Buna Lois Bertie Garner

    I've been blessed in knowing several truly 'good' women in my life but Aunt Buna was special. Whenever I was with her she made me feel like I was the only child in her heart. Now I know that she made many feel that way, it was one of her gifts, but I'll allow myself to believe it was only me.

    She laughed all the time, not a great guffaw but a melodic chuckle, and praised the works of her family & friends and the blessings bestowed upon her by her Lord & Savior. She saw almost everything as a blessing and was eager to share them with you.

    Buna lived by herself after Uncle Jimmy passed away in May of 1981 in the house at Macedonia that her father-in-law built at the turn of the Century. She never learned to drive and relied on friends & family for transportation. She reluctantly agreed to a move to the nursing home in Clanton just a few years ago when she could no longer hobble about her home and care for herself.

    Yesterday, while unknown to me she lay dying, I was trying to recount how many great Aunts & Uncles I had. 22 not counting their spouses. I remember almost all of them but I'll never forget Aunt Buna and how she said "Rickey" with a beaming smile.

    Rest in Peace sweetheart! You've gone to the reward you've prepared for all of your life. Say hey to the family for me. Love You!

No Zip today

Ruby!

   Ah Ruby. It was a true experience knowing Ruby. Ruby was my Aunt Carolyn's mother-in-law but Ruby knew me and my family before that connection was made. Ruby worked in the Dan River Cotton mill with my grandparents. I don't remember any actual conversations but I don't think my grandmother cared for Ruby much. Ruby was .... Flamboyant...yep that'll do. Her hair was piled high, her skirts were tight and her make up was plentiful. And she just loved to spoil the shit out of me and my sibs. She was married to Hal a retired Air Force guy. He was uncle Jimmies step dad.

   One time we were traveling from Memphis to Clanton and somehow Ruby & Hal were traveling the same way. I was asked if I wanted to ride with Ruby & Hal. Are you kid'n? The trip with Mom & Dad would be the usual, a stop for gas and a bathroom break some water & then on the road again. With Ruby the opportunities were endless. There would be at least be one if not two stops where a soda & some candy would be offered. And to top it off Hal's car had the head of an Indian on the front that glowed orange at night.
As the years came and went Ruby never altered her basic costume or make up. Well maybe the make up by adding to it ;~). She always made a fuss over me and that goes a long way with this guy.


   Miss you Ruby! You too Hal.
Zipidee