2015 Elmore-Ratliff Family Reunion Planning Coordinators
Sheena Coleman Lesia Smith Venus Ashberry-Hicks Don Johnson Corey Wilson
A Celebration of Family
Members of the Elmore-Ratliff Family gathered from California, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, and from within the state of Louisiana for our 2015 Biennial Family Reunion held at the Patterson Civic Center.Out of town guests staying at the Host Hotel, Sleep Inn were welcomed by our Welcome and Hospitality Team, Barbara Walker and Alice Delahoussaye.
The Reunion commenced on Friday, June 26, 2015 with a gala event.Upon arrival at the Center, family members were met by Coordinator Don Johnson and Treasurer Betty Preston.The tables were beautifully decorated by Coordinator Lesia Smith and her Team.We recognized the oldest of the entire family and oldest Patriarch (90 years), Paul L. Wilson Sr. of Morgan City, LA and oldest Matriarch (89 years) , Emily Augman of Alexandria, LA; Barbara Walker provided the opening prayer, a red carpet runway for the family celebs with our very own paparazzi, Valerie Simmons; a talent show; special presentations for our young achievers and Elders 70 and over; a family group photo for posterity and for the newspaper thanks to Lead Coordinator Sheena Coleman and Valerie Simmons, and a surprise special personalized canvas tree ( Tree idea from Coordinator Venus Hicks) presentation given to Lead Coordinator, Sheena Coleman, and ending with lots of dancing.On Sat., many went to the Aviation Museum Tour followed by a day of food and FUN thanks to Coordinator Venus Hicks.And, a brief presentation of our connection to Africa to the youth by Sheena Coleman, International Christian Missionary. We cooled off with old fashion snow cones compliments of Coordinator Don Johnson and wife Yolanda Johnson. We concluded with a family worship service Sunday morning at the Civic Center.Family members Connie Veal, Doretha Henry, Angela Roy, and Pat Freel lead with praise and worship, Steve Allen Veal with scripture, and the Oldest Paul L. Wilson, Sr., sung a solo prior to Dr.William Augman, Jr. presenting a challenging sermon with emphasis on our 2015 theme, "Growing Family Seeds" (click to hear it).Don and Sheena Coleman were worship leaders. Great food, fun, and fellowship were had by all from 6 months old to the 90 years old.
Sending great hugs of gratitude for all who helped to make this year's family reunion, an Epic, God-Honoring, Memorable one! May God bless you richly is my prayer.