Big Daddy reminded him about the value of always telling the truth. Their work ethic came from their parents. Charlotte recalled her father sending her to help wash dishes at a friend’s house, and Jane had to babysit. Pat remembered her first job. “I scraped trays in the kitchen of Dover Elementary to pay for my lunch,” Pat said. “I was 10 years old. I didn’t have to. I wanted to. I wanted to make my own money right from the start. Ever since I was big enough, I babysat for $3 a week.” Their father died fairly young. He went to the store to pick up a few items, had a heart attack, and flipped his car. Their mother lived into her 80s. What’s the secret to a long life with good mental and physical health plus a strong spirit? “We’re living because Mama is in heaven and still has us on her prayer list,” Billy said. “And a whole lot of love,” Pat chimed in. They laugh when they remember the story of Pat’s husband, George. When the family gathered at Jane’s house for a holiday, they were all getting ready to leave. That long Southern goodbye filled with lots of hugs. They looked around and couldn’t find George. “We found him, hidden behind the door,” John said. “He didn’t come from a hugging family.” They also credit God and their faith-filled upbringing. “And having a thankful heart,” Melesia said. “You know, we can all get together at Charlotte’s house and have hot dogs, and you know, everybody’s happy. It doesn’t take the material things. We look at the positive.” Her father, Billy, popped into the conversation. “You can just whisper something in their ear like, ‘I love you sis,’ and Jane says, ‘You don’t have to tell me, I can tell the way you act.’” They’ve all had a few health challenges along the way, ranging from cancer to open heart surgeries. If one hurts, they take care of each other, just as they did while growing up. Earlier this year, sisters Charlotte, Pat, and Jane all ended up sick and couldn’t take care of each other, so John drove over from Clarksville to make sure they had everything they needed. Six of the eight still drive, and after spending an afternoon with them recently, it’s safe to say that when the time comes to give up the keys, someone will lose, and it won’t be the siblings. They have a fierce and determined spirit. The family now numbers close to 100 with all the siblings’ children and grandchildren. When they gather for Christmas, they draw names for gifts or play games. And just like this gathering overlooking Kentucky Lake on a late spring afternoon, the room is filled with love and laughter. Their next birthday gathering is scheduled for David’s 90th birthday in early August, but he has to make sure to take the day off from work. Yes, 90, and still working one day a week at his county’s dump site. Then he plans to retire but not a day before he turns 90 because as he says he wants to work a day when he’s 90. That celebration will be a double cause - a birthday and a retirement. And just like this gathering, love and laughter will fill a room. 40 JULY 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
