Christian love and heartfelt sympathy goes out this week to the family of Earline Harvey Morris, formerly of Massey and in recent years a patient at Summerford Nursing Home. She lived alone and had a garden until she was almost one hundred years old. Neighbors, friends and family enjoyed her garden vegetables and fruits. At church meals and family events, people practically fought over her chocolate pies, brownies and her cream cheese pound cake.

Earline visited the sick and shut-ins in the community and church members from McKendree UMC. She was active in the early Women’s Society of Christian Service and was treasurer for years of the UMC Women’s Unit. The late Thurman Morris was her husband for 71 years. She said she could not remember a time she wasn’t married to Thurman.

Earline was interred Sat., June 13, at Herring Cemetery near her home. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

A representative from the Gideon society, Dr. Sidney Sawyer, was the guest speaker at Round Top Community Church on June 14. Members enjoyed their regular morning worship service and appreciate the work of the Gideon’s in providing Bibles for hospitals, hotels, motels, planes, trains and ships. Many people do memorial Bible donations for their family members or friend.

The Round Top men’s group cancelled their monthly breakfast Sun., June 14, at 8:30 a.m. Several members were out due to illness and others were on vacation. Brother Pearl and Mrs. Jenkins were attending a family reunion.

Special congratulations go out this week to Timothy and Chastity Strickland on the birth of their daughter, Isabella Grace Strickland. Isabella was born May 19, weighing 7 pounds and 11 ounces and was 19 and 1/4  inches long. Proud grandparents are Gary and Penny Vest, and her great-grandparents are Virgil and Jane Vest. Her great-great-grandfather is Delbert Vest.

Several people from Danville and Neel areas attended the Soggy Bottom Music and Barbecue Benefit on Sat., June 13, at 3 p.m. in Florette. Stan Nelson plays guitar for the Hurricane Creek group, and his wife Phyllis had a long bout with cancer before she passed away. She was also a musician.

Everyone enjoyed the different bands and barbecue pork, chicken, sides and desserts. There was a good turn out for the fundraiser. Uncle Joel Gurley, his family and cue crew appreciate your support. Stan is very appreciative of your help and to those who provided food and entertainment.

The members of Shady Grove Baptist Church express Christian love and heartfelt prayers for the following who are on the church prayer request list: the family of Sandra Blackwood, Cary Lacy, Tad and Ginger Campbell, Jo Ann Alexander, Valerie T. Young, Kane Hogan, Edward Kelsoe, William Hanline, Corine Jackson, Tommy Jenkins, Ruby Lacy, Amy Lacy, Don Clark, Buddy Keen, April Griggs, Diane Young, Linda Yancy, Billy Dee Johnson, Mike Segars, Dennis Olive, Mr. Bobby, Brenda, Jill and Tony.

The former Weekdays Deli patrons celebrated Dwight Jones’ 65th birthday at Holy Smoke BBQ Wed., June 10, at noon. Rhonda Hargett furnished the chocolate and caramel  birthday cake. Those attending the lunch were Frank Campbell, Pam Carlyle, Calvin Spurlin, Katie Tillman, Kay Farrer, Jimmy McClanahan, Jerri Hyatt, Billy Tillman, Fred and Sandra Smith and Danny Tillman. The next meeting will be Wed., July 9, at noon, and the group will celebrate four birthdays: Kay Farrer, Letha Hopkins, Katie Tillman and Jimmy McClanahan. Everyone is looking forward to a slab of ribs, sides and a strawberry cake. Deli folks and friends are welcome.

The second Sunday Thrive service at McKendree UMC bridge center lawn featured an inspirational message, spirited music and grilled and frozen treats. Thirty-five attended the 2 p.m. event. Noah Battles led the praise songs and Tammy Vest and Emma Lindsey sang. Jennifer Hogan played drums and Noah played the guitar.

Brother Mike Vest welcomed those attending. His message theme was on friendship. He spoke of close personal friendships and those classified as a relationship from helping someone in need. God wants us to reach out to any or all in need. Brother Mike led the closing prayer and asked for the blessing of the food. There were hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, cookies, brownies, peach and vanilla homemade ice cream. The meal was served in the fellowship hall. After the meal, the youth groups from Forrest Chapel UMC and McKendree met in the church. The counselors meeting with the youth group were Hank and Marsha Summerford from McKendree and Selena and Shane Lindsey from Forrest Chapel.

Belated birthday wishes go out this week to Theron Anders on June 8, Dale Bibb on June 23, and happy birthday wishes to June Austin on June 24, Tab Terrell and Garrett Vest on June 25 and Cary Lacy and Zackary Greenhaw on June 28.

The Summer Reading Kickoff, program at the Falkville Public Library will be Thur., July 2, at 2 p.m. The theme “Every Hero Has a Story” will be used by speakers, and the Dawson family during the month of July every Thursday.

John Russell will present the first hero experience. He is a Military Reserve Chaplain and Missionary. Children and adults will enjoy crafts, music and checking out books. Refreshments will be served and librarian Jenny Asherbranner will give children their reading record sheets for the summer.

No Fences Cowboy Church on Highway 55 West had their Swamp John’s fundraiser supper on June 15, from 4 – 7 p.m. They appreciated the area’s support and enjoyed the socializing with those who ate in. Thank you to the members who helped serve.

Rev. Greg Standridge from Lawrence County was the evangelist for Mt. Vernon Methodist Church’s revival. Services were June 15-17 at 7 p.m. Members and visitors enjoyed the music, fellowship and powerful sermons by Brother Greg.

Belated anniversary wishes go out this week for Wayne and Mary Hardin of Danville as they celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary June 5.

Get well wishes go out to Ronnie Asherbranner who injured his foot recently, Wilda Willingham who recently had a vein treatment and Liz Brasher who had surgery. Her shop Prime Kuts will be closed for several weeks.

The many friends and fans of country music star, Jim Ed Brown are saddened by his recent passing. Brown will forever be remembered by his wonderful music and especially the song “The Three Bells,” which he recorded with his sisters, Maxine and Bonnie. God bless all of the Brown family as we mourn the loss of yet another country music legend.

The Falkville High School Class of 1953 met at the home of classmate Margaret and J. C. Dunnaway in Falkville Sat., June 13. Pat Fitzgerald, formerly of Massey, is the class president. The group enjoyed their meal prepared by Margaret Dunnaway and members took desserts. Classmates shared personal and family news, photos and memories. Many went by the campus to see the renovated high school building.