Although I was not directly related to "Bobo" and Nell Driver, I called her "Mama Nell"  and she called me "Aunt Shirley." She was a grand lady whom once you met her, you always remembered her. She was humorous and always had a twinkle in her eye.  I always admired her for raising six adventuresome, active boys and then claiming all her daughter-in-laws as close friends.  I also remember the Driver Family Band where each boy played a musical instrument and she either played the piano or a guitar.  A lot of talent in that family.  The Drivers had 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Little four-year-old Kiana Driver sings a lot and some observers would respond by saying, "She's definitely a Driver."  We will miss Mama Nell and the joy she spread.
Another grand lady is Gail Bishop who moved to our town about 10 years ago.  I immediately identified with her as she was also a Methodist minister's widow. She was honored on her 80th birthday last Friday at the Methodist CFC Building. Her daughter, Debbie Thistlethwaite and other family members and friends, planned this surprise birthday party for her.  Her son, Paul and grandson, Jesse, really surprised her by driving in from Tampa for the occasion.  After a sumptious potluck supper and birthday cake, those present from her church, neighbors and the Senior Citizen Center friends got to know Gail better via videos shown on a screen.  She also received many nice and useful gifts.  Happy birthday again, Gail.  Gail has seven children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (hope to have some pics for next week's issue). I told Gail when I found out where she was living, that she was on sacred ground. "Why?" she asked. “Because I was born on that spot, not that house, but also my mother was born there."  It was my grandparent’s home.
Someone once said,"Give your flowers while people are living." Amen to that! From Proverbs 3:10 "Who can find a virtous and capable wife?  She is worth more than precious rubies."  Amen again.
During Gail's party, I met the nicest lady who also did a monologue depicting someone whom Gail had taken in her home many years ago. Janice Fish Stewart came up to me and said, “I know you.  I remember your mother who was extra nice to me when I worked at Knowles Hospital  I was just a single girl trying to make a living and she would bring me something, like strawberry pie when she came to the hospital. I also came to her funeral and remember you doing her eulogy.” It's a small, small world.  Janice now lives at Keltonburg with her family.
Speaking of knowing people, I encountered Mrs. Louise Frazier, a mutual friend, at Nell Driver's visitation.  I told her I was coming down to visit her church some Sunday and go home with her for lunch since she always had a big crowd for lunch at her house.  She tried to entice me for this past Sunday but I already had plans. But Louise, I'm coming.
Sympathy to Becky Roberts on the death of her uncle in Indiana last weekend.  Her friend, Suzanne Prater and little Collin attended the funeral.  Also get-well wishes to Betty Davis' mother, Lucille Vanwinkle in Spencer.
Belated birthday wishes to my good friend, Glenda Watson, in Hendersonville and my cousin, Larry Lockhart, in Nashville.
On Saturday, Oct. 13 (not a Friday), the members of the Friendship Class at First Methodist gathered at Doug and Char Ward's home for a German menu Octoberfest dinner. The apple strudel and Black Forest Torte were especially popular.
If you've never visited the Smithville Head Start Center, put this Friday, Oct. 26, on your calendar.  Their Open House hours are 1-4 p.m.  Come by and see this great learning center for 74 active boys and girls who are receiving a headstart on their education. Meet the wonderful staff employed by LBJ&C.
Attention, crafty folk! 
There is still time to sign up to sell your crafts at the Methodist Bazaar on Nov. 2, 8-4 p.m.  Call Becky at the church 597-4961 or me. But hurry, hurry!
In closing, it's time to get your flu shot, not the terrible flu. Amen.