MARRIAGES, ENGAGEMENTS
From the clippings of the late Elsie Johnson. This is a column which appeared in the Lexington Progress. Church schedules included as part of the column have been omitted.
Willie Reynolds, Gloria Werthing
Source Unknown
Date Unknown
Gloria Faye Werthing and Willie J. Reynolds, both of Dallas, Texas, were married in an afternoon ceremony Sept. 1 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Jackson. The Rev. Harold Brock officiated.
The couple's parents are Mr. and Mrs. John A. Werthing Sr., Jackson, Louise Reynolds, Lebanon, and the late Frank Reynolds.
The bride wore a satin taffeta gown trimmed in pearls and alencon lace featuring a fitted bodice, and a sheer, tapered, lower back. Her gathered skirt with a scalloped border laced with pearls and scattered appliques, fell to a chapel train. Her matching headpiece had scalloped edging. She carried peach and white silk carnations with turquoise azaleas.
Matron of honor was the bride's sister, Mrs. Mavis Y. Lloyd, Dallas. The bridegroom's brother, Glenn Reynolds, Lebanon, was best man.
Bridesmaids were Geraldine Cooperwood, Indianapolis, Ind.; Patrice Darden and Barbara Jones, Nashville, Debbye Seals, Chicago, Ill.; Sabre Tiller, Bowling Green, Ky., Paula Watkins, Southfield, Mich.; and Patricia Werthing, Olney, Md. Groomsmen were Samuel Bryant, Clifford Childs and John Jenkins Jr., all of Nashville; Ronnie McClellan and Teff Shockley, Dallas; Frank Reynolds Jr., Lebanon; and John Werthing Jr., Olney.
Flower girls were Sherea and Maria Lloyd, Dallas, and Von Reynolds. Mt. Juliet, and Jarrett Russell, Pontiac, Mich., were ringbearers.
Music was provided by James Campbell and Cordelia Shaw, and vocalists, Cynthia McLeod, Vicky Young and Spencer Johnson Sr.
The reception followed on the lawn at Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Wright Sr.'s home. The couple took a wedding trip to Bermuda. They live in Dallas.
Gerald Johnson, Yolanda Cole
Source Unknown
Date Unknown
Yolanda Bouvier Cole and Gerald Warren Johnson were married in an evening, double-ring, candlelight ceremony recently at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Lonnie Black, Jackson, and the Rev. Norman Carver, Lexington, officiated.
The couple's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. William "Tody" Johnson, all of Lexington, and the Rev. Major Cole Jr., Memphis. The bride's grandparents are Mrs. U. L. Harmon and the late Clinton Harmon and the late Rev, and Mrs. Major Cole Sr., Memphis. Her husband's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Timberlake and the late Mr. and Mrs. Andy Johnson.
The bride, escorted by her brother, Ronnie L. Cole, wore a formal white gown featuring a Queen Anne bodice, long tapered sleeves and a full, sweeping taffeta skirt, which fell from a fitted waistline. Her cathedral-length veil and illusion blusher fell from a Juliet cap trimmed in seed pearls. She carried white roses, gardenias, freshia, white and pink baby's breath and white satin streamers.
Matron of honor was the bride's sister-in-law, Magaret Cole. The groom's brother, Anthony Johnson, Memphis, was best man.
Bridesmaid was the bride's sister-in-law, Denise Johnson. Junior bridesmaid was Lynetha Johnson.
Groomsman was the bride's brother, Ronnie Cole, Shreveport, La. Junior groomsman was Sderik Newborn, Nashville, the groom's nephew. Ushers were Terrence Arnold, Harold Harmon and Ollie Parker.
Flower girl was the bride's niece, Candace Cole and Little Telly Blizzard, the bride's cousin, was the ringbearer.
Music was provided by organist-soloist James Campbell.
The reception followed at the civic center, coordinated by Imogene Walker. Mrs. Bobbye Nell Bomer, Lexington, kept the guest register. Servers were Judith Newborn and Barbara Johnson, the groom's sisters; Mrs. Walker; Louanna Black; Betty Carver; Geneva Brown; and Polly Fulton.
The bride, a 1982 graduate of Lexington High School attended Memphis State University. She works with Southern Hills Hospital. Her husband, a 1979 graduate of Lexington High, attended MSU and Memphis State Technical Institution and received an associate of science degree. He works for Xerox Inc. in Nashville, where the couple live.
John Werthing, Patricia Erving
Patricia Ann Erving, Climax, Ga., and John Austin Werthing Jr., Jackson, were married in an afternoon ceremony Jan. 1 at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Rev. Ronald Nored, Jackson, officiated.
The couple's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Erving, Climax, and Mr. and Mrs. John Werthing Sr., Jackson.
The bride wore a satin taffeta dress featuring a mother-of-pearl beaded bodice, Queen Anne neckline, Victorian sleeves and a cathedral length train with venise lace. She carried a bouquet of pink and white silk roses.
Maid of honor was Sandra Clear, Memphis. James Whittaker, Columbia, was best man.
Bridesmaid was the groom's sister, Gloria F. Werthing, Dallas. Groomsman was Victor bone, Jackson.
Ushers were Willie Reynolds, Dallas and Stanley Cole, Memphis.
Flower girls were Sherea and Maria Lloyd, Jackson. Brandon Hughes, Jackson, was the ringbearer.
Music was provided by Nathan Johnson, Andrew Perpener and Elizabeth Shaw. Vocalists were Gina Nelson, Ripley; Spencer Johnson, Memphis; and Melindia Wright, Jackson.
The reception followed in the church fellowship hall.
The bride received a bachelor of science degree in 1982 from Lane College. She is an engineer for Vitro Laboratories, Silver Spring, Md.
Her husband also received a bachelor of science degree in 1982 from Lane. He works for Federal Express in Silver Spring.
Aldtric Johnson, Yulanda Black
Johnson-Black pledge vows
Lexington Progress
October 21. 1987
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Lexington, was the setting for the lovely wedding of Yulanda Mechelle Black, Jackson, and Aldtric Priddy Johnson, Lexington, on September 25 at 6 o'clock in the evening. Rev. Norman Carver performed the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Rev, and Mrs. Lonnie Black, Jackson. Her grandparents are Mrs. Dora Black, Jackson, and the late Grady Black Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hall, Detroit, Mich.
Mr. Johnson is the son of Leon Priddy, Lexington, and Mrs. Diane Northington, Nashville. His grandparents are Mrs. Dorothy M. Johnson, Lexington and the late Charles H. Johnson and Mrs. Allene Thompson and Lyman Priddy, Lexington.
The altar area of the church was beautifully decorated with a bridal arch covered with sword-fern and springria greenery accented at the top center with white silk stock and dusty rose ribrum lilies and dusty rose ribbons. Attached columns were complimented with Boston ferns. Spiral candelabras holding bridal tapers enhanced with sword fern and springria greenery were placed on each side of the arch. A prayer bench and a unity candle arrangement completed the sanctuary scene.
The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a tea length gown made of white raschel lace over satin. It featured a sabrina neckline delicately adorned with iridescent sequins and seed pearls. It had long lace sleeves beaded at the cuff and a dropped waistline with a satin bow in the back falling into a full circular skirt. She also wore a juliet cap decorated with pearls designs and a double layered waltzing length veil. She carried a lovely bouquet of dusty rose and white cymbidium orchids with cascading ivy, designed and made by her mother.
Melanie Renae Chaney of Jackson, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. She wore a lovely formal length dusty rose satin gown. She carried a bouquet of dusty rose roses underlayed with lace and accented with wedgewood blue ribbon streamers. Her bouquet was also designed and made by their mother.
Dennis Dixon of Chicago, Ill., uncle of the bridegroom, was best man. Johndalyn and Montreal Parker served as ushers. Music was provided by James Campbell, Lexington. The guest register was kept by Mrs. Elizabeth Bond, Jackson. Co-ordinators were Judy Presley and Charlene Johnson, Nashville.
A reception was held in the church fellowship hall following the ceremony. The bride's table was overlaid with a lace white tablecloth and accented with a lovely centerpiece of dusty-rose and wedgewood blue silk flowers. The cake was three tiered joined together with swan attached columns and wedding bells. It was topped with the traditional bride and bridegroom. Punch was also served on the bride's table from a sterling silver punch bowl. A second table was overlaid with a lace white tablecloth centered with a sterling silver seven candle candelabra holding wedgewood blue tapers. From this table, finger food was served. Assisting with serving were Barbara Johnson, Nashville and Mary Jo Parker, Lexington.
The couple spent their weekend in Nashville.
Ruby Elaine Pearson and James Hopewell
Miss Pearson is pledged to Mr. Hopewell
Lexington Progress
October 10, 1979
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Pearson Sr. and Mrs. Carrie Hopewell, of Lexington, announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their children, Ruby Elaine and James.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charley Henry Kennedy, and Mrs. Pearl Pearson and the late Jessie Pearson. She is a graduate of Lexington High School, and a member of St. Paul Baptist Chruch. Currently she is employed with Salant & Salant.
The bridegroom-to-be is the grandson of Mrs. Mertha Hopewell and the late George Hopewell, and Mrs. Velma McCoffery and the late Melvin Morton of Winchester, Ky. He is a graduate of Lexington High School and a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Presently he is employed with Brown Shoe Co.
The wedding is planned for Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7 o'clock in the morning at St. Paul Baptist Church. The ceremony will be conducted at sunrise by the Rev. Lonnie Black, pastor. Friends and relatives are invited. Following the ceremony, parents of the bride will entertain with brunch in the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Robinson on North Main.
Hopewell-Pearson vows are solemnized
Lexington Progress
Date Unknown
The St. Paul Baptist Church on Franklin St., was the exquisite setting for the unique sunrise wedding of Miss Ruby Elaine Pearson and James Hopewell, on the morning of Nov. 24. The ceremony, marked with beauty and simplicity, in an atmosphere of reverence and serenity, was conducted by Rev. Lonnie Black.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Pearson Sr. of Lexington, maternal granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charley Henry Kennedy Sr. and paternal granddaughter of Mrs. Pearl Pearson and the late Jessie Pearson. The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Carrie Hopewell of Lexington, maternal grandson of Mrs. Mertha Hopewell and the late George Hopewell, and paternal grandson of Mrs. Velma McCoffery and the late Melvin Morton.
Altar area of the sanctuary seemed to come alive with a background of potted yellow chrysanthemums, arrangements of yellow roses, and huge pots of philodendron. A 15 branched candelabra entwined with greenery and flowers filled with glowing yellow taper candles illuminated the altar and beautiful double prayer bench where the young couple exchanged vows.
Family pews were marked with multicolored satin ribbon bows, and special pew attendances. A white cloth lined the center aisle. Candle lighters were David Johnson, cousin, and John M. Pearson Sr., brother of the bride.
A program of wedding music was provided by James Campbell, organist and vocalist. Selections were: "Once, Twice, Three Times A Lady," "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "We Have Only Just Begun," and the traditional wedding march and recessional. For the ceremony finale Mr. Campbell sang "The Lord's Prayer," as the couple knelt prayerfully facing each other on the prayer bench.
The smiling bride was escorted to the altar by her father. Her attire was a stunning street length dress in off-white silk polyester. The slip on style featured a blouson look with wide neckline. The skirt flowed gracefully from a sashed elasticized waistline. Long sleeves fell loosely around her wrists. Her headdress was a scalloped tiara style, encrusted in seed pearls and sequins from which a shoulder length veil of illusion hung. She carried a bouquet of yellow and white daisies, surrounded by white satin ribbon bows and love knots.
Bride's attendants wore street length dresses in silk polyester. Self binding neckline ended in front tie. Elastic gathers at the waist and wrists gave rise to graceful fullness of the sleeves and skirt. The dressstyle of the attendants was identical, but different in color.
Mrs. Abbie Massey served her sister as matron of honor. Her dress was in camel tan. Her bouquet was a replica of the bride's in a smaller size. Bridesmaids were Miss Starla Marie Pearson, sister of the bride, and Miss Alisha Gail Hopewell, sister of the bridegroom. Their dresses were in light burgundy. They carried bouquets of long stemmed yellow daisies, accented with satin ribbon.
Family pew attendants were Misses Carol and Tracy Pearson, sisters of the bride. They also assisted the bride in paying tribute to the honored mothers. They carried long stemmed yellow daisies and two silk red rose buds for the two mothers honored.
Candle holders were Tina Pearson, sister of the bride, and Tasha Carver. They carried tall yellow candles. Their dresses and corsages were identical.
Stephanie Massey, niece of the bride, was flower girl. She carried a white basket filled with yellow daisy petals. Ringbearer was Kendrick Timberlake. cousin of the bride. He carried a white mini-wedding ornament with fancy heart background, decorated with dainty valley lilies and net. Tiny rose buds filled the center on which the ring was carried.
Attending the bridegroom was David Carver as best man, and Gregory Hopewell, his brother and Scottie Kizer, groomsmen. Ushers were Bryant Carver, Keith Harmon, David Johnson, cousin and John M. Pearson Jr., brother of the bride.
For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Pearson wore an elegant bright orange two piece in polyester and silk double knit. A semi sheer matching yoke insert, and self tie bolt accented the scoop neckline and top. Elastic gathers gave the street length skirt a full flow. Mrs. Hopewell, mother of the bridegroom, chose a flattering street length two piece of polyester interlock knit in ivory, featuring a V neckline and long fitted sleeves. Contrasting belt complemented the top and soft flared skirt. Both mothers wore matching corsages of yellow daisies. Paternal grandmother, Mrs. Pearl Pearson wore a graceful button front dress of double knit in the new mauve. The button wing collar added special touch to the neckline. Gold jewelry complemented her attire.
Receptionist was Miss. Jackie Johnson; cousin of the bride. A table overlaid with white cloth and arrangement of fall flowers marked where the guest register was kept.
The evening preceding the wedding, the mother of the bridegroom entertained the wedding party and their escorts with a rehearsal dinner in the Fellowship Hall of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. The couple chose this time to present attendants with gifts and to thank their parents for guidance and encouragement.
Following the wedding, the bride's parents entertained with a brunch in the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Robinson. A tempting menu was served from an attractive buffet setting. Assisting in the delightful courtesy was Miss Lesia Johnson, cousin of the bride, and Miss Verta Mosley. Miss Johnson served the wedding cake. The traditional tiered cake was decorated with daisies and roses. Corinthian pillars elevated the first tier, topped with a miniature bride and bridegroom. Rice bags were distributed by attendants.
Noted among those from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. James Pearson, D. J. Robinson, Miss Angelia Grant, all of Nashville and Dr. and Mrs. Herman Jones of Kenner, La.
The couple is now at home on Reeves Street, in Lexington.
Paulette Dabbs, Ron Dobbins
Source Unknown
Date Unknown
Paulette Dabbs of Lexington and Ron Ricardo Dobbins of Nashville will marry at 5 p.m. April 1 at First Baptist Church South Inglewood in Nashville.
The bride is the daughter of the Rev, and Mrs. Billy F. Dabbs of Lexington. Her grandparents are Viola Smith and the late Willie Smith, Katherine Watson and the late Maxeff Watson, all of Lexington.
She is a 1980 graduate of Lexington High School and received a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University in 1984. In college, she won several honors including the W.J. Hale Memorial Scholarship, the Krem Kahlon Honors Award and the Outstanding Senior and Junior Awards.
She received a master's degree in speech pathology from Tennessee State University in 1987 and is pursuing a second master's degree in audiology at TSU.
The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dobbins of Nashville. His grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Frierson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dobbins, all of Nashville.
He is a 1977 graduate of Stratford High School in Nashville. He attended Nashville Technical Institute and Tennessee State University. He is a manager for Kroger Industries and an employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
Friends and family are invited.
Donna Pickler, Gary Sinclair
Source Unknown
Date Unknown
[On reverse side of saved clipping]
Donna Sue Pickler of Nashville and Gary Mason Sinclair of Memphis will marry at 2 p.m. June 3 at Charlotte Road Baptist Church in Nashville.
The bride is the daughter of Donald and Peggy Pickler of Hollow Rock. Her grandparents are the late Charlie and Jessie Cox of Bruceton and the late Carl and Daisy Pickler of Hollow Rock.
She is a graduate of Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School and she received a bachelor's degree in home economics and business from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1980. She is an auditor with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
The bridegroom is the son of Bob and Jean Sinclair of Nashville. His grandparents are the late James and Karleen Edmondson and the late Lacy and Elizabeth Sinclair, all of Nashville.
He is a 1977 graduate of David Lipscomb High School and he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from David Lipscomb University in 1982. He is employed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Gina Neisler, Patrick Piercey
Source Unknown
Date Unknown
[On reverse side of saved clipping]
Gina Neisler of Milledgeville and Patrick Piercey of Jackson will marry at 6 p.m. March 18 at Northside United Methodist Church.
The bride is the daughter of Patricia Gaddy of Milledgeville and Harold Mathis of Memphis. Her grandparents are Willis T. and Mary Ruth Mathis and the late Clyde and Gertie Harwell, all of Milledgeville.
She is a 1985 graduate of Hardin County High School and is employed at IFC Nonwovens in Jackson.
The bridegroom is the son of Dalton "Jackie" and Kitty Piercey of Jackson. His grandparents are Lela Cole and the late Bill Cole and Almarie and the late Gilford Piercey, all of Jackson.
He is a 1983 graduate of North Side High School and is employed at IFC Nonwovens of Jackson.
Friends and family are invited.