60 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

By John Miller, 08/2/21 9:56 AM

PRESCOTT, AR– Susie and Leo Meeks renewed their wedding vows Saturday, celebrating 60 years together.

The ceremony was held at the Prescott Junior High School cafeteria, which was decorated in black and white with silver tablecloths. Two of their children performed the vows, switching back and forth, with a song performed before the “I do’s”. The couple danced and a reception was held afterwards.

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https://www.hopeprescott.com/2021/08/meeks-renew-vows/


“We Still Do”
60^TH Wedding Anniversary and Vow Renewal 
Leo & Susie Meeks

          Prelude song of “Hymne” by The O’Neil Brothers was played as the guests arrived and received their table placement. Many guests left cards and placed money on a beautiful luminated money tree as they entered. 
            The wedding Processional began with Rev. Donnie Willis walking in and following him was the groom Leo Meeks Jr. who was escorted by his youngest daughter Karen (Meeks) Willis. When Leo reached the altar, he was greeted by his grandchildren that helped him with his final touches of his clothes. They adjusted his tie, shined his shoes and brushed off his jacket. 
            Before the bride entered her grandchildren made her lovely bridal bouquet by each grandchild bringing up flowers and placing them in her handheld holder.  Susie (Reynolds) Meeks was then escorted in by her grandsons, Draylon and Donnie Willis Jr. When she made it to the altar, her granddaughter Torrie Willis-Deshowrn presented her the bouquet of flowers. 
            The couple’s wedding renewals officiants were their son-in-law Rev. Donnie K. Willis and their daughter Karen (Meeks) Willis. The ceremony began by Karen giving a welcome and a message.  Rev. Willis performed the renewal of vows ceremony the (I Do’s).  Karen Willis gave a scripture reading to the couple. A Song was sung by Ken Stueart (family cousin) of “Great Is Thou Faithfulness”. Rev. Willis then blessed the couple and they “Kissed” to renew their marriage. The couple was presented to their guests, as they exited to “Great Is Thou Faithfulness”. 
            When the couple returned, they had their first dance and was serenaded by their granddaughter Torrie Deshowrn to “At Last” by Etta James. After the couple was placed in their special seats, expressions were made by their pastor, Rev. Manning.  Acknowledgements were made by Karen Willis. A very special poem that was written and sent by their daughter Kimberly Meeks was read by their grandson Draylon Willis.
            Dinner was served and on the menu was brisket, baked chicken, green beans, creamy homemade potatoes, toss salad and variety of tea, lemonade, and water. Their wedding cake had a picture of their wedding picture, 60 years ago.  During the reception soft music was played and a few love songs were performed by Ken and Torrie. The program during the reception concluded with a video presentation called “A Photo Story” created by Karen Willis. A special song performed by the couple’s favorite singer Ms. Dinell “Our Love” by Natalie Cole, a praise dance by their granddaughter-in-law, Jakyia Willis to “So Amazing” by Luther Vandross and a love song by Ken and Torrie. 
            The couple gave their thank you to their guests. The celebration ended with friends, family and clergy giving the couple their well wishes and a closing prayer by Rev. Willis.
 

REUNION LETTERS

January 26, 2021
 
Dear Family Members,

We hope that you are all doing well and staying safe!

We did an informal survey of family members and found that most would be unable to commit to attending an event in 2021. Therefore, the committee has decided to postpone the family reunion again for another year. The new date for the event is June 16-18, 2022.

If you have already paid your registration it will still be good for the new date, but we will be happy to provide refunds upon request. Please call or text (310) 835-5586 or email 1JohnnieBarber@gmail.com Johnnie Barber for refunds.

If you have a hotel room reservation at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, it will automatically be updated with the new 2022 dates at the same rate. If you need to adjust your room reservation you can go to https://book.passkey.com/go/CW06SWM. If you would like to cancel your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at 1-866-755-7776.

We will be hosting a virtual event to connect with the family this year on June 19, 2021 from 4-5:30pm Pacific Time (7-8:30pm Eastern Time). Please join us using this link to the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/SMW2021 If you would like us to send you a link and a reminder for the meeting, please send your contact information to zahrala@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing all of you virtually, and eventually being together and enjoying your company! If you have any questions, please call or text (541) 951-8931 or email zahrala@gmail.com Zahra Langford.
 
Sincerely,
Your 2020 (now 2022) Reunion Committee; Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall, Russell Royston

 

May 15, 2020

Dear Family Members,

We hope that you are all doing well and staying safe!

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the reunion committee has decided to postpone the family reunion until next year. The new date for the event is June 17-19, 2021.
If you have already paid your registration it will still be good for the new dates, but we will be happy to provide refunds upon request to those that need them. If you have not registered yet you can send in your form at any time. Early registration helps us greatly with planning. The new deadline for reunion registration is March 19, 2021.
 
Here are the 30 family members who have registered so far: Johnnie Barber, Ken Stueart, Shane Fruge, Wanda Richardson, Lanaya Richardson, Randy Williams, Tamika Williams, Zahra Langford, Jackson Baures, Tina Barber, Johnnie Taylor (6), James Langford, Kathy Langford, Brock Barber, Ronnell Barber, Marrion Barber (8), Johnathan Richmond, Trish Richmond, Sir Richmond, Margaret Spearman, Cameron Langford, Sarah Gray, Emma Langford (6), Kaya Langford (2), Chacomar Bryant, Lorin Sadler, Brandon Sadler, Russell Royston, Ja’Tasha Marshall.
 
If you had an existing hotel room reservation at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, it will automatically be updated with the new 2021 dates. If you need to adjust or cancel your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at 1-866-755-7776. If you haven’t reserved your rooms yet, please book online https://book.passkey.com/go/CW06SWM to get the best group rates. The new deadline for hotel reservations is May 19, 2021.
 
We look forward to seeing all of you, being together and enjoying each other! If you have any questions, please call or text (310) 835-5586 or email 1JohnnieBarber@gmail.com Johnnie Barber.

Sincerely,

Your 2020 (now 2021) Reunion Committee; Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall, Russell Royston.

 

May 2, 2020

Dear Family,

We hope that you are all doing well and staying safe! Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the reunion committee has decided to postpone the event until next year. We are working with Circus Circus to get a new date in June of 2021.

If you have already paid your registration it will still be good for the event, but we will be happy to provide refunds upon request to those that need them. We will let you know the new date as soon as we get it finalized within the next two weeks.

Sincerely,
Your 2020 (now 2021) Reunion Committee: Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall and Russell Royston

 

March 22, 2020

Dear Family,

We hope that everyone is well and staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak! Many of you have been asking if we will still plan to have the reunion. As of right now we are planning to have it if we can. We will know more about the hotel and flight situation in the weeks ahead and will be able to make a final decision on May 2.
 
Until then, please be patient and continue with your registration if you are able. If we must cancel or reschedule the reunion for this year, we will refund your money. We would advise not booking any flights until after May 2.

Here is a list of the 29 family members who have registered so far: Johnnie Barber, Ken Stueart, Shane Fruge, Wanda Richardson, Lanaya Richardson, Randy Williams, Tamika Williams, Zahra Langford, Jackson Baures, Tina Barber, Johnnie Taylor (6), James Langford, Kathy Langford, Chestene Miller, Cheryl Miller, Diamond Cook, Dominique Cook (14), Brock Barber, Ronnell Barber, Marrn Barber (8), Johnathan Richmond, Trish Richmond, Sir Richmond, Margaret Spearman, Cameron Langford, Sarah Gray, Emma Langford (6), Kaya Langford (2)

Sincerely,

Your 2020 Reunion Committee: Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall and Russell Royston

 

January 12, 2020

Dear Family Members,

Happy New Year from your 2020 reunion committee members! We are looking forward to seeing everyone this June 18-20 in Las Vegas, NV for the “We’re All In” reunion events.  

Now is a great time to send in your registration and get your hotel reservations. Early registration helps us greatly with planning. The deadline for reunion registration is March 19. You can download and print the registration form from the Registration page. 

The deadline for hotel reservations at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino is May 19. You can find the all the hotel details and booking link on the Accomodations page. 

We look forward to seeing all of you, being together and enjoying each other! If you have any questions, please call or text (310) 835-5586 or email 1JohnnieBarber@gmail.com. Johnnie Barber

Sincerely,

Your 2020 Reunion Committee; Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall, Russell Royston.

 

April 8, 2019

Dear Family Members,

The committee is excited to announce that we have finalized the dates and the accommodations for the 2020 reunion! The reunion will take place June 18-20, 2020. The theme we have selected for the event is “We’re All In.” It expresses our full commitment to family while incorporating a reference to the Las Vegas culture of high stakes poker.

This letter includes all the information you need to book your hotel rooms and register for the event.

Accommodations
The hotel we have selected for the reunion is the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. The room reservation deadline is May 19, 2020.
 
Schedule of Events and Activities
We have put together a preliminary schedule. We also have some ideas for group activities and we’d love your input!
 
Registration
The registration forms will be mailed out the week of April 8, 2019. If you did not receive a form you can downlod it on this page. The cost for each adult will be $100. Please plan to send yours in as soon as possible so we can finalize plans. The reunion registration deadline is March 19, 2020.

We look forward to seeing all of you, being together and enjoying each other! If you have any questions, please call or text (310) 835-5586 or email 1JohnnieBarber@gmail.com. Johnnie Barber

Sincerely,
Your 2020 Reunion Committee: Johnnie Barber, Zahra Langford, Tina Barber, Levette Marshall, Ronnell Barber, Johnathan Richmond, Joeseph Smith, Ja’Tasha Marshall and Russell Royston.

 

January 26, 2019
 
Dear Family Member,
 
This is the first of many communications about the upcoming events for the 2020 family reunion to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reunion committee has had its first meeting and we are looking forward to putting together an amazing event for you!
 
We want to say a big thank you to the 2018 reunion committee: Susie Meeks, Grayce Harris Bonet, Karen Meeks Willis and Torrie Willis. They put on a great event and provided a wealth of inspiration for our team.
 
We need addresses and contact information! Here’s what you can do:

1. Review the list of names below (grouped by family/home address). If you know someone in the family who is not on this list and should be invited, please send us their full name, mailing address, email and phone number.
 

Grayce Bonet, Janae’ & JaKyla Willingham	Stefanie, Kevin, Jalyn & Jayna McKee
Chestene, Cheryl, & Donna Miller, Diamond & Dominique Cook	Kimberly Meeks
Belinda & Patricia Dean	Susie & Leo Meeks
Tekylah & Tyrell McNary Curry	Angela Harris-Mitchell & David Mitchell
Cynthia Dean, Gabrielle Cole, Tobias & Kobias Jacobs	Felicia Payne
Marchetta & Herman Fontaine	Nancy L. Price
Tiara, Rico & Jordan Gutierrez	Wanda & Willie Richardson
Bettye & Charles Harris	Kristoffer Richardson
Jackie Harris, Kimberly Harris, Chassidy Harris, Jazmine Melburn, Jayden Clark, Katie Melburn	Kyrii Richardson
Percy & Jessie Hawthorne	Earlene & Peggy Royston
JaCieka Rai Moore & Jessie Hawthorne Jr.	Russel Royston
Matthew Hill, Theresa Sylvester, Shanaya Sylvester, Jasmine Hill	Randy & Derrick Spearman
Jacqueline Humphrey	Margaret Spearman
Cameron, Sarah, Emma & Kaya Langford	Sonja Stueart-Davis & Chiquita Stueart
James & Kathleen Langford	Kenneth Stueart & Shane Fruge
Alissa & EC Maloney	Flossie & John Walker, Lee Peters, Nevan Douglas
Dan Maloney	Stephanie, James and Joshua Walker
Janice & David Maloney, Jennifer & Isaac Taylor	Karen, Donnie Sr., Torrie, Donnie Jr., Draylon & Malini Willis, McKinley Byndom, Karington Wiley, Jakyia Gatlin
Karen & Glen Maloney

 
2. If your contact information has changed since the last reunion, please send us an update.

Email any new family member information and your updated information to Levette Marshall levettemarshall57@gmail.com by no later than March 30, 2019.
 
We are actively organizing and will provide the dates, host venue and hotel information in April. We look forward to seeing each of you at the reunion in 2020. Please check this website for updates. If you have questions or concerns about the event, feel free to contact any one of the committee members listed below.
­­
Warm Regards,
 
2020 Las Vegas Reunion Committee:
 
Ronnell Barber (562) 317-9438
Zahra Langford (541) 951-8931
Tina Barber (424) 224-8939
Johnnie Ruth Barber (310) 835-5586
Levette Marshall levettemarshall57@gmail.com  

P.S. We will also be putting this letter in the mail to everyone, but wanted to post it here first.

 

FAMILY AUTHOR-PEGGY ROYSTON

FAMILY DOCUMENTARY

MALONEY FAMILY MEMBERS