Mrs. Clara Bridges, who will be 100 years old in July, was the guest of honor at Saturday's Clara Bridges
Day Banquet, honoring Hopkins County Citizens over 90 years old.

 

 

Clara Bridges Day Banquet
Honors Those 90+ Years

 

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Five generations of the Mrs. Corine Snow family were present, as she was presented a momento of being the
oldest Hopkins County Resident. Mrs. Snow as born in 1904 and is 107 years old.

 

It was a day of celebration and recognizing those citizens of Hopkins County, who are ninety plus years old. The annual Clara Bridges Day Banquet, held at the Church of the Nazarene, began at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, and featured a number of Hopkins County residents who have lived past the ninth decade of their lives. Based on the scripture, Psalm 37: 25, "I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread." Yvonne Berry served at the Mistress of Ceremonies.

 

 

Mistress of Ceremonies, Yvonne Berry, introduces Dr. M. Lavelle Hendricks.

 

Musical entertainment was provided by both Roger and Lyna Jane Bryant, and the East Caney Baptist Church Choir.

 

 

      

Musical selections were enjoyed from Roger and Lyna Jane Bryant, left, and the East Caney Baptist Church Choir, right.

 

 

 

A delicious meal of chicken spaghetti, catalina vegetables, salad, and bread was served, along with dessert.

 

 

 

Keynote Speaker for the event was Jerric Berry, who spoke on the subject of "Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional." He stressed that the two most important traits he'd observed in the older people in this life, were wisdom of years, and having sense of humor. "The aging of our bodies is the visual sign of the blessings that God has afforded us," expressed Berry. "But, each of us have the opportunity to stop and enjoy the small things. The elderly teach us that learning never ends and that the man of courage is the man that is full of faith in God. And, believing in God, the best is yet to come!"

 

 

Keynote speaker was Jerric Berry.

 

Dr. M. Lavelle Hendricks, Pastor of East Caney Baptist Church, Mr. Harold Nash, Pastor of Morning Chapel Baptist Churc, and County Judge Chris Brown, then introduced Mother Clara Bridges, who at 99 is to reach her "century" mark, in July, as being an perfect example of godliness, and being full of faith. Mrs. Bridges addressed the group and humbly thanked them for honor her. The crowd then sang "Happy Birthday," to Mrs. Bridges.

Next, Mrs. Corine Snow, was recognized for being 107 years old, and having five generations of her family present. Each person over 90 years old in the crowd, was then recognized!

 

Sponsors for the event included: East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, Church of the Nazarene, Senior Citizen's Center, 1st Choice Home Health, Clara Bridges, Alliance Bank, Visiting Angels, Chicken Express, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab, Rock Creek Health and Rehab, Hopkins House, and Carriage House Manor.

Enjoy these photos from Saturday's celebration:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations!!!
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