Newsletters 2006

The family reunion in 2005 was a great success and a wonderful time was had by all, so get ready for the “re-mix” in 2007, which promises to be even better. The following announcement is from Brad and the reunion organizing committee updating the plans for Family Reunion 2007. Our Oxford Reunion for 2007 is scheduled for Friday, June 29th, Saturday, June 30th, and Sunday, July 1st. This one will be 3 days vs. 2 days. The fee will be as follows:

All who plan on attending should respond by November 30th with their T-Shirt sizes. Deadline for the Reunion fee will be March 1st, 2007. If there are any questions please contact Brad at: McKinley & Essie Bradley, P.O. Box 518, Sasser, Ga. 39885 Phone# (229) - 698-5875.

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES

Anthony Terrence Cooper was born on April 26, 1975 to the late Betty Louise Cooper and Wallace Myers in Terrell County, GA. A native of Dawson, GA, he was educated in the Terrell County School System where he graduated in the class of 1994 from Terrell Middle-High School, Dawson, GA. At an early age, he joined the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dawson, GA. He was once employed with Tyson as a QSI. “Ant” as he affectionately called by all who knew and loved him, lived a full and joyous life and cherished his children.

On Saturday, July 29, 2006, the Lord called him home. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, the late Luther Cooper, Sr., and two uncles, the late Terry Cooper and the late Larry Cooper.

Anthony leaves to cherish his precious memories three loving children, Meosha Cooper of Atlanta, GA; Devontae and Jaquand Bell, both of Parrott, GA; his loving and caring grandmother, who reared him from a small child, Louise Cooper of Dawson, GA; a loving father, Wallace Myers of Dawson, GA; a loving sister, Thaches Clark (Nard) of Dawson, GA; three brothers, Levin Myers (Marneshia) of Dawson, GA; Garry and Derric Myers, both of Dawson, GA; a caring grandmother, Arcolia O. Myers of Sasser, GA; three loving aunts, Diann Bell (Greg) of Dawson, GA; Patricia Scott (Willie) of Bronwood, GA; and Essie Bradley (McKinley) of Sasser, GA; ten uncles, three of whom he was very close to, Luther Cooper (Sharon) of Shellman, GA; Timothy Cooper (Joyce) of Dawson, GA; and Ronnie Cooper of Dawson, GA; one nephew, Deonta Jordan of Dawson, GA; one niece, Cierra Harvey of Dawson, GA; two great uncles, William Jordan of Dawson, GA; and Earl Jordan (Ora Mae) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two great aunts, Doris Brown (J.D.) of Cincinnati, OH; and Clara Johnson (Lonnie) of Hollywood, FL; a close friend, Corey Lowe of Dawson, GA; and a very special friend, Latoya Bell of Parrott, GA; and a host of cousins and many sorrowing friends.”

“Home going” services were held on Saturday, August 5, 2006, at Sardis Memorial Baptist Church, Dawson, GA. The body was interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Dawson, GA.

CARRIE MAE MOON LEWIS

1911-2006

Sister Carrie Mae Moon Lewis was born June 14, 1911 to the late Bonnie Moon, Sr. and Emmaline Shepard Moon (sister of Sarah Ann Oxford) in Terrell County. She was the second of eleven children: Luther J. Moon, George Moon, Joe Nathan Moon, Bonnie Moon, Jr., Sarah B. Moon Davis, Alma Lee Moon Goolsby, and Vera Moon Green, (all of whom preceded her in death), and Ethel Moon Brack, Beatrice Moon Collins, and Charlie Will Moon.

She was educated in the Terrell County School System. At a very early age she joined the Macedonia Baptist Church, Parrott, GA where she served faithfully as a member until her health failed.

In November of 1934, Carrie Mae Moon was united in holy matrimony to the late James Leo Lewis, Sr. This union was blessed with six children.

On Tuesday, the 22nd day of August the angels called and Carrie Mae Moon Lewis replied, "Here Am I." She was the mother and deaconess of her church where she served faithfully until her health prevented her active participation.

Carrie was employed for 16 years at Terrell County Hospital as a dietitian. She was also known for her exceptional skill as a dressmaker and for being a caring, loving person.

She leaves to cherish her legacy and precious memories, six loving children, Jimmy Lewis (Mae), Miami, FL; Emma K. Lewis-Holloway (Commissioner Lucius), Dawson, GA; Alonza Lewis, Sr. (Rosa Anna), Dawson, GA; James L. Lewis, Jr. (Joanne), Albany, GA; Louise Lewis Bishop, Dawson, GA; Rev. Robert L. Lewis (Mary), Albany, GA; two sisters, Ethel Brack, Beatrice Collins (James) Dawson, GA; one brother, Deacon Charlie Moon (Pearlie), Parrott, GA; one sister-in-law, Bessie Lewis Holloman, Columbus, GA; 19 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

“Dorothy Mac Daniel Telafare was born to Luther and Mamie (Warner) Daniel on October 02, 1916 in Atlanta, Georgia. She departed this life on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 11:42 p.m. At age 12, (1928) she gave her life to Christ at Union Baptist Church and remained faithful until she was called home.

Dorothy lost her birth mother at a young age and had to travel with her father, who was a Pullman Porter. During the school year she lived with relatives in different states and also lived in orphanages in Atlanta, GA and Harlem, NY. Her father met and married Gertrude Moreland whom she affectionately called “Mother.”

After their return to Atlanta, Dorothy attended K. A. Ware Grade School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1937. She went on to Tuskegee Institute to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, which she received in 1941, and a Masters degree in 1956. During her tenure at Tuskegee, she met George Washington Carver; was President of the Home Economics club; served as Treasurer of the YWCA; and was a member of the Tuskegee Choir under the direction of William L. Dawson. After graduation from Tuskegee Institute, she worked in Hartselle, Alabama, and Atlanta Life Insurance Company until the Atlanta Board of Education hired her in 1948 at Carver Vocational High School where she worked diligently for 34 years. After retirement in 1982 she continued to serve the Board of Education for several years as a substitute teacher. She also received a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Atlanta University.

Dorothy received many awards and recognitions: Southeast Regional Alumni Merit Award 1976; Outstanding Dedicated Service to Carver High School Since 1948; Teacher of the Year (1979 and 1980); Appreciation Award from Child Development Classes 1982; Service Award AJCC 1983-1984; Certificate of Appreciation Atlanta Public School 1982; Union Baptist Church Vacation Bible School Director; Certificate of Appreciation for Dedicated Service Union Baptist Church 1990; Certificate of Appreciation for Dedicated Service with the Contemporaries; Atlanta Tuskegee Alumni Mentor of the Year 2000; Living Legend Award, Union Baptist 2001; and many more.

Dorothy married her beloved husband Curtis Telafare on August 14, 1949 (he preceded her in death on May 16, 2006). She leaves to cherish her memory; a daughter Jan Baquet (Atlanta, GA); three grandchildren, Tiffany L. Thornton (Atlanta, GA), Carmen D. Baquet (New Orleans, LA), Marshall P. Baquet (New Orleans, LA); two great grandsons, Napoleon Meadors V, and Andrew W. Boazman (Atlanta, GA); two sisters-in-law, Josie Johnson, and Ozie Alexander (Atlanta, GA); niece Angela R. Alexander (Atlanta, GA); two son-in-laws, William B. Thornton (Atlanta, GA), and Michael P. Baquet (Lauderdale, CA); and a host of other relatives and friends.”

Her homegoing services were held at the Union Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA. Interment was in Carver Memorial Park, Jonesboro, GA.

FAMILY NEWS

From Loverture CarterRecently Robert Carter was hospitalized at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut.

Jessie Mae Iverson, daughter of “Jess” Oxford, is in a rest home in Windsor, Connecticut; and Thelma “Tip” Walton, also daughter of “Jess” Oxford, is in a rest home in West Hartford, Conn.

JONES HIGH GRADUATES REMEMBER

Recently Monroe Fordham participated in the creation of a memoir compiled by members of the 1957 graduating class of Jones High in Orlando, Florida. The memoir generated a great deal of excitement among the Jones High community, including friends and family members located all around the country. The following excerpt is a portion written by Monroe, in which he remembers the lesson he learned after trying out for the basketball team in 9^th grade:

I remember as a 9^th grader I learned a valuable lesson about the connection between self-confidence and defeat. You should be on guard against allowing your self-confidence to be destroyed by isolated defeat. Sometimes in life we may not get some of the things that we think we deserve. When that happens, we can’t allow our competitive spirit and confidence to be crushed. We should simply get up, “suck it up,” and go on to the next challenge.

Even as a 9^th grader, I was tall for my age and I already had the audacity to think of myself as a future basketball star. On the playground basketball courts I could burn most of the boys in my age group. It was the fall semester of 1953, and my short-term goal was to make the high school varsity basketball team. That was a daunting challenge because Jones High was noted for its outstanding basketball players. Some of the players were playground idols to some of us young upstarts – Alvin Jackson, Carl Evans, Willie Cooley, George Robinson, and Willie “Snake” Martin would eventually be recognized by some, as one of Jones’ all-time basketball teams. And there were numerous backup players that were also good. But I was overflowing with confidence.

In those days the players on the team had to buy their own sneakers, the school didn’t furnish shoes. Several weeks before tryouts, I went to Mr. Levain (at that time the basketball coach) and informed him that I intended to try out for the team. I also asked him what brand of basketball shoe I should buy. He seemed unimpressed and looked at me for a moment before replying. Then he said, “The team members will decide that question after the tryouts, when we know who will be on the team. Don’t buy your game shoes until after tryouts.” I said OK and thanked him for the information.

That same day I went to the sporting goods store and bought a pair of white “Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars,” the shoe that the team used the previous year. Several days later I brought my new sneakers to school, still in the box. Filled with excitement, I rushed to show them to Mr. Levain. I found him in his office in the gym. “Is this the kind of shoe that the team will wear?” I asked. He gave me his usual stare and paused before replying, “That may be the kind of shoe that your team will be wearing, but my team hasn’t decided yet.”

After the tryouts, I learned that I did not make the team. Elijah “Baby” Rogers was the only 9^th grader to make the varsity basketball team that year. I was so disappointed about the outcome, but that setback motivated me to work even harder at developing my skills as a basketball player. In retrospect, I think that the lesson that I learned was worth the disappointment.

Excerpt from We Remember: School Days and Growing up Black in Orlando, Florida, 1940-1957, ed. Monroe Fordham. Copyright by the Well's Built Museum, Orlando, FL., 407-245-7535, www.pastinc.org.

MANCE & SARAH ANN OXFORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 2007 is now open for applications. The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in June, 2007. The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are descendants 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: (Letter of application MUST include the following)

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

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 graduation courses. Applicants should also explain their educational goals and list their major course of study.

Recently Loverture Carter contributed $300 to the Oxford Scholarship. May God continue to bless you.

JOHNNIE LOUISE WALTON-KERR, 1944-2006

Johnnie Louise “Pelo” Walton-Kerr, 61 entered into eternal rest on April 20, 2006. She was Born in Parrot, Georgia on August 1, 1944 to Thelma Walton and the late Amos Walton, Sr. The family moved to Hartford when she -was nine years old. She was a resident of Hartford for fifty-two years.

Louise worked for the Aetna Insurance company for 18 years after which she provided child care service for Mr. Kevin and Mrs. DuBay McDowell for over seven years. She also provided child care services for members of her family. She was a former member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church . She later joined Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church under Pastor Reginald 'W. Washington where she served as an usher, choir member and as part of the Pathfinder Parents Association.

Besides her mother, Thelma Walton of Hartford, Louise leaves to cherish loving memories, her husband Charles Kerr, three daughters; Janice, Kjm and Charlene Walton and her son, Robert Walton, Sr., all of Hartford . She leaves eight grandchildren; Tyrell Walton, Amani Carr, Shani Walton, James Walton, Jayden Walton, Bryson Walton and wife Torraine, Tishonda Jordan and Robert Walton, Jr., five great-grandchildren; Taryn Smith, Timothy Smith, Bobby Hemingway Jr., Tessa Walton and Teair Walton, all of Hartford; four brothers; Amos ((Red) Walton of East Hartford; Aaron ((Bebo) Walton and wife Mary of Bloomfield; David Redden of Brockton, Massachusetts; and Stanley Walton of Hartford; three sisters; Carol Coleman of Hartford, Jody Pines of Glastonbury and Margie Brown of Hartford; an aunt; Ethel Hall of Hartford; god-daughters; Tammy Peterson of Hartford, and Lori Green and husband Keith of East Hartford; god-son; Troy Myers of Hartford; and god-Brother; Walter James and wife Nancy of Jacksonville, Florida. She also leaves a special daughter in-law Gwen Shannon, and special cousin Robert Brown, and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her Brother Mance Oxford, father Amos Walton, Sr., and son James Walton. Louise will Be greatly missed!

Home going services were held on April 28 at Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hartford, CT. Interment was at Northwood Cemetery, Wilson, CT.

CURTIS TELAFARE, 1919 – 2006

Curtis Telafare was the first child born to Lucius and Nannie Mae (Oxford) Telafare on February 24, 1919 in Parrott, Georgia. He claimed his promise to eternal life on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. At an early age, he committed his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and remained a faithful servant until he was recently called Home.

Curtis attended E. A. Ware Grade School and Booker T. Washington High School, both in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the United States Army and served in World War II as a squad leader. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on October 17, 1945.

After leaving the military, Curtis enrolled in the Atlanta Tailoring School. During his matriculation, he served as an apprentice to Mr. Charles Protho, a widely recognized and successful tailor and businessman. After graduation, Curtis married his beloved Dorothy Mae Daniel on August 14, 1949 at their home on Mayson Turner Road in Northwest Atlanta by Reverend J. A. Wilborn, Sr.

Curtis was extremely passionate about his profession as a tailor. He was the proprietor of a successful business called Artistic Tailors. He was also employed by J. C. Penney at Greenbriar, and Rich's at Lenox where he eventually retired.

Curtis was a well-rounded man who enjoyed life. He particularly loved serving in his church and was loved by its members. As a devoted and committed member of Union Baptist, he served as a deacon, clerk, trustee, and treasurer of finance. He was a master joke-teller and entertained many with his infectious sense of humor. His beloved wife often told him that he “missed his calling as a comedian.” Curtis enjoyed ping pong and bowling and won several trophies with the Union Baptist League.

Left to cherish his memory after Curtis' departure from this life are: his devoted wife of 57 1/2 years, Dorothy (Daniel) Telafare (Atlanta, GA); his loving daughter Jan Baquet (Atlanta, GA); two sisters Josie Johnson and Ozzie Alexander (Atlanta, GA); three affectionate grandchildren Tiffany Thornton (Atlanta, GA), Carmen and Marshall Baquet (New Orleans, LA); two precious great grandchildren Napoleon Meadors, V and Andrew Boazman (Atlanta, GA); a loving niece Angela Alexander (Atlanta, GA); two son-in-laws William Thornton (Atlanta, GA) and Michael Baquet (Lawndale, CA); and a host of other relatives and friends.

DOROTHY TELAFARE HOSPITALIZED

We were recently (6/14/06) informed that Dorothy Telafare, wife of the late Curtis Telafare, has been hospitalized since the day after his homegoing services. She is in intensive care. Keep her and her family in your prayers.

The winners of the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 2006 are Bonita Nicole Brunson, James Calvin Oxford II, Theodus L. Canty, Jr., Marcus Jamell Jones, and Jessica Elizabeth Lewis.

Bonita Nicole Brunson

Bonita Brunson is the daughter of Evelyn Bonita Perry, grand-daughter of Vera Mae Thomas, and great-granddaughter of the late Arie D. Oxford Fordham Jackson. Bonita graduated from Agape Christian Academy, in Orlando, FL. She attended Agape for four years and graduated at the head of her class and with honors. Bonita will continue her education in the fall as a student at Valencia Community College. She plans to major in nursing.

James Calvin Oxford II is a graduating senior at Newton High School, Covington, GA. He is the son of James Calvin Oxford, Sr., and Deborah Ann Oxford; and grandson of Adolphus Oxford, Jr., and Louise Harden; and great-grandson of the late Adolphus Oxford, Sr., and Annie Lee Oxford. James was an honor student in the college preparatory program. In the fall, James will attend Georgia State University and will major in computer science. James plans to eventually do graduate work in computer engineering at Georgia Tech University.

Theodus L. Canty, Jr., is a graduating senior at Lyman High School in Longwood, FL. He is the son of Theodus Canty, Sr., and Karen Oxford Canty of Altamonte Springs, FL. He is the grandson of John “Joe Man” Oxford, and the great-grandson of Arcolia “Teck” Myers, and the great-great-grandson of the late Jess Oxford. Theodus plans to attend the Georgia Military College in the fall, 2006. He plans to major in public relations.

Marcus Jamell Jones is a 2006 graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School. Marcus is the son of Tammy Fordham Jackson. He is the grandson of Evelyn Williams, and the great-grandson of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson. Marcus wass born in Orlando, Florida but moved to Palm Coast when he was 17. Marcus plans to attend Valencia Community College in the spring semester. He will major in Business. Marcus plans to complete his undergraduate education at Florida State University. His dream is to one day own his own business.

Jessica Elizabeth Lewis

Jessica Elizabeth Lewis of Hartford, Ct. Jessica is a graduating senior at Weaver High School in Hartford. She is the daughter of Victoria Lynn Iverson and Michael G. Lewis. She is the granddaughter of Joseph “Bubba” Iverson (deceased) and Jo-Ann King Iverson, and great-granddaughter of Jessie Mae Iverson. Jessica was ranked 35 in a class of 216. The following is the essay that was submitted with her application:

My name is Jessica Lewis and I am currently a senior at Weaver High School, Hartford, CT. I was born and raised in Hartford, CT by my mother. I have three brothers, making me the only girl. One of my brothers is currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University. My mother has always emphasized the importance of education, especially higher education. I have participated in two sports at Weaver. They are basketball and volleyball. I really enjoyed them both and I believe they have helped to teach me self-discipline, leadership and team building skills. The sport I enjoy the most is basketball because I am very competitive and truly enjoy a challenge. My leadership skills have helped me in securing the position of captain on the varsity basketball team for two years. I have been playing varsity for three years.

Throughout high school I have done many community service activities. I tutored elementary school students and assisted them with their homework. This helped me get a feel for what teachers do and how hard their job can be. My best experience was when I was selected to teach a kindergarten class for a whole day. I learned that being a kindergarten teacher is a lot of work and it isn't as easy as it seems. This was a great experience for me. It gave me the chance to develop a lesson plan and see first hand how important a job of a teacher really is. Also, I helped to coach an elementary basketball team all year around. Being a coach comes with a lot of responsibility. What being a coach taught me was a lot of patience because when you're working with kids; patience is the first thing that you must have. The thing I liked the most about working with kids was just seeing a smile on their face and knowing that they are happy and when they're happy it makes me feel like I accomplished something that day. I also participated in several committees; first the Human Relations club and then the National Urban League Incentives to Excel and Succeed program (N.U.L.I.T.E.S). I enjoy being a part of the Human Relations club because we conduct a lot of community service projects. We assist at local shelters at holiday times while making and serving dinners. I felt good while working in a shelter because it made me feel like I changed the world and it gave me the feeling that I just made someone's life a little bit better. We also organized a school-wide blood drive. This gave us the opportunity to donate blood to someone that was in need. I also participate in Jobs for America's Graduates (J.A.G); this program teaches the fundamentals of college preparation and employment.

I plan on attending a four-year university where I can major in psychology. After graduation, I want to pursue a career as a psychologist because I love working with kids and I want to contribute to the world in some way. As I see it, my life is just beginning. I plan on being a great asset to the world.

Jessica will attend Morgan State University in the fall. We ask the family to keep Jessica in their prayers.

CALL FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

The older generation of Oxford descendants are gradually dying off. In a decade or so there will be no one around to tell the stories and give historical information that connects our family with its early 19^th century roots. We are asking the descendants and friends of the Carter, Telafare, Iverson, Fordham, Walton, Oxford and other clans of Mance and Sarah Oxford descendants to interview the senior members of their families and write down the stories of their lives. We also invite the descendants of the siblings of Mance and Sarah Oxford to do the same.

Those stories and biographical sketches should be submitted to us and we will type then up and post them on our WEB site where relatives can access them in writing term papers, school projects, or just for general reading. If you have questions or reservations about writing the biographical sketches, give me a call (716-633-7058), and I will arrange a time to call you and tape an interview over the phone. I will write the sketch from the interview. Give me a call today.

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY

“Sister” (Essie Bradley, daughter of “Teck” Myers and wife of “Brad”) and I recently went to Orlando and Altamonte Springs to visit family. This was on May 23rd - 24th. We attended the graduation of Theodis L. Canty, who graduated from Lyman High School. "Lil Thee" is the son of Karen Canty who is the daughter of John L. Oxford "Joe Man.” Joe is Arcolia Oxford Myers’ ("Teck") oldest son and Karen is Teck's granddaughter. "Lil Thee" is Teck's great-grandson and the great-great-grandson of the late Jess Oxford. We visited with Uncle James and Ruby Gadson and enjoyed Uncle James’ many fond memories of people and relatives from around Parrott when they were growing up. We also visited the gravesite of Jess Oxford.

We had a pleasant, but brief, visit with Vera, Evelyn, and Lawrence Fordham. Our cousin Brenda Washington (Mary Ann Clay's daughter) was also in attendance. The graduation was very nice and afterward "Lil Thee's" mother and family gave him a nice graduation dinner. "Lil Thee" will be attending Valdosta State College in about 3 weeks from now and he wants to go into public relations and broadcast journalism.

Our grandson Jemar Bradley (“Trel”) finished the school year as an honor roll student and will be going to the 5th grade. He also made the Little league baseball All-Star Team. Jemar is the son of Shandra Bradley & Jerry Thomas. He is the grandson of Essie & McKinley Bradley, great-grandson of Arcolia "Teck" Oxford-Myers.

REUNION UPDATE

FROM BRAD AND THE REUNION COMMITTEE. We are still planning the next family reunion for late June – early July of 2007. We are tentatively planning for a three day affair. We plan to do a few fundraisers to help reduce the costs per family. We plan to have the reunion in the Dawson/Parrott/Albany area. We welcome suggestions from family members. In the meantime, put those dates on your schedule. Look for more specifics in the next newsletter and on our web site (www.oxford9.com).

PAM FORDHAM TAKES OVER AS EDITOR OF THE FAMILY NEWSLETTER

Beginning with the next issue, Pam Fordham will take over as editor of our newsletter. Send your news items to her directly at her

e-mail address (pfordham@adelphia.net), or at the family website e-mail, or at 49 Calvert Blvd., Tonawanda NY 14150.

CYNTHIA CARTER NAMED G.O.A.L. COORDINATOR FOR SOUTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) program, sponsored statewide by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, will be coordinated at the college-level by Cynthia Y. Carter, Director of Career Services & Job Placement at South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Georgia. The announcement was made by Sparky Reeves, president of South Georgia Technical College.

This program recognizes outstanding students attending Georgia's technical colleges for academic excellence and personal achievement. It seeks to spotlight the role of technical education in our modern economy and to emphasize the dignity of work.

Georgia's GOAL program is the first of its kind in the nation. In 2006, we celebrate the program's 35th year. Since inception at SGTC Cynthia is the third person to hold this position and the first African American. Cynthia will work in cooperation with officials of the Americus Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, the college sponsoring organization, to choose one student from SGTC to represent the college in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta during GOAL Week, May 22-26, 2006.

The college winner will compete with students from 38 other technical colleges and divisions in Georgia for the state GOAL medallion. A new car will be awarded to the state GOAL winner. Since the grand prize in the state contest is a new car, there is tremendous competition among the colleges. "We make every effort to select our most outstanding student because we want to bring home the state winner."

During the Xmas holidays John L. Oxford (Joe-Man) spent a week with his sister and brother-in-law, Essie “Sister” and McKinley Bradley, and his mother Arcolia (Teck) Myers. The relatives were happy to see him and he enjoyed visiting his mother and his many relatives around Dawson & Parrott, Ga.

The Macedonia Church has undergone some structural improvements on the front and some restrooms have been added on the front as well. It looks very good. This work was done voluntarily by Emmaline Moon’s grandson Alonza Lewis. He is the son of Carrie Mae Moon Lewis.

On October 7^th, 2005 Oshey Bradley (D.D.) & Yakima Witchett were married. Oshey is the son of McKinley (“Brad”) & Essie (“Sister”) Bradley, and the grandson of Arcolia Oxford Myers (Teck). Oshey and Yakima became the proud parents of a healthy baby boy on Feb. 10^th, 2006. His name is Malik Deon’te Bradley. He weighed 71bs & 7ozs. All are doing fine.

Jasmyn Thomas the great granddaughter of Arcolia (Teck), and the daughter of Shandra (Vonne) Bradley & Jerry Thomas Jr. recently turned 1 yr. Old. She is walking and talking just fine. She loves to dance.

McKinley & Essie Bradley (Sister & Brad). Celebrated 27 yrs. Of marriage on March 10^th, 2006. Love, Communication, keeping God 1^st, Family , and that good ole country cooking has kept things together and we pray for many more years together.

School year 2005-2006 Elgin Otis Rucker (great-grandson of Otis & Rosetta Oxford) won the Spelling Bee at his Washington Shores Elementary School and continued on to a competition where he competed against Middle Schoolers.

Terri Synorvia Rucker-Green (daughter of Rose Mary Oxford Rucker & Rev. Dr. H.D. Rucker & granddaughter of Otis & Rosetta Oxford) confessed her calling in the Gospel Ministry and preached her first sermon at First Shiloh where her father is the Pastor on July 31, 2005.

Elgin Douglas Rucker (son of Rose Mary Oxford Rucker and Rev. Dr. H.D. Rucker & grandson of Otis & Rosetta Oxford) is Dean of Students at Washington Shores Elementary School in Orlando, FL and in January 2006 was appointed Assistant Pastor to his Father at First Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Sanford, FL.

On March 11, 2006 Rosetta Oxford, was taken out to the movies and dinner by her daughter Rose and granddaughter Terri along with grandchildren Elgin and Terrena-Rose, Thelma Hawes (Terri's faternal grandmother) and Barbara Green (Terri's mother-in-law). The movie was Madea's Family Reunion and dinner was at Cracker Barrel. It was a joyous family outing. Thanks for the prayers.

Last fall, Tanisha Fordham (daughter of Pam Fordham and granddaughter of Monroe and Freddie Fordham) was elected president of the freshman class at North Carolina A&T University. Recently, her classmates re-elected her to serve as president of next year’s sophomore class.

I am asking for your input in planning for the next family reunion, which is tentatively scheduled for June 29th, 30th, and July 1st. of next year 2007. I would like for family members in the different states to help raise funds to help offset the costs of putting on the reunion. If we can do fundraisers, we can lower the costs for each individual and maybe eliminate the fee charged for children. If you plan to attend, please contact us so that I can start to get a feel for what will be needed. I already have places in mind and I have made initial contacts regarding events, catering, lodging, and entertainment. I am asking for input from everyone so that this will be an enjoyable time for all and this one will be 3 days instead of 2. So please let me hear from you. I'm looking forward to getting things rolling. My address is McKinley Bradley, P.O. Box 518, Sasser GA 31785. My phone number is 229-698-5875. Thanks.

Latrisha Walton has volunteered to edit a column which recognizes and announces birthdays and anniversaries in each issue of the newsletter. We are inviting each of you to ask around in your community and send her the birthdates and dates of anniversaries of family members. We would like to list dates for everyone. After the first year, we should have a list so that you wouldn’t have to remind us. Her e-mail address is qn1015@comcast.net. Her address is 211 Tunxis Ave., Bloomfield CT 06002. Send her your information and help get this column off the ground.

MANCE & SARAH ANN OXFORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 2006 is now open for applications. The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in June, 2006. The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are descendants of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford.

Monroe and Pam Fordham, Editors

CARRIE MAE MOON LEWIS

1911-2006

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING: (Letter of application MUST include the following)

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS:

OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

Monroe and Pam Fordham, Editors

OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, 2006

Bonita Nicole Brunson

Jessica Elizabeth Lewis

CYNTHIA CARTER NAMED G.O.A.L. COORDINATOR FOR SOUTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

FAMILY NEWS

BRAD’S FAMILY REUNION UPDATE

NEW FEATURE FOR NEWSLETTER