Granddad JC's Eulogoy

Granddad JC passed away early in the morning on June 16, 2022. 

Uncle Sterling gave the eulogy at his funeral on June 18, 2022. Here is a transcript of the speech:

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About a week and a half ago I went by my dad’s house where he had become bed ridden. He was lying there with his eyes closed. I grabbed his right hand with mine and said, “Hay man.” He opened his eyes but only his right eye cracked open. He said, “Is that you Sterling?” And I said, “Yes sir.” Then he said, “You’re looking good.” I said, “Thanks, and you are too.” Then he said, “I know.”

There’s something you need to know about the Connell’s. We all have a sarcasm/crazy gene. At funerals we are all telling jokes and having fun. The Thompson side isn’t much different either. So with us, we’ve got a double dose. But mamma always said that crazy people have more fun.

My mom was my dad’s scribe.

Here’s an example...

June 19, 1991 at Argyle State Park near Colchester, Ill. On our way to Carthage ... Gas $1.14 per Gal.

Last night, JC + I set up the tent, and I got a supper ready... We cleaned up + packed things away then went for a walk on their nature trail.

It was unbelievable that out here in these flat prairie lands there could be such deep ravines + high bluffs. Poison ivy had leaves as big as plates – looked like a rain forest. Walked through a stand of pitch pines that were soaringly tall. A creek ran all along the trail at the bottom of the ravine.

Eulogy of

Julius Clyburn Connell

Known to ALL as JC

My mom didn’t know that was his name. She asked him what “JC” stood for? He told her, “Julius

Caesar.” She didn’t find out that it was Julius Clyburn until the day they signed their marriage papers. And even then she said, “Hey, that’s not right.” Then he had to come clean.

In our family we tell stories. Most of this eulogy is quoted from stories by my dad or by my mom.

The effort to condense my dads life experience into a speech lead me to a unique place. To make this talk work I’m going to need your attention, your imagination and some help.

Throughout the eulogy keep these 3 things in mind: 1) JC was a Quiet Man, 2) He was a Man of Action and 3) Remember... I’m taking Snap Shots in time to give you a sense of his essence.

First ... I talk a little about his early life.

Second ... Some Military stories

Third ... Some Family stories

Fourth ... Part of JC and Izzy’s romance story.

OK.... Let’s get started.

This is what he said, “I was born the 21st of March 1929 on a small farm near Camden, South Carolina. Of course the stock market fell that year, but all wasn’t bad that year.” His mom almost didn’t get back to the house before he was born. It should be understood that the year wasn’t all bad due to his birth making the year better just by his presence.

He said, “Well, I was 7th in a family of 10 children, so by the time I got to the table there wasn’t much left. We grew Cotton (for money) and Corn, oats and peas to feed the stock. “I learned to swim in the shallow edges of Hermitage pond at 3 years old.”

At 10 years old I took care of the cows. One time when he was coming in from the field he decided climbed onto the mule, which was headed for the shelter. It was feeding time for the mule and he was heading into the low side of the shelter... the animal entrance not the people entrance. This path basically would have scraped the young JC right off the mule but he caught onto a beam and swung safely down. At 10 this was exciting stuff.

He stated that “There were 6 relatives that had nearby farms. And I was welcome at all of them, so I was kinda wild and free growing up.” He was able to fish and hunt at will. Uncle Doug told me that they practiced a lot of “shooting from the hip”. Also, any thing they got out there they would

build a fire and cook and eat it on the spot. Doug said that being able to shoot from the hip saved his life in Korea.

In the winter of 1939 his teenage brothers and sister were going to town in the car. He wanted to tag

along. But they didn’t want him to ride with them. Their mom made them take him along. So they

reluctantly agreed and took him. He was wearing one of his sisters coats. On the way, they stopped at the top of the hill, where the dragged him out of the car and stuffed him in a culvert pipe in the ditch. They told him to keep quiet and they would pick him up when they got back. Teenagers taking care of little brother.

He loved football and played for Camden High school. It may have been a state championship team. I

don’t think he was a star player. He dropped out of school to go to the military.

Now to the Military stories.

“But on a serious note, I realized that I had no support for an education, therefore I decided to enter the

military to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. After a hitch in the army with the occupation forces after WWII in Italy” He was in Trieste, up north and on the back side of the boot. He was being flown up onto the Alps and rounding up German hold outs. He said, “It’s not natural to jump out of a perfectly good plane and it’s also not natural to strap slick boards to your feet on the side of a mountain and ski

down on snow and ice.” He said, “The  only proper way to ski is behind a boat.”

“I was sent for by the Red Cross because my mom was sick in the hospital in Camden.” When he got to

NY he hopped a train heading south without paying for a ticket. (In Europe all GI’s rode trains for free.) Not so in the States. When arrived in DC he found the train heading to South Carolina. He hopped on. There he was confronted to show his ticket. He didn’t have one and had no money. The conductor allowed him to stay and was put up in the luggage rack in an all female sleeper car. He thought

that was pretty cool. They stopped the train for him at the Camden train station early in the morning. He got off the train with his duffle bag and started walking down Hwy 1 and got about 100 yards before someone stopped and asked him where he was going. He said, “I’m going to the hospital to see my mom.” The guy said to hop in and then took him to the hospital arriving just as his mom was leaving.

After getting back, “I entered Clemson and was there for a year. Then I received a draft notice classification - I.A. That meant immediate draft. A friend and I decided it would be best to enlist in his old Air Force squadron, and we did. After two and 1/2 years in the Air Force, my dad died in July 1953 and I received a compassionate discharge from the Air Force to take care of my mom until she passed in October of 1953. I met Izzy Thompson at my mother’s passing. She set her sights on me and I was a goner!” (We will come back to this in a minute.)

Once married they were in Kentucky where Bob was born. Then to Germany where Grace was born. When they came back to Fort Jackson (Camden) Bob was speaking German (something about a helicopter). They joined the Church in Camden the year before Joe was born in Camden, then they went to Puerto Rico where Foy was born. So that makes Foy a Puertorican. They came back to Fort Jackson (Camden) and in June, just before I was born, they drove with all the kids to the Temple in Salt Lake

City, UT to be sealed as a family for all time and eternity. The military moved my dad to the White House so we ended up in Viginia where Lois was born. I guess that makes her a Virginian.

He went to Thailand and we stayed in Camden. He went to Germany and we went too. First to West Berlin – inside of East Germany and then to Bremerhaven on the North Sea.

He hated the gray overcast sky in Europe. He would always comment on the beautiful, blue South Carolina sky. Also, the South Carolina clouds were his favorite. He retired in 1971.

We always thought he was a communications expert but he worked on Top Secret stuff for the military that was not declassified until 1988. He would call to talk to his brother Doug and Doug would ask,

What are you doing? The reply: Talking to you. Where are you? The reply: I’m right here. They would play this little game of question/answer.

Third ... Some Family stories

My dad was called to be the Bishop of the Camden ward in the mid 1970s. He helped grow the  congregation and helped raise the matching-money to build this very chapel. But what most people do not know is that every Sunday before church, he would get sick... just thinking about having to talk from the pulpit. He never complained.

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Foy had his permit and was driving with my dad sitting in the passenger seat. They were heading past

Hermitage Baptist Church on Hwy #1 going home. My dad said “Slow down some.” Foy eased off a little but ended up passing a couple of cars before turning on McCrae Rd. At this point, with a commanding tone, JC said, “When I tell you to slow down it’s NOT a suggestion. I’m NOT your

friend I’m your father. Don’t let it happen again.” Foy was stunned. My dad rarely raised his voice.

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We had Family Home Evening every Monday night. We would all get together and learn something about God or something about life. This one time it was something about life.

We were sitting there and my dad holds up a roll of toilet paper. “This is a roll of toilet paper.” he explained. “We are using entirely too much with each flush. So, we need to review how to use the toilet paper more efficiently.” He demonstrated the 3 square technique and how to fold the tissue for multiple wipes. He had us on the edge of our seats. He was serious and so were we.

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Lois said that mom had no problem spanking her but daddy only did it once with her. After that he would talk with her about what she did and his disappointment in her. She said that a quick spanking would have been much easier.

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He loved vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate (a Brown cow) he would share his stash with any grand or great grand child. ALSO, any time he took the kids to an event on the way home they would stop for ice cream.

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We were always spread out all over the property. Way back in the woods. When he or mom needed us he would call us back to the house like trained dogs. He had a very loud and unique whistle that he did. If you heard it, you’d better get your hip in gear and move as fast as you could back to the house. Joe’s the only one of us who was able to master the whistle that daddy did. Occasionally I’ve been around when Joe does that whistle and I find myself trying to figure out where to run to. That training is

deep.

Finally... Part of JC and Izzy’s romance story. “She set her sights on me and I was a goner!”

So, it’s true that JC and Izzy first met at his mother’s wake in October 1953.

Izzy told her mother that she had just met the man that she was going to marry.

A little later there was a dance at the Shrine Club north of Camden. JC arrived with a lady he had been dating and Izzy arrived with her sisters Lib and Suggie and her brother Lloyd. JC’s date was being difficult so he walked over and asked Izzy to dance with him. She said what about your date? Then JC explained to her that his date was leaving the dance with someone else.

He was quiet but he was focused and had nerves of steel.

So, they started to dance. My mom said, “He was stepping all over my feet.” She thought to herself, “This won’t work. He can’t dance.” Then he leaned in and said, “I’m sorry about my feet. I washed them before I came and now I can’t do anything with them.” Then she said to herself, “OK.... He’s funny. This might work.”

Later...

When he had trouble getting the right words to propose to her, she helped him by saying, “Are you trying to say, Let’s get married?” and he said, “Yes that’s it! We ought to.”

Ever since I can remember, my mom would finish my dad’s sentences. It was a natural thing for them.

It was November-December 1953 as they began making plans.... She was 21, he was 24. You know we think of them as we remember them – an older version with wisdom. But they were just starting out 21 and 24 years old. He was starting college down in Tampa and staying with his sister June. Izzy had to finish her Senior year at Winthrop. They set a date for June 1955 for the wedding. But ended up getting married in December of 1954. That’s another story that there’s no time for.

He started school but ended up working at Maren Construction in Tampa in their Surveying division.

He had studied surveying when he was at Clemson. Izzy graduated in the Spring of 1954, and she went

straight to work at an all night Diner at Myrtle Beach owned by her sister Lib. Meanwhile, she was trying to find work in Tampa as a new teacher.

This is from my mom’s journal entry dated on her birthday March 31, 1999. She was 67...

“It was July 3rd 1954. We hadn’t seen each other since New Years Eve. After a long, late shift at the diner I went to bed.

[As morning came] “A little sound from outside was turning into a soft whistle - I pulled the curtain a little to the side and looking toward our little porch was miracle of miracles - soaring spirits hitting my brain, joy filling my soul - JC! Here, now, !!

"I hit the door running and ... [leaped] like a wild thing into ... [his arms]. He was holding me up off the ground hugging me so hard I could barely breathe.

"He had hitchhiked all the way from Tampa to Myrtle Beach to see me.

"He had had no sleep, no food, just faith and a desire to come and hold me.

"I had to go to work - we were able to talk a little - then I put him to bed in my bed – still unmade and he slept as I worked - I got off (2 AM) and he met me at the drive-in - We walked down the beach until he suggested we climb up on a lifeguard stand - which we did – and talked and laughed and planned and renewed our vows of love for each other . . .

"He had to leave going back at first light on the 4th in order to be back to work on the 5th!

"Has anyone ever felt so loved, cared for, blessed, glad, happy and at peace?

"Here, 45 years later, he has again surprised and brought that sweetness rushing back, filling me with joy - one dozen gorgeous long-stemmed blood- red roses with a note “Thanks for the wonderful memories and good times .. Love and kisses” JC

"JC and I were talking .... the other night and he confided to me, some of the times he has treasured the most were in the evening when he’d gotten home from work, supper was over and we were getting the children ready for bed - getting them bathed, things ready for school the next day, playing w/ them some, me reading them a story, Family Prayer, helping them with their prayers, kissing them goodnight, tucking them in, going back with water if they needed it - waiting a while and then going back around and being humbled seeing these precious, beautiful children asleep in the safety of their beds in our home.

"I remember yet the feeling of his strong arm around my waist pulling me so close I’d have to lean my head on his arm. What comfort, what peace, what gladness to know this is what we wanted, to have a family to care for, love, raise up in truth and light together - And he loved it as much as I no matter how tired it made us.”

I can see it in my minds eye. On the other side of the veil, my mom will see my dad and say, “It’s so good to see you!” and he’ll say, “I know.”

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A Personal Story about Aunt Lethia Dunn

Here's a fun memory that Grandma Izzy had about her great aunt Lethia Dunn Primm:

"Delia’s sister, our Great aunt Lethia, had a “rawhead and bloody bones” in her attic so no one ever had courage enough to go further than halfway up those steps! She’d always have a huge bowl of biscuits and a bottle of syrup on her kitchen table which we dutifully stole, sticking our finger down in a biscuit, wiggling it back and forth, and pouring in syrup. Years later we learned she had a peep hole through which she gleefully watched us “steal” the stuff she’d made especially for us. Grandma Dunn was long dead by then."

Lethia is in the middle. Circa 1917.

Grandma Izzy's Tribute to Her Grandchildren

As I was reading back through Grandma's memory journal, I was incredibly touched by her description of each of her grandchildren up to that point. It is a treasure. Enjoy!

late 1989

31 January 1995
Tell about your grandchildren - how many? Names? how you feel about being a grandparent? etc?

This is going to take a while and many pages because we have 25 grandchildren and there are many things I’d like to mention about each one - so I may not be able to do a question a day for a while. I’ll just write on this until I finish, for being a grandparent to our particular grandchildren is one of the choicest experiences of my lifetime. No wonder the scriptures talk so much about posterity. When I look at them and feel their spirits, I don’t mind dying. They are the kind of people who will change this old world for the better.

#1 JC and I traveled to Provo, Utah in August of 1979 to be with Grace when she gave birth to our 1st grandson. The baby did not come & did not come. I found out Grace had one last paper to complete before graduation Aug. 18 so we spent the last week we were there completing that paper on “Yeast”. We attended her graduation on Aug 18 (also her wedding anniversary) & headed back to SC for I had to begin school on Aug. 21 (teaching at CMS - my 1st year there). On Aug 20, we (top margin: Nathan loves computers & their games & is an expert at his age.) drove in and were coming into the house when the phone started ringing. It was Doug calling to let us know that Nathaniel Douglas had been born that day and weighed 7 lbs 19 ½ oz. I was overjoyed but so frustrated we were not there to show Grace our joy and our thankfulness for her. Nathan will be 16 this year and has been a source of great joy & blessings to us.

#2 Judd Ivey was born on 17 Apr. 1980 weighing 7 lbs 13 ½ oz. There was no way we could go at that time (during the school year) So I immediately started planning to go as soon as school was out in June. Lois got her drivers permit at age 15 and went along to help drive. Our niece, Brenda Connell also went with us. We stopped off in Hot Springs, AR and picked up Donna’s Mom: Bertha Satterwhite. What a trip. We were driving an Oldsmobile that had been converted to a diesel engine. We had a time going up those Mts in UT & New Mexico, but it was worth it to see that precious little red-headed boy of Bob’s & Donna’s. We had a very eventful trip back pulling Doug’s & Grace’s belongings in home-made trailer to N. Aug., SC. Another story.

(In Margin: Donna & Bob came to stay w/ us when Judd was about 6 mos until Nov. of 1980 when Bob got his USAF orders to Albuquerque, N.M.)

#3 and #4 Ellen Renee & Laura Kathleen , identical twin girls born on 23 May 1981, @ 5lbs 2 ½ oz and 5 lbs 10 oz respectively gave us a wonderful thrill. Grace did not know until about 2 weeks before their birth she was going to have twins tho’ I’d suggested to her when she was 3 months she looked 6 mos and was maybe going to have twins. Her doctor said ¬– No she felt only one heartbeat. Doug’s mother came and helped her out her 1st week home as she’d had a “C” section and was nursing the two babies. I went down the second week as soon as school was out and stayed a month. JC gave Grace diaper service and that was a lifesaver. I slept on a pallet in the room with the twins and carried them in to their mother for nursing after I changed the baby. I’d bring that one back, and the other one had to be cared for. In a few days I realized Grace was going to have to be fed 5 times a day to meet the demands of 2 babies so I began feeding her 3 meals a day and 2 heavy snacks – one about midnight. I’ll never forget how these little babies would reach around and be touching no matter how I laid them in the crib. They are beautiful 13 yr olds now. (margin: Laura and Ellen sing in the ward choir and both also play the piano. Ellen practices abt 3 hrs a day)

#5 Joe and Kerry had their first son Joseph Benjamin 20 Feb. 1982 weighing in at 8 lbs. At the time they were staying here with us, for Joe was getting ready to go to college. Ben was such a good little baby and we so enjoyed having him close and seeing him change and grow. You could almost see him getting bigger from day to day as Kerry nursed him He would smile and coo and laugh. Soon he was turning over both ways, and you couldn’t leave him on a bed or couch.

Now, at age 12, he is playing football and wrestling in L-E Middle Sch. Wrestling. He is a strong spirit and close to his parents and brothers and sister.

#6 Bob and Donna, on 21 March 1982, (JC’s b’day) had Rachelle Marie in Albuquerque, N.M. weighing 7 lbs. Bob was in the USAF and was also attending graduate school at U.N.M. at Albuquerque in Physics. Rachelle had a beautiful little face and dark hair. We didn’t get to see her until summer. Bob was worried about one of her eyes that turned in. They had it operated on later, and it has been fine. She wore a patch first. That didn’t help much. She is now a brilliant 12 yr old.

#7 Rebecca Lynn (Becky) was born 7 March 1983 (weighing 8 lbs.) in Baltimore, MD. In a short period of time, she was full of dimples – in her cheeks, in her elbows and knees. She was roly-poly and just precious with her blond hair. We didn’t get to see her until summer either. Teaching school doesn’t allow grandparents time off to visit their precious little ones. But, oh, how we enjoyed her tricks when we did see her. She is now a slender, dimple cheeked blond who is very pleasant, deeply loved by animals, (Lucky-Ducky or duck, (in between lines: a duck) thought she was his mama), admired by her family, second-mama to Rachel, and super intelligent. Loves horses.

#8 Christopher Charles 8 lbs 2 ½ oz. 20 ½ ″ long was born 10 June 1982, Foy and Sherri’s first child. Since they were living on-campus @ USC we got a chance to visit him right away and saw him grow and develop from the be- ginning. They brought him over when he was 5 or 6 months old for us to baby-sit one night so they could go out (I think for Foy’s b’day Nov 11). Anyway, I was down in the floor playing peek-a-boo w/ him. He laughed so hard that I got started. I could hardly sit up I laughed so hard at this happy, bright-eyed, intelligent little boy. JC started laughing in his deep ho-ho style and that made me laugh until tears came from my eyes-I’ll never forget this sweet experience. Chris still is such a wonderful boy, now nearly ready to receive the priesthood in June. (in margin: Chris is taking piano lessons and doing well.)

#9 Juli Elizabeth, Bob and Donna’s 2nd dau. was born 4 July 1983, red-headed 8 lbs and 20″ long out in Albuquerque, New Mex. We went out and were there for her blessing for which Donna had a beautifully made blessing dress. Long and ornate. She has been a precious granddaughter, and we’ve only gotten to see him about once a year since her birth. One summer she, Judd and Rachelle spent a month w/ us and I remember this with such joy. She dances and sings beautifully and is coming into her own as a good student and this year.

#10 Only one grandchild came in 1984: Naomi Lynn, born Apr 5, 1984 to Joe and Kerry. She weighed 7 lbs 5 oz. and was 21 ½ ″ long. She was born in Columbia so we saw her fairly often. She had curly dark hair, a beaming smile, and was a loving, cuddly little bundle of life. Since her dad was in school and her mom constantly trying to juggle all her responsibilities and help earn money too, Naomi, Ben and Kerry were inseparable. I almost thought of them as one person. Naomi hard lots of breathing problems and Kerry worried so about her (I know Joe did too but it was such a hectic time for him much had to be left to Kerry.) But Naomi has come through to being a tall, healthy athletic girl who just loves horses, horseback riding, jumping on the trampoline, etc. She also helps so much with her little brothers!

#11 On 31 Jan 1985, Heidi Nicole was born to Grace and Doug in Virginia. She was 7 lbs 5 oz and 20 ″ long. She was a gorgeous baby, looked a lot like Grace as a baby. The four other children in her family played with her like a doll. She came here tough and durable. She was like a Timex “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin.” Not that anyone hurt her. They just loved her hard. She reminds me of myself. Tough, stubborn, happy, intelligent, hard working (if she can’t figure a way to get out of it), loves to read, hear stories, tell stories, be involved, and loves to be off to herself at times. Plus, she loves horseback riding which I never did. She’s an asset to her family and seems to be unafraid.

#12 Our other 1985 baby came to Foy and Sherri 28 April 1985 in Columbia (where Foy was in school at USC) Robin Lynn weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 21 ″ long. Sherri was able to take off from her teaching job at Blaney Elem the last weeks of school so it was a double blessing for Robin to be born at that particular time. We got to see her often. She rarely slept through the night (Like her Daddy before her) and was a challenge to keep up with. She was such a cute, precious little girl whom everyone seemed to love. She works hard in school, acts like a momma to her little sisters and makes her parents proud of her. She’ll soon be 10 years old. She is taking piano lessons and is doing so well.

#13 Catherine (“Katie”) Annette, born 23 Dec 1986, in Virginia, weighed 8 lbs 8 ½ oz. and was 20 ¾″ long and was our only grand-child born in 1986. We were there – arriving that day. Grace went off to her Dr’s appt. and didn’t come back. We finally got a call saying she had to go on to the hospital. She was home the next day. I couldn’t believe it! Katie was accepted as a special Christmas gift from Heavenly Father by her family. On Christmas day, Doug’s sister’s children were also there and I remember Grace (in between lines: and Katie) and all those children all over the couch. What a gathering! Katie has a mind of her own that hears what she wants to hear. She learns by doing and is always working out some problem in her mind by using blocks, “ponies”, “cars”, imagination and time. She reads and enjoys many kinds of books including the scriptures. I see her as a leader in her lifetime. She already plays the piano w/ a little instruction from her older sisters.

#14 Luke Aaron born Sept. 30, 1987 weighing 5 lbs 10 oz and 18″ long is the only gchild born in 1987 to Jean and Bob in Colorado Springs. Jean lost over half her blood volume delivering him and could have lost her life if she hadn’t been in a civilian hospital. The doctors said they were going to have to give her a hysterectomy and were prepping her for it to stop the bleeding. Bob said he suddenly “knew” the bleeding would stop and it did w/out the operation. Luke is our only grandchild not born under the covenant. JC went out when he was small as both of us could not go. He was a beautiful little red headed boy. Bob always cared for him at night and when Jean was away flying. Jean is a good mother and adores Luke, however she still makes him mind and teaches him all he can learn. We have seen him very little in his lifetime. We were there in 1993 for his 6th b’day, got to see him play soccer and score some goals a fine sturdy intelligent little boy who lives with his mom in a big house in Colorado. We took him to the zoo and relished our time w/ him.

#15 Alyssa Marie was born to Karen and Sterling 28 Feb. 1989 weighing 7 lbs 2 oz and 20″ long in Camden, SC. Her mom had been so sick during the 1st months of the pregnancy, I prayed constantly for her. She lost 13 lbs in 2 weeks one time and had to be hospitalized. But she did well and delivered by “C” section this beautiful little girl who, to me, looked just like her g’daddy JC from the beginning. No baby was ever loved more by her mom and dad than this one. Sterling was as worn out (almost) as Karen as he was “coaching” hard. Alyssa is so smart Here at age 5 she can already read, talks like a grown-up using a phenomenal vocab-., is so loved by all her cousins who look so forward to every trip to the South from OR. where she lives now while her dad is in Chiropractic school. She was chosen by Aunt Lisa to care for her “train” to her dress at her wedding Dec 29, 1995. Lisa’s g’ma had suggested Alyssa because she was incredibly still waiting in the temple for the adults to return from the wedding – even tho’ all the other children were well-behaved, g’ma though Alyssa exemplary. None of the girl cousins were jealous because they were so proud of Alyssa.

#16 Hannah Elizabeth was born 12 May 1989 and weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 20″ long. Grace and Doug couldn’t decide on a name un-til after she was born. She was a beautiful, dark-haired baby with lovely eyes. Doug said, “She looks like a Hannah to me”. JC and I went over to visit and got to hold her soon after her birth. She has a powerful spirit. As we watch her grow, we see that she is very independent, has her own ideas and opinions. She is struggling to gain control of her body and temper. I see a lot of progress. By the time she was 4, there wasn’t a wall or book or writing space that didn’t have her name written on it in her unique handwriting. Her mind is very creative. She and Katie together will probably write books someday. She is still dark-haired and has beautiful eyes.

#17 Campbell Talbert was born to Joe and Kerry 14 June 1990 and weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 21″ what a fine little boy! Before our mission in 1991, Campbell could already throw a ball like a big guy. If you said “ball,” you got it right in the face! He was very accurate! Even JC would duck. He loved to be held and rocked, and I loved to hold him and watch him drift off peacefully to sleep. I probably missed him more than anyone else while we were on our mission to the Germany Munich Mission. Donna Goff loved him too. She wrote me of taking him for a walk back of the church where some city kids were playing soccer. Before she could realize what he was doing, he ran out onto the field and to the amazement of those big kids, this 2 year old kicked that ball flying down the field!

His dad is always telling tales of what he’s said or done. One Sun. morning after Joe was ready to go to church, he picked up Campbell to give him a hug and C sniffed his cologne and said, “Daddy, I love your pollution.”

Campbell travels a foot above the floor most of the time running, leaping, doing karate twirls, chops, turns, etc. He loves the idea that he is very strong and can do so many things (like his Daddy when he was a little boy). Multi-talented and loving.

#18 Sharon Ashley was born 2 Oct 1990 to Foy and Sherri over in Columbia while they were still at Carolina Gardens at USC. She weighed 7lbs 6oz. and was 19“ long. Now she is a tall child. She is so intelligent and has been talking a long time... so close to her mother. She loved her crib more than any baby I’ve ever seen. When she got tired or sleepy after she was big enough, she’d go climb in her crib, pull her blanket up and wiggle in and go to sleep or just rest. She loved to sleep on her daddy’s chest when she was a little baby. Sherri was still teaching so had to get her up and take her to day-care every school morning. There, Sharon loved old Sis. Fish who came and helped out by rocking the babies and just holding them.

Now, Sharon loves books, playing w/ her friend Patrick, watching her “videos” (Disney characters). She likes rice, grits, beans, and other Southern soul food. Quite a g’dau

#19 William Ivey “Will” was born 24 Feb 1992 and was a whopping 9lbs 8 oz and 22 1/4“ long and Kerry had to have a “C” section. He came while we were in Augsburg, Germany and was late. We didn’t get to see him until June of ‘93 so missed a lot of his babyhood. But he filled in the gap for me for he was about the age Campbell was when we left in ‘91. I enjoyed rocking and holding Will because he was a snuggly little boy also. Lois said he taught her to love holding little babies because he was so sweet. Now he moves so fast, he skims just above the ground. He also has a creative mind, getting into more stuff in an hour than his Mom can straighten out in a day. He talks well, speaking his words plainly, asking question about everything, giving opinions freely. His feelings are tender and close to the surface. I have unintentionally hurt his feelings several times and have grieved about it.

#20 One day after Will was delivered by “C” section, Rachel Marie was born to Grace and Doug. She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long -- She is their 7th daughter. She is a beautiful, precious little girl who is strongly finding her place and developing her personality in that large family. (I feel a great kinship with her as I am also the 8th child in my family) Seeing Grace’s love enjoyment and understanding of Rachel has helped me feel the love my mother must have had for me. I always doubted deep in my mind because she was so devoted to my younger sister. (Rachel is coping with this also as she has a younger brother.) Rachel has a sweet, gentle face, with a little voice (until she gets upset). She is well-loved by the Nursery leaders at church... Sis Barton and Sis Hilton... she is quiet and usually very cooperative. She doesn’t talk much there, but she can talk very well. Her sentences are well-formed, simple, direct comments. She speaks plainly and I feel deeply attached to her and do so enjoy her twinkly eyes and mischevous smile. I also enjoy how seriously she works at getting attention in Sacrament mtg and how kindly her parents give her the attention she needs yet keep bringing her back into the service.

#21 Jessica Erin was born to Sherri and Foy 25 July 1993 weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz and was 21 inches long. JC and I had gone up when Foy let us know Sherri was in labor. We went on up and relieved the babysitter and were able to see Jessica not long after her birth. She, too, was beautiful. It was so good to hold her close and be aware of this powerful spirit joining our family here on earth. She was our first grandchild born after our mission. This past weekend, we kept her (and Chris, Robin, and Sharon) so Foy and Sherri could go to Myrtle Beach for a long weekend Thurs night, Fri, Sat, and Sunday. (Foy to a medical Seminar, Sherri to shop) Jessica is 18 months old, saying many words as plainly as I. She moves non-stop until you stop her and at great speeds. We walked back and forth to Grace’s several times. She literally ran most of the way, falling flat numerous times, picking herself up, slapping her hands together to knock off the sand, and running on again. I was amazed. She wouldn’t hold my hand or Sharon’s. She got very upset when we got there and I wouldn’t let her play outside with Bear (huge dog) and Beethoven (puppy). She had no fear!

She’d wake up in the night but after a hug, she’d say nite-nite and fall back in the playpen to sleep. She’d climb out of that and hit the floor in the mornings. She calls all liquids “juice” - rain, milk, water, and juice. She says “Daddee” so sweetly it grips your heart. We loved having her and the others here.

#22 Chelsea Marie actually should have been #21 because we got her “readymade” when Lois married Rick Moss 2 July 1993. She was born 20 Jan 1989. Lois loves her very much & Chelsea loves Lois. They have a lot of fun together. Chelsea looks so very much like her daddy. She has a precious personality, infectious laugh & sweet smile. We don’t get to see her much - May/June & December usually.

#23 Zachary Nolan was born to Kerry & Joe 7 Sept 1993. He weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long. He had such big eyes and was very alert from the beginning. Coming as he did as the 4th son and the third in a row after Campbell & Will, Zack had to be strong! He is a beautiful little boy; tough yet tender hearted and loving. He and his Mom have a special bond. I’ve enjoyed watching him grow & develop. At Kerry’s & Joe’s the other day, Jessica was there with me visiting. She got in one of Zack & Will’s cars that you drive by propelling with your feet. Zack jumped out of his & ran over to push Jessica. He pushed her in that car all over the yard. The he started out toward the trampoline and looked back to see if Jessica was following. She wasn’t coming fast enough to suit him. He took off running back, got her by the hand & they toddled on out to the trampoline. It was a sweet “picture” my eyes snapped of these 18-month old grandchildren. Just a few months ago they were driving each other crazy. When one would pick up a toy the other would try to get it back, scream & scream if they couldn’t. Now: best friends.

#24 Seth Daniel was born 9 Aug 1994 at 8 lbs 10 oz and 21” long to Grace and Doug. He’ll always be special in my life for I will never forget the events that transpired at our house the day he was born. His older brother & 7 sisters were staying here - Lois & Donna G. were keeping them while JC & I did our Tues. work at the Bishops Storehouse. We came by the hospital to see Grace & they told us it’d be a while before she had the baby. We came on home & I started supper for the troops. The phone call came telling us the baby was a boy. When the girls heard it, they started running & jumping thru the house saying “It’s a BOY, It’s A boy, IT’s a boy! It’s A BOY! Doesn’t that sound good? BOY! BOY! BOY!” This went on ad infinitum. But Nathan, the big brother, simply said, “AT LAST”. I took all the children up to see Grace & the baby after supper. People up there at the hosp. couldn’t believe Grace & Doug who look so young could have all those children from age 15 down. The children were amazed at Seth - His head was 15” around - biggest head we ever saw. Nathan said he had to be a genius w/ a head that big … said his brain would be huge

Seth is now 6 mos, crawling, saying Mom, Dadee, & is precious with a very sweet smile. His family thinks he is the best thing since the baby Jesus (and he played that part also at Christmas - Ben, Nathan, & Chris played the 3 wise men. They brought gifts of (Ben) a cap, (Nathan) a teddy bear and (Chris) a little airplane.)

#25 Elizabeth Annette was born 14 Sept 1994, the first child of Lois & Rick Moss. I was able to be with Lois & Rick and assist in the birthing process. Elizabeth weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 21” long. She has red hair and blue eyes and also had a “genius” size head - 14”. JC & Dick, the granddads, waited in the waiting room. Dixie & I the grandmoms, worked in the birthing room. It was a wonderful experience. I’d been present at other births but Elizabeth was the first of our g’children I saw born. I will never forget the spiritual feelings that I felt as Elizabeth joined us here on earth. Dick was holder her later that day she seemed to be looking directly into his eyes. I got the distinct impression she & he knew each other well in the pre-mortal world and wote my feelings on this to Lois & Rick.

I was able to go over and spend a week with Lois & Eliz. after they came home from the hospital. It was a sweet time. As I helped do the little tasks to help out, my heart and soul expanded thanking my Heavenly Father for his great love for JC & me and our children, for hearing and answering our prayers that Lois’s true companion would appear and marry her and share her life, give her children, love and cherish her as she deserved. (This we did on our mission). Seeing Rick and getting to know him so much more intimately as he fearlessly helped Lois have Eliz. there in the birthing room & seeing how marvellously perfect Eliz. came into this world was such a direct answer to prayer that I was overwhelmed with my gratitude for these blessings. Elizabeth is now 6 months old (or will be tomorrow). She is such a smiling, bright-eyed happy little girl. Her grandmom Dixie dresses her like a princess/queen! (she also does the same for Lois who adores Dixie and is amazed she has such good taste in clothes for her as well as Eliz.) Eliz. is crawling and cutting teeth. One of my great happinesses is to see Eliz. and Seth playing here together on my living room floor. They are both so beautiful and happy.

c. 1993 or 94

Granddad JC and his parents

So what kinds of things did you do with your parents?


I took care of the cows; [Mom] did the milking. I helped her make the beds sometimes. That’s about what she did in the mornings. I really wasn’t home that much. I was out in the fields--we were--after we ate breakfast in the mornings, if we weren’t going to school, we were out in the fields somewhere, chopping cotton or that kind of stuff.


What made you love your mom?


Well, she was my mother. She used to always read the scriptures, every evening. She could prepare any kind of food and make it taste good. She was nice to everybody, and she was just a nice person. She didn’t have--I think she had a 3rd grade education. She went to the 3rd reader; I guess they called it that. My dad went to the 2nd reader. But he was working on the farm all the time.

What kinds of things did your mom do for other people?



She helped Aunt Julia--that was her aunt, my great-aunt. We’d always have dinners and all like that and she would go over there and work with them. That’s all we did, was just family. Course, after I went in the military, she was always sick when I came home. She used to have mini strokes all the time. She’d be sitting at the table, and she’d start moving her hand or something like that. Then she was having a mini stroke; then it would go away. She wouldn’t say anything during that time.


She was strong-willed. Yeah, she was tough. She liked to have things looking nice. I remember we had yellow roses and rows of flowers around the yard. Course you know back then we didn’t have any grass in the yard, you never had a lawn. Your yard was completely sand. Our yard was. A blade of grass grew, you’d chop that up quick!

These roses grow close to where Granddad JC grew up. They could have been planted by Grandma Laura. 

Grandma Laura had roses like this in her yard 

Me: You didn’t want critters!


[laughs] I remember one time I was out there doing something there was a stick laying there and I went up to that stick, and it wasn’t a stick--it was a snake!


But Mom, she really worked hard.


Grandma: Women worked hard. They had to take care of the cow, I remember I would help my mom with the cow, you’d have to take her out to where the grass was good and stake her out.


Granddad: Our cows were really gentle. I just took them out in the morning, out of the cow pen, we’d head out across the field to the pasture. I took them up to the pasture every day and take them back in the evening. I’d go and call, “Hey-oh, hey-oh!” you know, and the cows would come to the gate you know and I’d let them out.
How did your parents discipline you?

They used little switches. I remember one time, it was really--Dad didn’t understand it. I was riding a bicycle, and the road coming up to our house was two ruts. I was coming down in a rut, and Doug was walking in the rut, and Dad was on the other side coming up. Doug did like this, and I pulled to the right, between the two ruts, and he jumped to his left and I ran right over him. And my dad tore me up! *whew!* He reached around and he pulled up a big weed--I mean it was a long one, with leaves on it, and where the leaves were were little knots. He wore me out with that. Man. I broke loose running, and I didn’t think he could run so fast. I started running and slowed down but heard him behind me and said, “whoa! I gotta start running down faster now!” I ran down here to where the Cleve’s house is here. It was dug out. It was a big open pit. The county came and got some clay that they used on the road somewhere and I just jumped off of that, down there and up the other side. I turned around and he didn’t go down there. I mean, that was uncalled for, but it wasn’t my fault, because he jumped right in front of the bicycle, I was moving to bypass him and I ran right into him. I didn’t want to do that. It’s tough.

Grandma Izzy's Professional Career

Just the other day, I realized that I knew that Grandma Izzy taught school right before she married Granddad and that she was teaching school after her children were grown, but I didn't know about the years in between. I asked Mom and here's the gist of what she told me about Grandma's teaching years:

She was pregnant at least once while teaching, probably with Uncle Bob.

Mom doesn't remember Grandma working while the kids were small.

Grandma taught early morning seminary for church in their home when the kids were small, giving them breakfast before the seminary students came.

When Aunt Lois was 3 or 4 Grandma started working at a preschool, which she signed Aunt Lois up for. When Aunt Lois started kindergarten, Grandma started teaching kindergarten, and continued to teach it for many years.

After a while, Grandma needed a change, so she started teaching 4th grade. She taught that for a few years, and was so good at teaching the kids to read that she was asked to transfer to the middle school to help some 6th graders who'd never learned to read. She succeeded, and kept teaching at the middle school for many years after, transferring to 7th grade at one point.

Grandma also taught seminary for many, many years. As mentioned earlier, she taught seminary when her kids were younger. She taught again when Uncle Bob started 9th grade and continued until Aunt Lois was done with high school.

Mom said that Grandma taught for a total of something like 17 years. She finally retired a few months after Granddad retired.

1986-87 school portrait

Grandma Laura's Chicken and Dumplings

I'm all about easy, and I'm all about chicken and dumplings. The hardest thing about this dish is waiting long enough for the dumplings to cook before eating it! (and then probably wiping all the flour off the counter after you're done making the dumplings).

Granddad JC and Grandma Izzy have both said that not only did they eat chicken and dumplings often as they were growing up, but it was a staple at their family 4th of July celebrations when they were kids.

I learned to make chicken and dumplings from Mom (and she learned it from Grandma, and Grandma got it from Uncle Doug Connell, who got the recipe from his mother, Great-Grandma Laura! *source: Mom). I have modified the recipe to fit my own cooking techniques. If you want to see how I make it, go here. Below is the historical recipe as I know it:


Cook one whole chicken in enough water to cover the chicken. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and vegetables to taste (I don't know how Grandma Laura made it. I don't ever remember there being vegetables such as celery or carrots in the dumplings that Mom made).

Meanwhile, combine the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl*:

4 C all-purpose flour
1 T sugar
1/2 t baking soda
1 t salt
2/3 C salad oil
1 C water

At the end, I generally have to finish blending the ingredients with my hands.

Flour a clean counter top, and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut dough into 3/4 inch wide strips at whatever length you like your dumplings to be. I like mine about 4 - 5 inches long. I've found that pizza cutters are the quickest and easiest way to cut my dough.

When the chicken has finished cooking, take it out of the pot to cool. Bring the broth to a rolling boil. Add strips of dough to boiling water, stirring periodically. At this point, the food is prone to boiling over, so keep a close eye on the pot. I usually turn the heat down gradually as I add the dumplings to avoid that problem.

Keep the dumplings at a simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the dumplings don't stick to the bottom of the pot.

Meanwhile, de-bone the chicken and cut it into bite-size pieces and combine with dumplings in the pot. Add additional salt, pepper, and garlic to taste if desired. I like about 1/2 t of pepper and 1/4 t of garlic powder. Salt is just one of those things you have to taste for.

At this point, you just have to wait for the dumplings to cook. You can add flour to the broth if you want a thicker soup. The dumplings are done when they are soft and bend somewhat easily. I like to let them cook for at least 30 minutes, but I like them better when they've cooked longer than that, probably 45 minutes to an hour. This is a great dish to make ahead of time because it tastes better the longer the flavors have to combine.

Enjoy!

* if you want to make this dish even easier, you can buy frozen dumplings from some grocery stores, especially in the South. Don't use the refrigerated biscuit dough, though. It has sugar in it and tastes weird in this dish.

**if anyone reading this blog remembers better than I do what the dumplings were like or remembers any other details about them, please comment below!

EDIT:

Mom sent me an e-mail to let me know that she actually had changed her recipe and the above recipe is not Grandma Laura's recipe. Here's an excerpt from what she sent me:

If you use vegetables in the broth, take them out when you remove the chicken.

G'ma Izzy always used self-rising flour. She also used shortening and milk... sometimes buttermilk.

I changed the recipe for those who had milk allergies. I also doubled the recipe and used two chickens-- 12 hungry people meant no leftovers even then.

Eventually I started using this recipe:

2 C all purpose flour
1/2 t salt
water (Milk or buttermilk)

sift first two ingredients together. Add about 1/2 C water and stir. Form a ball and roll out on a floured, flat surface. Use a pizza wheel to cut noodles.

I add chicken bouillon to enhance the flavor. Or instead of water, I use chicken stock.

Grandma Grace's favorite hymns

Grandma Grace loved to sing. Grandma Izzy said,

"She prays, sings the old-timey hymns with hope and joy and faith “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me,” “In the Garden,” “Love Lifted Me,” “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I Know,” “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” “Bless Be the Tie that Binds.” (See Journal (1996), p 165)

and

"We both enjoyed singing and often sang or hummed hymns or songs such as “My Old Kentucky Home,” “There’s No Place Like Home,” “Way Down Upon the Swanee River,” “America,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” tho’ it was years before I learned those titles or to carry the tunes. Hymns she loved were “In the Garden,” “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me,” “Love Lifted Me,” “Bless Be the Tie that Binds,” “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” “Sweetest Name I Know,” “Rock of Ages,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Nearer My God to Thee.” I learned the words from her and still remember at least one verse even to this day." (Journal (1996), p 169)

I've made a YouTube playlist of the songs that she loved. Enjoy!

Conversion

Recently, Grandma Izzy's personal history was transcribed. Shortly after that, I interviewed Granddad JC and asked him some of the same questions. Here's a set about their conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Grandma Izzy:

Describe your conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ:

In June of 1956, Bob (5 ½ mos) and I (24 yrs) traveled to Germany (Augsburg) to join JC who had been there since January 1956. Bob, who’d been born 29 Dec 1955, was not yet 6 months old. I was pretty nervous traveling by airplane to New York from Charlotte, N.C. and then on to Paris, France and on to Munich, Germany where JC would meet us.

I would then and I will now do anything, swallow all fear, overcome any obstacles to be with him.

During the 5 months we were saving the money to pay for this flight, JC had become acquainted with two excellent young men: Ronald Ercanbrack and “Sam” Leroy Bolinder who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their lives and healthy outlook plus their fun-loving spirits caused JC to want me to meet them.

Shortly after I met Ron & his beautiful blonde wife, Annette, and their friend Sam Bolinder, Sam gave me (and JC) a gift of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price (3 books!) He told me since I had such a great (p.2) interest in the American Indians he wanted me to read the real history of the Am. Indians.

Now, since the childhood I had was in a home which boasted only one real book, the Holy Bible, I had a thing about books. If anyone ever gave me the gift of a book, I would read it.

JC was due to go out into “the field” for 10 days training in a few days, I determined I would get our apartment cleaned up, all my work done, and then I would just have to take care of Bob and read, read, read. I knew I could read this book in 10 days. It was only around 500 pages long. Sam said this was a true book – not fiction. He gave me a certain reference that would tell me how I could know for myself if the book were true.

JC went to the field, and I followed my plan. It took 3 days to get all my work done. For the next 7 days I was enthralled with this book. I took care of Bob, ate a bit when he ate, and read. I did not bathe; I slept in my clothes reading under the covers until I fell asleep (It was cold & there was no heat in my bedroom) (p.3)

JC arrived back and was appalled (mostly my body odor & scruffy appearance). I told him excitedly about the book. He said, as he pulled off my sweat shirt, “Honey a bath comes first!” But I’ve never forgotten kneeling on an icy hardwood floor in an equally icy bedroom with my breath visible in the air, putting Moroni’s promise to the test and feeling a warmth pour over me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. It was like warm water yet it was inside me as well as out.

I knew the book to be true, and I have never been the same since. It took me until Nov. 27, 1958 to be baptized, but my conversion began as I have described it. My conversion continues day by day all these years later as I serve my beloved Savior Jesus Christ by loving, caring for and serving those around me.

I continue trying to overcome my faults and leave sin behind, but I am far, far from perfect and struggle to stay true & faithful. I’ve learned a lot about endurance and faith. I’ve gained more & more confidence in my Savior and in the strength that comes from being in a strong loyal family who loves the Lord.

Grandma and Bob before leaving Germany

What can you remember about the day you were baptized?

The Elder (Hovey) who had taught us the discussions had been transferred the week before, and Brother Clemmie Dabney, the Camden Branch Pres. was going to baptize us. The font was under a hinged part of the stage and was about the size of & looked like just like a concrete grave. It was late November and already cold out. Pres. Dabney had some kind of heating element warming the water. When he got ready to baptize us, I assumed “Ladies first” & headed for the font. Pres Dabney said, “No, Sis. Connell (p.68) in this church, it’s priesthood first.” JC went in and was baptized. Then it was my turn. I stepped into the water & it took my breath away it was so cold - like ice. Pres Dabney grinned and baptized me quickly. The feeling of warmth that flowed over and around me as he put me under & drew me out of the water filled me with joy and I quietly said “Hallelujah” (and in my heart and soul shouted Praise the Lord Jesus. My sins are forgiven and now I have a chance to serve Him in my life.) Elder Carlos Cardon confirmed me and gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost. This day changed my life. The feelings I had that day were a key to letting me know when the Spirit is with me: those feelings are: warmth spreading over me, joy, happiness, fulfillment, enlightenment, learning, heightened awareness, pure knowledge flowing into me (like that day, I knew that Jesus Christ lives, loves me, gave his life for me & was resurrected from the dead.), feelings of expanding my horizons, desires to serve, love for those around me, feelings of forgiveness for those around who have offended, lack of fear, feeling I can accomplish anything with God’s help.

Granddad JC:

"Well, we were in the army and we were in Germany and these friends of mine from Salt Lake--two of them, one was from Salt Lake, the other was from a little town just outside of Salt Lake. Anyway, they were in the G-2 section that I was in in the 11th airborne division. We used to go in the evenings we would go over to this one's house he was married, his wife came over and Izzy came over (to Germany). We would go over there maybe weekend evenings and we would play Monopoly. We would play it all night. and that was fun. They always won. 'Cause that's what they did. I guess they did a lot of that when they were kids. We didn't,  We played Monopoly and I was smokin'. Izzy was smoking then, too, at that time. They said when we left, they'd open up the window and they'd fan all the smoke out. They were really nice folks. She still lives in Salt Lake. His wife. He passed away--Ron did.

We joined the Church when we got back to Camden. I didn't want to join over there so we were baptized right here in Camden. Bishop baptized us--He baptize you? 'Yeah.' [from Grandma]--Both of us. Bishop Dabney."

R-L: Granddad, Grandma, Grace, Bob, and aunt Betty Joyce (nee Connell)'s family. The two kids are Barbara Ann and Tony.
This is probably in Camden around the time Grandma and Granddad joined the Church.

How did you know the Church was true? "It was just naturally true. I just--it was common sense, really, with the Church. Joseph Smith, and the vision that he had, and all."

So your friends just invited you to church? "Oh yeah. We went to church with them in the army. Our kids--the thing about it, Izzy loved it so because Bob was our baby. and he would walk around to everybody and they'd pick him up, play with him and put him back down. and he'd go around to somebody else'd pick him up, talk to him, and put him down."

And here's the sound clip!

Grace Viola Campbell: A daughter's tribute to her mother

I found this beautiful tribute to Grace Campbell in the journal that Grandma Izzy wrote up for Uncle Stirling's family.


My mother was a beautiful woman about 5 feet 1 in tall, with lots of freckles, a happy smile, a beautiful high soprano singing voice. She had red, curly hair, brown eyes with green centers which would go gray at time of grief or sadness. She loved to laugh. She could sew like a professional, could cut her own patterns, make men’s clothes and even sew and mend furs. She was honest, fun-loving, competent, intelligent, and hard-working. She loved to cook and raise a garden. She delighted in children and had a real skill in dealing patiently with them. However, if you got sassy, you could expect immediate discipline. She was washing dishes in a pan in the kitchen and asked me to go out and carry in wood for our cookstove so she could start supper. I whined, “It’s not my turn…” That hard hand came out of the dishwater and caught me across the mouth as she said, “It’s your turn to wash dishes—now go get the wood if you expect to eat tonight.” I got the wood and came back and finished the dishes. She was absolutely fearless in about every area, but she was terrified of going in the water and of thunder and lightening storms.

Mama was the heart of our home. Daddy depended on her and all of us did, too. She had to move many times during her married life with him working as a carpenter and farming on the side. She had 9 children at home! She cooked, cleaned, washed in a tin tub on a scrub board all her life, ironed with a smoothing iron (or flat iron). There was no electricity in any home until 1946. There was no running water or bathroom in her home even when I was a senior in college. She never had an electric stove—either cooked on a woodstove or kerosene stove. Our family never owned a car.

But Mama was a lady, educated, and charming in her humble way. Every one of us adored her. We also knew Daddy loved her. They endured raising up a family during the depression years and through World War II. They raised a family of men and women not afraid to work, community minded, and God-fearing and loving. What a magnificent woman she was!

The Connells Leave Germany

Laura got another story for us--it's about Granddad JC and Grandma Izzy when they moved back to the States after being stationed in Germany. Enjoy!

____________

BREMEHAVEN, GERMANY

An indispensable radio repairman, granddaddy JC was stationed in Bremerhaven Germany.

In 1968, JC (a major sergeant first class) needed to go back to the states for Norman’s funeral. The general said JC would have to reenlist if he left and wanted to come back to Bremerhaven (JC was coming up on retirement).

So, instead of reenlisting, he decided to retire. The guy that replaced JC had no idea how to maintain the equipment; and the commander over JC was a bum (according to granddad). JC told the commander about the repairman's incompetence, but the commander did nothing.

Granddad brushed up the satellite to run for several months after he left, but warned the commander that the repairman didn't know how to fix it.

Well, later, a fellow retiree/buddy from NC showed up at JC's house in SC. (JC was keeping the kids while Izzy was teaching during the day - he was working the night shift).

JC: It sure is great to see you.

Buddy: Would you like to know what happened after you left?

JC: Sure.

Buddy: The Bremerhaven station went down for 2 weeks, and they ended up court marshalling the commander. He was up for retirement soon, so it didn't ruin his career, but he ended up losing a stripe. And a TON of retirement money.

Izzy’s side: “Well, he (JC) left first. And I had to clear out quarters.”

<that means packup and move>

She packed out the house and lived with a friend for a few days (and used her kitchen)

She had 6 kids plus their luggage. To catch the flight, they had to take 2 taxis. Bob and Grace were late, and grandma was having a fit.

She went up to the line and the man at the ticket counter said, 'I see you on the itinerary, but no children. I’m sorry; you'll just have to wait for a different plane.'

"I’ll take that ticket. YOU take the children."

Well, he could tell she was serious. He made arrangements, and suddenly there was room on the plane :)

They bumped a few GIs, who were all sitting around and very graciously said, 'no problem' when she explained she had bumped their seats.

Stories of J.O. Thompson and Grace Campbell

Laura got some stories from Grandma Izzy about J O and Grace Thompson, and here are some of her notes!
____________

Grace was engaged to a wealthy man in town for 3 years, and JO was a humble farmer. And they got married - to each other. How did this all get started?

J.O. had married his sweetheart at 17 in Newnan, Georgia. He had his farm, his sweetheart, and two beautiful children - his happily ever after was coming true.

Then, a measles epidemic came, taking his two children and his wife.

The devastated young lover took residence with his uncle John on a neighboring farm. One day, JO said to John - I can't bear this place and its memories any more. John, I need to go - far away.

So JO hopped on the train in GA and rode the rails for – who knows where?

When he got to southern Virginia, he got off; found a job farming growing food for Mary Baldwin College (they grew all their own food at that time).

Unlike most men of the day, Grace's father believed women should be educated, and he paid her tuition for Mary Baldwin’s sewing college (located in southern Virginia).

She worked in a little sewing shop for high end alterations; furs, evening gowns, suits. etc. she'd been engaged for 3 years to a man in NC.

Just a few short months after leaving Newnan, JO decided to put his grief behind him.

He took notice of Grace Campbell, working in the office.

‘You have no ring. Do you have a fella?’

‘Yes, we’ve been engaged for three years.’

‘Three years! I don't know your fella at all, but I don’t think he loves you.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You’ve been engaged for three years, and he hasn’t married you. I'll marry you right now!'

And so, they courted, fell in love, and had 9 kids together! (She got married at 27).

Including my grandma Izzy.

Southern 4th of July traditions

This past weekend, I had the privilege of spending some time celebrating the most recent holiday with family in South Carolina. My maternal grandparents came to the cookout that we had to celebrate the Fourth. While visiting with them, my mom asked what a Fourth of July celebration was like when they were young. My grandfather explained his experience, starting by saying that the time around the Fourth of July was a pretty relaxed time on the farm, since the rush and busyness of Spring planting had been completed but the work of harvest had not yet started.

Next he talked about the food at the family's celebration, starting with the kids' job of churning home made ice cream.

"We'd get a piece of ice from the ice house down town and pack it in around the churn. It was the kids' job to churn it. We put some of the sacks for packing cotton in on top of the ice and churn to keep it insulated. One of my most common jobs was to sit on top of it while another kid turned the crank to churn the ice cream."

He also listed some of the things they'd eat to celebrate the Fouth--none of it involving hot dogs or hamburgers, pasta salad or potato chips.

Chicken and dumplings
Fried chicken
Corn on the cob
Fresh vegetables from the garden such as beans, okra, cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes
Watermelon
Pecan pie

Granddad said that there was always a lot of food and he always had a really good time. Grandma added in that her mom always made a coconut cake to go along with the celebrations she experienced growing up. Granddad also got a really big smile on his face when he remembered the pecan pie--it was probably a real treat! Also, I wouldn't be surprised if there was more variety served at their celebration that either I don't remember Granddad mentioning or that he didn't think to list. I'd think corn bread would be a given.

Wouldn't it be fun to try a Fourth of July celebration like this?

Peanut Butter in the Roof of My Mouth!

This is a story that Grandma Izzy is a pro at telling. Hopefully someday I'll get a copy of her telling this story herself!

Izzy playing with a dog

When Izzy was a little girl, peanut butter was made a little differently than they make it now. The way peanut butter was made in her day, the oil would rise to rest on top of the rest of the peanut butter, and you'd have to stir it up before eating it.

Well, little Izzy loved eating that peanut butter! Sometimes she'd sneak into the pantry at the back of the house and she'd stir and stir and stir until she could finally eat some.

One day, Izzy must have been a little impatient with stirring the peanut butter, because as she was eating it, she realized that there was some peanut butter stuck on the roof of her mouth! It was thick and dry and very stuck. Izzy didn't know what to do!

First she tried to use her fingers to get it out. That only made her fingers really slobbery. Then she tried removing the peanut butter by poking it with her tongue. That was also a no-go.

Finally, Izzy decided to enlist some help. She wandered around the house looking for one of her brothers or sisters to give her some inspiration. Foy was the first she ran into.

"F'y! F'y!" she said, looking desperate. Foy didn't know she was calling his name, but he could tell there was a problem. He asked, "What's wrong with you, Izzy?"

"There pea'ut bau'er in the ruf a' my mouf!" Izzy exclaimed.

"What? I can't understand you! There's something in your mouth--"

"IT PEA'UT BAU' ER!" It would have been a yell, but the peanut butter was muffling everything that poor Izzy said.

"You have peanut butter in your mouth?"

Izzy nodded furiously. "Yef." She was close to tears.

"Have you tried poking it with your tongue?" Foy asked.

Izzy nodded forlornly.

"What about using your fingers?"

Another nod.

"Here, I'll try," and Foy proceeded to try to pull that peanut butter out with his fingers. Of course it was too slippery to get a grip on, and he soon gave up.

"Maybe I can carve it out with my knife!" Foy pulled out his pocketknife. His trusty knife had solved many a problem for him in the past, and he was sure it could help in this situation. Izzy made a terrified noise and backed away from Foy--just a little bit. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, but the thought of having a knife--a sharp knife--in her mouth made Izzy uncomfortable.

Little Sugie walked up at this point. She was the baby of the family, and a few years younger than Izzy. She was too little to really be able to do anything for Izzy--at least that's what Izzy and Foy thought.

"Hey Sugie." Izzy couldn't pronounce the "sh" sound at the beginning of Sugie's name, so it sounded more like "Soogie."

Sugie noticed the lapse in enunciation and asked, "What happened to you, Izzy?"

Dejectedly, Izzy told her, "I go' pea'ut bau'er in the ruf a' my mouf."

Foy jumped in, "Yeah, we tried everything! I used my fingers, she used her fingers, and I was about to try my knife--"

"Why don't you just swallow it?" little Sugie suggested.

"Swallow it?" Izzy thought. "Well, I might as well try."

Izzy made an effort, and whaddaya know? All she needed to do that whole time was just swallow that darn peanut butter! Who knew it could be so easy? In gratitude, Izzy smiled on Sugie and said with perfect enunciation, "Thank you, Sugie! That peanut butter was starting to get on my nerves!"

Recipes from Our Grandparents

So my sister Rachel has a food blog, and on it she has a lot of recipes from our grandparents. Here I'll make it nice and easy for you to access their recipes!

Tuna Cheese Swirls from Grandma Izzy. I remember my mom making these sometimes when I was little. I loved them! I tried a recipe I found in a cookbook, and it was disgusting. This recipe looks like it will be much more delicious.

Cheesecake from Granny Jo

Six recipes from Grandma Kathleen, some of which probably came from Grandma Lucy (her mother):

1. Pistachio Salad - one of my favorite fruit salads growing up
2. Pecan Surprise Bars - this looks delicious. I think I've been deprived all my life.
3. Amish Broccoli - I heard this one came from Grandma Lucy. 
4. Chicken Enchiladas - This one also looks really delicious.
5. Lemon Jello Cake - This cake is DIVINE. It's also dairy free!
6. Pasta Salad - also dairy free

Quilting with Grandma Izzy

I have really wonderful grandparents, on both sides of my family. My mother's parents left a legacy in the (small) town I grew up in--many people I met knew of my grandparents and admired them.

I lived just a short walk down the road from my maternal grandparents, so my siblings and I would go over to their house often to visit, to be babysat, or to help in their garden. I even took piano lessons at their house!

One of my favorite things to do at Grandma Izzy's house was work on the quilt she was currently working on. I was the youngest of all my sisters coordinated enough to do the stitch work on the quilts (no, they were not tied quilts!), and while we quilted, Grandma would tell stories. Boy, could Grandma tell stories! Unfortunately, I don't remember them, but I do remember how much I enjoyed spending time with her and my sisters. Eventually, we made one quilt for each sister except for me--I think people were running out of steam by the time they got to me, and I don't remember telling anyone how much I wanted a quilt.

Quilting with Grandma was something I looked forward to and enjoyed doing with my sisters. I could feel her love for all of us, and I loved the family bond that came from it.