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...and thanks for visiting the WNPJ website!

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WILLIAMS-NORRIS-PADGETT-JENNINGS

WNPJ
"IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR"

     "A GATHERING OF SORTS"    

"FAMILY REUNION TRAIL"  

WNPJ 40th Reunion Anniversary

1978 - 2018

40 AMAZING YEARS

20 AMAZING REUNIONS

The reunions are held every two (2) years on the even years.

Please follow along with us on our amazing journey over the years, where we have been and some of the things we have done.

A Family Reunion

is a time to remember,

   a time to laugh,

a time to celebrate...

a time to share stories

and make New memories.

a time to see each other

in the faces all around us

and find reflections of ourselves

in hearts both young and old .

A Reunion is a coming together

that strengthens the bond of family

 and reminds us of the gift

of belonging.

A chance to share our history.

A reason to celebrate our past.

A time to welcome our future...

                                  as a family.  

We have made this website so that you can share our lives, see our pictures and leave a message in our guestbook. Have fun!

REMEMBERING…
     We all love to reminisce; we all love to tell others what we have done, what we have thought, where we came from and what our dreams are/were. Just as the tiny brooks and streams flow together to form the mighty Mississippi, we the Williams – Norris – Padgett – Jennings are coming together to share, protect and preserve our heritage.

WNPJ family reunions began as a "Gathering or A Gathering of Sorts" in Newburgh, NY, of the descendants of Mack & Clara
(Norris) Williams and their children. Over the years, as the families met at reunions, the lineage
expanded to include the ancestors of Mack Arthur Williams and Clara Etta Norris, both of Ridge
Spring, SC. Mack's family tree extends back through Jerry and Sylvia (Durst/Penn) Williams, on his
father's side and through Ellen Jennings on his mother's side. Clara's family tree extends back
through Alexander and Sarah Norris on her father's side and through Lucy Youngblood and her adopted
family, Benjamin and Sarah Padgett.

Please remember before you leave the site to sign our guestbook.

WNPJ - 1978 Newburg, NY

In The Beginning…

1978 Newburgh, NY

     It all began in July of 1978 at 90 City Terrace, Newburg, NY. The call went out, “Y’all come!” and they all came.

The purpose was to greet Ted Staples and his new family (Mack and Clara Williams 7th male grandchild). They came from Connecticut, New Jersey, California, South Carolina, and Florida. Some had food and some had none, but we were all gathered in a number totaling 75 to 100, friends and relatives. The day went on as planned. We ate, we played, we laughed, we ate, we played, and we told jokes of old and new. We shared old family fables. As the day drew to a close Pearl Williams-Lancaster, (the eighth child of Mack and Clara) announced that in 1980, we were all invited to her and Spencer’s “Buddy’s” residence in New London CT. So those gathered consented to meet July 4th weekend in New London, CT. 1980.

*Hosted by Arlivia Williams-Staples and Family.

WNPJ - 1980 New London, CT

1980 New London CT …

Now it’s July 4th weekend in New London, CT. We have gathered again. Travelers came from Virginia, Nebraska, California, South Carolina. With the South Carolina travelers came “The King of the Liars” Clarence Williams now deceased. They also came from New York, New Jersey and other parts of Connecticut. This was the turning point. We were joined by Cousin Chester

Norris, one of Clara’s nephew’s and son of the late Chester Norris (Clara’s youngest brother). Pearl and her siblings met during the New London gathering and discussed the possibility of family gatherings at the homestead Ridge

Spring, SC. Things did not come together as planned but plans were

made to go to Pauline, S.C. in 1981.

*Hosted by Spencer/Pearlestine Lancaster.

WNPJ - 1986 Wiscasset, ME

 1986 Wiscasset, ME …

Following the South Carolina gathering, the family “gatherings” somewhat disappeared. In 1984 Arthur S. Davis Jr. and his wife Diane Gilman - Davis (Evangeline’s/Eve oldest son) announced at their wedding reception/ brunch, they would host the reunion in 1986.

This was the rebirth of the “gathering”. After South Carolina, we began the travel to other parts of the East Coast. In 1986 we gathered at the home of Arthur Davis and Diane Gilman in Wiscasset, Maine …and boy were we out in the “boonies”, only them and us for miles. They

pitched a tent and we ate from soup to nuts. Serving lobsters (some didn’t know the head from the tail but

attempted to feast just the same).

*Hosted by Arthur Davis and Diane Davis- Gilman

1988 Miami, FL …

   Now, enough of the formal gathering. We decided to put some order to this thing. Henry Askew (Evangeline’s/Eva 3rd son) and Ted Staples (Arlivia’s/Lit oldest son) decided it was time for us to gather in Miami, FL. When the date drew near, there were invitations mailed informing the family members of “A Family Affair” which included the descendants of the Williams-Norris-Padgett-Jennings families. This affair was held again during the July 4th weekend. At this time T-shirts were introduced, as well as

genealogy information. Festivities included a game at the famous Doral Golf Course for those pro-golfers (and you know who you are…Spencer/Buddy, you missed that one. Others took a Cruise to the Bahamas (Yeah Mon), and

genealogy information. Festivities included a game at the famous Doral Golf Course for those pro-golfers (and you know who you are…Spencer/Buddy, you missed that one. Others took a Cruise to the Bahamas (Yeah Mon), and some headed for the dog track, “doggies” (those screaming dogs). Again, they came from New York,

New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, California, and South Carolina. The big announcement was made that in 1990, we would all gather in Pleasantville, NJ, at the Simmons’ residence Bill and Jessie Williams-Simmons (Mack and Clara’s 10th child). We had two years to get ready, Wow! What an affair. The call went out for July 4 th weekend.

*Hosted by Henry Askew and Ted Staples.

WNPJ - 1990 Reunion - Pleasantville , NJ

1990 Pleasantville, NJ …

The time came for traveling; some

came by air, little rowboats, skate

boards, grease board planks,

walking canes, crutches, hobble 

sticks and little red wagons to say the

least. They came in numbers approximately 250-300 strong and used two backyards with peeping-eyed neighbors. The family members kept coming. At this time, we were joined by the Norris’ of Bridgeport, CT (Clara’s nephew). The Williams of South Carolina and New Jersey (Cousin Isaac’s son James/Ruth and granddaughters). Uncle Creighton'’ (brother of Mack) daughters, Juanita

Toatley of South Carolina and Cressie Lennon of New York -and their immediate families. His sons Leroy and Jennings of New York -and their immediate families. Aunt Hassie’s (Mack'’ sister) daughter, Christine of New York -and her family. Andrew Corley of Pennsylvania, and his sister Margaret Cunningham of South Carolina (Dellie’s

children/Mack’s sister). Dahlia and Joanne of Florida and South Carolina (children of Mack’s brother Homer). Wells of California and Wells of Pennsylvania (great nieces and nephews of Clara). Those that attended the previous gathering from NY, CT, SC, VA, FL and CA, all attended again but in larger numbers. The day began with much gawking, card playing. Basketball shooting and the whole works. The Simmons out did themselves because they

controlled the city and the motels that day! The finale of this affair was the trip to Atlantic City. Some were habitual gamblers, some had never seen or been, some just wanted to see, some just walked the boardwalk and some just said “I’ve been, I’ve seen, and let’s go. Along the walk one joined a Russian belly-dancing contest; would you believe the winner was a member of this clan, and a

young male at that. When this weekend was over it was undecided where we would go two years later. Finally, it was announced we would go to Rock Hill, SC. The host and hostess were Rev. and Mrs. Toatley (daughter of

Creighton, Mack’s brother).

*Hosted by William and Jessie Simmons.

WNPJ - 1992 Rock Hill, SC

1992 Rock Hill, SC …

On July 4th weekend, 1992, what a crowd convened in Rock Hill,They came from GA, FL, VA, NY, NJ, CT, CA, IL, MA, PA, RI,and many other parts of SC. People, people, people. The day was filled with games, eating, talking, talking, eating, and games. At the end of the day a banquet was held at Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill SC. There

was music, singing, and someone trying to explain how everyone in attendance was related to the Williams-Norris-Padgett-Jennings. This affair was done very well. Everyone went away having a little knowledge of his or her relationship with each other. It was then decided

that in 1994 the affair would be held in Newburgh, NY hosted by theMcKenzie’s and Staples.

*Hosted byRev. Robert and Juanita Toately.

WNPJ - Reunion 1994 - Newburg / New Windsor , NY

1994 Newburgh / New Windsor, NY …

The time arrived again and what a

crowd. This was a three-dayaffair.

We gathered at Ophelia “Buttons”

Staples-McKenzie’s (oldest

daughter of Arlivia Williams-Staples

– Mack and Clara’s 6th child) place

in New Windsor, NY. People came who had never attended before. The

main event was held in the county park with plenty of space. Fishing, golfing, volleyball and some trying to play baseball, were some of the activities. At this gathering we had someone who did a “strip-tease” (under it all she was fully clothed). Would you believe it was Christine Bowens – the most “recycled teenager” (oldest family member in attendance)! There raffles and giveaways…each one went away with some little trinket. The closing event included a huge fish fry and photos taken on a “rock” (have you seen the T-shirts)? It was voted then and there that 1996 we would converge on Deland, FL with hostess Dahlia Brown. The majority voted that the event for the year 1998 would be held in Upper Marlboro, MD and for 2000 the affair

would be held in Pennsylvania.

*Hosted by Ophelia Staples

WNPJ - 1996 Deland, FL

1996 Deland, FL …

In Florida, Ms. Brown went all out. It stormed the main day of the affair but through it all we managed to continue because a pavilion and stoned-in building was provided. Here again we had family members who traveled for the first time. There was a fashion show of hats…what

models we had. A raffle was drawn; one family member tried to buy all the raffle tickets…But it paid off; he won the big prize-a VCR!

*Hosted by Daliah Brown and Committee

WNPJ - 1998 Upper Marlboro, MD

1998 Upper Marlboro, MD…Here we are!!!

Ruth Deas and Steve Dawkins went all out for this affair.

Family-friends tore down the lady’s fence next door (with permission of course). Cars were parked almost up to the Baltimore Harbor. Games, contest, auctions were held. Youngsters and babies running around. A funny hat show by men, women and children were on display. Some hats were designed with fish hooks and small fishing tackle, some hats were in the design of the cat and the hat. Prizes were given to the most unique designed hats and the cat and the hat design. Somehow, the building where the Banquet was to be held burned down and no place to go. Entertainment was provided by some family

members. A ballerina, several poems, and a chorus sang songs. At the final hours a gentleman also a family member had come through with a place. Everyone went away on the third day stating what a time what a time!!!

Next stop Philadelphia.

*Hosted by Ruth Deas and Steve Dawkins and Committee

WNPJ - 2000 Philadelphia, PA

2000 Philadelphia  PA …

Philadelphia - My Philadelphia, July 7-9. Arriving at the Holiday Inn, people, people and more people. The Wells family pulled out all the stoppers. When it all came together it looked like a flower garden. It started with hospitality night out and ended with a Prayer breakfast. Plus a Banquet and the host had to pull the plug on the DJ to

get us folks out of the hall at 2:30 A.M. One of our family members had to see what Miss. Nieman & Mr.

Marcus was and discovered it was a high-class store. They bought a pair of shoes on sale for $234.00 a pair. Just had to have them. Also, another family member had never attended the reunion before, returned to his homeland rejoicing and saying the half has not been told about this family affair. Stated that borrowing any unforeseeable

circumstances he would never miss another affair.

Everyone that was available in the morning was in the mood for having a shouting good time at the Prayer Breakfast. The stage was set for the Prayer breakfast. Those Williams sisters (4 daughters) of Mack and Clara’s and others that originated from the Church that Great grandfather Jerry Williams founded whipped the

crowd into frenzy with old time Gospel singing. Followed by the Norris family with a foot stomping dust ball, jumping, and hand clapping time. What a time, what a time, what a time! Finally, it was time to leave Philadelphia and head back home, but our hats off to the Wells family.

*Hosted by Steven Wells and Family/ Committee

WNPJ - 2002 Norwalk, CT

2002 Norwalk, CT …

Here we are in Norwalk, CT what a day what a day, Children teenagers, adults, young and old. Ct is called the nutmeg state. Guess what a nutmeg is? (A little hard nut). People gathered at least 300 and what a time. From Friday night until Sunday morning. From Maine to Florida all the way to CA. and in between. A crew came out of NY that had not attended the affair before. There was a talent show, a concert by youngsters and a ballerina. Prizes were given and a talent show was held on Friday. A banquet was held on Saturday evening also an auction. Several items were made by family members and brought a nice sum. On Sunday morning a Prayer breakfast was held and then the festivities ended What a time what a time. If you were not were not at the affair you missed it. Hats off to the committee.

*Hosted by Dwayne Sullins / Judy Bond - Sullins and Committee.