Why were you invited to this newsletter? This is what all of us have in common.
In the early stages of the website some very interesting family history was included. It took us back to the early 1780's with Charles and Sarah Marshall, the parents of Mathew Marshall Ford a Slave. It went on to tell us how Jane Ford a free woman married a slave and so Mathew took on her Surname. And finally, it explained our Early beginnings in what is known as Culpeper, Virginia.
You may not have been a history buff, but Culpeper was the sight of the most military battles in the Civil war. Why is this important to Our family. Jane and Mathew (a former slave) ran a commissary for the Union Army in the midst of the war. Less than a mile away from the homestead was a military jail.
You have to ask yourself: What kind of People were Our Family! Some of our new readers may still ask : Why is Jane and Mathew important to us. Well Jane and Mathew fathered Richard Ford who married Sarah and had Mary T who in turn married Dock Stroud. Well, hold on Dock and Mary had 5 daughters who eventually moved to Mount Vernon, N.Y and married into the Haden, Tucker, Michael, Ford and Wyatt Family. Need I say more?
The Most High didn't have to do it but he brought us through. And those whom he called home from labor to rest watch as their seeds give thanks and Praise. Yes, yes, yes 2024 has more in store for us to be thankful for. We are a family that recognizes where our strength comes from and who holds our future. We are family that is free to be all we can be. Our son's and daughter's were conceived in love, raised in love and will rise to great heights because they know love.
Family, we wish each of you much love and happiness. And when the road becomes a mountain we offer you a hand. When the tears flow we offer a shoulder for you to cry on. And when you need a hero we will tell you the stories of how we have overcome!
Now here we are the last day of Kwanzaa. So the greeting is Habari Gani ? (What's the News)
And you respond Imani ! ( Which means Faith)
Family, we celebrate the last day together celebrating each other and how far we've come. The day ends with each of us saying Harambee (Ha ram bay) 7 times. Which means by working together! May you be mindful of how important you are as individuals and members of this Crazy Family. May your goals be set and met in 2024!
We can only hope you will find this newsletter worthy of your time and take a moment to read and share your news with us. Please send any thoughts, messages or history to fullergail@hotmail.com or give me a call at 646 8515247; I'll answer.
Much Love Everyone !
Prayer Warriors:
let's us keep Our Elders on Our Prayer list. May the Most High grant them continued good health and Happiness.
It goes without saying the season we are entering can remind us of loves lost. The jubilance we once connected to this season has a scar on our hearts for those who are no longer with us. We want to take time and offer a prayer of comfort to everyone. May your memories fill your hearts and dry your tears.
With Great Sadness we inform the family of the passing of Lorraine Crosby on Dec 31, 2023. It was only moments earlier we were celebrating the human kindness of her daughter Monica Michael. We know that that level of kindness and concern is an attribute that's passed done. May Ms. Lorraine Crosby mother of Cheryl , Monica, Derrick and George Michael; Rest in Peace.
Good News
Shout out to Mary Royster Harris in winning not one but four National awards from the American Cancer Society. Mary is the daughter of the late Walter and the late Helen Haden Royster. Mary has participated in Relay for Life for more than 30 years. Her relationship with Royster Family and Friends as well as Sister's From the Heart has raised over $10000. In 2023 the Family team raised over $12,000 for American Cancer Society and $96 K for St Judes, Mary, is the Grand daughter of Lloyd Sr. and Jannie Stroud Haden
In the Spirit of the holidays let scream loud and proud "Job Well Done" to cousin Monica Michael. Monica is the daughter of Lorraine Crosby and the late Robert "Bobby" Michael She is the granddaughter of Rachel Stroud Michael . Monica is to be applauded for her sharing and caring attitude. Monica was given a childs' name and their Christmas list. Monica didn't just get one thing on the little girls list, she got everything. Monica may you continue to be blessed and Happy Belated Birthday to your son Bilal Riley. 
When the days click into months and the months make years, to finally culminate into a career. Happy Retirement from Law Enforcement to Kerry B Ritzie. He entered the service on 9/15/1995 and retired Dec. 29, 2023 Kerry is the son of the former Diane Tucker. He is the Grandson of Harry P Jr. and Mary B Tucker. Kerry is the Great Grandson of Harry P Sr. and Helen Stroud Tucker
Happy Milestone Birthday to Maliah Frame "18", daughter of D Wayne Penn
Happy Anniversary to Raymond and Dolores Coley Cooper
Happy Birthday Allegra Penn
Wider Horizon Book
The Wider Horizon Book Club will be reading Reading: The Tobacco Wives: A Novel by Adele Myers
So mark your calendar and join us Date: Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 PM PST
Thank you goes out to Victor and Paulette Miller Fuller for hosting an amazing holiday celebration. They outdid themselves with the food and games we played. Their home was warm, inviting and held us all comfortably. In spite of recent personal losses this family captured the true spirit of Christmas.
Their spirit was matched by Dolores and Raymond Cooper who held their first Paint and sip party in their home. Much love and thanks goes out to them and Laila Fuller who was our artist in residence
The exuberant Marcella Fuller Benjamin took the festivities over the top by promoting a race between the elders and the youngsters at night. Special acknowledgement goes out to Emanuel McCoullough, from San Diego, Calif. who ran a close race in his crocks! But honors go out to the Mistress of Ceremony Marcella Benjamin who encouraged everyone's participation. So the young were lined up and laughing as the old cringed at the thought of what they were about to do! The count was 2 and Victor Fuller was off and running to the victory line as he gasped for air. How could this night be topped? Try Christmas caroling and no one able to remember the words.
Well, the holiday festivities is about to wind down when a call comes in from April Royster. We have to celebrate Raheem Royster's Birthday at an Italian restaurant on Dec 30th. Okay, I'm in and the gathering was another hit. So until the next time which is anytime - Much love Family
