Outlook
Editor’s Note: Much thanks to Kirby Hendrix who discovered this copy of his mother’s first column for the Richland Beacon-News. Melba Hendrix first wrote her Outlook column on May 10, 1988 and continued each week for more than 26 years until her passing this month.
Why did I agree to attempt writing this column for The Richland Beacon-News? Will I be able to do a good job along with my other duties? Have I lost what mind I have left? These and many more such questions have been tumbling around in my brain since I said I would give it my best shot.
Perhaps, deep down I have always had a secret desire to write something that others would want to read. I have contributed many articles through the years to the local paper, and I frequently write for our church newsletter and bulletin, etc. But a weekly column ... I can only repeat that I will do my very best.
I’m sure I will be forced occasionally to mention some of my family, so here’s a little background on the Hendrixes. My household consists of my husband, Carl (better known as Doc) and a goofy dog named Rascal. Living in Rayville since 1949, I worked many years in the courthouse and we had a dry-cleaning business here for a while and presently operate a small business on the north side of town.
Our only son, Kirby, is locally employed and lives in the Jonesburg Community with his wife, Linda, who is a popular RN at the Rayville hospital. They have two children, Kristi and Kevin; and their grandparents are nutty about them.
Now on to some local and personal outlooks about Rayville folks.
Mrs. Oliver Lowery, Sr. of Rayville (Rt.5) has become a great-grandmother with the arrival of Ashley Christine Skoba, born April 20th to Bob and Jacqueline Skoba of St. Charles, Missouri. Mrs. Skoba is the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Ron Reece, St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Reece is the former Helen Lowery of Rayville. Paternal great-grandmother is Mrs. Everett.
Sympathetic friends learned this week of the death of Mrs. Omega Shamblin of Vicksburg, MS. Funeral services for Mr. Shamblin, brother of the late Jim Shamblin of Rayville, were held last Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Vicksburg. Those attending from Rayville included Mrs. Mary Shamblin and Rev. William E. Baldridge.
My neighbor, Mrs. Bea Crawford, was delighted to have her 21-year-old grandson, Make Crawford from Dallas, spend last week with her. On the Thursday Mike left, Mrs. Crawford’s two daughters, Gay Ramsey and Tiny Revis of Irving, TX, arrived for a visit. On Friday night, they were joined by another daughter, Mrs. Zelma Eubanks, and the three girls took their mother to Bend of the River for a fish supper.
On Saturday, the group travled to the annual gathering at the Buie Cemetery in the Newlight Community. During the picnic lunch, the girls surprised their mother with a beautifully decorated cake in honor of her 86th birthday.
Mrs. Bea told me she wouldn’t mind if I mentioned her age. I think for score and six years on this earth is something to be proud of. We wish the honoree many more happy birthdays.
Mrs. Lila Mae Toney was in the hospital this week for tests. Her sister, Mrs. Odis Fuller, is happy to have Miss Lila at home again. They reported good results from the tests.
Mrs. Dewey Gill of the Archibald Community continues to recuperate at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Deana Odom, in Rayville. Mr. Dewey had major surgery recently at our local hospital. Since he’s not a young chicken either, it’s taking a while for him to get to where he can “crow” again. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dewey and his daughter as they care for him during his convalescence.
I plan to enjoy this writing endeavor but I’ll need your help to make this column what it should be and I’ll tell you more next week of my thinking on this. Please call me at home on Mondays and at night and share your news. This column is available for everyone to submit their happenings. Also, I will pick up from the Beacon each week any news items that have been called in or brought by there.
Parting Thought: Mere wealth can’t bring happiness. Mere wealth can’t make us glad But not a few ill take the chance I guess.