Part two of the legacy celebration: A little bittersweet
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The oldest grandchild at 81 years, Billy Hill, and his sister, Toni, the youngest of the siblings, at this special occasion for their grandparents.
The oldest grandchild (son) Billy Hill, 81 years young, from California came to help us celebrate. He was here in Rockford some days before to take care of some business, went home and turned around to come back to attend the gathering of his Big Dad and Mom, whom he loved so much.
He always tells me the story about Bib Mom when he was a little boy walking with her to town. He spoke to this old man, and the man looked at him like he was crazy and did not speak back. It hurt him so badly, he wanted to cry. He said, “Big Mom, he didn’t speak.” My mom said to him, “But you did the right thing.”
Billy was maybe 6 or 7, but he never forgot that, and now 81 years young he treasures the fact that his Big Mom taught him to always do the right thing whether people do or not.
My mom and dad were honored well at the celebration. Pastor Fred Lee honored my dad, and Minister Frankie Cousin honored my mom. They both grew up with me and my siblings and knew some history about them.
A nephew my mom helped raise, Pastor Wilbert Johnson, was missed at the gathering. He became ill a day before the celebration and passed away some days afterward. This type of celebration was Wilbert’s thing. He was a true family man, always trying to get and keep family together.
He was a road map, better than GPS. If you wanted to find a family member, call Wilbert. He was my nephew, but more of a brother, raised in the same home and was always searching for lost family members – and found them, too!
Oh how we are missing him. There will never be another Wilbert. He turned everything into joy. You never saw him down. No matter how far people pushed him in the valley, he always looked up with a smile. His motto was “Love Family,” and he could sing, dance and preach. He even preached on his sick bed.
Let’s pray for the Johnson and Crayton family. It’s not easy for us right now. Also pray for everyone who is going through a mourning period.
Happy birthday to all October born.
“There is no such thing as coincidence.”
“We can trust in God and His care even when things may not go as we planned.”
Call Ruby at 256-935-1330 to spread your good news.
