Happy Birthday:
Dec. 24: J.C. Rowell, Darla Moss, Christi Carol Wallace, Johnny Epting, Joe L. Townsend, Carol Graham Perkins, Stacy Jackson, Alma Parkman.
Dec. 25: Mrs. John H. Edwards, Rusty Foreman, Kathy Lynn Self, Bonnie Broadhead, Mrs. Curlee Green, Carl Woods, Johnny Wilson Gunn, Jr., Ashley Austin, Sarah Orr, Mike Beatty, Holly Webb.
Dec. 26: Helen Cox, Jackie Gibbs.
Dec. 27: Andy Stevens, Betty McDill, Scottie Ball, Margaret Thompson, Michael Harris, Wyatt Gerald, Diane Logan, Jane Risher, Charles Derschuck, Patty Reynolds, Pat Rogers, Robin Aultman, T. W. Warren.
Dec. 28: Ronny Park, Vickie Huff, Libby Jo Mitchell, Diane O'Bannon Smith, Paula Baker, Debbie Bishop Agnese, Sloane Fortinberry, Andy Sistrunk, Ruby Lott Meadows, Jim Ros.
Dec. 29: Bill Fortinberry, Bill Huff, Jr., Melba Shaw, Gene McGee, Josh Williams, Oliver B. Triplett IV, Jeanie Tip Jacob, Harris Parkman, Frances McCormick Miller.
Dec. 30: Mindy Carr, Mark Allen Coates, Robin Epting, Linda Jones, Robert Keenum.
Merry Christmas and Safe Holiday Travels!
After a marvelous visit in Madison with all the grandchildren at Thanksgiving, Judge Tom and Norma Ruth Lee soon started preparing for Christmas gatherings at their Forest home. The now 65 year old wooden Santa has found its way to the regular place on the front porch of the Lee home but not before a couple of people asked if Santa would be out this year. Yes!! Santa is in place waving to passersby and welcoming friends and family.
We hope those of you on Facebook have seen the recent post from Jamie Barnett (known to most of us as Jamelia Cooper!) entitled “A Forest Christmas.” Jamie wrote this accurate and nostalgic glimpse into life in Forest in the early sixties at Christmastime several years ago. It brings bank many wonderful memories for so many of us. Jamie’s cousin Carla Carlise, who is known for her exceptional writing skills, could not have written this any more beautifully.
We were so sorry to learn of the recent passing of Colonel Paul Christopher, husband of Ann Meek Christopher. Paul was retired from the U S Army after 28 years of service. He and Ann made their home in Chattanooga. Services were held on December 9th with burial at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga. In additional to Ann, he is survived by two children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
We were so sad to get the news of the passing of Sandra Gunn who died on December 8th in Hattiesburg. Sandra was the much-loved wife of Dr. Frank Gunn who served as pastor at Forest Baptist Church from 1966 to 1972. She is surved by Frank, their three children — Frank Webb, Alicia and David — and their families. Services were held on December 12th at Venture Church in Hattiesburg.
The SSS (Sweet Sunday Sisters) Class of 1971 had a delicious holiday luncheon at Mama Hamil’s then on to Jeanne’s for dessert and gifts.
Enjoying the festivities were Brenda Creel, Bobbie Gaile Knight Rogers, Nancy Horsley Jones, Jeanne Bradford Rowland, Sheila Tate Borsarge, Pam P. Jones, Sue May, and Nan H. Crosby.
Shortly before going to press, I learned that Judge Tom and Norma Ruth Lees’ granddaughter Claudia Maron who is at Annapolis Naval Academy took two final exams early yesterday morning before leaving to fly home to the Jackson airport last night for her Christmas break. It was so good to hear that Claudia is recovering nicely from the ACL surgery. Actually, she was able to attend the big Army/Navy football game with the entire group of midshipmen. Her parents Elizabeth and David Maron were in attendance and were proud to see some of their friends’ sons play in the outstanding (freezing cold )game won by Navy. Great experience!!
Know you’re busy putting your New Year’s Resolutions together. Don’t forget to list sending more items to our Forest Column!
Please send your news items to lmckibbens@aol.com. We want to hear from you.
