WNPJ Family Website

The WNPJ Family Fall Newsletter Edition

WNPJ Family Reunion 2008, Brunswick Me

A FEW CAME…BUT ALL  HAD FUN!

It was a beautiful, sunny, Friday afternoon on the coast of

, Me, at

. The Williams, Norris, Padgett,

Family

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.

and then some came from south of the border and beyond, including all the way from

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.

As I pulled off, I was so glad to have attended another Williams, Norris, Padgett, Jennings Family Reunion.

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

Diane, Heather, and Arthur  

ISAIHA WILLIAMS BASEBALL TEAM IN STATE TOURNEY

Isaiha Williams, and his teammates, with the Caroline Minors

baseball team finished as District 15 champions and headed to the

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. 

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

gained lots of experience, as a young team, for next year.

It was the first time a District 15 team has made it to this level of play.  The team played hard and learned a lot for the next year’s season.  They are predicted to go to the state tournament next year again.  James Austin, former pitcher for the New York Yankees gave the Caroline team some tips.  He supported the team at every game and signed autographs and memorabilia for the players.  We congratulate Isaiha for a job well done!  Isaiha is the son of Kathy and Dwain Williams, grandson to the late Howard Williams.

Are you going to VOTE for him?

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)

“PEEPS IN THE PEWS” AT MT. NEBO

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.

After the service, Pastor Norris, First Lady Ellen Norris and grandson, Kaireen, joined everyone at The Golden Coral, a buffet family-style restaurant

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT…WITHOUT YOU

“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.

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

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.

PRAY THROUGH IT

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"

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

                Email:  teddyque@bellsouth.net

WNPJ FAMILY REUNION 2010

Just taking a little time to prepare the family for the "California Family Affair" 2010, being held in

Start planning your trip for the July 4th weekend in 2010.

Oakland

Mrs. Priscilla Dames 103, is the Oldest Family Member

Mrs. Priscilla “Little Mae” Dames is the oldest living member of the Williams, Norris, Padgett, Jennings Family.

Arthur Williams, Carolyn Askew, Michael Askew, Kayvon Askew and Kamron Young recently paid a visit right after the Family Reunion in

Art, Carolyn and myself all saw the resemblance of the late “Uncle Robert” Johnson, her brother.

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

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.

,

She states her niece Evetta Agard, from

She responded, it must run in the family.

If you would like to reach her by phone, she said she would love to have a chat with you.

BACK TO SCHOOL

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?

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.

PRAYER SHOUT-OUT

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

Kisha Young will be walking in the 17

WNPJ FAMILY UPDATE

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

AVAILABLE SOON

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.