The  Gentry  Gazette     SIRing  with  Love    

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Covering the J.A. Gentry Family to SIR with Love (To Salute, Inspire, and Reinforce)

Volume 4, Number 11 November 30, 2014 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ www.gentrygazette.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ice Breaker - November: Facts about Thanksgiving

Today’s national Thanksgiving celebration is a blend of two traditions: the New England custom of rejoicing after a successful harvest, based on ancient English harvest festivals; and the Puritan Thanksgiving, a solemn religious observance combining prayer and feasting. The word Thanksgiving evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, the acknowledged founders of the feast. Some specific facts: The

Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford (MA), had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast; they taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations. Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef. Each year, the average American eats somewhere between 16 - 18 pounds of turkey. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States (Narrative: whsv.com, plimoth.org; Image: google.com). ---------------------------------------------------

Contents   ^ Feedback for the Gazette ^ The Three-N-One (Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter) Birthday Celebration Dinner ^ Members Attended Stevie Wonder Concert – Velsie Said He Looked Right at Her ^ Odell Beckham Destroyed MP’s Dream - A Three-Finger Sky-High TD Pass Reception ^ “Flashback” – Guess and Report the Names of the Persons Pictured ^ Sympathy Expressions and Prayer for Members

^ All November Birthday Celebrants: ^ Thanksgivings 2014: How Family Members Celebrated ^ SIRing with Love (Did you know?) ^ Classified (Edith) ^ The Gentry Gazette Live (Photo of the Month – Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter B Dinner)  -----------------------------------------------------

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Feedback for the Gazette

Answer to Flashback Question (Gazette Vol. 4, No. 10) -Velsie Gentry of Jackson is the winner; she emailed on October 31 at 10:40 p.m. that the persons pictured in the photo were Jerome Gentry (Bartlett, TN) and Ressia Hicks (Southaven, MS). Congratulations!! (Prize: Your VISA gift certificate was processed November 29, 2014). Thanks for your participation with this activity. Others who subsequently submitted correct responses were Kristin Lenette Ellis Jones (Pearland, TX) at 10:54 a.m. November 1, 2014; Harvey Ellis (Clinton) at 10:54 a.m. November 1, 2014; and Vonnie Sutton (Byram) at 2:13 p.m. November 1, 2014. -A word about Velsie Gentry: She is coming into her own as a young adult family member and supporter. Her sisters and many of her first cousins have moved away from the Jackson area to live; she is staying home and taking care of the business. In addition to teaching and being a loving, caring, stimulating parent; she keeps a watchful eye out for the older generation. She helps with technology in their home and keeps them informed on happenings in the family and the community. She is a true blessing to the family. Feedback -Edith Gentry of McComb emailed: Dear Ruben, words cannot express the gratitude that Arthur and I feel for the article you wrote in the Gazette about us. You are an outstanding writer and your eloquent use of words to describe events or situations really bring it to life and keeps the reader looking for more. I so look forward to the Gazette every month waiting for family news and other events. Keep up the good work and again thank you so much. Love Arthur and Edith. -Betty Hicks of Clarksdale emailed: Dear Ruben, I enjoy reading the Gazette; I look forward to reading it every month. Thank you for keeping Patricia (Patty) Adiko's name on the prayer list; throw my name in the mix, Betty Hicks. We can't get too much prayer. Over all we are doing very well. I know some ones are having birthdays soon. Just want to give two big shout outs to two special ladies. Happy Birthday Ladies!!!!! They know who they are, B @ R., I may will have forgotten their days by the time they come around. Keep up the good work! ------------------------------------------

The Three-N-One (Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter) Birthday Celebration Dinner and Family Chat

Look around; you may be pleasantly surprised at what you discover. Ressia Hicks looked around, remembered that she and two other persons in her family line had birthdays in November (Mother Bessie Gentry was born November 19th, Daughter Ressia Hicks was born November 21st, and Granddaughter Makaila Hicks was born November 29th) and said that merits having a birthday dinner. With a few telephone calls, the show was on the road. These three birthday celebrants are well known in the family for unique reasons. Bessie is known for her caring ways but carries the name “Boss.”

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Ressia is known as “Bud,” but everybody knows that things must be her way or no way. Makaila befriends everybody, but she is known for taking “her way or no way” to a new dimension. However, in reality, the three are the most phenomenal people on planet earth. An invitation went out to family members to attend “A Three-N-One Birthday Celebration and Family Chat” at Julep Restaurant in Jackson on November 15, 2014. Other November birthday celebrants were invited as special guests. The gathering room was lined with balloons,

celebrants’ photos (adjacent pictures are when they were younger: first, Bessie; second, Ressia; third, Makaila), candy goodies, and other party paraphernalia. The members arrived with bright eyes, broad smiles, and a family demeanor. The Mistresses of ceremony (Hattie and Gisele) graced the audience, and celebrants entered the room behind revolving lights (Harvey and Earnest) with their escorts. The audience was warmly greeted with kind words (Lepolian and Ethel), scripture (Marcus), poetry (Lenary) and song (Beth and Gisele). The food was blessed (Coy) and a great buffet awaited the members’ hefty appetite. Regrets were shared from members unable to attend (Edward and Ella of Davenport, IA; Jerry and Kathy of Indianapolis, IN; Von of Byram; Arthur and Edith of McComb), followed by roasting and toasting of the birthday celebrants. Comments gave testimony to the loving nature and strong character of the honorees. The celebrants acknowledged their appreciation for members taking time to join together and shower them with love and gifts. A “Happy Birthday” balloon had been made available for all other November birthday celebrants (See list in this bulletin). For members not in attendance, someone accepted the balloons on their behalf. An interesting part of the family affair was “Young members saluting mature members.” The young members were called to the front, given leis, and ask to place a lei around the neck of the mature members if they could identify the person when his or her name was called. In some cases the young members easily identified mature members; in other cases they needed a little help from the program guides. The objective of the activity was to help close the generation gap between young and mature family members. It seems that everybody came with a smile on their face; but it appeared that they left with full stomachs and joy in their heart. A common parting word was, “We need to do this more often.”

Members in attendance for the birthday dinner and family chat were Lepolian, Ethel; Coy, Coy Marcus; Ollie, Hazel, Gisele; Ruben, Bessie, Eugene, Ressia, Mheki, Makaila, Tia and Ayden King; Roosevelt, Eula, Velsie, Chelsie; Charles, LaVerne; Harvey, Lenary; Hattie, Beth; Melvesteen; Earnest, Sr., Earnest, Jr., Nika, Kelsey; Fred; and Dorothy.

Lenary Ellis of Clinton emailed a flashback: Ruben, You and Bessie continue to do a phenomenal job, complementing one another, in uniting our families. I admire your abilities to successfully organize, coordinate, and implement events. Thanks for allowing Harvey and me the opportunity to share in the festivities recognizing each of the November birthday celebrants. -----------------------------------------------------

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Members Attended Stevie Wonder Concert – Velsie Said He Looked Right at Her

Most family members know how to work and do work hard; some members work hard and take time for pleasure. A few family members decided to hookup and check out the bright lights of big cities. Velsie, Beth and a few of her friends from Jackson, and Eunette McLaurin of Las Vegas, NV met in Atlanta, GA and went on to Augusta, GA. Velsie and Eunette attended the Stevie Wonder Concert in

Atlanta. Know that the travel was first class as Velsie put on the road her new Nissan Pathfinder that she purchased for her September 10th birthday. The media reported that Stevie arrived at the sold-out Phillips Arena on November 22, 2014 with more than 30 musicians and provided more than three hours of songs. He was escorted onto the stage by his two young sons and India. The 64 year-old slid behind the keyboards as his

background singers launched into angelic harmonies of “Love’s in Need of Love Today” and “Songs in the Key of Life,” all in Technicolor beauty. Wonder joked about his blindness saying his mother made a pact with Berry Gordy that will expire in 2017 and everybody will learn that his blindness was a gimmick. The icon gave the audience an opportunity to sing along with him in his popular song “Happy Birthday.” The music industry Wonder gave attendees reason to celebrate (music.blog.ajc.com). This is what Velsie Gentry of Jackson had to say about the Stevie Concert and their blissful weekend before Thanksgiving. The trip extended from Friday night to Monday night. They visited Regina Blackman in Smyrna, GA and tried but missed seeing Ragah and Rianah Gentry in Atlanta. Eunette came with them back to Jackson for Thanksgiving. Velsie’s voice turned to a gleeful tone as she talked about the Stevie Concert. She especially liked the songs “These three words” and “Happy birthday;” the latter was sung at the birthday dinner a week earlier. Family word was that Velsie and Eunette had up-front seats at the concert and Velsie told members that Stevie looked right at her. If you have seen the smile that Velsie wears on her face when she is happy, it is conceivable that a blind person could see and appreciate it, even at a large concert. (Photos: provided by Velsie Gentry) ----------------------------------------------------- Odell Beckham Destroyed MP’s Dream - A Three-Finger

Sky-High TD Pass Reception A few years ago the Mouse Piece (MP) shared with his students an item from his “Bucket list.” His favored football team was going to be in a game too close to call. Game regulations would allow a team to make use of a relief player. The MP was going to be dressed in all the football

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gear. In a desperate effort to win the game, the coach looked on the sideline and told the MP to take to the field as wide receiver. In the huddle, the quarterback said to the MP, be on the lookout. The ball was snapped and the MP was in a foot race with the defensive back when a glimpse was made of the football coming his way; but it was a mile high. The fans chilled because they were sure the ball was over thrown; so much so that the defensive back made a short step. As the ball sailed high, the MP made a Superman leap, extending to the max every inch of his body. With his right hand coupled like a glove, the MP reached the football, brought it to his body, and hauled it into the end zone for a score. It was a night to remember in the history of football.

But guess what? Odell Beckham of the New York Giants destroyed the MP’s dream on November 23, 2013; he was the one who made history with an extraordinary three-finger sky-high pass reception in the end zone. The media reported that Odell Beckham, Jr. did something no man, woman or child who saw it will ever forget. Beckham was going deep, Eli Manning was throwing the ball in his direction, and the Dallas cornerback was attempting to prevent the unpreventable. Five-foot Beckham threw his body back toward the ball, stretched out his right arm as if it were made of Play-Doh, and caught the pass with three of his gloved fingers as he crash-landed in the short corner of the end zone. Beckham's left hand never touched the ball as he pulled it in and pressed it against his stomach. The moment the official raised his arms in touchdown form, millions of witnesses in TV rooms everywhere turned to family and friends and said "That's the best catch I've ever seen!" Unfortunately, the Giants were defeated by Dallas 31-28 (espn.go.com).

The MP congratulates Beckham for his “hall of fame” reception and now moves on to dream about another key item on his bucket list. He dreams of making a cross country drive of an 18 wheeler transporting goods for a major outlet company. A condition is that the rig must have a horn with a pull-down string in the cab. All his family members and friends will be asked to be on the alert to the honking of a horn from a big rig. This will give the MP a chance to live out the rest of the “boy” that lies within him. (Now, tell us about things on your bucket list.) -------------------------------------------------  

“Flashback” – Guess and Report the Names of the Persons Pictured Attention, attention! The first person to recognize and submit the names of the family members pictured in the adjacent photo, seated then left to right, will be acknowledged in the next Gazette issue and will receive a special prize. Be a real Gazetteer! You are encouraged to submit a photo for the next “Flashback.” (Note: Immediate family members are ineligible to win at this activity; The name of the contributor for this flashback will be revealed later, as it could be a clue to who is pictured.) -------------------------------------------------

Sympathy Expressions and Prayer for Members Sympathy Expressions to: -Husband Rufus “RW” Wyatt and children, Bessie and Eula Gentry (first cousins-in-law) of Jackson, the entire Frazier and Wyatt families, and other relatives and friends in the loss of Mrs. Maggie Moorehead Wyatt of Holly Bluff, MS, who passed on November 30, 2014 and

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will be funeralized on December 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., Peter Rock Church, Holly, Bluff, MS. After approximately 40 years of association with Maggie, the MP has this testimony; she was nothing but the pure and heart and she shall see God. Prayer for Members Dear God, we bow our heads and say thank You for allowing us to witness another Thanksgiving holiday. We thank You for the food placed on our table; we thank You for the fellowship that we had with one another; and we thank You for being Lord of our life. In all that we say and do we shall strive to bring glory and honor to Your name. Father, as recorded in Psalm 100, we know that it was You who made us and not we ourselves, and for this we say thank You. We know that we are Your people and You provide us pastures of plenty, and for this we say thank You. And Father we know that You only desire that we enter into Your gates with thanksgiving and praise Your name, and to this command we shall bless You with all our mind, soul, and being. Now Father, as Your master plan unfolds, there are members of the family who need special blessings. We lift to You Betty Hicks, Florence Barnett, Arthur Gentry, Patricia Adiko, Vonnie Gentry, Jerry “Danny” McCord, III, Jerry Gentry, Sr., Henry Dawkins, Larry Ware, and others in need of Your “thanksgiving” love and ask that You enable them to experience the holiday season with strength in their body, love in their heart, and a mind stayed on You. As You bless us, we will always be mindful to give You the praise. This is our prayer. Amen. (Image: www.google.com). ----------------------------------------------

All November Birthday Celebrants:

They include: (Dawkins, Brady) Nov 26th Gentry, Bessie Nov 19th Gentry, Edith Nov 8th Gentry, Roosevelt Nov 18th Haynes, Laura Nov 2nd Hicks, Makaila Nov 29th

Hicks, Ressia Nov 21st Jackson, Mary D. Nov 18th Mays, Ingrid Nov 28th McCord, William M. A. Nov 18th McLaurin, Portia C. Nov 6th

(Image from: http://www.bing.com/images; A name in parenthesis means deceased) ---------------------------------------------------

Thanksgivings 2014: How Family Members Celebrated Our family members celebrated Thanksgiving 2014 in a sundry of ways: from the east coast to the west coast, from the snowy north to the sunny south, and from big cities to rural areas. This is how they did it. -Gerrod and Kristin Jones of Pearland, TX were hosts to Thanksgiving dinner; Harvey and Lenary Ellis of Clinton were their guests. They had plenty good food and just enjoyed the splendor of Texas. A visit was made to see Jerry and Nita; they

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were in good spirit and Jerry walked them to the car, showing appreciation for them checking on him. -Eugene, Sr. and Betty Hicks of Clarksdale invited family and friends to their place for dinner. They had delicious food and enjoyed fellowshipping with each other. Those present included Eugene, Jr., Ressia, Mheki, and Makaila Hicks; Patty; Nel and Crystal Ghotti, Harrison. -Hattie Frazier and Beth McInnis of Jackson hosted Thanksgiving dinner. The food was delightful; five-year-old Caleb Wall of Pine Bluff, AR asked for a piece of each of about five desserts. The conversation was great; Earnest Frazier, Jr. probably gave the best advice on how young Blacks should respond to police. Other members present were Roosevelt, Eula, Eunette, Robert, Carmen, Jackson, Jillian, Velsie, Chelsie; Earnest, Nika, Kelsey; Fred, Ms. Brown, Jakaris Frazier; Ruben, Regina, Regah, Rianah. -Reggie and Mica Gentry of Atlanta stayed home and did interior house work. They are looking forward to a good Christmas holiday. -Henry Dawkins of Chesapeake, VA spent Thanksgiving in rehab with Annie Mae and the children giving him the best of their love. He turned 90 years old on September 16th; the children gave him a big birthday party. The children bought him a special chair and about everything else that a person could need. His sister Mary came to visit him a few months ago. -Lincoln Shields, Jr. of Coffeeville and his family had a Thanksgiving to remember. When the phone was answered, jubilation was loud and clear in the house. They had 32 family members and friends for the feast; they were from many different states and the menu would make your mouth run water. Jr. said nobody was angry or fussing; they were simply rejoicing. Also, Jr. has been traveling here and there; just taking care of business. Rev. Larry Ware is still doing well. -Jerry Gentry, Sr. was having a pretty good day in sunny Houston, TX. He and Nita had Thanksgiving dinner with Ingrid. He was watching the Ole Miss and MSU game and predicted that Ole Miss would go on and win it. He inquired about the rest of the family and wished everyone well. -Mary Etta Shields of Noxapater sounded so alert on the phone; she credits that to trying to eat right and exercising when she can. She had a real nice Thanksgiving; Patricia and other relatives came for the holiday. She said that Charles stopped by a few weeks ago and she encouraged us to call more often. -Mary D. Jackson of Greenwood was having an “alright” day after getting her blood pressure in check. Her niece came and took her to Batesville for Thanksgiving. Cynthia comes over often to cook and check on her. Tom recently had a medical procedure but is now doing well. Mary caught the plane and spent a week and a half with Henry; Cynthia and Tom drove up while she was in VA. She turned 88 years old on Nov 18th.

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-Dorothy Dawkins of Brown Deer, WI was reached in excellent spirit this Thanksgiving season. It has been pretty cold there but not too much snow. Her sons and grandson were with her and they helped prepare the food. Their favorite foods were ham and mac & cheese. She talked with Callie earlier in the day and found her doing pretty good. Our prayers are extended to Callie’s son Dexter as he experiences a medical challenge. -Ollie, Hazel, and Gisele Gentry of Madison hosted Thanksgiving dinner for some of Hazel’s relatives from Florida and Kevin of Dallas, TX who came home for the holiday. -Charles and LaVerne Gentry of Clinton and Mr. Will from Madison traveled to Orlando, FL during the Thanksgiving break for business and pleasure. After checking on personal property, they accompanied Mr. Will to three different theme parks. -Florence Barnett of Noxapater hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the family, including Willie, Bobby, Little David, Eddie, and Josephine. They had plenty food and shared a lot of laughter. She concluded the holiday with going to church. Florence has cut back on her walking; but Josephine steps forward to be her knees and legs when necessary. Josephine has been feet and legs when needed for so many during her lifetime. Florence’s voice resonated with distinction from days of her youth; she gives credit for this to the spirit that lies within her. She indicated that God has definitely blessed her; saying that in everything there is a blessing, sometimes you just have to look around and find it. What an inspiration!! (Image: Google.com) --------------------------------------------------

SIRing with Love (Did you know?)

-Charles and LaVerne Gentry of Clinton: We plan to attend (birthday dinner). We also plan to go up home on Saturday. We plan to go to Williamsville and Philadelphia (Hamilton Henson is going to give us a tour of his chicken houses). Hope to visit Mary Etta, Josephine, Lemoyne, Florence, Earlean, Slick, and Carolyn/Charles Hampton (high school classmates) in Louisville. It will be a full day. Charles -Vonnie Sutton of Byram: Hi Uncle Ruben! We will not be there (birthday dinner). Ashli has a basketball game at Tougaloo. Thanks for the invite. Von ---------------------------------

Classified (Edith) / Edith Gentry of McComb sent an email: “Never Argue With Children:” A little girl was talking with her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; its physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah." The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him."

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The Gentry Gazette Live (Photo of the Month: Mother, Daughter, and Granddaughter Birthday Dinner – All Born in November)

Pictured left to right are Mother Bessie Gentry, Daughter Ressia Gentry Hicks, and Granddaughter Makaila Elizabeth Hicks. (Photo: taken at birthday dinner and family chat program on November 15, 2014) -----------------------------------------------

(Please provide something for inclusion in this section for the next publication. This could become an exciting and inspirational part of the newsletter). -------------------------------------------------

Bottom Line: Help to make the Family SIR with love. For comments, contact Gazette Staff, 601.982-2684