West Grayson Retired School Personnel’s (WGRSPA) memorial meeting this month, with President Sue Barker presiding, honored six members who had passed away this year. Memorial Committee Chair Carol Golden expertly organized and emceed the memorial. Tributes were given for each of the six honorees by a friend and the family was presented a blue bird of happiness ornament, a rose and a package of forget-me-not seeds by Memorial Committee member Janis Hodges.
Jo Etta Penn was eulogized by her friend Bettye Mullins; Delores Bertino by Doris Haynie whose tribute also included an essay by Betty Capehart, who was unable to attend; Charles Brown was praised by Carol Golden, not only for his role in her life, but also with a list of many of his students who had careers in music; Jane Davis was remembered fondly by her friend Trish Holloway, followed by another friend Sharon Golden reading an original poem she wrote about her; Betty Chillcutt was honored by both Harold Tamplen and Christi Nolen; and Polly Earnhart was memorialized by lifelong best friend Judy Rue. Earnhart’s daughter Lesley Regalado added sweet closing expressions of gratitude for the memorial and for her mother’s precious, lasting impact on her life.
WGRSPA President Sue Barker closed by sharing “What’s in a Name?” from Finish Strong by Dan Green.
Following the memorials, WGRSPA Scholarship Chair Glenda Coulson announced this year’s four scholarship recipients who will be featured in a separate article. The recipients and WGRSPA heartily thank the families who so generously fund the memorial scholarships in memory of their loved ones, as well as community members who supported our fundraisers.
During the business meeting as Wanda Dutton concluded her treasurer and membership reports, Sharon Lively presented her with a certificate and plaque which Texas Retired Teachers Association District 10 had presented to the chapter at the spring conference for having the highest percentage growth in their size category this year.
Other reports included legislation by Coulson, Walk Across Texas and book projects by Haynie. Kathy Morgan won the door prize.
