REESES MILL, W.Va. - The 45th annual Beryl Reunion was held on a warm and beautiful Sunday, Sept.
3, 2023, at Minco Park. There was a very large crowd in attendance. Registration began at 11 a.
m. and the day began with prayer given by Ronnie Marple, with chaplain Nancy Abernathy reading some Bible scriptures. Everyone ate lunch and socialized together throughout the day.
The children’s games were led by Tammy Marple. The game winners were: Hazel Reel, Ava Abernathy, Isaac Idleman, Westen Reed, Justin Claycomb, Charlotte Smith, and Bryan Claycomb. The scooter was won by Rachel Johnson.
The girl’s bike was won by Isabella Reed and the boy’s bike was won by Cameron Cage. The annual memorial service was held during the business meeting. The following names were read: Marlene Feaster, Glenda Marple, Dot Whisner, Wade Roy, Deloris Ours, Garlene Bosley, and Donnie Hinebaugh.
Beautiful musical selections featuring songs sung by the late Jean Marple were played. This was a sad and touching memorial service. The election of officers was held and a motion was made and seconded to keep the same officers.
The officers are as follows: President Leon Marple, vice president Gerald Abernathy, secretary/treasurer Tammy Marple, assistant secretary/treasurer April Baker, and chaplain Nancy Abernathy. 65 years and older drawings were won by: Fred Crawford and Bev Noonan. The “This is your Life” award was presented to president Leon Marple.
Leon has been the president of the annual Beryl Reunion for 38 years and remains very active through his hard work and dedication towards every reunion. The Beryl Reunion Committee and former Beryl residents gave Leon a standing ovation for this honor. “You Are Special” awards were presented to Ronnie Marple and Mary Ann Beeman for their loyalty and dedication towards the reunion.
Prizes were won by the following people: Oldest Man - Marshal Wilt; Oldest Woman - Reba Jean Deremer; Oldest Married Couple - Ronnie and Nancy Marple; Youngest Married Couple - Josh and Sarah Hartman; Youngest Baby - June Abernathy; Largest Complete Family - Gerald Abernathy, Largest Family without one or both parents - Walter Abernathy Family; and the greatest distance traveled - Lee Ann Abernathy. Other winners included: Men’s Horseshoe Pitch - David Claycomb and J. R.
Abernathy; Corn Hole - Charlie Abernathy and Joey Braithwaite; Women’s Horseshoe Throw - Junior Abbie Cage and Senior - Jenny Feaster. The 50/50 drawing was won by Tammy Marple. Various door prizes were donated and winners included: Sarah Fazenbaker, Ronnie Marple, Aussie Hanlin, Tammy Marple, Kathy Hanlin, Susie Watson, Jennifer Cage, Loretta Reel, Debbie Crawford, Christa Braithwaite, Bev Noonan, Todd Cornell, Kevin Hamilton, April Baker, Dave Hamilton, and Jimbo Abernathy.
Various items were donated to be auctioned off. Cakes were donated for the cake walks. Thanks to everyone that donated items or bought chances to help raise money for the next reunion.
A special thanks to everyone that donated cakes for the cake walks. The Beryl Reunion Committee and past residents would like to give a special thanks and appreciation to all of the local businesses that donated door prizes for the 45th annual Beryl Reunion. Thanks to everyone that helped in any way.
A special thanks to everyone who attended and made this year’s reunion a success. The next reunion is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at Minco Park.
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