Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Quarles, Johnson, Leake and Burnell Familes Hold Reunion

September 1, 2 and 3 the second annual Quarles, Johnson, Leake and Burnell reunion was hosted by Johnnie Quarles Marsh, Vester Johnson Todd and Margie Johnson.

Friday night was hospitality and get-reacquainted night. Along with the Southern hospitality was fish and all the trimmings.

Also on Friday night a member of the family, James Johnson, was honored and presented a t-shirt and a cap to celebrate his retirement which started September 23. Friday night activities were held at the home of James and Margie Johnson. Friday night prayer was given by Rev. R.L. Yarbrough.

Saturday's activities were held at the home of Johnnie Quarles Marsh.

Activities included a picnic with all the home-cooked food that one could imagine, from collard greens and candied yams to just plain pigs' feet. Prayer led by the families' own missionary, Tessie Quarles Scott. After prayer, a quiet moment was held to remember and reflect on ancestors, who have gone on before. Without them there would not be any "just plain kinfolks."

Sunday's activities included church services at the church of their ancestors, Mount Vernon AME Church. The morning message was given by Missionary Tessie Quarles Scott.

The total attendance Sept. 1 was 150. Total attendance the next day was 450. A total of 16 states were in attendance: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Nevada and New Jersey and from all over the state of Arkansas.

A spectacular time was enjoyed by all in the mist of "just plain kinfolks."