enjoy spending time with them…

Back to Fairbanks:

We joined St. James Temple A.M.E. Zion soon after with Rev. Charles Brown and Rev. Shellie Brown. Rev. Brown and Shellie, as we called them, came into our lives at just the right time. I had just had surgery for Breast Cancer. I needed some support being so far from home. Shellie became my sister-friend, and we are friends for Life. I should pick up the phone and call her right now. I know Jordan, Sadeyah, Mariyah, Trenton, and Trey; remember Rev. Brown from Fairbanks. They used to come by the house in the church van to pick you guys up for Church. Briahnna should remember them also.

We worked so well with them; they were both excellent teachers. I could ask Rev. Brown anything, and he had a way of explaining it, and he would stay on the subject until you understood. He didn’t just start explaining. He would say, “Let us see what the Bible says.” he opened the Bible and gave a scripture to follow. He and Dindem became close friends and worked on several projects in the community. Dindem was very impressed with how he taught Bible study, and Shellie was an excellent preacher. We grew in our Christian walk, studying with them and working in the Church and the community. We stayed at ST. James until we left Fairbanks. Rev. Brown passed away on September 1, 2020.

Community

Dindem retired from the Army on July 31, 1986. After about a year, he started working in the Borough where I worked. He worked for the Mayor, and I worked for the Assembly. Dindem and Bernie Brown were hired as the Borough’s military liaison officers in examining the impact of the new Sixth Light Infantry Division at Fort Wainwright. This began Dindem’s career working in the community and the schools. He graduated from Wayland Baptist University on October 1, 1988, with a degree in Business Administration.

 Let me say again we loved living in Fairbanks. The best thing about living in Fairbanks was not the long summer days or the long winter nights; it was the people. There were some wonderful people there; we all gathered for the good of the community. There were several churches, and we all participated in each other’s services. During the first  MLK celebration, the community, White, Black, and Alaska Native, came together to celebrate. That is not to say there was not some race problems, because it was. Dindem and Grammy served wherever we were needed; Fairbanks was our home. During Lonnie’s time at Ryan and Lathrop High School, Dindem and I volunteered there. Dindem and I were invited by the School Board Chairperson to take part in a panel discussion during a Board meeting about Race Relations in the Schools. I worked very close with the Black students at Lathrop there were few Black teachers.

 The Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services program is a project he worked on and brought to Fairbanks. Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services is a non-profit organization that provides and promotes safe, affordable housing, focusing on sustainable homeownership, self-sufficiency, sound environments, healthy quality of Life, and communities that sustain these values. Since 1993, FNHS has provided Fairbanks residents with a wide variety of services, including homeownership education, rehabilitation loans, down-payment & closing cost assistance, housing development, and access to affordable housing. Your Dindem put in a lot of effort to bring this program to Fairbanks, and it is still in service to the people of Fairbanks over twenty years later.

 Dindem was very involved in the community, a member of the NAACP, the Fairbanks Black Caucus, a Board member of the Southside Community Center, and a board member of the Fairbanks Development Authority. At the time, he was very interested in politics. This is what was stated in one of his interviews. Howard is very dedicated to his Family, Church, and community. His theme is “To Be of Service To Mankind.” Raising Lonnie and young Howard in Fairbanks was a blessing.

Now let me tell you about Fairbanks, Alaska

One of the things we enjoyed, and there were several, was the long summer days—the Summer Solstice and all the events that came with it.  June 21 is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer and the summer solstice.

The summer solstice happens each year on June 21 when the sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere, creating the longest, sunniest day of the year.

The winter solstice on December 21^, the shortest day of the year, is notable because it’s marked by an astronomical phenomenon – the moment the North Pole is tilted furthest from the sun as the earth continues in orbit. In terms of daylight, this day is 18 hours, 8 minutes shorter than the June Solstice. On December 21, each day after, a short amount of time is gained, about a minute at first, then as time goes on, more and more minutes are gained until by June 21, it is almost 23 hours of daylight. Same if you look at June 21^; each day after June 21^, we lose minutes of daylight until December 21, when we only have about 3 hours of daylight. But with long periods of dawn and dusk – or civil twilight – it’s more like 6 hours of visible light.

Fairbanks, a community in the middle of Alaska less than 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle, knows how to celebrate winter. No matter the weather, the unique nature of Fairbanks’ location, natural light, and snowy landscape make for stunning images of a true winter wonderland during the winter solstice.

Fairbanks not only has plenty of things to do in the summer months, but during the winter, it is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). It is near the Arctic Circle, which makes the Northern Lights visible from September to April. When I first saw the Northern Lights, I didn’t like them too much; it was scary. Over time, I learned to enjoy looking at them; this is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. The Northern Lights are like living in Fairbanks; it is tough to describe; you must live there and experience it yourself.

Sweet summertime. There is no shortage of cool things to see and do during the summer. Summer events take advantage of the everlasting sunshine and include:

The Midnight Sun Game tradition dates to the earliest days of Fairbanks. For over a century, a baseball game has been held annually in Fairbanks on June 21.

There’s no better place to celebrate the summer solstice than downtown Fairbanks—basking in 24-hour daylight just 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The historic Midnight Sun Festival is Alaska’s largest single-day event celebrating sunshine in the Golden Heart City. The free 12-hour street fair is marked by thousands of attendees perusing hundreds of exhibitors offering Alaskan merchandise, delicious food, and services.

Each year in mid-July, there are a series of fun activities known as Golden Days, recognizing the discovery of gold by Italian immigrant Felix Pedro and the founding of Fairbanks. Golden Days boast exciting events for all ages, including the biggest parade in Alaska, a street fair, and a rubber ducky race along the Chena River. We celebrated Fairbanks’ Golden Heart history, and you could spot some Felix Pedro look-a-likes, can-can girls, and pioneers running around town.

With the midnight summer sun shining nearly 24 hours a day and the northern lights dancing overhead during Aurora Season, Fairbanks is simply bursting with things to do.

Downtown Fairbanks comes alive on and around the winter solstice, December 21 — the day that heralds the return of the light. You can look at the mountains and see the light coming. I truly enjoyed this time because it reminded me that summer was coming—musical and artistic events and shopping for handmade Alaskan items. Stroll the streets and view delightful holiday decorations and light posts enamored with charming, lit-up snowflakes. Ice Art Around Town. Open North American Championship

In what is called the oldest sled dog race series on the planet, the three-day ONAC is a treat to watch. Teams from all over the world arrive in Fairbanks with their teams of sprint dogs to race in two 20.9-mile heats and one 28.6-mile heat to win the coveted dog mushing title.

I just gave you a brief overview of some activities we enjoyed living in Fairbanks. I have several books with all the awards and certificates, so if you want to see more, Lonnie will have the books. I am sure he will give anyone who wants more information a copy of whatever.

Leaving  Fairbanks Alaska

Dindem was offered two jobs, one in Tampa, Florida, and one in Albany, Georgia. The one in Georgia offered him the opportunity to come there first, so we accepted that one. Lonnie graduated high school in June 1998, and Dindem got a job in Albany, Georgia, in May 1999. Howard, Karen, Briahna, and I moved to Albany, GA, from Alaska in May 1999. In ten days, we drove 4,653 miles of the Alaska-Canadian Highway or ALCAN Highway. What an exciting adventure. We want to make the trip one more time while vacationing. Lonnie was still in college and was planning to come to Fairbanks for a summer job. He helped us with the move and assisted Karen with the drive. Briahna, I believe, enjoyed the trip most of all; she loved staying at the motels. Once we arrived in  Georgia, we noticed Karen’s car was in the middle of the street while checking into temporary housing. When asked why this was, she said, “It won’t stay parked.” After having the car towed to a local dealership, we discovered that a ‘constant velocity joint’ (aka CV joint) had broken. This confirmed how God blesses us and that He is faithful to those who call Him Father!!! Now imagine what could have happened had this incident occurred during the long stretches of winding roads and mountainous wilderness areas we met in the Yukon Territory in Canada. Once we were settled, Lonnie flew back to Fairbanks to work part of the summer.

In Georgia: We were only in Georgia for 18 months. While there, we met many wonderful people. Little did we know, at the time, that this would be a short-lived experience. We purchased a beautiful house and had just gotten it the way we wanted when God blessed us with an opportunity for another promotion.

So here we are in New Mexico, the incredible “Land of Enchantment.” You must see it if you have never been to a high desert area. It’s stunning, and the mountains seem to speak to you. The climate, terrain, and living conditions differ from anything we’ve experienced. It is much closer to the way it is in Alaska without the extreme cold. It is hot here in the desert but cooler at night.

Howard is the EEO Manager for the Bureau of Land Management, encompassing New Mexico and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. He travels often but still finds time to play Golf as much as possible between work, Church, and home. He is a Deacon in the Church and loves teaching the adult Sunday school class.

Howard is a wonderful grandfather. During our time in New Mexico, Briahnna grew up she was only two when we left Alaska. She and Dindem developed a strong relationship. He bought her golf clubs, and she enjoyed hitting golf balls in the backyard. When Briahna started to talk, she could not say/or would not say granddaddy, which is what he wanted the grandkids to call him. She ended up saying Dindem, so all the grandkids call him Dindem. He really likes that and often says, “I don’t think there are many Dindems out there.” We lived in New Mexico for about two and a half years.

We finally retired to Denton, Texas. We lived in an active adult community, “Robson Ranch.” Howard retired from the Bureau of Land Management only to return as a Reemployed Annuitant about four weeks after retirement. He is the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager for New Mexico, and this past April, he was asked to take on the State of Arizona. He does it all from home.

We celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary with a trip to Disney World with five of our six grandchildren.

 My 70^th Birthday Letter. December 14, 1942, Martha Jane Vernon was born!!!!!!

On this my 70^th Birthday, December 14, 2012, I had been thinking just how I wanted to celebrate this Glorious Day. Having so many wonderful people in my Life has been a blessing. You may have heard this saying; “People always come into your Life for a REASON, a SEASON, or a LIFETIME. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints in our hearts, and We are never, ever the same”. At some point in time, our life paths crossed; I just wanted to tell you I am so grateful it did.

I have been in touch with most of you over the years; you have shared in my Life’s journey, some by letter, some by long-distance phone conversations, and some by seeing you.

My Heavenly Father, who loves me so much that he sent his Darling Son Jesus to die on the cross for me so that I could be saved, has chosen me to Bless with so much to be grateful for. For all I have been given, my Life, my Family, and my health, I am most thankful for YOU. You have been there through it–all. Even though I may not have seen or spoken to you in a while, I want you to know that I value you and your place in my Life. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

On December 14, 2012, I was blessed to see 70 years. Who would have thought Martha Jane Vernon-Williams-Harrell would be here, would have done all the wonderful things, seen all the beautiful places, and met God’s most precious people? You will never know how grateful I am to all my Reasons, Seasons, and Life-timers for being right there when I needed you.

I have tried to keep in touch over the years, telling you about the family. All is well with the children and grandchildren. I have told you how grateful I am to have this 70^th Birthday. I am most grateful for my husband, Howard. I am so grateful that over 30 years ago, he walked into my Life, became my Reason, my Season, and stayed a Lifetime, and I have not been the same.

Therefore, on this, my 70^th Birthday, there will be no party, there will be no trip. I just want to sit here, meditate, and think about the good times, the times that I spent with you. The Reason you were in my Life. I want to thank God for his Goodness and Mercy, for I have done nothing to deserve his Blessings. However, I am so grateful, so grateful, for all he has done for me and so grateful to all of you for being there for me. Just so grateful and thankful. So Happy Birthday, “Martha Jane,” and Thanks and Blessings to all of you. PS: I do not feel like 70…   (laugh out loud); whatever seventy feels like!!!!

I love you all, to, some Jane to most Martha End of Birthday letter. 

We had built our dream home in Texas. We were all set, Dindem had his Golf, and I could do whatever I wanted. Even though Karen and Bree were close by, we were a long way from the other grandchildren since Trey and Trenton had moved to Michigan with Kim. Lonnie was single and lived in Maryland. He did not get married until after we had made Denton, Texas, our retirement home. Lonnie and Tiffany had a surprise wedding on October 12, 2014. It was wonderful, and everyone there shared in their surprise. Logan Allen was born on May 5, 2015, and Langston Elijah came on April 3, 2016. Dindem had major surgery in July 2016 and was recovering. Lonnie was sending pictures and videos of the boys. One day, after looking at a video, Dindem said to me why are we sitting here looking at pictures of these babies. We are too far away, we need to be closer to Lonnie and his family. I said when do you want to move, I am ready to go. So, just like that, we have come full circle, we moved back to Virginia. Varginha is Grammy’s home state and where she and Dindem started their lives together over 40 years ago.  We put our house in Texas on the market, and it sold in 7 days. We were so excited we flew to Virginia to look at homes we found online through a Real Estate agent. We looked at two places and purchased the second one we saw. Well, we had decided on it from the information we received online. We just had to see it. We closed on this house on March 3, 2017, and moved in the next day. Our little Pumpkin, Lola Ava Lucille, was born on May 17/2018. Now we are close enough to make week-end trips or be there for family birthdays, and they can drive down for Christmas.

We did not want to go any further North, and the Richmond area put us closer to my home, where I still have two sisters and many other family members and friends. Since living in Fairbanks, Alaska, we like a small town, and Chester is just our speed. We are both retired for good now, and God has blessed us to be able to make the move.  Here, we also have access to a Military Base, Fort Lee, and we like that since Dindem spent 20 years in the Army, we like going to the base and seeing the changes over the years.

Promise kept our 38^th Anniversary

When we married in August of 1981, Dindem asked me if I wanted to travel and where to go. I said Germany; most people I knew who were in the military went to Germany for about three years and returned to Newport News. He said, okay, we could do that. Little did I know how long it would take to get there.

We did not go to Germany. We went to Fairbanks, Alaska, stayed there for 17 years, and raised two sons. I must say everything about our stay there was beautiful.

Moving forward to August 5, 2019, our 38^th Anniversary, he shows me the itinerary for a 16-day Grand European Cruise and Tour. We flew from Richmond, VA, to New York/Newark Airport. From there, we flew for about 9 hours to Berlin, Germany—the following day, a City Tour of Berlin, Germany, then a drive to Warnemunde. We boarded the Costa Favolosa for the next 12 days with stops in 6 Countries: Denmark, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. We disembarked in Italy and flew back from Milan, Italy. Promise kept… It was a glorious time. We met so many beautiful people from around the world. I thank my Heavenly Father for all His blessings and safe travels. Thanks for a lovely Anniversary Gift, my Love.

 Grammy and Dindem Celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Cheers for 40 Years – Happy 40^th Anniversary – August 5, 1981- July 7, 2021

The Last 41 Years at a Glance:

41 Years Together      Met June 12, 1980

40 Years of Marriage Married 8/5/1981

41 Merry Christmas and watching the ball descend.

41 Birthdays and other Holidays

3 Marvelous Children

9 Beautiful Grandchildren

5 Adorable Great Grandchildren

17.5  Amazing years in Fairbanks, Alaska

Lived in 6 different states

Newport News, Virginia                     Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Fairbanks, Alaska                               Tulsa, Oklahoma

Albany, Georga                                   Denton, Texas             Chester, Virginia

 1 Great Calling Howard accepted his call into the ministry and delivered his first sermon.

What a Wonderful and Blessed Life full of Love we have!!!

Over the years, God has placed so many lovely people in our lives. And if things were different with COVID-19, this would be an invitation to spend the Celebration of our 40th Wedding Anniversary with us.

Grammy 80 Years Young:

Thank you, God, on December 14, 2022, I celebrated my 80^th Birthday. What a day, I did not plan a party. You never know what the weather will be like in December, so close to the holidays. So, I just made plans that included me and /Dindem. I started the celebration on Monday, 12/12, with a Massage; on Tuesday, 12/13, I ordered balloons; yes, I ordered my own balloons. Wednesday, 12/14, I started the day with much prayer and thanked God for my health and family. Mid-day, I had makeup professionally done. Then Dindem and I had pictures professionally done at the house. And that evening, we had dinner at the Boathouse Restaurant. What a wonderful day and evening. But we were not finished on Thursday, 12/15; we went to JCPenney’s and had more pictures taken. We topped it off on Friday, 12/16, with dinner and a show at the Swift Creek Theater.

But Dindem decided to do a Birthday card celebration, so he told all our family and friends to send cards. What a fantastic idea that turned into quite a celebration. I was so surprised when the cards started to come in. I received over eighty cards and $500.

We all have our time, but some struggle to find their Place in Time……I am blessed because God let me see my Place In Time with Dindem by my side. “A bond has been formed between us that is unshakable through time and unbreakable by any force.

“Sometimes Right in the Middle of an Ordinary Life Love Gives Us a Fairytale.” I have experienced a love that most people dream of. I am blessed, I am happy, and I am loved. I have lived that Fairytale.

Karen and Lonnie, I am so happy that God chose me to be your Mother, and I love you both with all my heart. I hope I didn’t mess up too much. He allowed me to watch you develop into the person He intended you to be. Young Howard, from the day we met until the day you left, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always love you.

To Briahnna, Jordan, Sadeyah, Mariyah, Trey, Trenton, Logan, Langston, and Lola, God has chosen me to be your Grammy, to love and watch you grow. My greatest joys have been loving and seeing how much you have developed.

Now, my dear children, take what you may from everything I have written. Share it with your children and their children, go out, “Find Your Place in Time,” and remember to make God first. I will always be in your heart. All my Love, Grammy.

Martha Jane Vernon Williams Harrell

Today’s date is September 12, 2023

 My Love

I could never have written to the kids and grandkids without telling you how much I love you. And I want them to know the impact you made on my Life. There are no words to describe how deeply I love you. Thankfully, God saw us and chose us to share our lives. As our passion grew into a lifetime of Love, he blessed and protected us.

Howard, My Love, you walked into my life just when I thought Love had passed me by.  You melted my heart when you said you wouldn’t leave without me and Lonnie. That is when I felt all fear and doubt slip away; I will never forget that look in your eyes.  I knew there was nothing on earth that would separate us. You are my true lover and my best friend.

You have made this world a better place for me. As soon as we said hello, the day we met face to face, the world began to change. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t met you. I feel incredibly grateful to have you in my Life. You are a true blessing. Being next to you makes me feel truly alive.  God knows how much I love you. He’s blessed us to celebrate 42 years as man and wife. I love everything about you. Your smile, your way of taking my breath away, how I feel when I hear your laughter from another room. I never knew that I could love someone the way I love you. So, I treasure every moment of my Life with you. Even when you are upset with me and don’t want to talk, I will always be by your side wherever you are. What you have given me is greater than a dream; you are my happy ending. I can’t remember Life without you, how it used to be; it feels like a million years ago. If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t love at all. My heart belongs to you, my Love.

Thank You……

I also want to Thank You for all you did in our marriage and how you cared for me and our children. Thanks for loving my children. You loved them both and took them as your own. You did not give up when times were rough. You stayed the course because God sent you straight to us. We all needed you so much.

Thank you for all the joy you have given me and our family. You saw the very best in me. You held me up and never let me fall. It was your belief in us that gave me faith.  You saw me through it all. There is nothing better than to love and be loved in return.

I may not know everything, but this I know is true: I was blessed because you loved me. Howard, my Love, thank you for loving me and sharing these last 43 years. I will always love you.

Martha Jane Harrell,  today’s date is September 12, 2023

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them ~ yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. NIV New International Version

 

 

“Nobody is going to do your life for you. Whether you’re rich or poor, you must do it yourself, out of money or raking it in. The Beneficiary of ridiculous fortune or terrible injustice. And you must do it no matter what is true. No matter what is hard. No matter what is unjust and sucky, things have befallen you. Self-pity is a dead-end road. You Choose to drive down it. It’s up to you to decide to stay parked there or to turn around and drive out,” Cheryl Strayed

Lonnie, Sr was a joyful person; he always had a slight smile. He could be the life of the party, or he could show his temper. However, we did not go to many parties. We hung out, just the two of us, when we were not working because there were always so many people around at work.

Lonnie had one sister and six brothers, and I had one brother and six sisters. We often joked about that and how having sisters versus brothers impacted me and him and his six brothers.

He liked waiting tables, it was fast money, and he enjoyed people. I was never one to jump in or be first, so I just watched from a distance. I did not pay too much attention to him at first. Soon, I could tell that he was interested.

I was working at Dow Chemical when Lonnie and I met. I started waiting tables in Williamsburg, VA, to earn extra money to get my own place. I was staying with Aunt Mamie at the time in Lee Hall, so it was not that far away. Williamsburg is a trendy tourist city that is bustling during the summer. A server could get as many hours as you wanted, and the money was fast, tips every night. We worked in the dining room at the Hospitality House, one of the best Hotels in Williamsburg. We always got the same shift during the week, and when we worked the large banquets, we enjoyed working together. It was fun working with him, and soon I found myself talking to him more and more. We started going out after shift on the weekends when Aunt Mae babysat Karen. He worked days and nights, and I only worked on the weekends, Friday through Sunday, because it was a second job for me.

Lonnie came into my personal life very slowly, very quietly. Since I lived in Denbigh and he lived in Williamsburg, not too far apart but not close enough to pass by unintentionally. And I had a pre-teenage daughter.

Since we worked together, I was used to seeing and feeling like I knew him. He was shorter than most of the guys I dated. He was very friendly, and I was beginning to like him. He was always joking around. Sometimes I also worked as a cocktail server in the lounge. Lonnie would request to be the Bartender because sometimes the customers, primarily white men, could get out of line with the female servers after a few drinks. And Lonnie was not having any of that with me, and he would let the customer know.
We had talked about his son Troy soon after we met; he was very young. He did not talk about his relationship with Troy’s mother other than to say they only saw each other where his son was concerned. He was very protective of his son and wanted the best for him. As far as I knew, Lonnie loved Troy very much, spent time with him, and financially cared for him.

After work, our time together became more frequent, and he started coming to see me when we were off work. One night he said that he was falling in love with me. He was so cute with a big smile, and I said I love you too. I don’t think either of us was thinking long-term… well. Let me rephrase that I was not thinking long-term. Neither of us knew we would get married, have a baby, and buy a house and a new car in less than two years. Well, we did, and on October 16, 1976, we were married, and on February 2, 1978, Lonnie Jr weighed in at 10 lbs.

We had a small wedding with family and close friends. I had not planned a large wedding, I had not planned a wedding at all, but it turned into one. We got married at Aunt Mae’s house on Taliaferro’s Rd. Aunt Mae was so happy for me, and she Aunt Alice, and Aunt Carrie, did an excellent job decorating and doing the food.
Our siblings and their spouses were over thirty people between Lonnie and me. That was a very happy unforgettable day for us.

Sixteen months later, here comes Lonnie Jr. I remember telling Maxine and Beverly that I thought I was pregnant; they could not believe it. Karen was 15, and I was almost 35. And doctors told me that I could not get pregnant. But God had other plans, and Lonnie Jr. was meant to be here. My pregnancy with Lonnie Jr. was beautiful, with no problems at all. I just got bigger and bigger.

Lonnie Jr. was a wonderful surprise, baby. He was also a big baby; he weighed in at 10 lbs. I had to have a C-section. I did not think I would have any more children. Karen was 15 years old, so he had two Mommies between us. Karen was a wonderful big sister. She helped take care of him, and one of us was always holding him.
Lonnie, Sr. was thrilled; he was so into Lonnie Jr., which surprised me. I didn’t think he would be such a hands-on Dad. Lonnie would hold him and play with him. He fed him, and when Lonnie Jr was asleep in the little carrier, he would sit next to him and look at him. I could leave, and he was OK with being alone with Lonnie Jr; back then, most dads didn’t want to be left alone with a new baby. Lonnie Jr was a blessing, and all my family and friends were so happy for us. I only had six weeks of maternity leave. I did not want to return to work, but I had to. My friend Anna, who had a baby about two months before I had Lonnie and was going to stay home with her baby, offered to keep him for me. That was a blessing; she only lived a few blocks from us.

After we married, Lonnie stopped gambling and became friends with one of my classmates Robert Hunt who lived nearby. Robert was a supervisor at the Shipyard and helped him get hired there. We purchased an all brick, one-story, four-bedroom, 2 ½ bath home at 134 Harrington Rd. in the Runnymede community in Denbigh. It was not too far from where we lived in the apartment on Motoka Dr, but Karen had to change schools. His mother, Maggie, came up when we moved into the house. It was a gorgeous house, and we were thrilled at the time.

Lonnie fell in love with a car he passed every day on the way to work. He loved that car and kept talking about it. Finally, I went with him to look at it. It was a red and white 1978 Thunderbird. It was a beautiful car. I could see why he liked it so much. So, we bought it; he was so happy; I had never seen a smile like that on him.

When Lonnie and I married, I worked at Dow Badische Company in Williamsburg, Virginia. I worked in the warehouse with Maxine and Beverly in shipping and receiving. I took this job because it was straight days; otherwise, I would still be on the swing shift, rotating two weeks on days, two weeks on mid-day, and two weeks on the night shift. I was working on the machines with the WEB. Working in the warehouse was a bit harder than working the machines. There was a lot of dust, and I had to clean out a large filter where all the fiber went daily. It was not a clean job, and we got pretty dirty. We also did the shipping and receiving, which meant I had to drive a forklift. I did that the whole time I was pregnant with Lonnie, Jr. until I went on maternity leave. I had gotten so big my supervisor asked me when I would take my leave.

I knew that Lonnie gambled playing cards before we married. I never thought it was an issue, just something he did with friends after work. Working as a server in Williamsburg, nobody went home after work except me because I had another job.

The Friday night before he went to Williamsburg, Lonnie told me he wanted to hang out with some old friends and people who used to work with him. So, I didn’t overthink it; it crossed my mind that he might gamble, but when he got paid from the Shipyard, I got the check, and we did the household things we needed to do. So he went out, had some cash, gambled, and things went very wrong. There are different stories of what happened, but I will not repeat them here. We all know the result.

Lonnie Allen Williams, Sr., 34, 134 Harrington Road, Newport News, ‘died Sunday in Riverside Hospital due to gunshot wounds. A native of Fairhope, Ala., a Peninsula resident for 12 years, was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding. He was a member of Christian Valley Baptist Church in Fairhope, Alabama.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Martha Jane Williams; a stepdaughter, Miss Karen Vernon, and son Lonnie A. Williams Jr of the home; Troy Howard, son of Williamsburg.
His mother and stepfather, Herbert and Maggie Williams of Fairhope. His father and stepmother, Herzoll and Dorothy Williams of Fairhope; a sister, Mrs. Thelma Thomas of Alexandria and six brothers, Lionel Williams of Forestville, Md. Herbert Williams of Alexandria, Lavernon Williams of Los Angeles, Calif., Larry, and Leonard Williams, both of Fairhope and Wilbert Paul Williams of Mobile, Ala.

The Rev. Edlow of Newport News will conduct a funeral at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Whiting Funeral Home, Williamsburg. “‘Burial will be in Fairhope, Alabama, Twin Beach Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the residence, 134 Harrington Rd., by 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia, November 7, 1978, Tue.

In the early morning hours on Sunday, November, I received a call that Lonnie had been shot and taken to the hospital in Williamsburg. I was blessed to have friends that I could call. My High School classmate Robert Hunt, who had helped Lonnie get into the Shipyard, came and drove me to Williamsburg. I left Karen at home with Lonnie Jr. I remember I called someone to come and be with her. Right now, I can’t remember who.

My friends were there, Maxine, Beverly, LoLo, and Anna, we all were very close. I remember talking to Maxine more than anyone else. She was there for me the whole time. Also, my sisters Christine and Barbara were at the hospital until the end.

Troy, like Lonnie, grew up to be a wonderful young man. After Lonnie’s death, I had no contact with Troy or his mother, and I never met her.
Over the years, I have seen Tory a few times. I know he and Lonnie keep in touch, and I am so happy about that. I did make sure Troy got everything that was due to him when his father died.

“Love is cute when it’s new, but love is most beautiful when it lasts.” Lonnie Sr. and I were on our way to our forever after. We could have worked too beautiful if we had, had more time.

What does it mean to trust God’s faithfulness, and what does it look like to live out our trust in Him?
There was so much going on in my life. I did not know what to do. I had made many choices that did not come out as planned. The following is my testimony well over 40 years later.

I had just lost my husband, and he did not die from natural causes; he died of a gunshot wound at age 34. We had been married right at two years. We had purchased a new home, bought a brand-new car, and had a beautiful baby boy.

I also had a teenage daughter. I remember praying that night. I could hardly breathe. The only thing that came out of my mouth was, What? Lord, What, What am I going to do now? I have these two children, and I raised Karen without her father. But this little boy. What will I do with him without his father, without a man in his life?

God works wonders and sends the Baby lover of all time to us. Here comes Howard Harrell, My Boaz, my redeemer, has arrived. Lonnie Jr. was only nine months old when his father died, he looked for him every day, and whenever he was around a man, he would always reach for them to pick him up. It is 1980, Lonnie Jr is 16 months old, he and Howard bonded the day they met, and the bond is unbelievably strong 43 years later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BEND IN THE ROAD
“Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads
And view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it’s only a bend—
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the part that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load,
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow—
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.”

Helen Steiner Rice

 

My Mother, Lucille Smith, was born on April 26, 1926, in Lee Hall, Virginia, the youngest of nine children born to Jane and Moses Smith.

My Father, Edward Lee Vernon, Sr., his family called him “Bubba.” Momma and his friends called him Ed Lee, born on January 17, 1919, in Grafton, VA. The oldest of six children to Simuel Haywood and Martha Ellen Vernon.

My Mother and Father married on December 8, 1940, in Yorktown, Virginia. My parents lived with her parents in Lee Hall during the early years of their marriage. They also lived with his grandparents at some time in their marriage. Daddy grew up living with his grandparents, Simuel Vernon Sr. and Jane (Foster) Vernon; Foster is her maiden name. They had eight children. Barbara Yvonne, Martha Jane, Christine Elizabeth, Esther Mae, Elnora Bernetta, Lucille, Edward Lee Jr., and Deborah Juanita.

I was too young to remember moving from my grandparent’s home in Lee Hall to Newsome Park, but I remember asking to go back to see Aunt Mamie. Momma was so surprised that I remembered and wanted to go back. I also remember the trips back (up home) that is what we called our Mother’s childhood home. Even as a child, I loved to travel, and whenever we would go, I would be so excited. Sometimes Esther, our cousin, would go with us, and my sisters and I had to stand in the back of the car. No laws back then that made us buckle up. I remember that sometimes the bottom of my feet would burn. It was mainly a two-lane country road with trees and farms back then. It was only about 25 miles, but it was a long drive for a kid standing in the back of a car.

Momma would always say if we wasted food or anything, “Y’all gonna put us in the Poor House.” As a kid, I thought the Poor House was a real place; as we drove “up home,” we would pass old houses that needed painting, sometimes old barns looking like they would fall. I thought that must be the “Poor House” that Momma talked about. Still, today, when I see an old house along the highway, I think of the Poor House. Momma always tried to make it fun for us, and she would pack a lunch. Sometimes, we would find just the right spot to stop and eat picnic-style. There were no restaurants where Black people could stop and eat back then. I know they almost certainly did not have money to buy food from a restaurant.

Another thing that I remember my Mother saying is, “If all of our problems were hung on a line, you would take yours, and I would take mine.” That has stayed with me. I think of it often when I am going through a storm. Everyone has problems; yours are not as bad as you think; look at what others are going through.

Christmas was always lots of fun at our house. Momma would hide our gifts and then put them out late on Christmas Eve; we kids would have a hard time going to sleep on Christmas Eve, even though we would go to bed before it got dark. Our cousin Esther would come to the house and pretend to be Santa, and we would all run to our room. I don’t know about the rest of my sisters, but I believed in Santa until I was about 12; Momma had to tell me about Santa. (SMILE)

No matter how little they had, they ensured we had a wonderful Christmas morning. My sisters and I would wake up early to see what Santa had left us. Momma did not wrap our gifts; we would start looking and touching stuff. Then Momma and Daddy would come in and hand out our gifts. Every year I wanted a bicycle; I don’t remember asking for one; I don’t remember seeing Santa and telling him I wanted a bike. I just thought Santa knew it, but I never got one.

One of us would always get sick on Christmas morning. We would start eating candy and fruit before breakfast; Momma soon stopped that and made sure we all ate breakfast first, not so much candy. Sometimes, because my birthday is in December, I would get an extra gift if they did not get me anything on my birthday. Now I DO NOT wait for Christmas to get my Birthday gift.

As far as my childhood goes, we were happy kids, sheltered and protected, and we were never hungry or homeless. Sometimes we had syrup and biscuits for dinner because that was all we had, and I could tell Momma felt terrible, but that was fine with me; I have always had a sweet tooth. Sometimes now, I will put syrup on a biscuit, which brings back memories. While the words I love you are not a large part of my memory, we were good. We were poor, but we didn’t know it then, and we felt loved; we had a home full of love and felt safe. I had two parents and several siblings, and the world was fair for me then. There were six of us girls, but we also would have some of our cousins or friends come over to spend the night on the weekend. Momma never said no, and she enjoyed having the extra kids there. Momma was very serious and always kept things under control. But Daddy was the enforcer, and he kept us in line.

Daddy was always right there with Momma. He was a loving father and husband; I never saw him and Mom argue or fight. I know one time she had him running out of the house. I was too young to understand what that was all about.

Daddy had a sense of humor; he would tell a joke or two, but not so much, around us. I overheard him telling jokes at our cousin Esther’s house one night. I will never forget him as my protector; he would do anything for our family. He was well-liked in the neighborhood with lots of friends. He always smiled as he greeted people asking, “how’s it going?” Our friends would come over, and he would take us places if we had a car. He never met a stranger. I remember he would say to people who asked him if all of us girls were his, he would say, “that’s what my wife says” I didn’t understand that answer until I became an adult.

Momma and Daddy both were very close to Esther Turner, our cousins. We lived right across the street from her, but she would soon become more of a grandmother than a cousin. Esther and Momma were first cousins; their mothers were sisters, and they were very close.

Christine and I were both really afraid of dogs. One evening, we came home from Esther’s house, and we saw a big dog, and we started to scream and run. Daddy heard us, and Momma said he didn’t take the time to unhook the screen door. He just smashed through it to get to us. That is the way he was when we were kids. When I was a small child, I always loved when Daddy picked me up; it felt like I could see everything.

Once, we went to the beach or a Carnival. I was young, maybe six or seven. Daddy took me for a ride in the Bumper Cars; even though I held on to him, I was not afraid. I can’t remember being afraid of anything when he was around.

Daddy taught me how to drive; I did not pass the test the first time I tried for my license; I failed the parallel parking. He took me to the school parking lot, put down two boards, and parked the car. First with me inside the car and then standing outside, so I could see what he was doing. He got out and told me to park. The year was 1958; no power steering, no power, anything. I was trying to get that car between those two boards as best I could. He was outside beating on the front of the car and saying, TURN IT, TURN IT; we did that for several days. The next time I tried for my license, I passed the parking test. He also warned me not to CUT The CORNER when making a left turn. Do you know what that means? Most people don’t because they do it every time; they make a left turn. Cutting the corner is when you make that left turn. Instead of going to the right of the lane, most people turn on the edge of the lane and “cut the corner” of the lane belonging to the vehicles coming towards them.

I can hear him saying it today when I make a left turn. “Don’t Cut That Corner.” He also warned me about the Red Light; do not take off as soon as the light turns green. Someone may be running the Red Light. Better to give them the right of way than to be broadsided. Funny how some things stay with you.

Daddy worked at the Shipyard for a long time. Then he got hired at (VEPCO) Virginia Electric & Power Company. He was working there when he got sick. After Daddy became ill, things changed. One day he came in, and he could hardly walk. I never knew what was wrong with him, and he ended up in the hospital. The doctors did not understand what was wrong with him. Daddy was in the hospital for quite a while. They strapped him onto a unique bed; the whole bed would turn entirely over, and he lay there, facing the floor for a time. I never knew what that was about and how it helped his condition. When he came home, he still could not walk. He was angry and upset about his situation and could not work. He would yell, banging his walking cane on the coffee table, and he only wanted Momma to take care of him. My sisters and I attempted to do all we could manage, we were very young, and Momma was working two jobs and not well herself.

Momma and Daddy both worked very hard before her death and his illness. These are some of the jobs I remember her doing. Day Work: Back then, Black women had several White families; they cleaned for and got paid daily. Port Arthur Chinese Restaurant, she worked in the kitchen. She would bring food home, which was a good thing; they had delicious Chinese food. Sometimes, Barbara or I would go with her to help cut up vegetables.

When she became ill, she worked at Mary Immaculate Hospital as a Nurse Aide and drove a school bus. While working as a Nurse’s Aide, she worked 12-hour shifts. She would be at the hospital at night from 7 pm to 7 am and then drive the school bus in the mornings when she got off from the hospital. She would try and sleep whenever she could. Then around three or so, she would go back to the school bus, do her rounds, get home, try to nap, and then go back to the hospital at 7 pm. I don’t think it ever occurred to her to ask for help (welfare).

Momma and Daddy lacked no effort in trying to keep things going. With his illness, children, and trying to finish the house, there was no place in time for her to become ill. When I was about 15, Momma hit her upper leg on the corner of a table. It bruised, and a lump came that did not go away. She went to the hospital, and they removed the lump and found Cancer cells. The Doctors told her they had removed all of the Cancer. Everything was so different back in the ’50s. She started having all kinds of problems, not feeling good, and pain in her back. The Doctors once again said it was from working so hard and having eight children so close.

She could not stop working and worked two jobs with great pain in her back. In 1960 she went from Doctor to doctor, trying to find the problem. Finally, one Doctor had an x-ray done with dye injected into her spine. This procedure showed shadows in several places on her spine. These shadows turned out to be malignant tumors which they did not know until after the surgery. The Doctor told Mom and Dad that surgery was the only way to find out what was showing on the X-ray. The surgery did not go well; she lost too much blood and died during the operation on October 6, 1960, at the Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, at thirty-four. The doctors had told them the surgery was very dangerous, working on the spine; she could become paralyzed or lose her life. She had a 50/50 chance.

As we left the hospital that night before, I still hear her saying, “See Y’all in the morning.”

I have tried to give you a little insight into my Mother and what I know about those thirty-four years before her death. I was so shocked and sad I thought I would never breathe again. That was the end of life as I knew it; I became a real grown-up at seventeen that day.

As you can imagine, Daddy did not do well after Momma died. He never got over her death. Daddy had not recovered from his illness, but he could walk. Daddy was still in treatment and never returned to work; he was on disability for the rest of his life. He went to several different hospitals for treatments in and around the area; he stayed at the house (614) for a while; he never married again.

The three youngest went to live with Steen and Uncle John in Baltimore. The rest of us just existed until each of us stepped out on our own journeys, with the help of Esther, Steen, and Uncle John, into our adult life.

My Mother, Lucille Smith, was the youngest of nine children born to Jane and Moses Smith. She had three sisters, Mary known as Mamie. Cuttie, who spent her entire adult life in a mental institution, and Elnora, who died at eighteen from Tuberculosis.

Aunt Mamie is the oldest child, the aunt we were closest to; she was like a grandmother to us. She lived on the land given to her by her father (Poppa), Grandpa Moses, which he obtained when they left Mulberry Island. I will tell you more about the land and Mulberry Island when I get to my Maternal Grandparents.

Aunt Mamie married Alexander Mason; they had two children, Evoria and James. Momma was younger than her nephew James. Growing up with him and his sister Evoria, she started to call Uncle Alex daddy as her niece and nephew did. They told her he was not her Daddy, and she insisted he was, and as time went on, she started calling him “My Daddy.” He was her sister’s husband, her brother-in-law, but she called him MY Daddy until he died.

My sisters and I would spend the summer with Aunt Mamie, and Evoria would make us play outside. We had to sit on a blanket under a tree in the yard. If we needed to go to the bathroom, we used the outhouse; if we wanted water, we pumped it from the well in the back of the house. Aunt Mamie was an excellent cook and would fix us delicious lunches and dinners. A screened-in porch wrapped around two sides of the house; sometimes, we slept out there. I remember looking up at the white clouds in the blue sky as we took a nap during the day. My sisters and I still have a wonderful relationship with Evoria today. We consider her one of the “sisters”; she is only ten years older than me. Her birthday is December 1, and mine is December 14. I loved going “up-home,” as we called it. After moving back from Baltimore, I lived with Aunt Mamie for a short time in the ’70s. Aunt Mamie lived her entire life in Lee Hall on Taliaferro Rd. Her daughter Evoria took her to Philadelphia to live with her when she became ill. Aunt Mamie was born on October 16, 1906, and died on March 14, 1994, at 88.

Aunt Cuttie. For as long as I can remember, Aunt Cuttie had been in the Central State Hospital in Petersburg, VA. It was essential to my Mother that we visit her. We would make the trip from Newport News to Petersburg several times a year. I heard many stories as a child about why Aunt Cuttie was in a mental hospital, but I do not know if they are true. When we visited her, she neither talked nor communicated in any way. She would stare at you, and I always felt she wanted to say something. Then she was moved to Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, VA., a little closer to Newport News. After Momma died, Uncle John took over being responsible for her. When he died, Steen, Uncle John’s wife, asked Barbara, my oldest sister, to take over the responsibility since Steen lived in Baltimore, MD. Barbara lived in Hampton, VA, which is closer to Williamsburg. What stands out to me is a picture of Aunt Cuttie at 87, with a head full of snowy silver hair. I am 77, and my hair is almost as white; I am about 95% gray. I think a full head of gray hair is a family trait. Poppa was gray, and I started to turn gray when I was 19. Aunt Cuttie was born on October 6, 1913, and died on November 15, 2002, at 87.

Aunt Elnora is the only sister that left Virginia. I remember a conversation with Momma; she told me that Aunt Elnora had moved away; I think it was New York. It seems like most Black Youths went North during those times. Momma told me that her sister, Elnora, had promised to return and get her when she got older and take her to New York. Momma had looked forward to going to New York to live with her sister. She would not get this opportunity because when her sister, Elnora, returned home, she was sick with Tuberculosis, known as TB, a death sentence back then. She died on November 16, 1937, at 18.

Momma had six brothers, Uncles Clarence, Moses, Sam, John, Alexander (Alex), and Joseph, who died at eight months old from Whooping cough. I knew all these uncles, except Joseph, as I grew up. We only had a close relationship with Uncle John. They all loved their baby sister dearly and would do anything for her. All but Uncle Clarence left Virginia as soon as they were old enough to join the Military and never returned home to live.

Uncle Clarence and his wife, Harriet, we called her Aunt Hattie, lived in Newport News. They had eight children. Uncle Clarence was a half-brother; his Mother’s name was Dollie, she died in a boating accident, and Poppa married my Grandmother Jane Boykins. They lived on the land on Taliaferro Road until their deaths. Their youngest son Joseph moved his family to the original Smith land and built a home. I am not sure if it was before or after Poppa died that Joseph moved there. Uncle Clarence was born on December 22, 1895, and died on October 21, 1971, at 76. Aunt Hattie was born on January 3, 1899, and died on September 15, 1986, at 87.

Uncle Moses moved to Philadelphia, PA, where he worked in the coal mines. He moved to   Baltimore, MD; as a young adult, he did not serve in the Military. Uncle Moses was married to Elizabeth Lacey, and they had four children. He also had two other wives and children. Uncle Moses lived in the third-floor apartment in the three-story house on Park Avenue, which Steen and Uncle John owned. I got to know him when I lived in Baltimore with Steen & Uncle John. Uncle Moses was born May 10, 1909, and died in February 1972 at 63.

Uncle Sam was in the Navy and the Reserve for 20 years. He settled in Baltimore, MD, and married Celia Lawrence; they had six children; they called each other Mr. and Mrs. Smith; they did not use their first names. Uncle Sam was born on March 14, 1911, and died on December 21, 1987, at 76.

Uncle John also served in the Navy. He lived in Chicago, where he met and married Ernestine Cora Marshall on March 10, 1956. They moved to Baltimore, where Uncle John worked and retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Uncle John and Steen had no children but became so intently intertwined in our lives after Momma died; they touched us to our Souls. Uncle John was born on October 6, 1915, and died on Thursday, November 26, 1998, at 83. Steen was born on November 21, 1924, and died on June 5, 2015, at 91.

Uncle Alex also served in the Navy; he lived in Philadelphia, Pa. As far as I know, he never married or had children. Uncle Alex would come to visit every couple of years or so. What I remember most about him is that he liked to see us compete. He would have a bag full of change, throw it up in the air, and we would scramble for it; whoever got the most coins would get a dollar. Uncle Alex would always take Momma grocery shopping, and we would have so much food. He always gave Momma money and brought her the only set of wedding rings she ever had. He also gave her the money for me to register for college. Uncle Alex was born on July 8, 1921and died January 9, 1980, at 59.

That was a brief overview of my Mother’s family…

The Vernon’s

My Father, Edward Lee Vernon, Sr., the oldest of six children, had three sisters, Mae Ellen, Carrie Elizabeth, and Alice Marie. I had an excellent relationship with these aunts after I became an adult. They were not in my life as I was growing up.

Aunt Mae married Horace Taliaferro; they had five children; they spent over 20 years in the Army and lived most of the time in Texas. I was closest to Aunt Mae when Uncle Horace retired from the Army and they returned to Virginia. I was living on Taliaferro’s Rd with Aunt Mamie. We developed a close relationship, and she ran a daycare. She helped me so much with Karen, and she also babysat Lonnie. She and Uncle Horace stood with me each time I married, and she gave me so much motherly advice. Aunt Mae was born on December 28, 1922, and died at her home in Newport News, VA, on March 11, 2008, at 86.

 Aunt Carrie was the motherly type. I remember talking to her about family and trying to get some background on Daddy’s side of the family. Even after Momma died, I did not know the Vernon family as we grew up. Christine developed a close relationship with Aunt Carrie. She did give me more information on the Vernons than anyone else. Aunt Carrie married Julius Ralph Miles, and they had five children in a blended family. They lived in Grafton, VA, right down the street from our grandparents. Aunt Carrie was born on September 14, 1927, and died on August 23, 2015.

Aunt Alice had twins, Jimmy and Joan, and I remember it was a delightful family event in the family. I remember Momma and Daddy getting us ready to visit them at our grandparent’s house. Aunt Alice was married to James Robert Griffin, the twin’s father, and later to James Robert Armstead, whom we called Mr. Armstead. I did not have a personal relationship with either of these uncles-in-law. As I developed a relationship with Aunt Mae, I also got to know Aunt Alice better.

Over the years, we have become very close and can talk on the phone for hours. Aunt Alice was always very serious; there were many rules when visiting her home. I love her sense of humor and her logic of right and wrong. I admire her style and taste; we both like the same type of fashion. She has a way of doing things, which she expects when you’re there. I like staying with her because you always know what to expect and feel welcome. I enjoyed staying at her house when I lived in Alaska and came home on work trips.

I remember coming home after surgery for Breast Cancer. I came to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for a second opinion. I spent some time with Steen and Uncle John. I came home to Newport News to see everyone before returning to Alaska. I stopped by Aunt Alice’s house; she fixed me lunch. We had a pleasant visit talking, then she asked for my keys. I was a little surprised, but being always taught to respect my elders. (Parents used to teach that) I gave her my keys. She said you are going to take a break and stay here today. You should rest. I took a nap in her back bedroom, and I will never forget that day. It rained and thundered. I slept for quite a while. I had not experienced a thunderstorm in a long time. You don’t get thunderstorms like that in Fairbanks, Alaska. I forgot how much I missed them. That was the best nap I have ever had. I did need the rest. I stayed overnight with her. Thanks, Aunt Alice. I appreciate the excellent relationship I have with her today.

Today, Aunt Alice is 90 years old (DOB 11/6/1930) and in good health and mind, and her son Jimmy lives with her at her home on Crafford Rd in Newport News, VA.

NOTE: James (Jimmy Jam) Robert Griffin, Jr., 73, of Newport News, VA, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023.  James leaves to mourn their loss, his mother, Alice Vernon Armstead, sister, Joan Griffin Tucker (Lloyd), Uncle William Haywood Vernon (Lorraine), and a multitude of cousins and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date (to be announced). Published by Daily Press on Mar. 2, 2023

Daddy had two brothers, William Haywood, and Wardell Nathanial.

Uncle Haywood is the oldest of the two younger brothers in the family. Uncle Haywood is only about 11 years older than I am. When you are a child, people seem so much older than you; ten years is a lot when you are ten years old.

I was old enough to remember when Uncle Haywood and Aunt Lorraine got married, and Daddy was the best man at their wedding. I believe Uncle Haywood was close to his big brother. He and Aunt Lorraine spent more time with us than the rest of the family after Momma died. Uncle Haywood and Aunt Lorraine were more involved in our lives. They came to the house often to check in on us—a close relationship developed with Esther Mae, which is still very close today. Uncle Haywood can tell some good jokes, always smiling and happy, with something funny to say whenever we see him. Since I moved back to Virginia, I have had the opportunity to spend more time with him and Aunt Lorraine.

Uncle Haywood and Aunt Lorraine lived in Germany for a few years with his job working for (AAFES) Army and Air Force Exchange Service. They also lived in a couple of other states before returning to Virginia. When they returned, they soon got back in with family functions, and until just a couple of years ago, there would always be a big Father’s Day Bash at their house. I remember walking past him at a Father’s Day celebration, and I said, “Hi, Uncle Dad,” because he had taken on the Dad role so many times. I could see the joy on his face in that big smile as he passed by; he liked that. Aunt Lorraine has always been right there with him smiling and softly encouraging us along the way. As I look back, I say thanks to you both. As we got older, Christine, Esther Mae, and I all found a close relationship with one of Daddy’s siblings. The ones that went to live in Baltimore never did. Today 9/8/2020, Uncle Haywood is 87 years old (4/18/1933) and is our only living Uncle. Aunt Lorraine is 84 years old (1/26/1936). They are still very active, drive all over, are happy, and live in her hometown of Poquoson, VA.

Wardell Nathanial was the youngest of Daddy’s brothers. We never called him Uncle; he was just Wardell or (Ward). He moved to Philadelphia. He didn’t come home often, as far as I know, and when he did, it was only for special occasions, family reunions, and funerals, and he did not stay long. He was the biggest jokester in the family. He always had something funny to say. I did not spend much time with him during his in and out visits. As far as I know, he never brought home any family, even though he had a family in Philadelphia. I did find a picture of him and a young lady at the family reunion in 1987; I have no idea who she is. I have contacted some of his family members in Philadelphia on Facebook and Ancestry. I don’t know if they are his children or grandchildren, but I have not developed a relationship. I do remember he was always “Kool.” Wardell was born on September 30, 1935, and died on November 3, 2001.

That is a brief overview of my Dad’s sisters and brothers.

Daddy died of Lung Cancer on August 22, 1983, 24 years after Momma died, in Newport News, VA, at 64, one year after I moved to Alaska with my new husband.