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  I woke up one morning with Fannie and Paul  Stewart on my mind. They were like second parents to me. Paul passed away some years ago now. In “approximately” 2008, Fannie followed Paul. I am not aware of the date of her passing because I did not find out until after her death. Fannie was married to my cousin Paul Stewart who was the son of the late Mattie and John Stewart.  Paul’s father was known to me as Uncle John Stewart.  Paul had two brothers, Johnny and Nathaniel and three sisters, Elizabeth, Edna and Lucille. There may be others that I am not aware of. I know that we have a number of relatives in the Ocean City, New Jersey area but many of them, I do not know. 

90th Birthday Celebration   I think about Fannie often because there was not a chance to say goodbye to 

someone I loved and appreciated so much.  I spent many wonderful times visiting Paul and Fannie in their home in Pleasantville.  I  miss the daily phone calls that Fannie and I shared over many years.  I miss Paul’s gentle spirit and his beautiful smile and I pray that their souls now   rest in peace.  I also miss Johnny and Pauline and have just learned that Nathaniel (Tally) is in a nursing home in Philadelphia and that Lucille Oliver (Paul Stewart’s sister) will be coming to our reunion in August. She will be celebrating her 90th birthday the week of the reunion. 

Seize the Moment   Life passes swiftly and we have fond memories of those who have touched our 

lives in some special way.  Many times we grieve when we suddenly learn that another one of our family members has passed and, unfortunately, we were not aware until months after their passing.  We cherish memories of them and we must pass the tradition of family on to  our children and grandchildren.  Family reunions are keeping us connected in some small way and we hope you will make a special effort to be there with us in Columbia, Maryland in August of this year.  If you need more information, please feel free to call me at 954‐746‐0863. 

With warm regards,  Rev. Dr. Arlene Gordon   Editor

Paul and Fannie Stewart Paul is the son of the late Mattie Wallace Stewart

and John Edward Stewart. WDDT Trivia: Did you know that John Edward Stewart was the first colored resident (East Indian/German Heritage) of Ocean City, New Jersey? There is a memorial clock located on the boardwalk in honor of him.

WDDT Family News

The Importance of Family Communication 

Why Reunions Matter 

April 2011Wallace, Davis, Dennis Timbers Family Reunion Update

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2011 WDDT Reunion in Columbia Maryland! Aug. 11 – 14

Optional Bermuda Cruise Aug. 6-10

Thurs. Aug. 11 4-7 p.m. Meet n’ Greet Fri. Aug. 12 6-10 p.m. Reunion Dinner Banquet Sat. Aug. 13 Picnic (Centennial Park) Sun. Aug. 14 St. John Bapt. Church Service Visit www.FamilyLobby.com/WDDT or on Facebook: Wallace, Davis, Dennis Timbers Family Reunion

Congratulations Ashley Wood received the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division women’s basketball Player of the Week title in early January. Ashley is a sophomore guard for Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Ashley is the granddaughter of Joe and Mary Ann Wood.

WDDT Family News Debra Wood Appears on The Talk

•

Debra Wood, daughter of Joe and Mary Ann Wood, shared her breast cancer survival story on The Talk last October. For more information about Debra’s story, visit the Living Beyond Breast Cancer site at http://lbbc.org/Learning-From-Others/First-Person-Videos-and-Stories/WHBM-Debra-Wood

Damon Williams Named Among Top 40 Under Forty The Network Journal named Damon Williams one of 40 Under Forty in its June 2010 edition. Damon earned a B.A. from George Washington University and an MBA from Southeastern University. He’s currently the communications manager for the Executive Leadership Council in Alexandria, Virginia. In September, the NAACP also recognized Damon as one of the 40 Power Young Professionals. He is the son of Bernardyne Williams and the grandson of the late Bernard M. Snowden Jr. and Dorothy J. (Wallace) Snowden.

Class of 2010 Congratulations to Adrienne Johnson on her June 2010 graduation from Carondelet High School in Concord, California. She is the daughter of Drs. Gretchen Graves Johnson and Bill Johnson and granddaughter of Olive Dennis Graves. Adrienne is currently enrolled at Stanford University in Stanford, California.

Class of 2010

Vironka Davis graduated from Agnes Scott College and is currently enrolled in a premedical program at the University of Maryland. She is the daughter of Ron and Vivika Davis .

Mission Trip to Cuba On Aug. 19, 2010, Rev.Dr. Arlene Wallace Gordon left with a team of twelve from the Korean Presbyterian Church in Miami to do mission in Cuba. Here’s her story: I had been to Cuba on a study trip back in 1990 and was anxious to return to see Cuba today. Well, much to my surprise, nothing has changed. We visited several places including Havana, Matanzas, Cardenzas, a Christian camp and two house churches. What an experience! In talking to one person, I learned that the average person working earns $15.00 per month. They are rationed rice, beans, sugar and salt. They have very little to eat except for rice, beans, avocados, guavas, and mangos which grow in abundance almost everywhere. The Christian camp was run by a seminary student and his family. The countryside was beautiful. They had managed to get a hut built much like a Hawaiian hut and they held church services there. For a moment, I thought I was in Virginia seeing the beautiful mountains in the background and all of the familiarities of life in the country. They had one cow that had just given birth to two calves. What was so impressive was the wonderful and kind hospitality offered by people everywhere, but most notable, the family on the farm. They fed us as if we were kings and queens even though they had very little. I returned home grateful for life in the U.S., despite the economic situation now. We are so blessed to be in a country where we can get all kinds of supplies that Cubans are not even able to obtain. Supplies include crayons, pencils, soap, wash clothes and towels, bags, paint, mortar and other things. It was a joy to conduct vacation bible school with the children and to provide them with all kinds of supplies. We stayed in churches. It rained so hard while we were there that the floor that we slept on was flooded. We had to take cold showers every day and it was so hot that we soaked with perspiration all day and all night. At one of the churches, there was a large youth group and they loved to sing. The director did not have a guitar but we had taken two with us. One of the gifts we left was a guitar for the group. Wow! They were so delighted that they sang and sang for us. I have so many momentous stories and I will always remember the people of Cuba and their kindness despite their very deplorable conditions. I pray that the embargo on Cuba will be lifted soon and the people there can be free to travel to see relatives who live in South Florida and elsewhere.

WDDT Family News Rev. Dr. Arlene

Wallace Gordon is shown with her grandson, Brian Gordon. Brian is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force as a firefighter.

Florida Update from

Karen Smith

Karen Smith daughter of Ed and Doris Smith recently relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida after accepting a senior project management position with a technology firm based there. This has been a busy year for her and her family. In May 2010 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from Wesley College in Delaware and is currently in Capella University's IT program working on her master’s degree. A week before her graduation, her son Steven Cooper received his bachelor's degree in Business Management from Goldey Beacom University and will receive his MBA next month all while holding a full time job. Her daughter Erica Cooper having graduated four years ago from the University of Maryland - College Park is working in project management for Avaya Inc. a global telecommunications company-- and in mid April will begin to indulge her creative side by pursuing a degree from the Culinary School of the Philadelphia Art Institute. Erica, Steven and Karen's four-year-old grandson Steven Cooper Jr. live in Delaware. Karen is grateful for today's technology that allows her to pursue her dreams while still being able to sit and read a story via Skype video to her grandson. They are all looking forward to spending time with the family at our reunion.

 

WDDT Family News

Congratulations to Ron Davis On Feb. 25, 2011 Ron Davis received the jacket he is wearing during his induction ceremony to the Multiethnic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Oakland, California. Cousin, Gretchen (Dr. Gretchen Graves Johnson) attended and took the photo.

Congratulations to Sheila Nesbitt She was recently promoted to Assistant Nurse Manager at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Sheila is shown below with daughter Brittany. Sheila is the daughter of the James (Bee) Jameson and the late Rosemary Wallace Jameson.

Congratulations to Ron Davis On Feb. 25, 2011 Ron Davis received the jacket he is wearing during his induction into the e ceremony in Oakland, California. Cousin, Gretchen (Dr. Gre ed and took

Multiethnic Hall of Fam

tchen Graves Johnson) attend the photo.

OTHER FAMILY ACHIEVEMENTS

2011 COLUMBIA, MARYLAND FAMILY REUNION REMINDERS

• Registration deadline for “regular”

prices are extended through Friday, June 3. Registration forms received after June 3 are subject to higher rates.

• Look for email registration confirmation/receipts in mid-to late June. Hard copies will be mailed to those without email access.

• A limited number of 2011 family reunion t-shirts will be available for purchase at the reunion on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Photo Opportunities – We need “good” photographers to capture our 2011 reunion events to share in our next newsletter, website and on Facebook. Please don’t just let your photos sit on your memory card. Send them to one of the family reunion representatives listed on the last page of this newsletter. Also, bring any interesting older photos to the reunion to share past memories with others.

• A big thank-you to Abraham Lopez for updating our 2011 reunion logo!

WDDT Family News

Priceless Recordings

Cynthia Fraguada (grandaughter of James Wallace), is busy preparing for their family reunion that will be taking place in her hometown of Rochester New York around the same time as the WDDT Reunion this year. She conducted a family history video interview with Charles Phillip Wallace recently and plans to interview Annie Macy Walker soon. These treasures will be available to capture some vital information to pass along to the younger generation. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get all of the Wallace’s together in the same state at our next reunion – perhaps in 2014!

HELP WANTED

On another note, if anyone is a talented videographer, we’d also like to get your volunteer help in capturing some of the memorable moments at our upcoming WDDT Reunion in Columbia, Maryland. Please contact one of the reunion committee members for more information.

Star Performer!

Shelby Fountain participated in a December 2010 Christmas concert with Grammy Award Winner Kenny Rogers at the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland. She sang along with five other children in the concert entitled, “Kenny Rogers: Christmas and Hits”. Shelby is the daughter of Renee Quick-Fountain and George Fountain. She is the granddaughter of the late Edward and Connie Quick. The above photo shows Shelby at the 2008 reunion.

 

There was a small photo and article in the Feb. 12-18, 2011 edition of the Washington Afro-American Newspaper entitled, "Friends of Old Westview Cemetery Gather for Annual Gala". The photo included sisters Saxon Graham and Barbara G. Wallace. Barbara is the wife of the late Alvin Wallace.

OTHER FAMILY ACHIEVEMENTS

Cori Dill, daughter of Tyrone and Jennifer W. Dill and granddaughter of Clarence F. Wallace recently received an “A” on her 4th grade speech and PowerPoint presentation about her 2008 WDDT Reunion! Cori is shown below participating in her first 5K Girl Scout Run last September.

This incredible photo of Daryl Williams, son of Denise Wallace, appeared in the March 12, 2011 edition of the Culpeper, Virginia Star Exponent. Daryl is a leader at Eastern View High School’s track team in the 110- and 300- meter hurdles.

Introducing Steven Ethan Rawls!

Steven Ethan was born Jan. 24, 2010 to Steven and Adrienne Rawls. Grandparents are Jeannette and Bobby Rawls. Great grandparents are Ethel Timbers and Edward Bailey. Also congrats to Amber and Sean Vaughn on the birth of their daughter Jayden Nicole Vaughn born Oct. 6, 2010. Grandparents are Robert and Hortense Bailey. Great grandparents are Ethel Timbers and Edward Bailey.

WDDT Family News

OTHER FAMILY ACHIEVEMENTS

Future World Leaders Khalil Davis AbuRoman represented Rapppahannock County High School last year as he had the unique opportunity to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. He worked hard to raise the nearly $2,000 for the program that he participated in last summer. His goal is to study political science and ultimately make a difference in government policies. Khalil is the son of Marie Davis-Roman

Jevon Carter participated in a program called Everybody Wins. His reading partner is Democratic Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa. Devon is shown with Mom, Lori Carter, Senator Harkin and DC Mayor Vincent Gray at a gala held in March. Jevon is the grandson of James (Bee) Jameson and the late Rosemary Wallace Jameson.

  

Donny E. Gordon celebrated his 25th anniversary with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department on March 21, 2011. He is currently Director of the Police Academy for Contra Costa County. Donny is the son of the Rev. Dr. Arlene Wallace Gordon.

WDDT Family News WDDT Growth Spurts!

Welcome to the newest WDDT family members:

Jordan Carter, son of Lori and Jermaine Carter arrived in November 2010. Lori is the daughter of James and the late Rosemary Wallace Jameson.

Albert and Renee Hockaday had a baby boy named Daniel Christopher Hockaday May 14, 2010. Renee is the daughter of Jim and Louis Williams, granddaughter of Mary Timbers Collins and Warner Collins, great granddaughter of Robert Henry and Josephine Timbers.

Jayla Marie Cooper and proud brother Elijah share a moment. Jayla was born on Feb. 3, 2011 to Jennifer Marie Dill and Jason Cooper, Jennifer Marie is the daughter of Tyrone and Jennifer Wallace Dill.

FYI…Good News and

General Updates Charles Timbers (son of Charles Edward and Lillian Timbers and grandson of John and Ethel Timbers) performed in the plays Raisin and I got Cha in Pittsburgh. He has also started a new job as a nurse practitioner at the medical center in Pittsburgh. Robert Timbers (son of Charles Edward and Lillian Timbers and grandson of John and Ethel Timbers) is enjoying good health once again after a victorious battle against prostate cancer. Clarence F. Wallace, son of Clarence and Beulah Wallace will celebrate his 84th birthday on the 14th of April. He also has overcome prostate cancer and continues working a few days a week as a greeter at Wal-Mart. James (Bee) Jameson is now home from the hospital and recovering well after enduring a two-week stay. Doris and Ed Smith recently visited Rev. Dr. Arlene Gordon and their daughter Karen Smith in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. And, Marianne Wood visited her cousins Arlene and Karen while attending a conference of social workers in Florida. Marie Schofield of Wash., D.C. turned 93 in Feb. 2011. She is dealing with dementia and early Alzheimer’s, but is doing good (she is the daughter of the late Silas and Mary Wallace). Charles R. Wallace of Warrenton, N.Carolina, and (son of the late Silas and Mary Wallace) is in long-term care in Richmond, Virginia. Prayers are asked for his recuperation and recovery from pneumonia.

 

WDDT Family News Prayers of Comfort Needed Many WDDT members have departed for heaven since

our last newsletter in 2010. Please keep all of our grieving loved ones in your prayers.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.

II Corinthians 1:3-4 Joyce Roane – Feb. 16, 2010, mother of Paul Roane and sister of the late Connie Quick.

Rose Ellen Henderson – March 27, 2010 daughter of Edith Grace Walker and George Derrick Walker and sister of Ginnemae Boyd

. Dorothy Collins Wilson – May, 15 2010 sister of Lois Collins Williams and mother of Kim and Kyle. Xavier Zephaniah Davis – July 11, 2010 – son of Kathy Davis, grandson of David and Marie (Bailey) Davis. Augustus E. Gordon (Gus) – July 16, 2010 husband of Jane (Wallace) Gordon.

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Bernard W. Morris, Jr. fondly known as "Sarge" or Mickey passed on Dec. 28, 2010. He was 81 years old. He was the son of Edna Morris, who is the sister of John, Nathaniel and Paul Stewart and Lucille Oliver. He attended and graduated from the Police Academy and worked as an Ocean City Police Officer for 30 years before retiring in 1989. Louise Timbers Nelson – Oct. 18, 2010, daughter of Robert Henry and Josephine Timbers. Shirley Jean Wallace Barnes - March 18, 2011 daughter of the late Silas Sr. and Mary Wallace and mother to Della.

Did we miss something?

Contact one of your family reunion representatives to share your news so that we can include it in the next newsletter (Spring

2012) or during the presentation at this summer’s reunion.

Love, Your 2011 Family Reunion Committee Members – Charlene Brown-Foster; Jennifer W. Dill; Tyrone Dill; Rev. Dr. Arlene Gordon; Donny Gordon; Jane Gordon; Dr. Gretchen Graves-Johnson; Heather Jackson; Abraham Lopez; Renee Quick-Fountain; Karen Smith; Doris Smith; Ed Smith; Alexandra Tyson; Joanne Tyson; Sandy Wallace; Bill Wesley; Diana Wesley; Bernardyne Williams; Damon Williams and Marianne Wood. God Bless You – Let’s Pray for Good Weather, Safe Travels and a Fun, Memorable Reunion!