Love and sympathy to Virginia Beavers in the loss of her brother, Jimmy D. Hendricks. Jimmy Dale passed away Oct. 10. His graveside service was Oct. 13 at 10 am. at Union Cemetery in Tillatoba.
Love and sympathy to the James Ernest Cook Sr. family of Grenada. James Ernest passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, at his residence. He was born Jan. 11, 1941, in Tillatoba to Ernest and Bessie Womble Cook. James was a graduate of Oakland High School and Northwest Junior College. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Grace Michele Cook; son, James Ernest Cook Jr. of Grenada; brother, William Cook (Diane) of Tillatoba; two grandsons, Andrew James Cook and Phillip Charles Cook; and a great-granddaughter, Leia Grace Cook. James Ernest and I went to school together and were friends for years, along with his precious wife, Grace.
Ben and Donna Toole of Water Valley hosted the 1959 Oakland High School class reunion Saturday, Oct. 12, at their lovely country home. This was our 65th reunion. There were four men and two women present from the class: Ben Toole, Bobby Cook, Charlie Gaines Hill, Roddy Wilbourn, Sandra Craig Anderson and Donnie Crenshaw Toole. Two wives attended, and they were Sheridan Cook and Sandra Wilbourn. Those not able to attend were Agnes Lane Porfilio, Spencer Pryor Bailey and yours truly, Patcie Tillman Deck. I started to call and let them know I was coming to spend a week with each one since I missed the reunion but I didn’t want to scare them. Thank you, Donnie Toole, for taking care of the Class of 1959 for 65 years. You do a great job and you are well appreciated and loved.
Sunday afternoon, our visitors were Donna Garripoli of Grenada, Curt and Elke Tillman of Germany and Curt’s mom, Patsie Tillman of Coffeeville. Curt and Elke are staying with daughter Donna in Grenada while visiting relatives in the Coffeeville and Tillatoba areas for three weeks.
Martha Box says, “Hey sweet friend, did you see the wave and kisses I threw at your house each time I passed this week? Lol I must do better and stop by!”
Martha said she has no real news this week and is still up and “trying to be 29 and holding, cause this 59 and holding has turned my can-do’s into want-to’s!”
She enjoyed rides to the lake to lunch and work out and a great visit with daughter Candy and friends for lunch at the Corner Store. Martha baked desserts for church Saturday, lunched with sister Joyce and then enjoyed a great visit and toe tapping that evening.
Martha reported a “wonderful, spirit-lifting pastor appreciation for Bro. and Sis. Tommy Darby” Sunday, marking 41 years at Willow Springs Assembly of God. Wow, and Bro. and Sis. Webb brought back so many memories. “Fed our souls with music and encouragement with those profound recollections of Bro. and Sis. Darby’s selfless hard work. And then we ate! So many great cooks. Good thing I had been fasting since lunch Saturday.”
JR Dukes said the fishing has been good lately at Sardis Lake. I saw a pretty girl holding up some nice ones, so I guess he knows what he’s talking about.
Happy birthday to Faye Hartley, Karen Chambers, Teresa Ross and Bridget Bailey on the 16th; Diane Nail Hill on the 17th; Carl Kendall on the 18th; Lisa McMillian and Tripp Beardain on the 19th; Mike Lancaster on the 20th; Roy McCain the 21st; and Alisha Pittman the 22nd. I pray you all have a wonderful day of celebrating!
Bobby and Sheridan from Fairmount Georgia visited friends and family in Tillatoba this weekend.
Sandra Craig Anderson of Acworth, Georgia, spent a few days with Donnie Toole and attended the Oakland Class of 1959 reunion.
Recipe of the week: Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
3 chicken breast halves, sliced into strips
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 cups cabbage, shredded
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Cook chicken:
In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and stir fry until fully cooked and golden brown.
Add vegetables. Incorporate shredded cabbage and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the cabbage is crisp-tender.
Prepare sauce:
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, ground ginger and garlic powder. Gradually add water and soy sauce, stirring until smooth.
Combine and thicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir well to coat and cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated. Enjoy!
Thought for the day: One small positive thought can change your day.
