Every third Sunday in September, the descendants of James Luther “Jim” Lovelace (1885-1968) and Ruby Fowler Lovelace (1887-1952) gather for the Lovelace Family Reunion that has been going on for more than 40 years.
The reunion now takes place at the home of my great-aunt Carolyn Lovelace. She and my great-aunt Marie Lovelace, who is about to turn 90, are the last two original family members who were part of the original reunions.
I asked Aunt Marie today how the reunion got started.
“When Poppa died, we said we wanted to continue gathering, but we didn’t want it to be on Poppa or Mama’s birthdays,” Aunt Marie said. “I bet a lot of people here have forgotten that his was the 25th of September 1885 and Mama’s was the 12th of August 1887. Back then, Poppa’s children always met on his and Mama’s birthdays and then at Christmas time. Mama would cook and have her children to her house. We always met, but we especially got together during their birthdays.”
Jim Lovelace in chair with, from left, Hobert Lovelace, Blanche Lovelace, Guy Lovelace (my grandfather), Marie Lovelace and Jack Lovelace.
Standing, from left: Ovid Lovelace, Homer Lovelace, Marie Lovelace and Blanche Lovelace.
Kneeling, from left: Jack Lovelace, Hobert Lovelace and Guy Lovelace (my grandfather).
Jim died March 3, 1968, 16 years after Ruby.
At one time, the family held the reunions on Sundays. I remember attending them when I was a really small child. Back then, the reunion took place at the home of Uncle Hobert and Aunt Carolyn.
I also remember a few earlier gatherings at the Haywood County Penal Farm, since one of my uncles was in Haywood County law enforcement.
I hope the tradition continues for many more years.
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