The family of Mrs. Bertie Bryant Church Hayes met on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the Kemper Baptist Church Schoolhouse for the 67th Church-Hayes Reunion. This gathering began in 1944 as a birthday dinner for Mrs. Bertie and has continued through the years as an annual family reunion.
This year’s gathering celebrated what would have been Mrs. Bertie’s 116th birthday. She was born on June 26, 1895 and died on February 19, 1997. Mrs. Bertie was married to the late D. Murray Church and the late George W. Hayes, Sr. Thirteen children were born to these unions, which means there are a lot of family members listed on the family tree!
Eight of Mrs. Bertie’s children are living- seven were able to attend the reunion. They were among the 60 relatives and guests who enjoyed hugs, delicious food, picture-taking, and a time of sharing memories of Mrs. Bertie and her life as a humble, hardworking, gentle mother. We look forward to next year’s gathering.