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THE ORIGIN OF THE "J.G.R." REUNION

-FULFILLING A PROMISE-

Archie Johnson, the second son born to Adella and Albert Johnson in Sumpter County, Emelle, Alabama.  In 1974 Archie"s grandmother, Hanna Jones Giles had a deep desire for the family to be reunited before as she termed it:  "Her head got cold." (translated: Meaning before she died).

As a result, Archie began to make this dream come true by gathering information relating to the family's roots from various sources. Archie begun his travels by first stopping in Alabama to talk with Mrs. Lydia Ann Taylor who was in her eighties.  Archie, later traveled thousands of miles across the country talking with different individuals to compile information.  In addition, Archie made several telephone calls during his travels and over night stays in hotels and motels.

Nevertheless , on April 16,1976 his grandmother passed before she could fulfill her dream to see the family reunited.  thus, Archie made certain he fulfilled his grandmother's dream by keeping the promise he had made to her while she was in Sumpter Memorial Hospital in Livingston, Alabama.

Consequently, less than a year later, in September of 1977 the first JGR family reunion was held in Birmingham, Alabama hosted by Fannie and Columbus Hansberry.  The Hansberry planned a complete agenda for the family, including food, festivities and accommodations.  Archie, presided at the first meeting and met Grace Jones whom was the oldest family member attending.  After having a friendly conversation with Grace, Archie took in consideration his concerns for the date to be changed to the second week in July.  This would allow for others to avoid holiday travel and also allow for seniors to be able to be at home to receive their mail during the  first of the month.

Thereafter, Grace attended the annual 3 day family reunion meetings across the states until his death in 1985.  

 

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Revised: January 31, 2003