Mrs. Jeanette France had Thanksgiving dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Danny France.
Mr. Tim France and daughters, of Smithville, visited his mother, Jeanette France during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Jim and Judy Kimbrell were host to a covered dish dinner on Thanksgiving day at their home, for the Frazier family and guest. The country home was beautifully decorated and the tables were spread with attractive Thanksgiving covers.
The host, Jimmy Kimbrell, asked the Blessing, roast turkey, sausage dressing, traditional dressing, giblet gravy, cranberries, pumpkin pie, four layer dessert and coconut cake and many casseroles, vegetables, hot rolls and ham were enjoyed by those present.
Attending the dinner were Todd, Barbara Gail, Sam, Chris and William Nuckles of Florence Ala., Todd, Michele and Brandon Kent of Lascassas, Kenny Edge, David and Monica Reynolds and Levi of Alexandria, Jared and Jennifer Hendrix and Sawyer, Ricky and Kathy Hendrix and Louise Frazier.
The Cripps family enjoyed Thanksgiving at the beautiful home of Gary and Tammy Whitaker in Lebanon. Those who attended were Tammy’s parents, Tom and Georgia Cripps, Jerald and Lisa Cripps and their children, Mathew, Melody and Owen, Justin and Tiffany Cripps, Jordon and Nicole Cripps and Christian and Dwight Cripps. Over fifty family members attended, and enjoyed a covered dish dinner and family fellowship.
Happy birthday to those who celebrate in December; Shauna Wilson, Danielle Reynolds, Shannon Malone and Max Barney. Congratulations to these and all who celebrate birthdays in December.
On the sick and shut-in list; Kenny Rhody, Anthony Wright, Jimmy Midget, Carroll Thomas, James Keyt, Bob Earl and Linda Fuston, Ruth White, Ruth Vandergriff, Debbie O’Conner, Bobby and Mary Joines, Virginia Hendrixson, Mae Risner, Joe Ayers, Brigham Ayers and Jim Cripps.  Pray for these.
Death has come and taken one of our beloved natives of the beautiful Dry Creek Valley, Vena Crips Fuston of Smithville. She was born and reared here and was one of our beloved friends who at the age of 12 gave her life to Christ, joined Dry Creek Baptist Church and was baptized in the Dry Creek stream, which meanders gently by the church
She served her church as clerk for many years.
Her parents were the late Palace and Nancy Crips. Her brother was the late Austin Crips. On Sunday and other church services, this family would be found at Dry Creek Baptist Church. Their hearts were broken when God called Austin to his eternal home.
The circle is now complete. Vena is first of all rejoicing with Saviro, her husband, and her earthly family. Like the song sung at her funeral, This Is Wonderful.
As a young girl growing up, she could be called the “errand girl”, because she did so much to help her dad and Austin at the lumber mill they owned in the valley. Whatever her task, she did it well.
Vena was a talented seamstress, wonderful cook, loved flowers and grew beautiful roses, and for many years grew a productive vegetable garden.
After the Fustons moved to Smithville, she made hundreds of trips on Saturdays back to the church she loved so well to bring a bouquet of flowers (roses, buttercups, etc.) to make the church more beautiful on Sunday morning.
This was Vena doing better for others. Mowing her neighbors yard or taking food to the sick.
She was the first person at the hospital when our son, Joe Ronald, was killed in a car accident. She and the late Tincy Crips were there. You never forget these people.
When our son, John Frazier, died and was brought back to Dry Creek Baptist Church, it was Vena who brought a large platter of fried chicken to our house. Not only us, but many others can say this about this dear lady.
For many years, Vena worked with the DeKalb School System. We worked with her at Smithville Elementary.
She did an outstanding job wherever she worked. In the past few years, Vena’s health problems prevented her from sewing for others, attending church and just being herself.
On Nov. 29 at DeKalb Community Hospital, God reached down with his love and took Vena to her eternal home in Heaven.
On Dec. 1 Bro. Donald Owens officiated at her funeral at Dry Creek Baptist Church to an auditorium filled to capacity with relatives and friends.
The Dry Creek community extends its sincere sympathy to Bob Earl and Linda Fuston, Tony and family, Gina and family, other relatives and her many friends. May God bless and keep this family.
Dry Creek Baptist events;
•Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, Lottie Moon Christmas offering for International Mission. Church goal $ 8,200.00.
•Dec. 15, 10 a.m. Sunday School, Christmas Musical, “Bethlehem’s Morning” choir and drama. Christmas dinner after service.
•Dec. 18, Supper and Church Christmas Tree exchanging of gifts. Everyone Welcome. Bro. Don Owens, Pastor.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” (Romans 15:13)