The family of the late Gordon and Lula Smith gathered for their 60th family reunion on Aug. 31 at the Staunton Church of the Brethren pavilion in Staunton, Virginia. This yearly event was started in the mid 1960s after the death of Gordon Smith on April 19, 1963.
One might say that there was a “mini reunion” each Sunday as one or several of the children and their families went to visit their daddy on Sunday.
The two remaining Smith children, Cleo Smith Simmons and Wanda Smith Pitsenbarger, were present at the reunion, along with 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, nine spouses, and eight friends. The oldest person attending
was Cleo Simmons, age 100, and the youngest was Audrey Marie Plumley, 47 days old, who is the great-granddaughter of Pitsenbarger.
The past year was saddened by the death of Barry Simmons just days after the 2023 reunion. The family helped Cleo celebrate her 100th birthday and also rejoiced with Wanda as she continues to recover from being brought back to life in the emergency room followed by many days in the hospital.
There were two family members in the hospital on this day—one in Augusta Medical Center and one at Sentara RMH.
Those present at the first reunion were young and starting their own families. Today, many are in the senior group and life isn’t treating many very well. Another reunion will be planned for 2025, and only God knows who will be left to attend. For some members of the family, each new day is received as a blessing.
Violet R. Eye
Oldest living grandchild
