Being the last living member of my family, it is an honor and privilege to pay tribute to my parents, brothers and sisters. I am the last of seven children.
My parents were strict disciplinarians, yet, kind, loving and always interested in our well being. In my estimation my Mother was saintly. My Father loved her dearly and after her death, nothing was ever the same without her. She wanted so much to live to take care of him.
Curry as a young child had to stand on a box to help Mama wash the dishes. Later in life he was fortunate to find Betty as his help mate. He stressed the importance of my getting a good education. I stayed with them when I was in the seventh and eighth grade at Freed Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee. His second wife, Ann, made a good wife and they had two sons, Bob and David. When he was suffering from a brain tumor unable to talk, he pointed toward Detroit and managed to call my name.
Beulah went to school in Sardis along with Aunt Kitty but got home sick and never returned. Everyone loved her. She was a Florence Night-in-gale, always giving a helping hand to others. Thelma and Ben could not have made it without her love and devotion. Neither could my parents. As I flew to Detroit, I prayed that God would be with us until I reached the hospital in Lexington. She died peacefully that night. I was on one side of her bed; Kathleen was on the other.
Ben, too, was outgoing, tender hearted and willing to assist others. At my early age the thrill of a life time was when I could ride in a buggy. On one of Ben's jaunts to Saltillo, he took me along to buy a puppy. En route, he asked which I would rather have - "candy or the puppy". I said "candy". Of course, I got both. He enjoyed sharing that story with others. After my serious illness, he remarked "Julia, I am glad that you never had to work hard…" His untimely death was shocking and a great loss to his good wife, Jessie, and his eight lovely children, also our family.
Grady was gentle and kind. He, along with others, would let me ride the horses to the watering hole. He was careful to see that I did not fall off over the horses' heads into the water. He took me with him in the buggy one time when he was courting Mayme. I went with them when they moved into their home where Mayme still resides. Mama said Grady would always stay with others (visitors) until they left. He, too, helped others - especially Mama and Papa. His death was a great loss to all of us.
Euda was sweet and had a smile for everyone. My style was a bit cramped when I was in her presence. We both attended school at Red Walnut. Classes were held in different areas of the building. Her husband, Oscar, provided well for the family. They visited my parents often. I recall staying over night with them. Some of the little children thought it had snowed after Euda had shaken the flour bag over the ground.
I was attending school in Paris, Tennessee when I received word of her untimely death. This experience was very unsettling. First time, I had experienced death in our family. Our circle was broken. It was such a sad funeral. She had to leave her husband and five wonderful children.
Thelma was closer to my age. We loved each other, as, of course, I loved all of my brothers and sisters. Our childhood was happy, filled with fun, and , yes some home responsibilities. Being the youngest, I got the hand-me-downs, but Beulah, bless her, bought me a beautiful brown straw hat in Clifton. Thelma, Ben, Creed, Nancy, and Frances visited my Mother and Father often. Her long illness grieved all of us and we wondered why she had to suffer. She loved her church and worked diligently to promote the work of Christ. Her untimely death left a great void in our lives. It was so difficult for her to leave Ben and their three precious children.
I gratefully appreciate the love, encouragement given me by my family.
excerpted from The Lancaster Descendants, Patricia Ann Maners
prepared for the Lancaster Reunion, July 4, 1991