AHS Class of 1968

          The Aiken High School Class of 1968 is planning a 50^th year reunion.  The reunion committee is presently updating its alumni mailing list.  If you are an alumnus or know of an alumnus from the class of 1968, please contact Helen Tewkesbury at (803) 648-0267, or contact Dale Prout at (803) 649-9649.  You may also mail your update to “Class of 1968”; 26 Troon Way; Aiken, SC; 29803.

Class of 1968 Veteran Dale Prout

Local Vietnam veteran recently honored for his service (Feb 23, 2017)

A local veteran, who was recently recognized and honored for his service in the Vietnam War, decided to share his story for the first time.

Dale Prout, of Aiken, was one of 53 Vietnam vets honored at a special ceremony Feb. 14 at the Charles Norwood VA in Augusta.

Prout, 66, volunteered to serve his country in 1969 and joined the U.S. Navy.

“My father was in the Navy before me, and I sort of followed in his footsteps,” Prout said. “I went to USC Aiken out of high school and wasn’t really making the grades. My dad then told me I should go into the Navy, and that’s what I did.”

Prout said he went all over the world for about a year before getting the call that he was going to Vietnam.

“A lot of us didn’t really think they were going send any of us (in the Navy) on the East Coast, but then the call came,” he said.

He went to Vietnam in 1970, and was stationed on a destroyer called the U.S.S. Glennon during his time in Vietnam.

“We were in a gun line a couple miles off the coast, and our main mission was to fire artillery rounds at whatever coordinates we were given by spotters,” he said.

Prout said the Viet Cong, or National Liberation Front, didn’t have planes or submarines, but they did have long-range guns they would shoot at the ships.

“We definitely would get fired upon sometimes,” he said. “It was kind of crazy, because they couldn’t see us and we couldn’t see them. I helped to load the guns on the ship. Some guys would get the coordinates, put them in, and fire.”

He also said his bed was located underneath one of the long-range guns on the ship, and he now has hearing issues from trying to sleep so near the loud weapon.

In 1972, after two years away from home, Prout was finally able to come back to South Carolina, but he said the welcome was not quite what you would expect.

“I arrived back to the states on the West Coast, where there were a bunch of people protesting the war,” he said. “Returning soldiers were actually told to wear their civilian clothes home, not their uniform, because the protestors would throw things at you, even spit on you. I, of course, wore my uniform home.”

Prout returned to Aiken, got married and went back to college. He has now been married for 45 years, has two children and four grandchildren.

“I never really talked about my time in the service, but it’s nice to finally talk about and to be honored at the Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at the VA.”

Sad News Since Last Reunion

Susan H. Heath

August 17, 1950 - July 10, 2015

AIKEN - Mrs. Susan H. Heath, 64, loving wife of Rick Heath, passed away Friday, July 10, 2015.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015 at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Stevenson-Mcclelland Building from 4-6 PM.

Susan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her greatest joy came from spending time with and caring for her family. Susan was passionate about the role she played in the life of her family. She gave of herself tirelessly and unselfishly. She put the needs and wishes of her family before her own. Susan did all she could do to make life happier and easier for them. Rick and her children, Shannon, Kris, and Lizzie felt loved and cherished by Susan. She was always available to do whatever was needed to make life better for them.

Susan adored her four granddaughters Chloe, Annabelle, Ella and Emma. She cared for them from their birth until her illness made it impossible for her to continue. These little girls were a joy and blessing to Susan.

After Susan’s mother Fanny died, Susan assumed the role as matriarch of the family. Along with her sister Sally, Susan carried on her mother’s tradition of gathering as a family to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions of the family. Susan was a rock for her family.

Susan and her sister Sally shared a close and loving relationship. They were best friends as well as sisters. They cherished the time they spent together.

One of Susan’s favorite places on this earth was Hilton Head Island, and the time she spent there with her family. She loved walking on the beach every morning and sitting on the porch in her rocking chair in the evening. She rocked all of her grandchildren to sleep in that chair.

Susan had many wonderful and supportive friends. She shared her zest for life with all who knew and loved her. She will be missed by her friends and family alike. She will be especially missed by her Supper Club, which is made up of seven couples, who have met for dinner for thirty years. This group has shared many of life’s significant events – weddings, births, and many happy occasions. In their hearts’ will always be a place set at their table for Susan.

Susan fought her battle with pancreatic cancer with courage and determination. She did everything within her power to overcome the disease. She greatly appreciated the love and support of her family during her illness. They were with her every step of the way. Their faithfulness was an expression of their love and respect for Susan.

Susan was touched by the outpouring of encouragement, love and support given to her during her illness. She kept the cards and messages sent to her and reread them for solace during the dark days of her illness. She reassured those offering support to her by responding with words of gratitude and praise. This was so typical of the humble and caring lady Susan was.

Susan was an extraordinary person. She was strong, loving, thoughtful, generous, and a beautiful women. She was also gentle, humble, and kind. She preferred giving to receiving. Her life was characterized by her strong faith in God, her devotion to those she loved, and her integrity. She was a blessing to all who were privileged to have known her.

Carolyn Quinn Nichols

May 08, 1950 - September 07, 2016

AIKEN - Carolyn Quinn Nichols passed away peacefully at her home in Aiken, SC, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

Mrs. Nichols was born May 8, 1950, in Union, SC, the second daughter born to James Edward Quinn and Joyce Sizemore Quinn. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Curtis Nichols; daughter Jeannie Nichols Hixon (Doug) of North Augusta, SC; son Michael Nichols; sisters Susan Quinn Sand and Jo Ann Quinn; brother Mitch Quinn; grandson Jacob Day and his wife Lauren, in Okinawa; granddaughter Brooke Day, in North Augusta, SC, and numerous loved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind beloved co-worker friends from her career at the Savannah River Site, and her classmate friends from Aiken High School Class of 1968.

Carolyn was loved world-wide by her friends in the “Elvis family” - who met frequently to support Elvis Tribute Artists at various festivals and honor the life and music of Elvis Presley. At these events, she was always watching for someone who might be alone there, or in need of inclusion - and then she made them part of the family. She did everything she could to support her friends who were ETAs. She will never be forgotten, and will now always have the best seat in the house!

Mr. Ray Feaster

Aiken, South Carolina

Ray Feaster AIKEN - Mr. Ray Feaster, 66, of Aiken, SC, entered into rest in the comfort of his home, under the loving care of Kari Deloach, with Trinity Hospice, with his wife of twenty-nine years, Mrs. Renyea Flowers Feaster, at his side. Born in Washington, GA, a son of the late Albert Ray, Sr. and Mary Ida Plunkett Feaster, he had been a resident of Aiken County, SC, most of his life. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he obtained his BA in Psychology. He was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. Ray enjoyed fishing, golf and NASCAR. He was also a member of the Millbrook Anglers and was a former member of the St. Andrews Bass Club. He and his father were the founders and former owners of Feasters Foods. In addition to his wife and parents, family members include his children, Jennifer Dance and Nathan Dance, both of CA; brother, the late Lawrence "Larry" Feaster, uncle, Olin Plunkett and his wife, Katherine, Augusta, GA, mother-in-law, Jeri Flowers, Lincolnton, GA, as well as several cousins. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 19, 2017, beginning at 2 o'clock at Millbrook Baptist Church, Aiken, SC, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3 o'clock. Pastor Phillip Dunn will officiate.

Michael Dukes

April 10, 1950 - March 30, 2017

 

AIKEN, SC – KENNETH MICHAEL DUKES, 66, died Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his residence.

Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes.  He lived most his life in Aiken and worked as a procedures writer at the Savannah River Site.  He graduated from Aiken High School in 1968 and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina.  In his early years, Mike was a member of the Mike Stewart and the Intruders Band.  They played locally and traveled to venues like the Magic Attic in Myrtle Beach, opening for acts such as Arthur Connelly, The Tams and The Drifters.  He also played trumpet with his father in The Ken Dukes Band.  Mike was excellent at table tennis, winning the SC state championship in the doubles division in the mid 1990’s and was a long-time member of the Aiken Table Tennis Club.  He was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church.

Survivors include his son, Michael Ryan Dukes; his mother, Vera; two sisters, Cheri McGee (Wayne Gilmore), Debbie Wallace (David); a brother, Jeff Dukes (Debbie), all of Aiken.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Jason Dukes and a sister, Cindy Darr.

 

Hello Classmates

Remember the class reunion is Saturday, May 4 at the Aiken Municipal Building Conference Center in the Alley in Downtown Aiken beginning at 6:30 pm.    The Lobster Race will be Friday, May 3 beginning at 6 pm.    Check Wednesday's Aiken Standard for a complete lineup of the races.   www.aikenstandard.com

Sad News

Michael Dean Stewart Born in Oakridge, TN on May 10, 1949 Died Jan. 18, 2013 and resided in Aiken, SC.   Visitation: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 Service: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 Cemetery: Aiken Memorial Gardens Funeral services for Michael Dean Stewart, 63, of Aiken, will be held at 2 pm Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Chapel of GEORGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, Aiken. Officiating will be Archie Jordan. Burial will follow in Aiken Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12 -2 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Mr. Stewart, passed away Friday, January 18, 2013. Born in Oakridge, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Raymond & Lois McGarvey Stewart. He was raised in Aiken County before moving to Nashville to pursue his music career. Mike moved to Nashville in the late 70's and for 25 years he had a very successful duel career in the music business. He first began as a "song-plugger" but quickly by music business standards in late1983 he had co-written a #1 record "Don't You Know How Much I Love You" by artist Ronnie Milsap. Notably afterward, he became Associate Producer and co-writer on a Top Ten Dance Hit by the Pointer Sisters. This was quickly soon followed with a writing contract from Quincy Jones and Mike writing for Quincy and Michael Jackson during the "Bad" Album days. He penned well over 200 songs and well as recorded an album himself that was featured in the movie "Folley Island which won the New York Film Festival award in 2001. During this time, Mike became a key member in Dan Williams Music one of the top 5 commercial music production companies in the nation. During that time with Dan, his best friend and song writing partner Mike was closely involved in the production of over 2, 000 regional or national commercials. He was an on-camera principle for Clorox 2 as well as lead vocalist for national TV as well as other top commercials. He also sang background on hundreds of commercials heard by the entire country for over 20 years. In fact, his voice was heard "daily" nationally on radio and TV for 20 years. He worked in direct contact and friendship with artist from George Jones, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, Pam Tills, The Pointers, Hank Williams Jr., Rita Moreno, Randy Travis and scores of other top celebrities. His career also included working with the top ad agencies in America and for hundreds of companies from Budweiser to Toyota to Clorox and Folgers on nationally known commercials such as "Momma's Got the Magic of Clorox 2", to "Taco Bell's Run for the Border", to name only a couple that barely scratches the surface of his vast body of work. His energy in the the studio was unmatched and his ability was to make people laugh was a gift known by everyone in the music business in Nashville. He was loved by everyone that knew him and will be deeply missed by the entire music community in Nashville. Mike was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Musicians, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artist, and Broadcast Music, Inc. Surviving are his wife, Elenita Stewart of the home; a daughter, Tamla Pridgen (Bert) of Leondardtown, Maryland; a son, Tybee Stewart of the home; a brother, Larry Stewart (Sherrie) of Aiken; 3 grandchildren, Katie, Cary and Connor Pridgen all of Leonardtown, Maryland.    Share on favorites Share on facebook Share on twitter | More Sharing ServicesMore ...

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Date Set for Aiken High Class of '68 ...45 Year Reunion

Please tell all our classmates

Our reunion will be May 4, 2013 at the Municipal Building Conference Center in downtown Aiken.   This is the day after the Lobster Race.  We will have heavy hors d'oeuvres.  Our DJ will be Tony B. who is the radio DJ on the famous Oldies Radio WKSX, 92.7.   The exact times will be announced later.  

Please tell any classmate you know to reserve this date.

I will have more details as they become available.  

We will be using classreport.org      Thanks--- Carolyn
 

Growing Up and Living in Aiken - new book!

New book about Aiken
Allen Riddick, Aiken High School Class of 1974, has written a book titled "Memories of Growing Up and Living in Aiken, SC." The book is a compilation of biographies and stories from people who grew up here or lived in Aiken for many years of their lives. Some of the people who tell their stories are Mrs. Cecelia Johnson McGhee, Mr. Frampton Toole, Jr., Mr. B. Henderson Johnson, Miss Johanna Gibbs, Mr. Lionel "Smitty" Smith, Mrs. Linda Carter Adams, and Mr. Richard Alvanos. There are sections about the coming of the Savannah River Plant, A&W Root Beer Drive-In, Fox Drive-In, the Patricia and Rosemary Theaters, and Scott's Lake.

The book includes great old pictures of our favorite local bands and scenes around town.

The cost is $28, and the book is available in Aiken at:
Tea Garden Gifts
Lionel Smith, Ltd
Tyler's Tire
Unique Expressions
Aiken Office Supply

If you are local, Allen has book signings Saturday, June 11, at Aiken Office Supply, 1-3 pm
and Saturday, June 18, at Unique Expressions, 1-4 pm

If you're out of town, call Allen at 803-649-6050 to purchase.

Sad News --- Judy Lail

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Judy Elizabeth Lail, 60, slipped away May 19, 2010, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Asheville, N.C., after several months of failing health. She leaves behind a sister, LuAnne Johnson of Cocoa, Fla., and a brother, Ken Lail of Maggie Valley, N.C., and their families, as well as many, many loving friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Swannanoa United Methodist Church, Swannanoa, N.C. An online registry is available at www.ashevillemortuaryservices.com.

Posting News - Contact me

I will post news of classmates. You can email me at Carolyn.nichols@gmail.com.

If news is left out, please let me know and I will post it.

Thanks,
Carolyn

More Sad News - Jeff Brelsford

George William Brelsford VI

A service celebrating the life of Dr. George William (Jeff) Brelsford VI will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Aiken.

Dr. Jeff Brelsford, who was born June 7, 1950, in Bridgeton, N.J., to Patricia Murphy Brelsford and the late George W. Brelsford V, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at his childhood residence in Aiken. Jeff graduated from Aiken High School in 1968 and graduated from The Citadel as salutatorian with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry May 20, 1972. He continued his studies at the Medical University of South Carolina where he graduated in 1976 as a Doctor of Medicine. Jeff did his residency in family practice at the Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Ga., from 1976-79 where he was appointed chief resident. In July 1979, he established a private practice in Augusta and served the Humana Hospital in the Department of Family Medicine until 1991. He continued his service with the Department of Emergency Medicine at Ty Cobb Hospital, Hart County Hospital and Washington County Hospital until 1995. For the past 14 years he had resided in Rincon, Ga., initially serving the community as the medical director of Effingham Urgent Care Center through 2000. In July 2000 he established a private practice in Rincon and was asked to serve as chief of staff at the Effingham Hospital where he had served two concurrent terms beginning July 2005. In addition to serving the hospital, Jeff devoted his life to caring for others as a family practitioner in Rincon, Ga., until May 2009 when poor health forced him to discontinue his medical service to his beloved community.

Sister Jayme Brelsford Moyle and father George W. Brelsford V, predeceased Dr. Brelsford. He is survived by his mother Patricia of Aiken; sisters, Kathleen B. French of Great Falls, Va., Robin B. Landes of Boca Raton, Fla., and Debra B. Kinder of Columbia; nephews, Jim French III, David Kinder Jr. and Clif Kinder II; and nieces, Elizabeth Landes, Chandler French and Jessica McKinney.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Phillip Gaillard, Mr. Dallas Lee, Mr. Mason Sanders, Mr. Charlie Simmons, Mr. Michael Chesser, Mr. Tom Moore and Mr. Nicholas Rangos. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Mrs. Latrelle Andrews for her devoted service, support and friendship as Dr. Brelsford's office manager for the past nine years. In addition, the family would like to thank Regency Hospice, Especially Seniors, Dr. Leonard Browder Sr. and Dr. Leonard Browder Jr. for their expertise and kindness in meeting Jeff's needs throughout the final days of his illness.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dr. Jeff Brelsford Memorial Fund at Effingham Community Hospital, Attn: Administration, P.O. Box 386, Springfield, GA 31329.

Expressions of sympathy for the Brelsford family may be left at www.georgefuneralhomes.com.

Sad News - Classmate Perry Allen Greene

Perry Allen Greene

Graveside services for Mr. Perry Allen Greene, 59, of Gray Mare Hollow Road, Aiken, who entered into rest Aug. 9, 2009, will be conducted Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in Southlawn Cemetery with full military honors.

Mr. Greene was a lifelong resident of Aiken County and a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was a retired warrant officer in the U.S. Army with 23 years of service and employed in the training department at the Savannah River Site.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Joan Boyd Greene; a son, Donald Owens Greene II, San Diego, Calif.; a daughter and son-in-law, Tanya and Bill Tomory of New Ellenton; his parents, Don and Ella Greene of Aiken; a brother and sister in-law, Lonnie and Lorri Greene of Aiken; two sisters, Lisa Greene of North Carolina and Donna DeMedicis of Warrenville; five grandchildren, Christopher Greene, Ethan Tomory, Melinda Greene, Mason Greene and Christian DeClaro; and a nephew, Kevin Flowers of New Ellenton.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the SRP Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 3694, Aiken, SC 29802.

Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (278-1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseyfuneralhome.com.

Condolences to Roger Gaddy

Louise Parker Gaddy
(October 23, 1923 - July 1, 2009)

CLINTON, SC - Mrs. Louise P. Gaddy, 85, died Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Clinton, SC.
Interment will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday in Aiken Memorial Gardens, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church. Revered Dr. David Cozad will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Mrs. Gaddy was born in La Fayette, AL, a daughter of the late John and Irene Stewart Parker. She was a former school teacher, and was one of the first two lady elders at First Presbyterian Church in Aiken. She also taught Sunday School. She moved to Clinton, SC in March of 2001.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Rufus H. Gaddy; two sons, Roger (Beth) Gaddy, MD, Winnsboro, SC, Donald (Raye) Gaddy, Birmingham, AL.; four grandchildren, Bryant L. Gaddy Byrne, MD, Parker M. Gaddy, Jeffrey R. Gaddy, Jaclyn E. Gaddy; a sister in law, Bobbie Rhinehart Parker, Montgomery, AL.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Louise Gaddy Walker, and a grandson, Robert Kyle Walker, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, or the Presbyterian Home, 801 Musgrove Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at the Presbyterian Home in Clinton for the care and attention given to their mother and wife.

Please visit Mrs. Gaddy's online guest book at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com.

Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc.,, 924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC

Condolences to Annette Bryson Penix

Margaret Moon Bryson was born on June 6, 1929 and passed away on March 31, 2009 from complications due to colon surgery. She was a loving mother to Annette Bryson Penix (Richard), Aiken, SC, Steve Bryson, Aiken, SC, Phil Bryson (Denise), Pleasanton, CA and Kim Howell (Rich), Warrenville, SC. She was a wonderful and caring grandmother to Shelley Malinski, Devan Howell, Heather Juarez, Matthew Howell and Abby Howell. She was a devoted sister to Betty Brown, Valdosta, GA and aunt to Marcia Felts (Gene) and Anita McDuffie (John).

Margaret had worked for DuPont at the Savannah River Site until her retirement in 1988. She was an avid member of South Aiken Baptist Church.

Visitation will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at South Aiken Baptist Church with the funeral at 3:00pm. Graveside service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Aiken Baptist Church, 980 Doughtery Rd. Aiken, SC 29803.

Sandra LeBert's Mother - Our Condolences

A Funeral Mass for Mrs. Eileen Caldwell LeBert was celebrated on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 11am at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. Pallbearers were members of the Knights of Columbus. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. LeBert, 86, of Aiken, died Friday, December 26, 2008 at her residence.

A daughter of the late Francis Wilson Watson Caldwell and Mary Ellen Mineham Caldwell, she was born in Stockton-on-Tees, England and before moving to Aiken in 1954, had lived in Orange, TX. Eileen chose to stay at home to raise her three children. She was a Communicant of Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and had been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. George Lewis Smith Council #3684, Aiken. She also had volunteered at the Golden Harvest Food Bank and the Aiken Children's Rehabilitation Center.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lt. Col. Sanroy Joseph "Jim" LeBert, USAF, ret. who died in 2004, and two sisters. She is survived by two sons; Robert Francis LeBert, New Ellenton, SC and Ronald Joseph LeBert, North Augusta, SC, a daughter; Sandra Eileen LeBert, Aiken and six grandchildren.

More Sad News - Kathryn Ray White

Kathryn Ray White

ATHENS, Tenn. -- Kathryn R. White, beloved wife of W. Larry White for 32 years, died on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, in an automobile accident on the Interstate near her home in Athens, Tenn. A service will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Athens at the Ziegler Funeral Home (visitation 5-7 p.m.), and a memorial service is planned for Friday at 3 p.m. at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church in Aiken. The family will receive friends at the church after the service in Aiken. Mrs. White was born Kathryn Richmond Ray on May 19, 1950, in Clinton, Iowa, a daughter of Elizabeth K. Ray and the late Dennie E. Ray Jr. of Aiken. She taught in the Aiken County schools. She had lived in Athens for more than 20 years. A longtime employee of the Internal Revenue Service in Chattanooga, she received recognition for compassion as well as efficiency. She was a graduate of Aiken High School (1968) and the University of Wyoming (1972). Besides her husband and mother, her survivors include her sister, C. Claiborne Ray of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her brother, Stanford E. Ray (and Cynthia) of Sumter, and their children, Deanna R. Guyton of Raleigh, N.C., and Samantha Leigh Ray of Seymour, Tenn.; her aunts, Ruth R. Ray and Harriet H. Smith; her first cousins, Monta Jean Ramirez-Smith and Franklin S. Smith; and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. The family suggests contributions to Aiken SPCA or another charity.

Sad News - Cheryl Olsen's Mother

Crystal Andreasen Olsen

Crystal Andreasen Olsen of Aiken went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008. Born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 30, 1918, to Norwegian immigrants Andreas Arthur Andreasen and Andrea Larsen Andreasen, Crystal was additionally welcomed by her one and only sibling and lifelong friend, Evelyn Grace. Her loving childhood family life revolved around the Norwegian Evangelical Free Church. She attended New York City public schools and graduated from Business College. For five years, Crystal commuted by subway to work on Wall Street in Manhattan where she was employed as a comptometer operator for the Waterworks Company of New York. In the summer of 1936, Crystal met Lloyd Thomas Olsen, a fellow Norwegian and member of a sister church, while attending a church camp meeting. When he heard her name, he exclaimed, "With those bright sparkling eyes, your name is very appropriate!" The couple courted for five years. Wedding bells rang out on Oct. 25, 1941.

Within the next decade, Crystal moved seven times. Her four beloved children were each born in a different state: eldest daughter Crystal Marie in Morgantown, W.V., son Lloyd Thomas Jr. in Richland, Wa., daughter Karen Andrea in Wilmington, Del., and youngest daughter Cheryl Lynn in Martinsville, Va.

Lloyd's assignment with DuPont as supervisor of construction of the "bomb plant" at SRP brought Crystal, kids, kitty cats and collie dog to Aiken on Jan. 2, 1952. This lovely Southern town turned out to be the perfect place to make a home and raise a family. Crystal was a faithful steward of her time, talents and money. As a woman of God, she joyfully gave to her family, church and community.

As a faithful member of Aiken First Baptist Church, Crystal taught Sunday school, sang in the Sanctuary Choir, lead Vacation Bible School, joined Missions Round Table/Circle Group, directed the Young Women's Auxiliary and supported Acteens Mission Group. Crystal's God-given gifts shone through her longtime participation with the Hostess Committee where she served others in times of sorrow and celebration. Crystal grew especially close to her dear friends and sisters in Christ in the Barbara Smith Sunday school class. Crystal's community involvement through the years included the Lioness Club, the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, the Mended Hearts Club, Country Gardeners, Town and Country Club, Sunday-Monday Club, A.C.T.S., Aiken County Republican Party, PTA and booster club. Throughout her lifetime, Crystal cultivated a beautiful garden of friendships and nurtured a strong love throughout her family. She delighted in entertaining guests and was a renowned hostess and cook. Her Norwegian pancakes, cookies and wedding cakes were her specialty.

She shared her numerous needlework creations with her friends and family. She was also a fitness example, avid walker, golfer, sports enthusiast and bridge player. Crystal and Lloyd, the love of her life and husband for nearly 50 years, traveled around the world. They ventured to destinations such as Greece, Italy, China, Israel, Germany, France, India and Hawaii. Among the many countries they visited, the most meaningful journey was to Norway, "The Land of the Midnight Sun" birthplace of their parents. Crystal is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Andrea; her sister, Evelyn and her husband, Lloyd. She is survived by her children, Crystal Marie Swann and spouse, John Swann, L. Thomas Olsen and wife, Sheryl Olsen, Karen Andrea Edwards and spouse, James Edwards, and Cheryl Lynn Rafter and Richard Rafter; and 20 grandchildren who called her "Grandma Crystal;" and 16 great-grandchildren who call her "Bestemor," the Norwegian name for Grandmother, commemorate her life. "Miss Olsen" is also honored by her loyal, hardworking friend and honorary family member, Lester Hollingsworth.

The memorial service to celebrate the life of Crystal A. Olsen will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Aiken. The members of the Barbara Smith Sunday school class will serve as honorary pallbearers at her memorial service. The family will receive friends in the church parlor following the ceremony.

Even in death she exemplified a life of servant hood. As requested, her body was donated to the Medical College of Georgia for organ and tissue transplants and for medical research.

Memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church for Missions, 120 Chesterfield St. N., Aiken, S.C. 29801, 648-5476; The Salvation Army, 322 Gayle Ave. N.W., Aiken, S.C. 29801, 648-0461; and Regency Hospice, 105 Summerwood Way, Suite D, Aiken, S.C., 20803, 648-2117.

Crystal Andreasen Olsen: joyfully hospitable - creatively industrious - faithfully virtuous - remarkably optimistic

Letter from Pamela Donovan Hawkins

Dear Friends and Family,
For those of you who I have not contacted personally, I wanted you to know we have sold the house and will be leaving on July 24 to go to Louisville, Ky. and then to Denver in hopes of finding a house. We will return on August 6, close the house on August 8 and leave Barnwell on August 11. We will probably head to Edisto for a week before the trek across country. Because we will not be around, we are disconnecting our home phone on July 24th.

We will be available via cell: Bo-803.671.0426. Pamela-803.671.2562. As soon as we have a permanent address, we will get that info out. In the meantime, nothing beats the e-mail and/or cell phone. For now, we will keep the SC Alltel, so we are free to our Alltel friends. Remember the 2 hour difference; if you wait to call me at 9:00 in SC, it will be 7:00 in Denver, so a great time to call.

Keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we look for a house and drive west. Pray for the POD to protect our valuables and memories. Hope to hear from you soon!

Love, Pamela

Pamela Donovan Hawkins

Permission to reproduce reunion photos

I hear that some businesses will not make copies of the reunion/lobster race photos unless you have permission. Please consider this post as your permission to copy or print any photos appearing in this blog and the google photo albums/slideshows.

Thanks - Carolyn Nichols

From Tamla Stewart Pridgen......

Dear Members of the Class of 68,

I can’t begin to describe how rewarding it was to be with you all on Saturday night. All of you that I met welcomed me with open arms and kind words about my mom, Jamie Bell Stewart. We shared many laughs and some tears…..one of my favorite lines from Steel Magnolias is this…..laughter through tears is one of my favorite emotions! So true! I can’t imagine how wonderful high school must have been for my mom being surrounded by such wonderful friends. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making those years so wonderful for her. And I thank you for sharing stories and memories with me so freely on Saturday.

While my trip from MD was a long one, it was worth every single mile to spend the evening with you. Now I know with certainty from my own experience that is was….

Never So Great As 68!

With love and blessings,

Tamla Stewart Pridgen

Well, the reunion is over.....

Hey guys,
The reunion was a lot of fun. It was so nice seeing everyone. Just a couple of things..... If I had it to do over, I'd let you each have your own name tag to start with. The little mixer game didn't work out as well as I thought it would.
Thanks for your efforts though. The second thing.. I need to apologize to Debbie Berrie. I have no idea how I did it, but I put Paula Heath's picture on her name tag. Sorry Debbie.

Several people took pictures and videos and we will be posting them as soon as I get my hands on them.

Thanks to everyone who attended. Your presence helped make this a great reunion.
We've had a lot of people thank the committee for a great reunion, but I want to say that what made it so wonderful was that you were there. Thanks for that.