Francis (Leroy) Mason Dies In Raymond

I came across my Uncle Leroy's obituary recently and wanted to post it on our family blog site:

FRANCIS MASON ~ DIES IN RAYMOND 
Born: August 18, 1914 ~ Died: December 21, 1977

Raymond - Francis Leroy Mason, 64, of Raymond, was buried in the Raymond Cemetery on Thursday following funeral services at the Baldwin Funeral Home.  He died Wednesday following a long illness.

Born in Arkansas, Mason lived most of his life in Vicksburg.  He attended Redwood and Jett schools.  For 20 years, he made his home at Raymond.

He was a retired employee of the Mississippi Power and Light Co. and member of the Raymond Baptist Church. 

Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Katie Parker Mason of Raymond; a son, Robert Lane Mason of Raymond; three daughters, Mrs. Penny Moody of Jackson, Miss Janet Mason of Raymond and Mrs. Susan Davis of Salt Lake City, Utah; his mother, Mrs. Francis Mason of Kingston, NY; three sisters, Mrs. Ruby Mason Duncan of Chaffee, MO, Mrs. Bunnetta (Bonita) Mason Rielly of Kingston, NY, and Evelyn Mason Love of Vicksburg, and one brother, Charles Wesley Mason of Kingston, NY.

Happy 77th Anniversary

Marion Edward Love, Sr., and Evelyn Anne were married on February 3, 1940 in Vicksburg, MS.  I'm sure they are celebrating together in heaven today!

Dad and Mom

Meeting Cousins, Mark & Carol Palms

On Monday, January 23, 2017, I finally got to meet my cousin for the very first time, Mark Palms.  Mark is a descendent of my Great Great Grandmother, Marie Therese Palms, who came to this country from Antwerp, Belgium. 

Welcome to Mississippi, Mark and Carol Palms!

Mark lives in Manchester, Michigan with his wife Carol.  I met Carol earlier last year when she and her daughter came through Vicksburg heading for New Orleans.  This time Mark and Carol came back through Vicksburg from New Orleans after visiting family and playing in their band, The Raison Pickers. 

The Raisin Pickers

"The Raisin Pickers are four musician...s who understand completely where traditional music comes from and what their role is in carrying it forward. "Carol Wells Palms (bass, fiddle, vocals) a classically trained bass player who captures the heart of traditional music without letting go of high musical standards.
Mark Palms (banjo, guitar, accordion vocals) a self-taught musician who chases the heritage of traditional music by studying banjo knee-to-knee with old-time legends and gathering up field recordings from Louisiana to West Africa.
David Mosher (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, vocals), one of southeast Michigan's most in-demand side men who carries a half-dozen instruments and follows his sense of aural aesthetics where they lead, be it writing songs, producing recordings or finding a bird in the woods by its call.
Billy King (electric guitar) his versatility as a multi-genre singer-songwriter is matched by his ability on a wide range of instruments. As an engaging performer Billy delivers a high-energy sound with lightness, dynamics, and sincerity.

The Raisin Pickers playing in New Orleans recently!

Carol took this beautiful picture of M/V Mark Staab making it's way to the bend in the Mississippi River called, Delta Point, northbound, as the sun was setting in my hometown of Vicksburg, MS at the Mississippi Welcome Center.

Mark and Carol Palms

Mark and Carol Palms at the Mississippi Welcome Center in Vicksburg, MS, with a tow northbound under the bridges on the Mississippi River.

Happy "76" Birthday To Me!

January 27, 1941

Happy Birthday!

My bestest girlfriend, Jeanette is a twin and her sister, Janice is shown here celebrating their birthdays today.  Also, Jeanette's husband, Charley's birthday was yesterday so they are celebrating 3 birthdays today!.  Happy Birthday guys!

Happy 72nd Birthday In Heaven Buster!

My brother, Marion, Jr., "Buster" taken on his birthday while living on Arthur Street, Vicksburg, MS.  I miss and love you so much, Buster.  I know that Mom and Dad and our entire family are celebrating your 72nd Birthday in Heaven!

Last Living Uncle Died

Phillip F. Reilly, of Denver Road, Kingston, N.Y., went to be with the Lord Friday Jan. 6, 2017, at the age of 94 years old. Phillip was born Oct. 4, 1922 in Wilbur, N.Y. He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Military during World War II. He then continued to work for IBM in the plating department for 13 years. He then left IBM to form his own business, P&D Surplus which started with two employees and ended with 16 employees. After his career in the surplus business, he continued to stay in the scrap industry for 40 years. Phillip is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bonita Reilly along with his three daughters and one son: Linda Reilly, at home, Suzanne Erikson of Highland, N.Y., Phyllis Hofbauer and her husband Timothy of Kingston, and his only son, Michael Reilly and his wife Diane Reilly of Kingston, N.Y. Along with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Tammy Mitchell and her husband Jeff, Carrie Metzger and her husband Tom, Marc Reilly, Jamie Hofbauer and Jennifer Mackey and her husband Thomas Mackey, great-grandchildren: Riley, Brady, Taylor, Olivia, Victoria, Thomas, Kayden and Michael. A nephew, Timothy Smythe, and niece, Debbie Sudal, also survive. He is predeceased by his three sisters, Gertrude Reilly, Marie Bunce, Anne Smythe and his grandson David Michael Reilly. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue. Friends will be received Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral procession will form 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church. Burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers may be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tenn., 38105.  

(This was our Mother's youngest sister's husband and the last living Uncle.  My sister, Laura and I saw him once in our lifetime back in the late 50's when they visited our hometown of Vicksburg, MS)