For The Women Who Made a Difference in our Lives! In what will go down in family annals as the party of the century, mother and daughter Gwendolyn Floyd Patton and Merry Patton Croft came together on Saturday, June 9th to
celebrate their milestone 80 th and 60th birthdays. Gwen has been a resident of Murfreesboro for the last 48 years; Merry was born and raised here, and now resides in Atlanta with her husband Terrence and many of their children and grandchildren.
celebrate their milestone 80 th and 60th birthdays. Gwen has been a resident of Murfreesboro for the last 48 years; Merry was born and raised here, and now resides in Atlanta with her husband Terrence and many of their children and grandchildren.
The girls-only event commemorated the women that have made a difference in the lives of the pair (though a handful of notable gentlemen contributors assumed an inconspicuous corner table); in attendance were many extended family members, high school chums, Sunday school comrades, Gwen's beloved coworkers from the Circuit Clerk's office, and cherished friends and loved ones from around the country. Ages ranged from Merry's three granddaughters, Isabelle, 6, and Morgan and Emily, both 8, to Gwen's sixth grade teacher and longtime friend Frances Mason, 96.
Murfreesboro's stylish Five Senses Restaurant hosted the festivities, serving guests a delicious three-course luncheon made from local, seasonal ingredients. The hydrangea themed decorations – towering cascades of flowers, artist-designed stationary party favors, and an elaborate cake – were inspired by Merry's personal artwork; name tags bore adjectives such as "generous" and "inspiring," lovingly selected by Merry and Gwen, describing their wearers. Harpist Patricia Wedemeyer set an elegant mood.
Merry's daughter Kim Sabonis-Chafee served as adroit party planner and designer
of festivities.
The revelry began with gracious welcoming speeches by Merry and Gwen, a heartfelt prayer by sister and daughter Judy Gutting, and continued through lunch to a commemorative musical review performed by Merry's daughters Kim and Kate.
A bouquet of toasts followed, closing with a nostalgic tale performed by storyteller Judy Cooper.
A touching tribute to the power women carry in each other's lives, this event celebrated a lifetime of love. 
Wow! What a party!! A very special thanks to Terr and my precious girls who made me feel so loved. You beautiful women top my life list.
-Merry, at 60 and 4 days...Happy Birthday Mom!
6 comments:
Ya Ya
The Queen
that's a lovely picture of you, mom!
I love you. It was a fabulous party!
Great article for paper--Kate, another gift of many is writing. Go for a book one day! Lovely Party!!! Thank you Terr for allowing us all such an occasion. Merry, we will all remember your making such a memory for all of us. Kimbo, with such grace you saw it through!! I love you all. Judy
Wonderful post, Merr---------
We have to have some lessons with
posting.
Thanks to my wonderful daughters
for making me feel so special.
Queen
Mom-I worked hours trying to get as many pictures in the right places as I could. I love doing the collages I've learned to make! It was fun reliving the experience while putting this blog together. My thanks to Kate for putting our memories in the right words to describe this lovely event. I understand from Kate that she is taking a computer class, learning to design Web pages.
Thanks for your comments! Makes me happy that you are reading Chatterbox! (I have to have my daily peek at "Queentalks", just make sure that I'm not missing anything.) I love you!
-Merry
Yes, Yes!!! You outdid your self
on this blog. So beautifully done.
You're kinda smart huh? Mother
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