FUNSTON — In 1918, Caleb and Eliza Harvey began bringing all of their family together on the second weekend in August of every year. It is a tradition that has weathered the test of time as evidenced by the 99th Harvey Reunion that was held at the Funston Community Center on August 13, 2016.

Irene Godwin, longtime president of the reunion, welcomed those attending.

Family members Tom Tillman, Opal Tillman and Mike Folsom, were among those who shared their memories and stories from past reunions, along with life sayings and quotes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

After the program was concluded, family pictures were made and Hardy Tillman graced the food before supper was served.

Following the family meal, a memorial was given by Mike Folsom and the president conducted the business meeting. The treasurer, Dorenda Strickland, gave her report, followed by the reading ot the minutes by the secretary, John Godwin.

The oldest attending was Frances Folsom, granddaughter of Caleb and Eliza Harvey; the youngest was Theron Strickland, son of Chad and Stephanie Strickland. grandson of Jimmy and Dorenda Strickland and great-grandson of Theron and Opal Tillman; Vice President Tony Williams traveled the longest distance to attend, coming from Taft, Tenn.

At the conclusion of the business meeting, the annual auction was held to provide funds for the operating costs of the reunion and to the upkeep of the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Among the local attendees were: Irene Godwin, Mike and Judy Folsom, Frances Folsom, Jimmy and Dorenda Strickland and Rodney and Susan Taylor.

Those from out of town included: Mike & Terry White, Opal Tillman, Brooks and Charity Parish and their children, Dora Tillman Bates and Tom and Sarah Tillman of Coolidge, Ga.; Tony Williams of Taft, Tenn.; Larry and JoAnne Perry and Brionr Lisa layler and Ty Tillman of Lake City, Fla.; Joey and Melanie Tillman and family, Alex and Darla Harbin, Asa, Spencer and Reid as well as Abbie Folsom, all of Thomasville, Ga.; Gene Adams, Fayetteville, Ga.; Hardy and Wanda Tillman from Live Oak, Fla.; Donnie and Jackie Duncan and Brian and Alisha Burdett of Adel, Ga.; Stacy and Kaye Harbin of Marianna, Fla.: Britt and Traci Harbin, Kelsey, Katie and Brice of Lancaster, S.C.; Sonja and Steve Moran of Macclenny, Fla.; John and Jamie Godwin and family of Jackson, Ga., and David K. Williams and Brian Williams from Chipley, Fla.

The next Harvey Reunion will be held in August 2017, and promises to be one to remember, as the family celebrates 100 years of precious memories and traditions that have led to this milestone. All family members are urged to come and be a part of a very special day!