The Bennettsville High School Class of 1960 held its class reunion on Saturday, June 25 at McArthur Farms. From left are Betty Funderburk Kohn, Linda Humphries Rowe, Judy Collins Sharpe, Eunice Pearce Taylor, Vivian Dees, Sue Moody Northam, Linda Woodberry Hulsey, Cynthia Mishoe Smith, Joanne Riddle Britt (behind Smith), Emily Redding Irwin, John Fowler, Vera Parrish Sullivan, Sally Rogers McSwain, Sally Gunn Mullen, Jerry Munnerlyn, Jimmy Spears, Joe Usher, R. L. Rogers, Keith Salvo, Gene Moore and Tommy Moore. One of the 22 classmates had to leave before the photo was taken.
Submitted photo
Twenty-two graduates of the Bennettsville High School Class of 1960 spent the afternoon reminiscing and catching up over a buffet lunch at McArthur Farm on Saturday, June 25. The classmates, many accompanied by spouses or friends, were celebrating their 62nd high school graduation anniversary. Of 62 graduates in the Class of 1960, 31 are now deceased. A candle was lit during the reunion in remembrance of those who have died, and a special bouquet of white lilies from Sally McSwain’s garden graced the table.
Leading organizer and planner for the class reunion was Sue Moody Northam.
Others who served on the planning committee were Sally Rogers McSwain, Vivian Dees, Linda Woodberry Hulsey, Jimmy Spears, Judy Collins Sharpe, Church Whitner and Emily Redding Irwin. After the welcome and introductions by Emily Irwin, Sally McSwain led a prayer of praise and thanksgiving and Joe Usher led the group in the reading/singing of the Alma Mater. Following the self-serve buffet, Ted Thompson shared a few lighthearted stories about Aging and Approaching Eighty. Vera Parrish Sullivan then read the Class of 1960 Last Will and Testament.
In commemoration of soon-approaching July 4th Independence Day, military veterans at the reunion were recognized and given a wooden Star of Freedom as a token of thanks for their service to our country.
Among the classmates present who were recognized were Gene Moore, Tommy Moore, John Fowler, Joe Usher, Keith Salvo and Ted Thompson.
The reunion ended with certain “lucky” classmates receiving parting gag gifts. John Fowler received a Tortoise for having come the farthest – “What took you so long?”. Eunice Pearce Taylor received a Rabbit for the shortest distance – just a “hop, skip and a jump.” Linda Hulsey had the privilege of being the person with the most grandchildren. She received a “Beesy” Bee as her gift of distinction. Sally Gunn Mullen received a Wise Owl for staying healthy by growing her own vegetables.
Vera Sullivan received Two Birds in Raincoats and Galoshes in recognition of her dedication to her special lily garden. Smiling Frogs with Gold Crowns went to Gene Moore and Keith Salvo, who shared the title King of Shag.
And the Queen of Shag, Joanne Riddle Britt, received a little Fox with Flower Tiara as her parting gift. Talk has already begun about the next reunion, possibly in 2025 – such fun to anticipate.