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| Doris Lewis & Juston Lewis receiving a Christmas present. A photo of their family home in Lowland. Photo courtesy Tina Foreman Beacham (C) |
It began over 60 years ago with six children and a promise
to each other that they will always celebrate Christmas together.
That promise was fulfilled again this past Sunday, when the
descendants of Jonah and Ollie Lewis of Lowland gathered for their annual family
Christmas party in Norfolk, VA.
“We were taught to celebrate family,” said Juston Lewis, the
youngest child of Jonah and Ollie. It
was quite evident that a strong sense of family, fun and gathering together was
what their Christmas party is all about.
Over 70 family members, representing over four generations
celebrated at the Roosevelt Gardens
neighborhood clubhouse, hosted by Doris Lewis Riddle, the only surviving
daughter of Jonah and Ollie. They shared
a meal, countless desserts, rejoiced in their many accomplishments for the
year, and spoke of countless memories of being together.
The first gathering was held in the early 1950's by daughter Doris. Since that first family Christmas gathering,
each sibling has played host. Even
though Derlie, Mae, Tincy and Marcus have passed, their children and
grandchildren continue to honor the tradition as their parents would.
It was evident that all who had gathered did so out of
loyalty and respect for their family.
They are keeping a tradition alive.
When I asked cousin Doris the reason they all still gather, she said it
was simple. “It’s love,” she said. “That’s what it is.”
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| Photo courtesy Tina Foreman Beacham (C) |
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| Photo courtesy Tina Foreman Beacham (C) |
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| Photo courtesy Tina Foreman Beacham (C) |
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| Photo courtesy Tina Foreman Beacham (C) |
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