Below are excerpts from Jo Holt’s presentation of Honorary Life Memberships at the General Meeting on May 3, 2010. See if you can guess who they are.
One to be honored once was a secretary for the Pathology department at Cooper Green Hospital. She typed up pathology reports on just about every body part there is. Her daughter said it made for interesting dinner table conversation!
The other honored one has always been the leader of her family and a caregiver since early childhood. Once, when about 2 or 3 years old, her mother fainted and as a wee child she proceeded to place a cool wet cloth on her mother’s head as her dad had always done.
One learned to water ski when she was 50 years old. Her children, all in their 20’s, thought it pretty cool to have a mom that could slalom ski on her first try! She is also known to be quite a fishing lady. She may have even caught more fish than her husband. She once threatened to push him out of the boat if he let her big one get away while he tried to get it off the hook.
One shared her home with her sister and brother-in-law while they were waiting to get into their home. There were also four children involved. They shared meal preparation, baby sitting and cleaning and there was never a cross word—true sister love. The two families often spent time together on the river. And that brother-in-law likes to call her “mother” because she is so much older than he!
One’s husband says his wife has earned her stripes but he’s keeping her as a regular. Besides, she worked to help all three children through college.
Both ladies have a great love for people and in being a part of activities. One is known to have her purse by the door in order to be ready to go—anywhere, anytime.
By now—who are they? Any guesses?
I’ll share some other secrets at this point. One has been married over 60 years to Ernie Brown. They have three children and three grandchildren. They came to us from Central Park Presbyterian where they were active until the church closed the doors. Jimmie had been involved with women’s work, had worked in the Kindergarten department and with other small children.
She is an artist, first class. She took up china painting as a hobby in the ‘70’s and has become a professional. She can paint on anything.
She is an excellent seamstress and created the perfect wedding dress for her daughter and hand sewed hundreds of beads on it—a special one-of-a-kind—with love.
Her daughter also says a chest cold was special at their house because of the wonderful smell of Vic’s Vapor Rub she applied to their chest and then covered it with an old flannel doll blanket that had been warmed in the dryer.
Vickie Vice’s late husband (the organizer of the Old Geezers) paid Vickie a powerful compliment—”She is the best of the best.” And her daughters gave her rave reviews. One letter would bring me to tears if I had to read it but I will share part of it.
“There is no one single story that is more poignant and beautiful than the story of how she has chosen to live her life. Her abundant joy of life has been a comfort through the many years. Through triumphs and struggles, joy and sorrows, she has met life with a resilience that inspires.
There are few certainties in life. But these things I know to be true: she is the best mother a child could ask for and the best friend I will ever have. I am proud of all that she has done in her life, but most of all, I am proud of who she is. Congratulations Mom and God Bless You.”
Her other daughter also wrote glowing words of her dependable and selfless mom. As a mother and grandmamma she is wonderful! Even her grandson sent his special comments regarding her love and care-taking.
Now you know why we honor these two. They have been dedicated workers since they’ve been in our midst. Jimmie Brown has been secretary for PW for several years, on the parlor committee, the flowers and decorations committee, the Chrismon trees, Circle 1 Co-Chairman and the Remembrance Committee, a chief baker, cleaner and anything else needed.
Vickie Vice has been Vice-Moderator, devotional leader, active circle member, the Chrismon trees, plus cleaner, baker and anything else. Soon to become Moderator.
They have shared their love of God with this Church in so many ways. Talent, time, energy, money, and they became the “necklace queens.” They have made and sold as of two weeks ago 551 necklaces of which $2,250 went to the Congo Project—the remaining money ($505) will go to the New Church Building Fund. (end of excerpts)