The annual Self Family Reunion was held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at a location where it had never been held. This year, we gathered at the fellowship hall of the Friendship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. For the past 25 plus years, the reunion has been held at Camp Tipton Park in Maryville, except for one year when it was moved due to a scheduling conflict. Everyone who attended this year seemed to like the change of atmosphere. The pavilion at Camp Tipton is an open air pavilion. This year, we were indoors. Hopefully, the church fellowship hall will become our permanent place to gather for future reunions. I was very pleased with the large turn out. I counted approximately 80 in attendance while everyone was seated at the tables enjoying all the delicious food. And speaking of the food... well that is a story in itself. The cooks in the family really outdid themselves this year. The food was soooo delicious.
This year, J.L. Self opened with prayer and we recognized Ersie Self Cooper, who turned 88 years old on Thursday, September 18. Ersie is the mother of 9 children. Two of her daughters, a granddaughter and a great grandson were with her at the reunion. I realized later that four generations of her family were represented at the reunion. We should have recognized this accomplishment. Ersie is the daughter of William Emery Self and Mary Self.
The oldest person present at the reunion was 90 year old Ola Mae Self, widow of James Sanford Self. She was recognized and honored with a gift. Several of her family members were also present, including three daughters.
The youngest child present this year was 6 month old Marcus Hill, son of Staci Hill. Marcus was recognized and honored with a gift.
Several families who attended had three generations represented and there may have been another family with four generations represented. I was trying to figure this out, but the crowd was too large for me to succeed at this. I tried to at least speak to each one who attended. Trying to speak to 80 people, eat, take a few pictures, eat, and get a bit of information on a few families was almost impossible to accomplish in a little more than two hours. Oh, and I had to eat a little too. I did manage to get some great pictures. I will try to share some of those on the blog in the near future.
All in all, it was the best reunion ever in my opinion. And I am already looking forward to next year. I hope to see everyone there.
