Family Reunion in Chicago was hectic
Let me first tell you about my trip to Chicago, for my Family Reunion. It started as a disaster with American Airlines. I got to the airport in Meridian. I got there and my plane ticket has been cancelled and my money refunded.
Guess what, I can purchase another ticket and fly with the rest of my family for $175.00 more than I paid originally. So I purchased my ticket with this additional cost, and fly on to Chicago.
The reunion is held downtown at the Hyatt Hotel in the Loop. Really nice hotel, expensive. The traffic to the Loop was bumper to bumper, but I made it there with my rental car. The Meet and Greet was held at the Hotel on Friday Night, that was good. Saturday we had a schedule of the many attractions for downtown Chicago.
The Banquet was held Saturday Night at the Roanoak on Madison Street, which is in walking distance from the Hotel about 3-4 blocks. Sunday we had the picnic, which was about 20 miles from the hotel at a park off Stoney Island. The family portrait was taken there with the lake as the background.
Now for another sad part. The traffic jams were so horrendous, that after leaving a hour and half early to make our flight, out of O’Hara airport, we were 10 minutes late to check one suitcase. They would not let us board our plane. So we were stuck at the airport having to wait on the next plane to Meridian which was 24 hours later. So we had to get a hotel for an overnight stay that had a shuttle because we had turned in the rental car.
Locord and Tom Wilson made the check in, but the plane set at the airport for two hours before leaving trying to repair the air conditioning. After the two hour wait, the plane finally took off with the air conditioning not working on a two hour flight to Meridian. I had the car keys in my pocket and they would not let me give them to Locord, nor would they give them to her. I had to get my son to go to Meridian to pick them up, his solution was to carry a spare set of keys for them to Meridian for them to return home.
Family members locally that attended the reunion were: Delie Shepard, Leslie Ross, Dr. Locord Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Dr. Lorraine Dozier, Jennie Clay, Elyse Clay, Devon Clay, Jordan Riley, Zina Clay Cousin, Isaiah Cleveland, August Shoals, Vicky Thompson, and her cousin Belinda Stingley from the Hills in Walnut Grove, Wendell Stowers, Jarutha Steptoe, and Dr. Shun Steptoe.
Midway Park wants to play soft ball and kick ball on the 4th of July. We are asking all churches and communities to come and have fun celebrating Independence Day. We will also have fireworks that night. Come and enjoy the sights of the fireworks. I am asking all pastors that will to support this event and organize your members to come and share in this fun filled day at the park. For further information you may contact Delie Shepard (Info listed below).
Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Field Day will be held Saturday, June 29, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at 736 Tallabogue Road (Land/Field). Across from Little Rock M B Church and Harperville Fire Station. There will be candidates speaking, Late Voter Registration, Free snow cones, popcorn, Drinks and Water, Hot Dogs and Entertainment.
Sympathy to the Spivey family in the passing of Emma Spivey. Her services will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Chapel in Walnut Grove. Her internment will be in the church cemetery. Holifield Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.
Sympathy to the Chapman family in the passing of Henry Chapman of Houston, TX. His services will be Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at St. John M B Church in Newton. His interment will be in the church cemetery. Holifield Funeral Home is entrusted with his arrangements.
Sympathy to the Reed family in the passing of Paul Terry Reed. His services were held last Saturday at Union Grove M.B. Church. His internment was in Lovelady Cemetery. Mapp Funeral Home was entrusted with his arrangements.
Sympathy to the Townsend family in the passing of Kenneth Townsend. His services were held at St. Paul M.B. Church in Philadelphia, MS. His interment was in the church cemetery. Mapp Funeral Home is entrusted with his arrangements.
Sympathy to the Viverette family in the passing of Elizabeth Viverette. Her services were at New Friendship M.B. Church. Her interment was at Mt. Lena M.B. Church cemetery. Mapp Funeral Home is entrusted with his arrangements.
Maude Williams is now established as a resident at a Clinton Facility.
Peggy Johnson, her sister Gloria, her daughter Millicent and their grandchildren spent some time last week in Gatlinburg, TN. They report that they had a wonderful time.
I am still in Chicago as I write this article. Will include my sick list next week.
You may contact me at 601-507-0992 or dshep10399@bellsouth.net.
