The day of their mother's funeral, March 24, 1960, her family gatherd at Aunt Cliss' for a family photo. It's the only photo of all George's surviving children together that I know of. What a great group of people. They were so nurturing to all the nieces and nephews such a secure feeling to be cared about by so many aunts and uncles. I believe there are about 35 grandchildren.
From my perspective as a middle grandchild, each aunt and uncle had a speciality which could let us survive in our own little world (mine was a deserted island). Aunt Ruth could take care of the doctoring, Uncles Gene and Craig, Aunts Audine, Gwen and Berniece could make sure we were educated. Uncle Forrest (Dad) could grow the food and build the houses. Uncle Arth could cut our hair, Uncle Oz could build all the water works, and Uncle Tilman the vehicles. Aunt Bev could fix the phones, Uncle Gordon our feet, Uncle Garth our college education and Aunt Cliss could supervise us all. The other aunts and uncles were great moms and dads - important rolls in little kids' lives.
What wide diversity! It reflected the opportunities and interests of the family. They accomplished so much in the face of the Depression, the death of their father, limited economic opportunities and WWII. They set the mark. They have (and are still) giving us a wonderful legacy. Thank You!
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