A neighborhood legacy is no longer
To the editor:
I am writing to express the deep sorrow and sense of loss my neighborhood and family is feeling with the recent destruction of the beloved home at 1101 Alpha Street.
This house was located across the street from my childhood home and a few doors down from my father’s home which is still there today. This house was not just a structure — it was a sanctuary of love, support, and warmth where so many kids, including myself, found refuge and strength.
The family of Ms. Gertrude Snell — aka Sister Snell — and her mother — Aunt Nona — welcomed us all with open arms, providing a sense of belonging and comfort that is rare to find.
The loss of this home feels akin to losing a family member. The scar left in our hearts and minds will undoubtedly take years to heal.
While I am still uncertain about the events that led to this tragic incident, the reality is painfully clear: the house is now but a shell, a charred remnant of what once was.
However, the fire could not destroy the beautiful memories that were created within those walls.
The loss of this home marks a significant blow to the legacy of my old neighborhood. This home was a cornerstone of our community, and its absence will be felt deeply by all of us.
It symbolizes the end of an era and the loss of a place that was pivotal in shaping the lives of many.
While the physical structure is gone, the legacy of the love, kindness, and support that Sister Snell and her family provided will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
She led a program called the “Sunshine Band.” Though it wasn't really a band, the name was fitting.
Sister Snell played the piano and would teach us different songs for hours, some of which I still remember today. The program brought light and joy to many children in our neighborhood, reminding us the sun still shines, even when things look different.
The lessons, the laughter, and the love we experienced will forever be etched in our memories.
With so many families moving out of Waycross, I am profoundly grateful for my old nine neighborhood, which helped shape me and many others into the individuals we are today.
The spirit of community and the enduring warmth Ms. Gertrude’s home provided will continue to inspire all of us, even in its absence.
Sincerely, Carolyn L. Walker
The Waycross Journal-Herald welcomes letters on any subject. Letters should be limited to 300 words, contain contact information of the writer and emailed to [email protected].
