Gilbert Pope was honored by, both his family and church family, Broken Arrow Baptist Church in Coal City/Wattsville, on Sunday at the church. It was a luncheon in honor o his 89th birthday which was March 20. There were some fifty family and friends present for the gala occasion. There was delicious food served. Of course, there was a beautiful birthday cake. Gilbert was very appreciative. Gilbert who is my cousin by marriage; he married my double-cousin, the late Patricia “Pat” Alverson Pope. They were married about 60 years before her death. Both of them were born and reared in Coal City. They both are/were very active in Broken Arrow Baptist Church. Gilbert is a deacon and has served in this position for many years. I am glad I got to be present for this special occasion and got to be with some close friends that I don’t get to be with often. Rev. Alan Crump is the church pastor.

Our brother, niece, great-niece, and great-nephew, Joe “Cliff” Black, Amy Black, her two children, Devin and Janna Black, along with Janna’s and Devin’s friend, Julianna, all of Mobile visited Ginny Black (our sister/aunt), and me, Mona Black Scott over the weekend. “Cliff”, Amy, Devin, Janna and Julianna also attended morning worship service and the birthday celebration at Broken Arrow Baptist Church. Needless to say we had a wonderful time being together. “Cliff’s” wife, Beverly, was not able to make the 6-hour trip. We request your prayers for her. Thank you.

Belated happy birthday to my young friend, Dylan Golden, son of Bobby and Debbie Golden who celebrated his 12th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17! And, happy birthday to my friends Jessie Garrison and Dixie Tollison who both celebrate today, March 23, my grandson, Aidan Scott, March 24, my sister, Ginny Black, March 26, my granddaughter-in-law, Holly Scott, March 25 and my young friend, Danny Barber, March 29! (Aidan Scott is the son of my son, Jay Scott of Coal City; Holly Scott is the wife of my grandson, Ben Scott; and Danny Barber if the son of Mark and Tammy Barber).

“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 – The Bible.