with Dot Patterson
Greetings from Hickory Corner.
Well, it was another week of social distancing, and once again I am thankful for the telephone, which provides a way to stay in touch with family and friends. I also did a little raking in the yard, walked with my dogs, baked some pies and ate some pies!
Lonnie Morton called with tidbits about the Flu Pandemic of 1918, also known as the Spanish Flu. Did you know there were over 675,000 deaths in the United States and over 50 million deaths worldwide? Lonnie said his father, Code, was serving in the Army in Europe during that time. Lonnie’s parents were Code Morton and Gladys Maness Morton. Code had twin sisters Della and Lola. Lola married Jake Davidson. Code also had brothers Pete and Cleve, who died within a few months of each other. Code Morton was a friend of Alvin York who also served in World War I. York was one of the most decorated soldiers in War World I. Code visited him in Pall Mall several times after the War. Lonnie said he will call me again with more information, so stay tuned.
I am happy to announce the arrival of my great-granddaughter, Khloe Jayne Patterson on March 23. Parents are Kyle and Lacey Patterson of LaPorte Ind. Khloe was welcomed home by her big sister, 18 month old Keely Rose. Grandparents are Terry and Jo Ellen Patterson of Pekin, Ill., and David and Lenora Strenzel of Streator, Ill. I am looking forward to meeting her when all this quarantining is over.
Our community extends sympathy to the family of Elvie Lee (Patterson) Sanders, who passed away March 27. Elvie Lee was born, raised and lived her entire life in the Hickory Corner Community. Elvie Lee was with me when I joined into the Patterson family in 1951, as she and her husband James drove my James and I to Corinth, Miss., to get married. She has always been a wonderful sister-in-law. Elvie Lee was a fun, sweet, and giving person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Also, sympathy to all others who have lost loved ones this past week. It is much more stressful and emotional for those who lose a loved one during this time, when a public funeral cannot be held.
Remember in prayer those on our prayer list: Arlan Porter, Walt and Ann Bennett, Richy Butler, Ronnie and Ladelle Clark, Mildred Smith, Mary Alice and Martha Autry, Ann Morrison, Bonice Martin, Peggy Whitman, Jim Ruth, W.T Roland, Peggy Lard, William Maness, Buck Burkhead, and all the caregivers. Also continue to pray for leaders of all nations, first responders, healthcare providers, and all those who are sick.
Please call me at 989-3315 with any tidbits and/or news you would like to share. What are doing to stay busy?
In light of everything that is happening in our world, let us do our best to stay positive. “There is light in darkness, you just have to find it” (unknown). Make it a great week.
