By Ronnie Kilgore

On Dec. 24, 2014, the Sharpe Family had their 69th consecutive reunion.

The patriarchs of the Sharpe Family, Jeptha Sharp and his wife, Leona Smith Sharp, started out in the Loango area.

Then moved to Red Level and farmed just north of Buck Creek Church. Mrs. Sharp had her hands full with 15 children, but two died at birth. Both Jeptha and Leona passed away in 1945, and the suggestion was made to have the family get together each year starting in 1946 on Christmas Eve. Of the 13 original children, all have passed on except for three, Earl Sharpe of Destin Fla., Jesse Sharpe of Ozark, and Lucy Sharpe Kilgore of Red Level.

Jesse Sharpe was the only sibling to attend this year. The other two siblings of Jeptha and Leona Sharpe that were not able to attend were, Lucy Sharpe Kilgore and Earl Sharpe. Lucy is almost 97 years young and her health would not let her walk and sit for long periods of time. She really hates to miss these events. This was only the fourth time she had missed.

About 55 people attended this year’s event. This was one of the larger groups we have had in the past few years. Each person was asked to sign a registry, so their names could be included in this article.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the gathering, there was sun most of the day and the weather was cool, but turned out great.

A big fire was burning in the fireplace and kept people gathered around it all day.

There was groups discussing births and death during the past year and catching up on all the event from last year.

Each year a different family is in charge of hosting the event.

This year the host was the Kilgores. I had a lot of help from Glenn, Terry, Billy Joe and Steve Sharpe, with lots of help from their wives.

All the tables were covered with red and green cloths and food was lined up, chicken and dumplings, ham, potato casserole, chicken, salads, cakes and pies.

Those attending brought a covered dish or two.

Jesse Sharpe said a few words and then gave thanks.

He reminded us what this event is in memory of and what we all should be celebrating at Christmas.

The Jesse Sharpe family will host the 2015 reunion and ask that all decedents of the Sharpe clan come to the reunion. Because he lives in Ozark and his children live around Dothan, the rest of the host families agreed to help get the firewood, the key and all the plates and stuff for next year.

Those in attendance were:

• The Gene Sharpe Family: Terry Sharpe and wife Mary Jane, her daughters Michelle and Brentley Armstrong. Steve Sharpe and wife Kathryn; daughter Jill Sharpe. Billy Joe Sharpe and wife Jennie Brooks Sharpe, daughter Laura Sharpe. Billy Joe’s daughter Leanne and her husband Brandon Stewart and daughter Kaylea and Olivia. Glenn Sharpe and Barbara Griffin, and daughter Greta and husband Dave Buckmeier from Kerrville, Texas.

• The Virgie Wright Family: Karen and Ricky Price of Dothan; Farrell and Rosalyn Wright, their son Robert Wright and children Ashley, Whitney, Taylor and Kim’s son, Johathan, of McDonaugh, Ga.; Peggy Wright, her son Tommy, his daughters, Sheridan and Jamisyn Wright, Lynn Bush, Mike Bush and Chase and Melissa Bush; Max Wright and his daughter, Shelia Crissey.

• The Jim Sharpe family: Jimmy Joe Sharpe and wife Sandy,

• The Lucy Sharpe Kilgore family: Ronnie Kilgore.

• The Jesse Sharpe family: Jesse and wife Jean, their sons Rodney and Richard his daughter Amelia Sharpe and their son Mason and wife Lauren Sharpe and son Jacob and daughter Hannah.

• The Gladys Huckaba family:

Donnie and Kim Huckaba and Zack, Floyd, A.J., Brently and Sophie, all of Andalusia.

A great time of fellowship and food was enjoyed by all in attendance. It is great to see the cousins and relatives we have not seen in years

We look forward to next year. A special thanks to the ladies that decorated the Christmas tables.