Jeffus family reunion draws multiple generations

Picture courtesy of Dana Coleman The multiple generations of the Jeffus family were represented at a recent reunion in the Friday community.

By Jan White

FRIDAY – Four generations of the Jeffus family were present for a two-day celebratory event, which included lots of food, fellowship, laughter, and most of all, reminiscing about the good times.

The Jeffus Family Reunion took place on July 15 and 16 at the Friday Community Center in Groveton. The Center holds a special place in the hearts of family members. It was formerly an old schoolhouse, where their ancestor, Rev. Lemuel Jeffus, used to preach back in the early 1900s when the weather was too bad to hold services under the old brush arbor just outside. One of the family members, Betty Thompson [front and center in the reunion photo], recalls attending church services in the old schoolhouse back in the 1940s. The family has held gatherings in the Friday Community Center for over forty years.

On Friday night, approximately forty family members enjoyed a fish fry with all the trimmings hosted by David Jeffus. Third-generation grandsons Josh, Jordan, and Jacob caught and cooked the fish. Then on Saturday, more than forty-six relatives gathered again for a pot-luck luncheon at the center. And in conjunction with the reunion, Bob and Carolyn Jeffus celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a cake provided by their son.

Dana Coleman, who supplied the information on the reunion, stated, “Family togetherness is rare in some areas of this world. We are very blessed and thankful for the love we share.”

After the group picture was taken, Coleman asked if anyone had anything they wanted to say. Young Justin [seated on the floor in the reunion picture] raised his hand and said, “ I just want to say that I love everybody that’s here.”

The older Jeffus generation is confident that the family tradition to love and care for each other will continue with God’s help even after they are gone.