The merriment of Christmas celebration was combined with the recognition of many birthday honorees Tuesday during the Christmas luncheon for members of the JOY Group (Just Older Youth) at Blackshear First Baptist Church. Recent birthday honorees included, l-r, Dot Norris, Herman Hill, Margaret Lee, Ralph Shearn, Carol Whitted, Jimmy Tuten, Genie Bennett, Mary Alice Shelton, Perry Tison, Terri DeLoach, Margaret Cselle, Evan DeLoach, Martha and Carl Spires and in Back, Blair Vincent. Members of the Willing Workers for Christ Sunday School Class hosted the memorable occasion, highlighted with speakers, church senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Justin Gambrell, the Rev. Will Emery who has accepted a church position in Colorado and teacher, Christian leader Pam Brooks. Decorations of the season created by a special decorating committee were enjoyed along with a holiday meal catered by Jim Waters and the class members. Class/JOY director Ann Cason commended everyone for their “dedicated service in making the occasion one to long remember.”
