Happy Corner - Miss Lizzie Celebrates Ninetieth

Thunderstorms and downpours failed to dampen spirits as a large crowd gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Elijah Lewis, better known as "Miss Lizzie." New Smyrna Assembly of God Family Life Center was the scene of the gathering of over 200 family and church family, relatives, friends, and former co-workers.

Hosts for the event were her daughters and families along with the church where Mrs. Lewis attended as a child and taught Sunday School for fifty-two years. As Lizzie Retherford, she also attended school at nearby Smyrna School. She and Mr. Lewis have been married for nearly 70 years and raised six children. Daughters are Mattie Scarvey, Daisy Swearengen, and Naomi Corne, all of whom live nearby. Daisy moved back to Bonifay after a teaching career in Bay County. Youngest daughter, Mary Callie, died at the age of 22 in a car accident when she was in her final semester of college. The Lewis sons include Albert and James.

Best known outside of the Smyrna community as a food service worker at Bonifay Elementary School for 26 years, the honoree was graced with the presence of BES food service workers Mrs. Nola Mims, Mrs. Onie B. Powell, Mrs. Merle Steverson, and Mrs. Mary White. Former principal, Kenneth Yates, former choral director, Kathy Treadwell and former teacher Jere Russell Richter from the school were also in attendance.

Numerous extended family members were present including one of the honoree’s living siblings, George Retherford. The other, James Retherford was unable to attend. Five of her sister Minnie Strickland’s family were present including Betty and Doyle Taylor, Annette and Ken Atkinson, Marie Andrews, Roy and Maxine Strickland, and Ted Strickland along with their numerous children and grandchildren. Mrs. Lewis’ other sisters, all deceased, are Linnie, Nicie, Vicie and Lovey. They were each represented by some of their children and grandchildren.

A few political candidates as well as some elected officials were also on hand. Some that I recall seeing were the Sheriff and Mrs. Dennis Lee and Superintendent of Schools, Steve Griffin, a former student of mine. I always enjoy seeing former students. Mrs. Lewis’ grandchildren, Clark Scarvey and his sister Kim, were two that I was glad to see. Others come to mind, Joey and Julia (Arnold) Whitaker, the former Pat Whitehead, Keith White (I think I only taught him in Sunday School). Keith and his wife are the parents of six-month-old twin girls.

Bluegrass music was provided by Marshall Steverson, Larry White and his son and Daryll Brown. At the request of Miss Lizzie, David Philpatrick played a couple of numbers on the accordion. A long-time lover of the bluegrass style of music, she has served many years as the president of the Bill Monroe Fan Club. Last September, as she does every year, Mrs. Lewis attended the festival in Rosine, Ky, the home place of Mr. Monroe where a festival commemorates Monroe’s legacy to the bluegrass style of music.

Both of our sons play and sometimes perform that kind of music and enjoy going to the festivals. Glen, the youngest, would tell me of this little lady who looked just like the lady who used to work in his elementary school lunch room. We were delighted to learn that it was indeed Mrs. Lewis and that she held a place of honor with the Bill Monroe Foundation.

As people are living longer, I guess more and more of us will reach the age of 90 or above, but I hope if I am so blessed, that I can be as vibrant as Mrs. Lewis. She loves God and is faithful in her church. Her love for the children kept her teaching them. Her love for her family has inspired them. Her love for music has kept her going strong. Maybe that is the secret. Find that which you love, and devote your life to it. Congratulations,

Miss Lizzie. I am proud to count you among my friends.