April-June 2008 Vol. 2 Issue 3

Apr — Jun 2008
VERNON FAMILY NEWSLETTER
So we, being many are one body . . . and everyone
members of another - Rom 12:5
Volume 2, Issue 3
©
Inside this
Legends and
Legacies of Tom
and Harriet
1
President’s Message Mary
Vernon-Smiley
2
Editorial
3
“Legends and Legacies of Tom and Harriet Vernon”
60th Family Reunion Celebration
In Beautiful Lake Lure, NC July 25 –27, 2008
By Deborah Miller
When I heard about Oprah Winfrey’s Legends
“Mother—
Majestic is Her
Name”
4
“If Anyone Should
Every Write My
Life Story”
5
The Young and
Young at Heart
6
Announcements
“Shout Outs!”
7
Weekend a few years ago, I began to think about my
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family
members whose values are instilled so deeply in me. I
quietly fantasized about being part of such an occasion
where both the legends in my life and those to whom
the honor has been bestowed to carry on the rich traditions of our family could be recognized. No matter to
which generation we belong, those who were here before us are responsible for building the bridges upon
which we cross. None of
us could have reached the
heights we enjoy if it had
not been for those who
came before us.
****FOR FAMILY RATE ****
Make reservation by calling
1-800-111-1111 on or before June 26,
Sixty years ago, a few
Enjoy a tour of beautiful
Lake Lure by boat
Sunday, May 11th
Host Hotel: Historic Lake Lure Inn and Spa
very dedicated descendants of Tom and Harriet Vernon began the
tradition of this family reunion. In less than three months, we will
come together in the beautiful town of Lake Lure, NC to celebrate
and rejoice in the spirit of the “Legends and Legacies of Tom and
Harriet Vernon”. It is truly a milestone in the history of our rich
Vernon heritage.
Come prepared to enjoy the beauty of the area as well as the creative activities that are in store
Sunday, June 15th
for you. Our planning has included making site visits, negotiating contracts, and also asking God
to allow this occasion to be a blessing to all who attend. We’re extending a personal invitation to
all descendants of Tom and Harriet Vernon to join us in the beautiful town of Lake Lure, NC
which is located just 30 miles from where Tom and Harriet Vernon lived in 1870.
Page 2
Volume 2, Issue 1
President’s Message
Greetings Vernon Family,
As I look back over my tenure as President, I am very honored and humbled by this experience and overwhelmed with
the love and support of the officers and entire Vernon Family. I thank God for assigning the officers, lineage chairs, and
co-chairs for this appointed time. It truly was our Season!! I am thankful for the family at-large (particularly the matriarchs and patriarchs) for trusting me with the family’s business. I have many times, in different ways heard, just how
proud you are of the family’s accomplishments during this period and I think that I can speak for all of the officers in
saying that it has made us glean with pride as we labored using our gifts to edify the family and community.
When I think of this great family and the 60-year legacy of Tom and Harriet, I am reminded that we are a blessed generation because of the obedience of our forefathers. Deuteronomy 28:2-4 states, “And all these blessings shall come
upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and
blessed shall you be in the country. “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.” (NKJ). In each of the lineages I see
God’s love, glory, and blessings; both spiritually and physically. Our prayer is that we continue to walk in the faith of
Tom and Harriet and their children Alma, Bud, Ella, Hattie, John, Milton, and Sally for the protection and covering of
future generations. May the spirit of dedication to family be with each of us forever, and one day we will be part of a
larger family in Heaven. I hope to see you at Lake Lure in July and give you a great big hug!
Mary Vernon-Smiley, Pres.
Lineage: Bud
Stay Blessed!
W
H
A
T
‘
S
Chicken Salad
Exercise Tip: Cool Down
.
Submitted by Dorothy Miller
Lineage: Sally
4 cups cooked chicken, cubed
Cooling down properly redistributes
the blood that may have been pooled in
your extremities when you end your
workout.
Cooling down eliminates stiff muscles
because it allows metabolic waste to be
worked out of your muscles.
2 cups white grapes, cut in half
1 cup celery, cut in small pieces
2 cups chopped nuts (pecans or English
C
O
O
K
I
N
G
walnuts)
Add salt and pepper to taste
Use just enough mayonnaise to mix well or to desired
consistency
Add a dash of celery seed and paprika (optional)
Mix well; serve on a bed of lettuce and garnish with
tomatoes
$$ FINANCIAL TIP $$
Pack a Lunch
Everyone is looking for ways to save money! One of
the simplest ways to save is to pack a
lunch for work and school each day.
You can expect to save about $900 a
year just by packing a lunch.
Remnants of C.L.A.Y
Volume 2, Issue 3
The Officers and Planning Team
are excited to have provided our
best for this occasion.
To make the event more festive and
exciting, we’re asking all who wish
to participate to dress the way our
family could have been dressed in
1948 for the banquet event on Saturday evening.
Visit Chimney Rock
Park. Group Rate $13
Lots of fun is in store! Complete
your registration now to ensure you and your family
members are accounted for by the times prescribed. Doing so will allow us to adequately plan for you and also
ensure you receive the best prices for lodging, meals and
other activities. The registration form is included on the
back of this newsletter for your convenience.
Please make your choices and submit your registration
with payment to:
Mrs. Charrondia Dobson
P. O. Box 314
Whitsett, NC 27277
Make all checks payable to:
Vernon Family Reunion
REGISTER EARLY to take advantage of the best
prices. Include payment for the extra activities you
want to experience!

If you missed the PBS Special; African American Lives 2 with
Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. tracing the roots of such celebrities
as Tina Turner, Morgan Freeman, Tom Joyner, etc. visit
http://www.theroot.com/id/44162

The Tom Joyner Foundation is offering financial assistance and
professional development assistance to help teachers who are
working under provisional certification and teacher candidates.
For more information and to apply go to:
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/foundation/nea
Page 3
Editorial
J. P. Miller
As a child I would cuddle on the couch with my mom and watch various game shows. Outside of testing each other’s trivia knowledge
playing Jeopardy, we also enjoyed playing Hollywood Squares. One
of my favorite parts of the show was at the beginning when Peter
Marshall would ask comedian Nipsey Russell to recite one of his
poems. I’m feeling rather giddy about our upcoming reunion celebration and decided to entertain you with a poem . . . Nipsey Russell
style: <clearing throat>
“Ode— To Be a Vernon”
The Vernon Family Reunion is in July.
I plan to be there even if I have to fly!
60 years of family we celebrate.
I think that just might deserve a steak!
I’ll see the Alma’s, Hattie’s, and the Buds.
clean as a whistle all sporting their new duds!
Don’t forget Milton, Sally, and Ella too,
dancing a jig like the young cats do.
I don’t know about you but I’ve been told
being a Vernon is like hunting for that pot of gold.
We never give up!
We never give in!
And in the end we’re still family and friends!
Congratulations
Wesley Hill
Lineage: Milton
Wesley and the world renowned Fantastic Violinaires quartet group released their latest CD on 15 Feb. Visit the website to hear samples and to place your order.
http://www.thefantasticviolinaires.org/
Remnants of C.L.A.Y
Volume 2, Issue 3
Page 4
Vernon Family
By J. P.
The definition of a matriarch is best described as a highly respected female elder who rules a family, clan, or tribe. (The Little Oxford Di
children of Israel. It is here that Eve is credited with being the “Mother of all the Living” while the wives of Abraham (Sarah), his son I
today’s vernacular the African American Community hails Ms. Rosa Parks as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” But it was t
Jr., to continue his dream of equality that earned her the coveted position of matriarch. In celebration of Mother’s Day I present the thir
the lives of Vernon Family Matriarchs Mrs. Virginia Law and Mrs. Della Glover.
“Mother—Majestic is Her Name”
Mrs. Virginia Law
J.P. One might say that a “mother” is magical, her touch soothing, her love unconditional, and
in your case, her devotion to family is unmovable. Where do you draw your strength as a
mother and matriarch of the Vernon Family.
Lineage: Bud
Cousin Virginia: I think that I draw my strength from my mother; Mrs. Violet (Copeland)
Vernon. My mother always treated everybody right. I always admired the way that she
served God and trusted in the Lord. My mother taught Sunday School at New Bedford
(Baptist Church) for 30 years and if she saw her children (and other children for that matter) doing wrong she would correct us right there. If she had to she would go to the parents
of the other children and talk to them. Everybody loved her.
J.P.: From the passing of The 19th Amendment in 1919 granting women the right to vote - to present; the roles of mother’s and
women have evolved considerably. As a young lady growing up in Spartanburg County what were your goals and aspirations?
Cousin Virginia: Well, outside of being like my mother I always wanted to be a nurse when I was growing up. I never got to
go to school to be a nurse because I had to work on the farm. During the winter I got to go to school but in summer I had to
work. My daddy (James Arthur Vernon) had a Peach Orchard and there was always work. We had to dig around the tree
(roots) and put fertilizer on the trees and when the branches grew out we had to prune the branches. When the small green
peaches started to grow we had to thin them out. When the peaches were ready we put on our long sleeve shirts (to repel the
peach fuzz) and picked peaches. We didn’t have a choice . . . we had to work the farm. So, I never got to be a nurse.
J.P.: Who is your “she roe”? Why?
Cousin Virginia: Outside of my mother, I would have to say that my “she-roe” is my Grandma Emma (Thompson) Copeland
from Spartanburg County. She was a sweet sweet lady that treated everybody nice.
J.P.: As one of the family’s matriarchs, what words of wisdom would you like to share with the girls and young ladies of the
Vernon Family on being a lady, mother and perhaps one day the family’s matriarch?
Cousin Virginia:
STAY IN SCHOOL! STAY IN SCHOOL! STAY IN SCHOOL!
My advice is to get all the education that you can. Don’t let anyone talk you into anything different. Stay in school! Next to
that I would say act like a lady and respect yourself. If you respect yourself other people will respect you. Always put God first
and treat people the way that you want to be treated!
Happy Moth
Remnants of C.L.A.Y
Volume 2, Issue 3
Matriarchs
Miller
ctionary) As far back as the book of Genesis in the Bible the evolution of family is recounted from the Creation - to the descent of the
saac (Rebeccah), and his grandson Jacob (Leah and Rachel) are considered to be the “ancestral mothers” of the children of Israel. In
he faith, strength, courage, and wisdom of Mrs. Coretta Scott King following the assassination of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King,
d installment of interviews with the family’s matriarchs and patriarchs. I would like to introduce to some and reacquaint others with
“If Anyone Should Ever Write My Life Story”
Mrs. Della Glover
Like millions of other Americans, Vernon Family Matriarch Cousin Della was diagnosed in 2007 with Alzheimer’s Disease. Often referred to as “Old Timers”, Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects one’s memory,
language, and ability to think and perform daily task to name a few. Mrs. Isabelle
Staggs has agreed to pay homage to her mother by sharing Cousin Della’s life with
us . . . allowing me the opportunity to honor her position as a Vernon Family matriarch in our third installment of interviews with the family’s matriarchs and patriarchs.
J.P.: Cousin Isabelle, for those who may not be familiar with Alzheimer’s Disease and it’s
effects on the person and caregiver(s), will you please share with the family what a typical day
is like for Cousin Della?
Lineage: Milton
Cousin Isabelle: Momma’s birthday was March 31st. So, let me start by saying Happy 85th Birthday! I guess I can’t really say that
there is such a thing as a typical day since my mother’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There are some days that are better than
others . . . some days she will sleep all night and other days she won’t sleep at all. Most of the time when she doesn’t get the rest she
needs is when she’ll have a “bad” day. Momma has to have a caregiver with her seven days a week 24-hours a day now. My
nephew; Reginald Davis (Annie Ruth’s son) lives with her and makes sure that she has her three meals a day and takes her medication and takes her for walks. It is very important that she eat and rest properly and get exercise everyday. I go by everyday to care
for momma and to lay her clothes out for the next day and Aunt Julie comes by when she can to visit and keep her company.
It has been hard on the caregivers and the rest of the family. Alzheimer’s disease has changed my mother’s life and at times she is a
stranger to us. You definitely have to have plenty of patience. One of the things that the therapist told me to do when momma is having a hard time focusing is to read to her and let her read back to me. So, when that happens I get the Bible and read a verse and let
momma read back to me. I also keep Christian music playing at her house all the time and talk to her about the Lord. That usually
brings her back.
J.P.: If you were asked to describe your mother to someone who does not know her, how would you describe her?
Cousin Isabelle: My mother was always a mild mannered person and very humble. She loved for her hair to be done and enjoyed
dressing up. Momma always loved her family. She was really close with Aunt Ola and cousins Clima and Hattie. But like I said, at
times now she is a stranger to us (because of the disease).
Cont’d on page 6
er’s Day
Page 5
Remnants of C.L.A.Y
Volume 2, Issue 3
Page 6
Extra! Extra! Read All About Us!
NOTE:
If you get stumped bring out your old copies of “Remnants of C.L.A.Y:
Across
2. Turner Faulk is the QB for ______________ High.School.
3. Sandwich Calvin Wilkins enjoyed at early Vernon Reunions.
7. James Smiley advises the family to live by a ______________.
8. Book of the Bible where Vernon Family scripture is found.
10. Home county of Tom & Harriet Vernon.
12. ‘70s group of sisters that sing “We Are Family”
15. A favorite pastime of Renee Dogett
18. The maiden name of Rhonda Rice
19. The month in 2007 that Paul & Dot Miller celebrated 54 years of marriage.
20. Owner of City Wide Promotions; Reginald _________.
21. Number of years we celebrate family in 2008.
Down
1. First name of the present Vernon Family Reunion President
2. “This (You) Do In Remembrance of Me” is a _____________ restoration project.
4. The month Alton & Nellie Vernon Exchanged wedding vows.
5. Remnants of C.L.A.Y is the Vernon Family _________________.
6. An authority bestowed upon Lettie Foster in Liberty, NC.
9. Site of the 2007 Vernon Family Reunion
11. Sport dominated by Joe Louis the same year of our first Vernon Family Reunion.
13. Wesley Hill is a member of the Fantastic _______________ Gospel Quartet.
14. Souvenir available to family to purchase.
16. Della Glover and Julie Hines are sometimes called the _________ __________.
17. Type of orchard Virginia Law worked on as a child.
Con’td from page 5
J.P.: Cousin Della is a regular at Vernon Family Reunions, what do you
think is her driving force in her dedication to the family.
Cousin Isabelle: Yeah, you can best believe that momma will be at every
family reunion. She just loves family! Like I said momma was very close
to Aunt Ola and cousins Clima and Hattie. Outside of her husband (the
late Charlie Glover), her and Aunt Julie are inseparable. Before momma
got sick her and Aunt Julie would meet every day right up the road at Hardee’s for breakfast. The people at Hardee’s knew them so well that even
when momma and Aunt Julie were late they would hold their breakfast . . .
no matter what time they came in. Momma and Aunt Julie loved to wear
their hats too! People use to see them together so much in their hats that
they started to call them “The Hat Sisters”.
Congratulations
Reginald & Charrondia Dobson
Lineage: Hattie
J.P.: What pearls of wisdom did Cousin Della pass on to you growing up
that you can share with the girls and young ladies of the Vernon Family on
how to conduct themselves as a lady?
Cousin Isabelle: The #1 thing momma always told us was to love Jesus
Christ! She would tell us to respect and honor our elders . . . and of
course, to dress properly and have respect for ourselves as well as others..
J.P.: Cousin Isabelle thank you so much for taking the time for this interview and sharing with us the life of Cousin Della. Know that the family will
lift Cousin Della in prayer as well as all of her caregivers.
For information on Alzheimer’s Disease, see the following websites.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_basicsofalz_low.pdf
Share in the excitement of their new website for EnVision Capitol Group, LLC—and allow Reg and Charrondia to ”point you (Vernon Family) in the right direction . . . For all your financial needs.”
http://www.envisioncapitalgrp.com/
Remnants of C.L.A.Y
Volume 2, Issue 3
Page 7
Shout Outs!
To our cousins Netta and Darlene (Wilkins).
Would love to see you at the family reunion!
See you in Lake Lure!
Virginia L.
Barbara, Deborah, & Paulette M.
Love to my Granny—Gladys, my brother
E.J. and to the entire Stover Family!
Wish I could be there with you.
Kenneth W.
CALLING ALL
VERNONS TO LAKE
LURE, NC
July 25—27, 2008
Ophelia Boyce—Long Time
No See! Come on Down!
I'm sending this shout out to all the Bud
Vernon descendents in the Virginia, Maryland and
Washington, DC areas. Let's make a big turnout
and show up for the family reunion this year .
Invite someone new this year.
Dot M.
Esther (Lois ) D.
George and Caponia Blackley
See you at the Vernon Family
Reunion this July!
Cousin Winford “Lou” Lucas . . . Come hang out with
us in July!
T. J. & Mildred F.
Calvin W.
Sammy and Mary Wilkins—Know that we are
thinking about you. Wish you could be here.
Paul & Dot M.
T.J. and Mildred Foster it’s been a
long time. Hope to see you in
Lake Lure!
Look forward to seeing each of you
at our 60th Vernon Family Reunion.
Godspeed.
George & Caponia B.
Spencer W.
Joe, Wesley, Earl, and any other musicians
and singers in the family, bring your instruments and let’s have a jam session in Lake
Lure!
Michael M.
Greetings Vernon Family! I’ll see
you all in July at the family reunion!
Isabelle S.
Grandma, Granddad, Daddy, Aunts
Barbara, Deborah, and Paulette—
I’m there in spirit!
Michael W.
Vernon Family Reunion Registration Form
Name: ________________________________________ St. Address: ________________________________________________
City____________________ State______ Zip Code____________ Telephone No. ____________Email:_____________________
Adult____ Child_____ T-Shirt Size: (Child Small, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
Please check lineage: ___Alma
Registration includes:
FRI— Meet and Greet w/ Music
and Hors d’oeuvres
SAT— Luncheon /Business Mtg
and Legends Banquet
SUN—Breakfast and Worship
___Bud
___Ella
FAMILY ACTIVITY
July 15, 2008
___ Milton
___Sally
ADULT
CHILDREN
PACKAGE
Under 12
Registration on or before May 30,
2008
$55.00
$27.50
Registration after May 30, 2008 and
by July 15th
$60.00
$32.50
Lake Lure Boat Tour
$10—Group
$6.00
$12.—Individual
Children 6—12
Chimney Rock Park
$11.50 Group
$5.00—Group
(Children under 6 admitted free)
$14.00 Individual
$6.00—Individual
NO REGISTRATION
will be received after
___Hattie
Complete a registration form for each family member and send registration form(s) along with your payment to:
Vernon Family Reunion C/O Charrondia Dobson
P. O. Box 314 Whisett, NC 27377
To:
J. P. Miller, Editor
P. O. Box 6581
Gainesville, GA 30504
VERNON FAMILY
NEWSLETTER