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Proposed

OXFORD FAMILY REUNION 2003

Attention family members!  Come back to our roots!!!  Plans are now being made for the next Oxford Family Reunion to be held in Atlanta Ga., July 3-6, 2003.  At this time we are in the beginning stages of planning what we believe will be the best reunion ever.  But, we need your help.   We are planning many exciting activities and events and need your input.  This year's Oxford Family reunion was a 3-day cruise in which a lot of family members were not able to attend, however the family members who did attend had a wonderful time.  We want every family member to have an opportunity to attend next year, that is why your input is vital to the success of the 2003 family reunion.

            Below is a tentative schedule of events that are being considered for the 2003 family reunion.  Please review the schedule and let us know what you think about it.  For those of you who live in the Atlanta area and would like to help organize some of these events, or if you have suggestions for other activities or events, please contact Tammy Jackson at (407) 532-2132 or email her at tammybjackson@yahoo.com.  Once you have reviewed the tentative schedule please contact Tammy at the above telephone or e-mail address by Nov 17, 2002 so we can start reserving hotels, transportation, event tickets, etc…

                                          Proposed 2003 Family Reunion Tentative Schedule

Thursday, July 3,2003               Meet and Greet Social             

Friday, July 4, 2003                *Family Outing: Six Flags,White Water, Coca Cola Museum, Underground     

                                                Atlanta, MLK Tour Family Friday Night Fish Fry

  *For the family outing we will choose one or two of these activities.                                                                                     

 Saturday, July 5, 2003                                                  

Free Day!!! Use this day to go out on your own or with family members to shop, tour Atlanta, or whatever you desire.                                         

Adults Night Out! -Attend a Concert,

Comedy Show, etc…                                                                                                                                 

Sunday, July 6, 2003       

Church Service with Family      

Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner                 

www.oxford9.com

MANCE AND SARAH ANN OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, 2002

    There were two recipients of the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship in 2002, they were Kayla Nicole Carter of Butler, Georgia, and Ivey Rochell Williams of Orlando, Florida.  Both Kayla and Ivy will receive a $500 stipend and a certificate.

Kayla Nicole Carter – Kayla Carter is the daughter of Calvin and Avondale Carter and the granddaughter of Reginald and Naomi Carter.  Kayla will graduate from Taylor County High School in Butler, Georgia on May 24, 2002.  As a high school student, her extra curricula activities included, cheerleader, D.A.R.E., Drama Club, the Drill Team, Future Business Leaders of America, the swim team, the track team, and the National Honor Society.  Kayla was born in Germany (her father was stationed there as a member of the U.S. Army).  She attended schools in Germany from the fifth – the tenth grades. She has traveled in 15 countries.  Kayla plans to enroll in Valdosta State University in the fall, 2002.  She plans to major in Criminal Justice.  We are proud of what Kayla has done in high school, and we will keep her in our prayers.

Ivey Rochell Williams – Ivy Williams is the daughter of Russell and Evelyn Williams and the granddaughter of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson.  Ivy will graduate from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida on May 20, 2002.  As a high school student Ivy was a member of the Jones High School Concert Choir, and a member of the Orlando chapter of the Delteens.  Ivy plans to attend Valencia Community College in Orlando, where she received a scholarship.  She plans to get the two-year, AA Degree, in pediatric nursing.  After Valencia, she plans to attend the University of South Florida to pursue a higher degree in pediatric nursing.  Her ultimate goal is to work as a pediatric nurse in an Orlando hospital.  Ivy’s grandmother, the late Arie Fordham Jackson, worked for years as an LPN in local hospitals.  Her grandmother would be proud of her.  We will keep her in our prayers. 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP

                Recently, Charles and Josie Johnson, of Atlanta, contributed $500 to the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship.  Since 1990 we have given more than $16,000 in scholarships.  Many of the former recipients of the Mance & Sarah Oxford Scholarships are now out in the work world. 

ANDREA FORDHAM GRADUATES FROM

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

                In April, 2002, Andrea Fordham (daughter of Lawrence and Jean Fordham, and granddaughter of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson) received a B.A. Degree in Psychology from Florida State University.  Andrea was a 1998 recipient of the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship.  In her sophomore year at Florida State, Andrea was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.  She was also a member of the W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society at Florida State.  At this point, Andrea is not sure about her plans for graduate school.  We will keep you posted.   The Oxford clan congratulates Andrea.  We are especially proud because she is a former recipient of the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship.   Keep her in your prayers.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

                Recently, I was asked to microfilm a collection of funeral programs that belonged to a local genealogy society.  The collection contained more than 3,000 printed funeral programs and obituaries.  My job was to prepare an alphabetized index for the collection and then microfilm it.  The task required that I examine each program for dates and other pertinent information that was to be included in the index.  It proved to be a thought provoking experience.

To me, the most powerful component of the collection, were the photographs on the front of the programs. They were haunting images that projected imaginary personalities.  Some of the photos were of children and young adults who had died suddenly and unexpectedly.  (I was struck by what seemed, to me, an unusually large number of young people’s funerals in the collection).  Some of the photos were youthful images of older people, photos that were taken many years before their demise.  (Most of the photos did not show people who seemed concerned about death). 

There were a few photos of people who were obviously elderly or very ill at the time the photo was made.  Perhaps those people were aware that the end was near.  The faces of that group often reflected a humility and a solemnity which suggested that they had given some thought to the measure of their lives.  They had probably contemplated the inevitability of death.

However, most of the photos on the funeral programs were images of people who were in the midst of experiencing life.  There were “hip” young men with dark glasses, there were serious faces that exuded optimism and self confidence, there were images of “sassy” young women, there were neatly dressed and clean cut images, there were also candid snapshots of people in their everyday faces.   Most of the images reflected “the best of times.”  The people in the photos were probably not conscious of the fact that they were creating the pictorial image that would represent them on their funeral program.  They were not thinking about the fragile nature of life.  Indeed, we seldom connect the day-to-day events and the actions of our lives to anything beyond survival and self-interest. 

Reading the obituaries and the short biographical sketches of the persons pictured on the funeral programs prompted me to reflect of the brevity of life and the certainty of death.  Perhaps that is the real social function of funerals.  Intellectually, we know that life is fragile and uncertain, but our actions indicate that we don’t take those ideas very seriously.  Funerals should cause us to look inward and think about our own purpose and mortality.  Funerals and funeral programs should cause us to take seriously the words that are recorded in Isaiah 40:6-8; “All men are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field…. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”  The next time you attend a funeral, take a good look at the photograph on the memorial service program, then think about those words of the Prophet.

Monroe Fordham, 2002

FAMILY NEWS

                Lorenzo Lee Oxford and Charlene Nelson Oxford recently announced the birth of their new son, Caleb Lorenzo Christopher Oxford.  Caleb was born on January 18, 2002 and weighed 6 lbs. 10 ozs..  Lorenzo Lee is the son of the late Otis and Rosetta Oxford.  We are asking the family to keep little Caleb, and all of our infant family members, in your prayers.  Caleb’s name has been added to the 800 or so names in the Mance and Sarah Oxford family tree.  On request, we will send you a copy of that “family tree report”—free.

During the past five years or so, there have been many new births in our family that have not been reported to us.  If you, or family members you know, have had children in recent years, send us their names and the names of their parents.  That way our family data-base will be kept up-to-date.

SMITH, EDITH O.  (1912-2002)

                Edith O. Smith died March 18, 2002.  She was born in Parrott, Georgia to the late Wilkes “Uncle Bud” and Minnie Oxford on November 11, 1912.  (Wilkes Oxford was the brother of Mance Oxford).  Edith had one brother, John Berry, and one sister Jollie Mae Jackson, both of whom preceded her in death.   Edith moved to Orlando from Parrott, Georgia in 1934.  She was employed as a baker with Federal Bakery for 40 years.

                She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Annie Lee Coleman, Orlando, Florida; one son, Razzie Smith, Orlando; one daughter-in-law, Gloria Smith, Orlando; 15 grandchildren—Willie James Smith (Angeline); Wilkes Henry Howard, Jollie Ann Rowe (Johnny), Ronald Smith (Pat), Barry E. Howard (Mary), Razzie Smith, II (Wanda), Derrick Wallace (Susan), Fedrick Howard, Denise Howard, Sherryl Smith, Ritchie Smith (Pandora), Ricardo Smith (Felicia), Brenda Dumas, Debra Coleman and Willie Coleman; 49 great-grandchildren and 51 great-great-grandchildren.

                Mrs. Smith’s services were held in the New Life Church of Orlando (COGIC).  Her remains were interred in Washington Park Cemetery.

OBITUARIES ON OXFORD9.COM

                Have you checked out our family WEB site recently.  We have received a large number of funeral programs of our deceased family members.  Many of them were sent by Loverture Carter.  We have put them in a section of our WEB site entitled  “family obituaries.”  If you have copies of old or recent funeral programs, send us a copy and we will add the person’s obituary to our family WEB site.  Also, if you are willing to write a biographical sketch of yourself, or someone in your family, or maybe a historical sketch of your family, we will put that in a section entitled “family histories.”  Help us to develop a family archive on the internet that all of our children can access easily.  All of our young people are learning to use computers in their schools and communities, we  want to give them something useful to access about our family and themselves.  Send your material to : M. Fordham, 49 Calvert Blvd., Tonawanda NY 14150; or fordham@adelphia.net.   Check out our WEB site at www.oxford9.com.

REGGIE & NAOMI CARTER:   MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Family of Reynolds, Georgia, selected Mrs. Naomi Carter and husband Mr. Reginald Carter, Sr. of Butler, Georgia as distinguished Woman and Man of the Year.   The Carters were recognized for their dedication, support, and continuous commitment to help improve the quality of life for many in Taylor County.   On behalf of the church family, they were presented engraved plaques.  The celebration message was delivered by Rev. McCrary, from Atlanta, Georgia.   The Carter’s were joined by their children, other relatives and community friends.  A southern style dinner was enjoyed by all in the fellowship hall following the program.  Our congratulations to Reggie and Naomi.  They represent the best of our family.

RAZZIE “TAMPA RED” SMITH, JR.

(1932-2002)

                Razzie “Tampa Red” Smith, Jr., son of Razzie Smith, Sr. and Edith O. Smith (grandson of Wilkes “Uncle Bud” Oxford) died on May 5, 2002.  “Tampa” was almost a legendary figure in Orlando, Florida, where he attended the public schools and later spent most of his professional career as a public school employee.  His obituary will be published in the next issue of the newsletter.  His obituary and a local newspaper editorial about his life has been put in the Oxford WEB site in the obituary section.

The Oxford Family Newsletter

www.oxford9.com

OXFORD REUNION CRUISE UPDATE

       The time is fast approaching for the second installment of your reunion Cruise payment.   The second payment of $175 is due on or before April 3, 2002.  Refer to information packet (sent by mail earlier) for specific instructions for sending money OR contact Tammy (Fordham) Jackson at bigmarcus@bigplanet.com or (407-296-2237).

MANCE & SARAH ANN OXFORD

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

     This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 2002 is now open for applica­tions.  The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in June, 2002.  The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are descendants  of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1.       Applicant must be a descendant of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford.

2.       Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to at­tend college or a trade school following high school gradua­tion.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING   (!!!! IMPORTANT, PLEASE DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING !!!!)

(Letter of application MUST include the following)

1.       Applicant’s name, applicant’s address, phone number, etc.

2.       Statement explaining applicant’s relationship to the Oxford clan.

3.       Statement explaining applicant’s vocational or professional goals in life, and listing the college or trade school that you plan to 

          attend.

4.       A copy of applicant’s high school transcript.

5.       The application deadline is May 1, 2002.

APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL BE INELIGIBLE

Send all of the above to:

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

    Oxford descendants who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in a graduate school are eligible for a one time graduate student award of $500.

     Deadlines for applications are the same as the above.   Applicants should submit a copy of their letter of acceptance to graduate school, or a copy of their most recent grades for graduate courses. Applicants should also explain their education goals and list their major course of study.

FOR ALL THE OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES, 2002

Submitted by Rose Mary Oxford Rucker

       You are young, gifted and Black.  We must begin to tell our young.  “There’s a world waiting for you. Yours is a quest that’s just begun.” James Weldon Johnson

CYNTHIA CARTER BULGER RETIRES FROM WEYERHAEUSER

          All is well in sunny Montezuma, Georgia.  Wanted to share with family my recent retirement from the Weyerhaeuser Company.  While I will kick back and truly appreciate retirement for a couple months, I especially look forward to quality time with my two grandsons Tyler & Colby and my gracefully aging parents Reginald & Naomi Carter, who recently celebrated fifty beautiful years together.  I ask that family keep me in their prayers.

Cynthia Carter Bulger

Editor’s note:  The following was Cynthia’s “farewell” letter to her co-workers at Weyehaeuser.

       I leave you with a mind overflowing with good memories; I leave you with a heart being with positive feelings towards everyone.  I have come to appreciate the fine work of all my colleagues, and I can honestly say that my work or years here at Weyerhaeuser have been productive, amicable, and for the most part gratifying.

       Thank you for contributing to my professional and personal growth, and I thank you for your friendship.  You are a very talented group of people.  I am fortunate to have been associated with such a good team.

       One of the most difficult things about leaving is the fact that I will miss the camaraderie of my past friendships with each of you.  You certainly have contributed to my life, and I hope in some small way I have contributed to yours.

       Let me assure you that my association with Weyerhaeuser has been much more than a long one, twenty-two years, it has been a valuable one.  For it has not been so much the job, it has been the people.

       Many of you have personally contributed to my professional development.  I was taught quality customer service, civic leadership and community involvement, mentored, provided unique leadership, and how to handle the numerous projects that were assigned to me.  Others of you have taught me to maintain a positive forward spin.

       I was taught to utilize different approaches that have worked well for the organization.  But most importantly, I have acquired an appreciation of organization, to keep things on a timeline, and making things happen when they should happen.  Last, but not least, I appreciate all of your contributions to whatever successes I have had at Flint River.

       This has been a major, life-changing month, complete with some decisions about my future – for which I am ready.  I have become comfortable with who I am and where I am headed.  Its time to reinvent myself.  With some fear of change, I am ready to do whatever is necessary to move forward.  My resilience and can-do attitude have stunned many nay-sayers.  Nothing can get me down.  This is a tense time, simply because I’ll have to make so many decisions so much sooner than I thought possible.  I have moved from a tentative position to a more secure frame of mind.  That’s the funny thing about stress – you’ll find that once you show the depth of your courage and determination, nothing can intimidate you.

       I have strived to a better place.  In the process, I have gotten feedback on my progress and how I’m handling my trek.  I have faith, and a plan – we learn by doing.  Life is ultimately a creative and expressive experience that teaches you about yourself.  I have become more aware that I am writing the script and that I am the star.

       All kinds of things are coming right at me, requiring quick reflexes.  I never anticipated a need to settle some of these issues so quickly.  The gale force winds are pushing me in the right direction – as crazy as that might sound.    Sometimes we need to be lifted up and away. I am well on my way!  Someday, looking back at this period, I may consider this a turning point.

       My career will kick into high gear.  I am about to enter a breathtakingly positive professional period.  A just reward for all I have done.  The experiences I have accumulated and the success I have found are finally going to pay off.  I have made my mark!

       My colleagues and industry peers have noticed that my reputation has reached new heights.  What I have reaped is directly related to the seeds I have sown.   Gates that were difficult to penetrate in the past are unlocked.  I have received positive feedback.  I am articulate and savvy about my successes, and am making them work for me.  I know what to say, and to say it with conviction.  Well, I don’t know of many instances when I have been at a loss for words!

       I recognize the value of change.  I have become stronger, wiser, and fit to handle what comes my way.  We improve at the process of living.  I am especially talented at thinking on my feet.  I have been told few people have my lightening quick mind, so I use it to keep them guessing.    My opportunities, trust me, they seem heaven-sent.  Remember that the most successful people make their own luck.  I am venturing forward – knowing I will be helped!                        

Best regards,

Cynthia Carter-Bulger, Friday, 1/18/02

Editor’s Note:  Cynthia, we wish you well in your retirement.  We will keep you in our prayers.

The Oxford Family Newsletter

www.oxford9.com

FAMILY REUNION CRUISE REMINDER!

   The scheduled date for our Family Reunion Cruise is quickly approaching.  We are scheduled to depart on the cruise ship the “Fantasy”, on August 8 (2002), and return on August 11^th, 2002.  As of December 30, 2001, we have approximately 70 people who have sent in their initial deposit of $25 per person.  The second payment of $175 per person is due on April 3, 2002.  For those of you who have not made the initial deposit of $25 per person and would still like to go on the family reunion cruise, please contact Ted Washington , of “Cruises Only” at 800 463-9708.  Let him know that you want to join the Oxford Family Reunion Cruise group so that he can tell you what steps you need to take to reserve space.  If you have any other questions concerning the cruise (payments, special dietary needs, birthday celebrations etc…) contact Ted at the number listed above.  We look forward to seeing you in August.

Torri Perry and Tammy Fordham

ANTHONY CARTER

“SOME REFLECTIONS ON MY EARLY LIFE”

       My name is Anthony Carter, I am the son of Robert and Winifred Carter and the grandson of the late Ozie B. Carter.

       Where do I start?  My father (Robert Carter) always said, “ Things don’t happen to be just because they happen to be, there has to be a fore runner”.  I like to acknowledge the “ fore runners” in my life.  Without them I would not be where I am today.

       I remember, as a child, living in Charter Oak Terrace, on the south end of Hartford CT.  My grandmother, Ozie B. Carter lived with us at that time.  I recall her taking me with her, in the evening, to her bible study meetings.  There weren’t a lot of people at the meetings.  At times there may have been a total of three people, and that’s counting grandma Ozie and me.  But, the meeting went on as if the place was packed.  I was just glad to be with her. She continued to take me to Bible lessons and to church with her. I tagged along, I was young and was just happy be going with her.  Not knowing at the time that this would be the foundation for my spiritual life. 

       Grandma Ozie would leave Connecticut before I reached eight years of age, she would go south to Georgia.   At the time I didn’t understand why she left, but as I grew older, I gathered the reason may have been a combination of being home sick and making room for our growing family.  In either case, I would miss her.  I would have the opportunity to see Grandma Ozie again when my sister ( Sandra) and I traveled to Georgia for a two week  vacation, during the summer of 1969. 

       We stayed with my Uncle Reggie (Reginald Carter) and Aunt Naomi in Butler, Georgia. It was a memorable time.  I was able to spend time getting to know my cousins, Charlene, Cynthia, Reggie, Kalvin (Ka Ka) and Qwen.  My cousin Reggie took me out in the woods hunting. I don’t recall catching anything but I learned a lot.  Cynthia and Charlene would take me across the railroad tracks to the little store where we bought soda pop and potato chips.   Uncle Reggie took us to Atlanta to see Grandma Ozie. I remember a big family dinner, at who I believe was Aunt Nan’s (Nannie Mae Telefair) house.  I remember a lot of food and family.   All in all it was an experience I’ll never forget. I still tease my cousins about that vacation.

       When I look at what is going on in the world today and see children being abused and discarded, I thank God for my parents , Robert and Winifred Carter.  I thank them for preparing me for this journey called life.  Whether they knew it or not they provided just enough advice, love, and freedom, allowing me to make the life decisions and mistakes that have brought me this far.  But they weren’t alone, again, there was grandma Ozie, Aunt Martha, Uncle Loveture and Uncle Velma.  I recall Uncle Velma coming by with his patented greeting “What’s happ’nin’ Jackson”.   I knew he knew my name wasn’t Jackson, but he said that to all of us, as he held out his hand for us to slap him five. Every time he came over he would be clean, dressed sharp.  As I got older and able to afford them, I bought myself a pair of Stacey Adam shoes in memory of Uncle Velma. I was saddened to hear of his passing, while I was away in college. 

       It was after college that I started my family and began to apply the values instilled during my childhood.  I distinctly remember having a discussion with my brother-in-law and his friend regarding Black role models.  It was one of those intellectual conversations, where they were out to prove, for themselves why the world was in such disarray.  So, they made the observation of how young folk, chose the wrong role models.  To prove their point they asked me who were my heroes?  I answered, My father and my uncles, this wasn’t the answer they expected, so needless to say the discussion ended.  The point being, I recognized how important my family has been in shaping who I am.  Specifically, my parents, Robert and Winifred Carter, whom I’m very proud.    As I grow older I’m reminded of how invaluable their love, guidance and discipline has been in molding my values and ultimately my character.

       The baton has been passed, I have three sons of my own.  I pray that I’ve provided the same nurturing environment for my children as my parents had done for me.  I realize the world is changing and at some point we change along with it.  But, I also feel that some of those traditional values that my Dad taught me “respect and responsibility” go a long way.  So, to my parents, this is for you, I love you.  To the Oxford family, past and present, Thanks for the memories, those past and yet to come.  May God continue to Bless this family. 

Editor’s Note: The passage above has been placed in the “Family Histories” section of our family WEB site.  Write your personal or family history and we’ll place it in our WEB site for future generations of our family to read and be inspired by.

MANCE & SARAH ANN OXFORD

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

          This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 2002 is now open for applica­tions.  The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in June, 2002.  The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are descendants  of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1.       Applicant must be a descendant of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford.

2.       Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to at­tend college or a trade school following high

          school graduation.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING

(!!!! IMPORTANT, PLEASE DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING !!!!)

(Letter of application MUST include the following)

1. Applicant’s name, applicant’s address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining applicant’s relationship to the Oxford clan.

3. Statement explaining applicant’s vocational or professional goals in life, and listing the college or trade    

    school that you plan to attend.

4.   A copy of applicant’s high school transcript.

     The application deadline is May 1, 2002.

APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

Send all of the above to:

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

    Oxford descendants who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in a graduate school are eligible for a one time graduate student award of $500.

    Deadlines for applications are the same as the above.  Applicants should submit a copy of their letter of acceptance to graduate school, or a copy of their most recent grades for graduate courses. Applicants should also explain their education goals and list their major course of study.

GOOD ADVICE FROM A DONKEY

Taken from the internet and submitted by Pam Fordham

       One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well.  The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out a way to remove the donkey from the well.  Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey. 

       He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him.  They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.  At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.  Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down.

       A few hours later, the farmer finally looked down into the well and was astonished at what he saw.  With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.  He would shake it off and take a step up.

       As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.  Soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

       Life is going to shovel a lot of dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.  The key to getting out of the wells of life  is to shake off the dirt and take a step up.  Each of life’s obstacles can be a stepping stone.

       We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping our quest to overcome, never giving up!  Shake it off and take a step up!

       Some simple rules for a happy life.

1.  Free your heart from hatred.

2.  Free your mind from worries.

3.  Keep your life simple.

4.  Give more.

5.  Expect less.

Enjoy!  SHAKE IT OFF…

FAMILY NEWS

          Airman E3 Brien Oxford left for Kuwait on November 26, 2001.  Brien is the son of Willie and Terry Oxford Arnold.  He is the grandson of the late John L. “Jayfird” Oxford and the great grandson of the late Jess and Johnnie Mae Dorns Oxford.  Brien will be in Kuwait from 6 months to one year   Brien joined the Airforce in December, 2000.  Please pray for our troops.  God Bless America.

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     Arcolia “Teck” Oxford Myers was admitted to the hospital (Phoebe -Putney) on November 26, 2001.  “Teck” has been sick off and on for about 3 months.  She became ill in August when her daughte-in-law Cora Bell Jackson Myers passed.  She suffered a stroke which affected her walking and speech.  “Teck” is at home now with her daughter, Essie “Sister” Bradley.  Please pray for her.  Cards and letters can be sent to P.O. Box 518, Sasser, GA 31786.

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       Arcolia “Teck” Myers  was surprised by her son, John “Joe Man” Oxford coming home for Thanksgiving.  “Joe Man” spent the Thanksgiving holiday with his sister Essie.  In addition, Darious Myers and his family, and Kenyarta Asberry  Daniel and her family came from Atlanta to be with the family.  Darious is the son of “Teck” and the late Love Myers, Jr.  Kenyarta is the daughter of Henderson Myers and the late Cora “Belle” Jackson Myers and the granddaughter of “Teck.”

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       Ethel Mae Oxford (widow of the late “John L. “Jaybird” Oxford) hosted a family Thanksgiving dinner.  Family members brought a covered dish and everyone had a festive time.  In addition to Jess Oxford descendants, some members of the late Annie Lee Oxford family also attended.

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       Mary Ann Clay (Daughter of the late Jess and Johnnie Mae Dorns Oxford) hosted her chidren, grand-children, and great grand-children, and some family members from Virginia, at a Thanksgiving dinner.

Note: All of the above family news items were sent in by Shandra Bradley.

MORE FAMILY NEWS

       “Aunt Rose” Oxford (widow of the late Otis Oxford) was reported to have been in a skilled living facility in November.  According to reports from the family in Orlando, Florida she is doing well.  Her family thanks everyone for their prayers.

       Sonya Letitia Hill (daughter of Ernest and Barbara Hill, and granddaughter of the late Otis and Rosetta Oxford) received her Masters Degree in Sociology on November 4, from the University of Central Florida.  Her B.S. Degree was from South Carolina State.

       Elgin Rucker and Maya Hogan are new parents of a daughter, Regis Rose Rucker who was born on October 6, 2001.  (Elgin is the son of Rose Mary Oxford Rucker and Rev. Dr. Harry Rucker and grandson of the late Otis and Rosetta Oxford).

Note:  All of the above news were submitted by Rose Mary Oxford Rucker.

A TRIBUTE TO AUNT BELLE

IN MEMORY

Shandra “Yvonne” Bradley

   What was it you had said?

Why did you have to go?

   Each simple little memory,

now passes by so slow.

   I’m stuck in yesterday,

not wanting to accept

   the horrid truth that you are gone.

I realized that life is forever.

   There is no night without a dawning,

no winter without a spring.

   And beyond death’s dark horizon, our

hearts once more will sing.

   We love you Aunt Belle.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

       People who receive awards and recognition, are not necessarily more deserving than the people who get overlooked in such ceremonies.  People who get overlooked are not necessarily undeserving.  Awards and recognition ceremonies are simply part of the carnal baggage of the human experience.  In a spiritual context such ceremonies and recognition are meaningless.

Monroe Fordham

THANKS L’OVERTURE

       We extend a special “Thank you” to L’Overture Carter for sending us a printed program from the funeral services of Uncle Dock Oxford (died, 1979).  Uncle Dock’s obituary will be added to the obituary section of the www.oxford9.com web site.