The 1952 class will meet at the home of Billy and Betty Jean Harrod Gerlach in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on June 7, 2008, for their 56th reunion. There are 20 surviving members. About 13 or 14 members and spouses are expected to attend this year. Margo and Bob Low and Miss Katie Pearl McKoy are also expected to be there.
55TH HOLLY GROVE HIGH SCHOOL REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1952 The sun was shining bright and the air was warm as the Holly Grove High School class of 1952 held their 55th reunion on June 16, 2007, at Ann's Restaurant in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The walk from the parking lot to the entrance of Ann's was marked with black and yellow balloons. Eight members of the class arrived between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Ken Lynch had made a two feet by about 6 feet black and gold banner with Holly Grove High School - Class of 1952, that was put on the wall of the dining room.
Two class members, Vernon Gray and wife Glenna and Bobby Moore and wife Pauline registered but didn't make it to the reunion. Vernon had a death in the family and I never did hear from Bobby Moore.
Eight members who were unable to attend were: James Beard, Billy Brooks, Ruth Grimes Sides, Jeanette Kanada Lamp, Dorothy McCurley Davis, Shirley McNeill Crawford, Norman Self and Barbara Shaw Williams.
Those attending were Wayne and Margaret Beadles; Betty Jean Harrod and husband, Billy Gerlach; Julia Hill and husband Bobby Hudson; Virginia June "Jenny" Johnson and husband Jim Hamilton; Gloria Jean Johnson Lewis; Elizabeth "Libby" King Hansen; Kenneth Lynch; Estelle McKoy and husband Tom Catlett; Frank and Jenny Miller; Kenny and Cathy Turner. Honored guests were Bob and Margo Low, she was home economics teacher, and Margo's mother, Miss Katie Pearl McKoy.
Regina McKoy, owner of Ann's, served a delicious meal of chicken and dressing, giblet gravy, roast beef and gravy, squash casserole, creamed potatoes, corn, green beans, black eyed peas, potato salad, other salads, and homemade coconut, chocolate, peanut butter pies that were still warm, as well as pecan pie, cheesecake and banana pudding.
A moment of silence was observed for deceased members Mary Brown, Minnie Bell Dunavan, Joe Moran, Nathan Newby, Betty Jo Morrison and Mary Jeanette Rogers.
Margo Low brought each member a favor of duck napkin rings. Everyone remarked how thoughtful she was to present us with such a nice favor.
Memories were recalled of the good times we had when we were in school, the good and bad of the last 55 years and the sad times when learning of the deaths of the six classmates listed above.
As the class broke up to return to their homes from Brinkley, Jonesboro, Pocahantas, Pickens, Little Rock, Holly Grove, Bella Vista, Clarendon and Oklahoma there was talk of returning to Ann's next year. The food was great, the location was easy to find and members hoped there would be more who would attend next year.
One remarkable fact about this class is there are still 20 of members still living.
-- Edited by Jane Dearing Dennis at 08:44, 2008-05-09
The Holly Grove High School class of 1952 will be celebrating its 55th reunion at Ann's Restaurant in Jonesboro, Ar, June 16th from 9:00a.m. until 3:30 p.m. A report later. -Libby King Hansen
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 08:25, 2007-06-08
