Report of the "Quilting Women" 2, Robert Lee, Coke County, TX Contributed by Jo Collier 20 January 2004 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/txfiles.htm *********************************************************************** The Observer/Enterprise, Robert Lee, Coke County, TX-November 7, 2003 Report of the "Quilting Women" By Ava Davis The doors of the First United Methodist Church of Robert Lee were open for the dedication of the historical quilt on Sunday, November 2, at 11:00am. Approximately 110 members, relatives, and friends of the quilting women were present for the historical event. In honor of the Quilting Women, the Youth Bell choir directed by Trish Rowe presented two songs. Members of the choir were Casey Roberts, Meagan Ross, and Sarah Jones. The Chancelor Choir presented "Find Us Faithful", directed by Sterling Myers. Dianne Simpson, Vice-President of the UMW, presented the quilt to the church for dedication. Rev. Steve Rowe accepted the quilt on behalf of the church. Afterwards, members of the UMW each read names of the Quilting women, and they were: Mary Arnold, Lizzie Bell, Ruby Brown, Emma Baze, Lela Craddock, Willie Clark, Hattie Day, Mrs. J. S. Gardner, Fannie Green, Mrs. Griffith, Mrs. G. T. Hester, Lizzie Hester, Mrs. Rena Hurley, Vivian Jacobs, Eva Kaeding, Mrs. A. E. Latham, Ava Maxwell, Mrs. McCabe, Eva Murtishaw, Vida Peay, Mary Russell, Melrose Russell, Mrs. Alvina Sterdt, Lura Smith, Mrs. W. M. Summer, Odessa Thetford, Iva Vestal, Ordie Wilbanks, Ruby Wright and Weta Wylie. The Quilter's Bible used during the dedication contains the following phrase, inscribed on the front: "Blessed are those who Quilt! For they shall receive Comforters!" What seemed just a hobby to those women in years past has become so special to each of us. We are proud to honor and pay tribute to these women by placing this quilt for all to see and enjoy. Following the service a reception and luncheon was held in the Fellowship Hall of the church. A large bouquet of flowers was placed in the center of a table, filled with hats and other memorabillia. It was provided by Trish Rowe, Carla Wojtek, and Ava Davis. Also on the table were books naming members of the WSCS dated 1942, 1943, 1945 and 1946. These were sent by Weta Wylie (one of the quilting women) and her daughter, Jane Albersold. A picture of the quilt was provided by Martha Grubenman. On a bulletin board were pictures of all the women. Steve and Trish Rowe greeted the guests as they entered the Fellowship Hall. Also greeting the guests were Jamie Boren and Ava Davis, authors and editors of the Quilting Women's scrapbook. Jamie was at the register to see that everyone registered. Also on hand to visit with the relatives and friends was Kathy McCown, contributing editor and typist for the scrapbook. The wonderful buffet was provided and hosted by the UMW and other women of the church. Friends and relatives attending and which of the quilting women they represented (if indicated) were as follows: Peggy and Wesley Jordan, representing Ava Davis's mother; John R. Boren and Sloan Boren; Harry and Grace Griggs, representing Mrs. Alvina Sterdt; Mary Bessent; Kathy McCown; Annelle Simpson Vick and Sybil Simpson Burch, representing Mrs. Annie McCabe; DJ and Nelia Walker, representing Vida Peay; Priscilla Wylie Davis, representing Weta Wylie and Lela Craddock; Billie Joe Carmichael and Alan Carmichael, representing Carrie Alice Griffith; Mack Tubb, Cindy Tubb, Ann Pate, Irving M. Cumbie, representing Ava Maxwell; Madelle and Truman Smith, representing Lizzie Hester; Sharon Payne, representing Ordie Wilbanks; Beverly Munson, representing Ordie Wilbanks and Eva Murtishaw; Joan Koller, representing Iva Parker Vestal; Bill and Brenda Wilkes; Willie H. Forman, representing Lura Smith; Mrs. Joyce Hester Eckert and Becky Eckert, representing Mrs. G. T. Hester and Lizzie Hester; Jane Wilson, representing Eva Murtishaw; Beverly and Jim Munson, representing Ordie Gibbins (Wilbanks) Hughes; Lynette Reese, representing Ordie Wilbanks; Mary Newman, representing Eva Murtishaw; David and Alene Key, Claudia Peays Chaney, Jan Green, Hazel R. Green, Mike and Margie Peay, Charmy Peay, Bob and Marilyn Hayworth, Joe David and Teri Key, all representing Vida Peay; Trish and Steve Rowe; Mary and Bill Benman, representing Willie Clark and Lizzie Bell; Nina Brewer, and Fred and Alice Beaty. It was a trip down Memory Lane with Quilting Women. The quilt is on display in the church. Preparation for the event was done by Steve and Trish Rowe, Carla Wojtek, and Ava Davis. Permission granted by The Observer/Enterprise for publication in the Coke County TXGenWeb Archives.