Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Happy Birthday, Momma Guffey!

Vela Mae Morgan Guffey, wife of Rev. Paul Malloy Guffey, was born one-hundred years ago on February 18, 1913, to John Henderson Morgan and Susie Adelaide Whitehead Morgan.  I was away from a computer for most of the day yesterday; however, my thoughts and I'm sure the thoughts of many others in the family, were on Momma Guffey and what a wonderful woman she was!  We still miss her greatly!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Rev. J.B. Pritchett

Rev. J.B. Pritchett, son of Leroy & Gladys Guffey Pritchett, and grandson of Ephraim Monroe & Susan Elizabeth "Betty" Willmon Guffey, passed away on January 31, 2013, at the age of 80 years at his home in Jackson, Georgia. 
Bro. J.B. is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorcas Whitley Pritchett, and children - Danny, Phyllis (Darnell), Joan (Gamble), Judy (Brewer), Marcia (Forshee), and Barry.  He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, and siblings Sue Shadden, Vida Cooper, Brenda Sealey, Charndle Pritchett, and Carlon Pritchett.
He was born in Swearengin, Alabama, in 1932, and spent a number of years in Higdon and as a member of the Higdon Free Holiness Church.  He later relocated to the Atlanta area where he established the Noah's Ark Holiness Church in 1971, and served as pastor there until his death.
Bro. J.B. was a lovely man who will be sorely missed by not only his family, but all who knew him.  He was quick to have a good laugh, but also quick to stand for the truth as needed.  Some of his more memorable sayings that stand out to me are:

  • "I GARRn-tee!" (guarantee)
  • "Are you happy?"
  • "I don't care if you don't like it, it's that way - bless God!"
  • "Are you still proud to be a Child of God?"
Bro. J.B.'s funeral was held Sunday, February 4, at the Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel in Ider, Alabama.  Officials were Bros. James McLain, Shirley Byrum, Gary Tucker, and Michael Pritchett.  Interment was at the Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bryant, Alabama.

We will certainly miss you, Bro. J.B.!  But, 'What a Meeting in the Air'!

-BYRD

UPDATE:  Bro. J.B.'s granddaughter, Rashae, and her husband, Cody, welcomed their first child today, February 4, 2013.  Kaydence Daya McCreary, weighed in at 7 lbs, oz, measuring 21.5" in length.  Mother and baby are doing well!  Congratulations to Cody and Rashae!  May the warmth of this new life help comfort you during the loss of your grandfather!