Relatives gather at New Union church

Relatives of Margaret Warren Williams and the late Wesley Brown Williams of Short Mountain Road came from far and near July 5 to attend a family reunion at New Union Church of Christ fellowship hall in Manchester.

Descendants of the couple include eight children, 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with another to be born in September.

Folks began arriving earlier in the week at the family home near McMinnville, and the number continued to grow until the designated noon hour.

Charles Williams, minister of the New Union church and son of Wesley and Margaret Williams, spearheaded the occasion and prepared the meat on the grill. Other family members provided the bountiful tables of food.

Jerry Davidson, a son-in-law who had returned July 4 from a three-week mission trip to Guyana, offered thanks. Prior to the prayer, he commented that in comparison, the Amerindian village people of Guyana had never seen tables laden with food like that being served at the reunion.

Joining the family matriarch were her children and their spouses: Donald B. and Jan Williams of Murfreesboro; Douglas and Glenda Williams, Elba, Ala.; Sarah Nokes, McMinnville; Linda Francis and Jerry Davidson, Daphne, Ala.; Charles and Dianne Williams, Manchester; and William C. and Wendy Williams, Dayton, Ohio. Janice and Dean Draggonetti, Hendersonville, N.C., were unable to attend due to sickness in their family.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren included Cheryl Gary, Andrew, Ryan and Rachel, Patricia Haley, Cary, N.C.; Debbie and John Nettles, Nashville; Stephanie and Chris Freeze, Ambrianna and Sierra, Richmond, Va.; Douglas McArthur “Art” Williams Jr., Orlando, Fla., Jay Davidson, Honolulu, Hawaii; Jon and Lori Davidson, Birmingham, Ala.; Jeff. Melissa and Jill Davidson, Montgomery, Ala.; Mark, Stephanie, Andrew, Alex and Allison Williams, Manchester; Wesley, Wyatt, Wendy Dawn, Whitney and Warren Williams, Dayton, Ohio.

Lou Davis Higgins, sister of Margaret Williams, was in attendance with grandson Darrell Higgins. Her other family members present were Jimmy and Connie Higgins; Glenn and Judy Higgins of Woodbury and daughter Tracy Higgins Duncan of Gallatin.

Friends John and Ginger Gondos came from Memphis and everyone enjoyed the special magic show performed by John.