Just Among Friends
"Love in Bloom" was the theme of the bridal shower given for Landry Payne in Bridges, the Venue, in Philadelphia last week. Her grandmother, Janice Payne, took the idea of a simple shower to new heights! With the help of some amazing friends, she turned it into something magical.
The Venue was transformed into a lovely setting, with large arrangements of summer flowers highlighting the white cloth-covered tables, which displayed a delectable assortment of refreshments, and the guest registry table, which held a picture of the engaged couple. Landry looked lovely in a white summer sundress with a corsage pinned to her shoulder. Landry and Austin Cole Palmer will be married shortly. Best wishes for much happiness.
~
June 23 marked a major milestone in the life of Dillon Morris, who graduated from Midshipman boot camp. He was a member of NJROTC at Neshoba Central High School. His very proud parents listened as his shipmates spoke of his leadership and constant morale boosting throughout boot camp. As he said, "I want to be part of something bigger than myself."
His parents are Keith Morris and Heather Holley Morris. Congratulations! The future looks bright!
~
Happy Anniversary to Robert and Tabby McKee Winstead, who celebrated 20 years of marriage on June 21! Congratulations and best wishes for many more years of happiness together!
~
A young golfer, Ajay Lewis, who is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, had the fabulous experience of playing in the 2025 Scotland Junior Golf Invitational Tournament!
He proudly represented the United States and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in this tournament in Scotland from June 24 to July 2. It was an honor to be included and travel to the country where golf originated. St. Andrews Golf Course is often called the "Home of Golf" due to its rich history and the establishment of the modern game.
~
Congratulations to Don Culpepper! He hit a Hole-in-One at the Philadelphia Country Club on Hole #11on June 25. His remarkable feat was witnessed by Cody Bryan, a friend and fellow golfer!
~
One of the many things I love about Mississippi is a family reunion which people celebrate annually, every so many years, or whenever they can all get together. Family members come from all over the country to their home place to unite, reminisce, meet new members, new babies, visit, and exchange news, and, of course, eat. I think this is a remarkable custom which helps strengthen family ties even though they might not live as closely as they had in the past.
The recent siblings' reunion of the late Woodroe and Claudia Smith is a perfect example of this tradition. My friend and sitter, Zane Jones, from Noxapater and her siblings gathered together during the month of June coming from Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Their brother, Danny Smith, and his wife, who live in Chicago, were unable to attend due to illness.
The reunion began with a dinner at The Market Cafe in Louisville on Thursday evening followed on Friday by a special meal with memories of their childhood in Chicago with food brought by two sisters-Italian roast beef, and Vienng, Chicago, dogs! A dinner at Lake Tiak O'Khata in the private dining room was enjoyed by everyone including family members of the siblings. After church at Butler Pentecostal Church, everyone departed for their homes.
~
A ribbon cutting celebrated the Grand Opening of PACTherapy last week with guests touring the facilities and learning about the services available. Refreshments and lunch were served to everyone.
A special guest was Jarquez Hunter, a former student of Valerie Hardy at Neshoba Central High School who excelled in sports. He was selected by the Clarion Ledger as a member of its Dandy Dozen, was awarded a scholarship to Auburn where he played as a running back for the Auburn Tigers and earned a Bachelor's Degree. He was recently drafted by the Los Angeles Rams during the 2025 draft.