A FEW CAME…BUT ALL  HAD FUN!

     It was a beautiful, sunny, Friday afternoon on the coast of Brunswick, Me, at ThomasPointPark. The Williams, Norris, Padgett, Jennings Family Reunion had finally begun and family and friends were starting to assemble. 

There they were, family members greeting and hugging and smiling and laughing as I took it all in with a video camcorder.  Small groups of family being carefree, some sitting around tables under the tent and some were just standing around talking about the last time or this time.  Just talking, music in the background

There was such an aurora that surrounded the reunion and I couldn’t put my finger on it.  As I looked around, it was a nice setting, snuggled near an inlet, which overlooked a small beach. We had our own area and it was nicely arranged.  I did much video tapping and at times had to stop and give hugs to rushing cousins. We were having a really good time and then evening came and the mosquitoes.  See ya!

We sat back at the hotel that evening around the lobby just talking and having coffee.  It was a good day, after traveling, to be with family.

     Saturday the reunion was in full swing.  Everyone was swarming around the tent, enjoying conversation, food and family.  There were the regulars from Connecticut and Maryland , family from PA, NJ, NY, OH,     

and then some came from south of the border and beyond, including all the way from California.  It was a lively crowd, enjoying the summer on Maine’s coast with family.  We saw kids and adults playing the water balloon game, and everyone eating and talking and reminiscing.

There was an announcement for all persons that signed up for the boat ride to prepare to leave.  I noticed a few people leaving and was told it was a really nice boat ride when they came back.

One of the highlights was the volleyball game, which featured at least 15-17 kids, teens and adults.  The game became very active with Chris and Gail Askew and their gang really taking center stage.  The kids and teens made some exciting plays and adults like Ted Staples, Bill, Karen Askew and Danny Askew was in the mix.  There were good rallies between both sides and it was evident that everyone enjoyed themselves.

Then it was off to the beach, just 60 yards from the tent, for kayaking.  After some kayak instruction, everyone that signed up was ready to hit the water. There was a couple of tip-overs, but everyone seemed to get their oars right and enjoy a pleasant moment on a beautiful inlet. 

Another highlight was the steak and lobster bake being prepared by the caterers.  They piled on an open pit, lobster, potatoes, corn and clams each separated by seaweed and cover with aluminum foil,  And it was a great dinner at that.  Kudos to the Host family for the Lobster bake dinner. It was a success.

Sunday morning found family coming together at the hotel to have a complementary breakfast.  When all was said and eaten, the family’s Sunday Service began.  Christopher Askew brought an inspiring spiritual word to the family.  The room was full with family of all ages.  When it was over, family started to pack up their vehicles and prepared to leave Maine. It seemed that no one wanted to leave, but for some of us, there was a long ride ahead of us.  As I pulled off, I was so glad to have attended another Williams, Norris, Padgett, Jennings Family Reunion.  I may never get the chance too again.  Besides, there’s only one like it. 

        Submitted by Michael Askew

To All family members who were able to attend the 2008 WNPJ Family Reunion 

Thank you for making the 2008 WNPJ Family Reunion among the Reunions to remember!  As always, Diane, Heather, and I enjoyed having you visit us in Maine .  We only have one regret; we are unable to visit with each other longer!  Take care.  If for some reason we don’t see you before California , we’ll see you in California .

Diane, Heather, and Arthur  

Isaiha Williams, and his teammates, with the Caroline Minors

baseball team finished as District 15 champions and headed to the

Virginia state tournament.   In the District, they scored a total of 71

runs in 5 games and only allowed 7 runs to be scored against them. 

They beat Lancaster 24-0, RichmondCounty 18-3, Matthews

County 6-1, King George 12-2 and King George again, 11-1. 

They went to the state tournament, but lost their three games.  They

A white man asked his black friend, 'Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he's black?'   

The black man responded by saying, 'Why not?

 Hell, in this country black men are:
1.  Pulled over everyday just cause they're black;
2.  Passed over for promotions just cause they're black;
3.  Considered to be criminals’ just cause they're black;
4.  And so on.

  And there is going to be thousands of you who won't be voting for him just because he's black!  However, you do not seem to have a problem with that!   This country was built with the sweat and whip off the black slaves' back, and now a descendent of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren't even considered to be people, where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote.

So yes! I'm going to vote for him! 

But it's not just because he's black, but because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to understand when my grandson says that he wants to be president when he grows up, it is not a fairy tale but a short-term goal.  He now sees, understands and knows that he can achieve, withstand and do ANYTHING; just because he's black!'

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.--Helen Keller

He that kneels before GOD can stand against anything.

When I think of what my ancestors had to endure; slavery, segregation, discrimination, humiliation and oppression, all I can think of doing, at this time, in this Presidential Election, is one admiral

thing on behalf of their                 
honor and that is to…             

Vote (November 4, 2008)

Rev. Lawrence Norris, Pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Harmony, NC, looked out over the alter and let his congregation know that some of his family was present.  He was very happy to see family from his father’s side, as he delivered the Sunday sermon.  Sheila Pharr and Michael Askew, cousins of Pastor Norris, came with family and friends to enjoy the Sunday service.

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19b

Hello  family, I am Ophelia

(Button) Staples. I  am  the

oldest  daughter  of Arlivia

(Williams)  Staples  and

Victor  Staples  (deceased),

Granddaughter  of  Mack

and Clara (Norris) Williams,

and the Great, Great Grand

of Jerry and Sylvia Williams.  

One of my life long goals had

been to obtain a 4-year degree.

Prior to retiring from IBM in

2002 with 30 years of service, I began my educational journey.  I received an AS in Business Studies from EmpireCollege, Saratoga, NY.  I then began pursuing a degree in Theological Studies from OralRobertsUniversity.  This was interrupted by my move to Georgia in 2003.  The move only caused a detour, of my dreams and aspirations.  

When God commissions you to do something, it doesn’t matter where you are, or how long it takes, you will get it done.  I returned to school in November of 2005, in an accelerated degree program.  It took quite a bit of prayer, hard work, much faith, and belief, “If God brought me to it, He would bring me through it”.  I made it! 

On May 3, 2008 I was very pleased, overjoyed and excited to receive a BS in Ministerial Studies from Shorter College in Rome , GA.   Sharing with me at my commencement was: my son, DaWayne Staples; my daughter, Niki (Shaniqua Staples) Kirkland ; my daughter-in-law, Quantri Staples, and a friend Isaac Deas.  Thank you for all of your love, support and believing me.

“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

I have completed this phase in my life.  I don’t know what’s next, however, I am reminded of a famous quote by Satchel Page, “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”  So with that said,“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

Whatever crisis you face, pray

through it. Whatever obstacle

you must overcome, pray on it.

Whatever miracle you are desperate for, pray for it. In times of trouble, when all seems lost, walk toward the Lord. If you can't walk, crawl. If you're too weak to crawl, just reach out to Him. He will be there. He will save you. He will never forsake you.                             T.D. Jakes

The 2008 "Family Reunion Book" is now available.  At present, the cost of the 2008 books will be $5.00 plus S&H. (approx. $2).  If you need to make updates and/or additions, please let me know. 

I am looking for your help regarding articles that you might want to see in future additions.  Furthermore, pictures of individual family members are greatly needed, as are pictures from previous reunions. Please remember, if sending pictures, please label them and I will return them as soon as possible.  

Although I have the task of preparing the book, it belongs to YOU, the family members, and certainly should reflect the wishes of the family.

Information about family members is gathered from US Census Reports, obituaries, you as a family member, and word of mouth.  Corrections and updates must be made to me.

Tell me what you want or send me what you would like to see in the book and I will try to make sure that we can include it in the next  book. 

Send family information and pictures to:

Ted Staples

                16801 SW 108 Avenue

                Miami , FL 33157     Phone (305) 251-2861

                Email:  teddyque@bellsouth.net

Just taking a little time to prepare the family for the "California Family Affair" 2010, being held in Oakland , Ca.  Looking for your interest in things you will like to do, so please forward your ideas.  We are planning a nice time for you to cookout and vacation with family.  I will be sending a temporary agenda soon.  Start planning your trip for the July 4^th weekend in 2010.   See ya!     John Staples

                                    P.O. Box 31401

                                    Oakland , CA 94604

                                    jdscmos@yahoo.com

Mrs. Priscilla “Little Mae” Dames is the oldest living member of the Williams, Norris, Padgett, Jennings Family.  Born Dec. 19, 1904, Priscilla Mae Johnson was the daughter to Jeff Johnson and Violet Williams, daughter to Issac and Sylvia Williams.  She married Freddie Dames and had one son named Freddie Jr.  She grew up with 9 brothers and 4 sisters.  We started talking about her immediate family and she out lived all 13 of them including her son.   

Arthur Williams, Carolyn Askew, Michael Askew, Kayvon Askew and Kamron Young recently paid a visit right after the Family Reunion in Maine.  Art, Carolyn and myself all saw the resemblance of the late “Uncle Robert” Johnson, her brother.  “Yeah, I was in close contact with him until he passed on.” 

Priscilla Dames spoke reverently about growing up like it was yesterday, with a clever sense of humor.  She at times could call to mind events from years and years ago like it just happened yesterday.  She spoke with clarity, mentioning her life, as it was a story tale.  Ever reminding me when I failed to write fast or not remember what she said, “I told you I was 19,” or “listen here,” or something to that effect with a sense of humor.

After high school, she attended BettisAcademy in Augusta, Ga., got sick and went back home.  At 19, she went to Deland, Fl., and started doing domestic work with Sadie Mae Norris and Blanche Norris, sisters of Clara Norris Williams.  She traveled back and forth to Maine for many years, living in New York and visiting family in between.

She spoke about the love her father had for her and the letters that she would get each Monday, week after week after week.  When her Dad got sick, she was in Maine and started her travel back to Ridge Spring, SC.  Joking about how she missed her connection in Boston, she knocked on her cousin’s door, Jessena Johnson.  With a grouchy cousin at the door asking “Who is knocking on my door 2 o’clock in the morning?, she replied, “Open this door”, my father is dying and you raising all that mess for nothing.  She stated that they sat up all night talking. She was able to get to her fathers funeral.  She talked about how she had to change cars on the train when she would come into Washington, DC. because of the Jim Crow days. I was truly amazed with her ability to remember with such exactness. 

She states her niece Evetta Agard, from Queens, comes and visits with her sons Lamont and Keith.  She enjoys visits and seeing her family.  Loves to hear gospel music.  I asked her how she has been able to live such a long life.  She responded, it must run in the family.  My mother lived to see 98 years old.

If you would like to reach her by phone, she said she would love to have a chat with you.  She can be reached at: (203) 362-1102.  Let the phone ring a few. She resides at: Astoria Park Convalescent Home, 725 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT06604.  

WNPJ Classroom Procedures

                As a WNPJ Family member you must:

1.    Go to school and be on time to every class.

2.   Be prepared with school supplies and ready to learn.

3.   Make every effort to do the best that you can.

4.   Show the WNPJ family tradition of excellence

5.   Listen to your teacher and do your class work.

6.   No talking, sit in your chair properly and no chewing gum.

7.   I can think of 40 more, Can you think of anymore?

WNPJ Student School Prayer

Lord, we pray that you protect our minds, bodies and souls from any harm and we trust that you will always be with us.  That your presence surrounds our schools, buses, sidewalks,

and bikes.  Be with us in the classroom, in the school hallway, in the lunchroom and during recess.  Give us knowledge and understanding in our studies and that we will stay focused.        Give us strength to say no to those who walk a crooked path.  Instill in us a desire to learn and to grow in wisdom and truth.  Grant us discipline to study and to concentrate on making a good grade.  Allow the teachers, counselors and administrators to have strong leadership in directing us the best education possible.  Help us to appreciate their efforts and treat them with respect.  I pray that we prepare ourselves for all quizzes, test, essays, and do all homework as asked of us.  Lord, inspire in us a commitment to be the best student we can and we will give you all the honor, glory and praise. We thank you, O Lord our creator, for teaching us through your word and through your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Carolyn Askew

Faith Williams Broadnax

Robert Williams

Delores Naggles Atkins

Pearlestine Lancaster

Spencer Lancaster     
Cressie Williams Lenon

Ruth Deas
Juanita Williams Toatley
Joyce Williams
Ovelia Demps
Pam Pettinari-Lancaster      
Priscilla Dames

Kisha Young will be walking in the 17^th Annual Fairfield County 2008 Start! Heart Walk, at CalfPastureBeach, Norwalk, CT, on Sunday Oct. 19^th   Every year, she walks in honor of her late Grandmother, Barbara Williams Askew. You can support by walking with her or donating on her behalf.  For more information: 203-336-0008

The WNPJ Family Website is new and improved for you to enjoy interacting with family. You can view pictures, make comments, read family history, family newsletters, etc.  You can log onto:

www.simplesite.com/WNPJ.  Please post comments, suggestions, updates, etc. Thanks

The WNPJ Family Newsletter needs your support to provide articles, family news, ideas, etc.  Feel free to contact Michael Askew @ mcaskew@yahoo.com or phone 704-588-5949.  Thanks

The 2008 WNPJ Family Reunion will be available on DVD.   It will be a 2 set DVD and will be available soon.  It will be a fundraiser.  More info to come.