Elder Mack Charles Kendrick, Mildred Sneed, Pearlie Singletary McGill and Jessie Kendrick, Jr.
The Sanford families hosted the 4-day reunion July 12-15. The chairperson for the reunion was Cynthia Kendrick Walden; Dorothy Kendrick Baker; Darlene Kendrick; Ella Singletary Brooks, Food Advisor; Jessie Kendrick, Jr.; Janet McGill Baldwin, Secretary; Rev. Mack Charles Kendrick, Chaplain; Pearlie Singletary McGill, Treasurer and Santilia Brooks Bell.
Thursday evening was registration and get acquainted and a reception was held at the Sanford Chamber of Commerce building. Friday, “Families are Forever-United in Love” was the theme and oh, what an evening for this lovely colorful family banquet and family fellowship.
Presiding was the sister and brother team, Cassandra Jackson Grayson and Charles Jackson, grand children of Mary Lou Kendrick Singletary. As the family gathered and greeted one another, they chatted and enjoyed seeing those they hadn’t seen since the 2010 Reunion in Tennessee.
Commissioner, Dr. Velma H. Williams, City of Sanford, District Two, extended welcome to the guests and family. Janet Singletary Baldwin welcomed the family to this wonderful, beautiful city, called home to many. The “Boys of Hope” from New Hope Baptist Church of Deltona, performed an inspiring praise dance. Elder Mack C. Kendrick prayed the prayer of thanksgiving and blessed the food.
After a delicious dinner was served and enjoyed by all, Charles Jackson gave a brief history of Mary Lou Kendrick Singletary who was born in 1887 and lived to be 104 years old. It was told that Mary Lou left an indelible mark on the Kendrick-Sneed families. Her desire was to return to Georgia before her demise in 1991. Her journey to Smithville, Ga. to Augustus Sneed’s home, her nephew, began what is now known as the Kendrick-Sneed Family Reunion.
Mary Lou was a stern disciplinary. She raised her children to be hard, honest working people and she strongly believed in the scripture “Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child.” Augustus Sneed was the 4th generation of father Sneed, son of Rev. Robert Sneed and Mary Lizzie Kendrick. She passed at the age of 82 in Sumter County, Ga. Robert passed at 84.
Carolyn Marshall introduced the descendants of the Kendrick, Singletary and Sneed family and honor was given to all military members. Willie Sneed gave remarks on behalf of the Sneed family. A Memorial Tribute was given in remembrance of all deceased family members with a family member holding a lighted candle in their honor. The family says the deceased will always be remembered as long as we live.
Soloists were Ayna Lewis and Coremie Taylor. Special guest artist was the talented “Grandma Lula” who indeed had many laughs for the audience. Special recognition to those who helped to make this occasion a success was done by Chairman Cynthia Walden.
The Matriarch of the family, Pearlie Singletary McGill, gave the closing remarks and reminded all that “family should always have strong ties to one another.” Saturday, the family gathered at Lake Golden Park for the Annual Picnic. Games, water slides and plenty of food was enjoyed by all.
Sunday, the family gathered for worship services at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where the family choir sang and rendered the music under the direction of Charles Jackson. The message of the morning was given by Rev. Andrea Johnson. He spoke on the topic “Stretching Out” taken from Exodus 14:15. After a spirit filled service, the family gathered in the Church’s fellowship hall to enjoy a delicious dinner. Guests and family members traveled from California, Virginia, Georgia, North Caroline, Michigan and New York.