Theodis Alex Chunn Jr. was crowned as Mister Winston-Salem State University on Oct. 22.
Chunn is a graduate of Salisbury High School where he was drum major for the SHS marching band.
At WSSU, he is a senior, majoring in mass communications with a concentration in electronic media.
Since his freshman year, Chunn has been involved in various organizations and activities on and off campus including: Ram Ambassador; Ram TV; WSSU Red Sea of Sound marching band, where he served as head drum major and founder and president of the band recruitment team; Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. where he has served as vice president; Mass Communication Department’s Student Advisory Council; Mass Communications Club, where he served as president; associate vice president for Developmental Affairs for the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments; and organizational king for Peer Educators.
Chunn’s strong commitment to the community is evident by his participation in the college-bound program at Forest Park Elementary.
He enjoys mentoring to underprivileged youth and tutoring at local elementary schools.
He has had the opportunity to serve as a student worker in the WSSU chancellor’s office; this experience helped guide his future endeavors which are to one day become a chancellor or president at a historically black college or university.
Chunn won the title of Mr. WSSU last spring during a showcase and a pageant, then had to be elected by student votes, winning over four other candidates.
He is is the son of Theodis and Annice Chunn.
He has one sister, LaKetia Harris, who is married to Gyrod Harris.
South Rowan reunion
The South Rowan High School Class of 1962 held its 46th anniversary reunion at the Speedway Club, Concord. Sherry Cook Roseman, Mary Sloan Moon, Sandra Bame Menius and Brenda Alexander McSwain registered the classmates upon their arrival.
After the social hour, Dr. Frank Martin welcomed the class and special guest, former teacher, Mrs. Margaret Sloop. Wayne Spears gave the invocation which was followed by dinner.
A memorial tribute was given by Sandra Bame Menius and George McSwain to the 24 deceased class members: Annie Coe, Brenda Cook, David Deal, Carolyn A. Freeze Baynes, Don Freeze, Butch Gabriel, Larry Goodnight, Michael Haas, Mike Hinson, Dianne Howell Daniel, Barry Hyde, Bobby Kiser, Carol Kluttz Cress, Dean Lambert, Johnny Miller, Alvin Moss, Jerry Musselwhite, Jimmy Nichols, Sam Owensby, Steve Overcash, Joyce Shue Oliphant, William Shulenberger, Eddie Wayne Snow and Bertha Zachari.
A brief business meeting was conducted by Patsy Hudson Parnell at which time the class agreed to have the next reunion in 2012.
Awards were presented by Pam Turner Martin, Modena McCreary Weaver and Don Bland to Kenneth Pennell from Columbia, Miss. for traveling the greatest distance; to Durham Ross for having changed the most; to Judy Corriher Safley for having changed the least; to Don Lyerly, most recently married; to Ron Chapman, most recently retired.
Door prizes were awarded and dancing to the music of deejay Farrell Watts followed. Each classmate was presented a current directory at the end of the evening.
The planning committee was composed of George and Brenda McSwain; Frank and Pam Martin, Sandra and Dickey Menius, Mary Moon, Don Bland, Sherry Roseman, Patsy Parnell, Modena Weaver, Brenda Walters Welch, Roy Patterson, and Wayne Spears.
Out-of-town guests attending were: Mary Helen Overcash Diss, Christiansburg, Va.; Frances Smith Kiser, Kernersville; Larry Davis, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Durham Ross, Pinehurst; Jimmie Watts, Huntersville; Wayne Spears, Boiling Springs, S.C.; Pam and Frank Martin, Morrisville; Sherry Cook Roseman, Ocean Isle, S.C.; George and Brenda McSwain, Winston Salem; Ron Chapman, Mocksville;
Larry Talbert, Phyllis Cook Strawn, Modena Weaver, Ronnie Parks, Gary Sechler, all from Kannapolis; Jerry Freeman, Mooresville; Charles Freeze, Billy Isley, Kay Graham Musselwhite, Judy Hathcock Jordan, Roy Patterson, all from China Grove; Mary Sloan Moon, Mount Ulla; Dickey and Sandra Menius, Johnny and Patsy Parnell, Don Bland, Judy Corriher Safley, Helen Stirewalt Correll, Joan Sloop Hartsell, Gail Compton Bankett, Don Lyerly, Jackie Bebber, Jerry Fisher, all of Salisbury.
Sides reunion
The 78th annual reunion for the descendants of Orren Wesley and Cynthia Ann Russell Sides was held Sept. 21 in the fellowship hall at the Rocky Ridge United Methodist Church in Concord. Reunions have always been held at this original family church home.
The welcome was given by R. Earl Sides, president, who requested that all present sign the attendance sheet, leaving an offering to cover expenses. The invocation, and prayer/blessing was given by the Rev. Curtis L. Sides of Valdese. A covered dish lunch was served and enjoyed by the 64 present.
Group singing by all followed, led by Vicky, Jennifer, and Stephanie Ritch including songs “Christ in Me” and “Vote, Vote, Vote This Year.” (A round to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”)
A business session followed, led by the president, R. Earl Sides. Appreciation was expressed to the committee and the family for their help in preparing for this event. The Sept. 7 committee meeting was reviewed. Libby S. Mabery, secretary and treasurer, read the minutes of the previous meetings and gave a report on financial balances. Martha W. Stricker, historian, gave out the updated genealogy replacement sheets. Updates and revisions are being released annually at the reunion.
Officers for the year 2008-09 were nominated by the committee and elected by the family as follows: R. Earl Sides, president; Ruth S. Alexander, honorary president; John H. Cline, vice president; Libby S. Mabrey, secretary and treasurer; Elaine R. Whitaker, assistant secretary and treasurer; Martha W. Stricker, historian; Committee members: Joanna L. Baker, Donna T. Hawkins, Elva S. Reynolds and Vicky S. Ritch.
Known family members who have died since the last meeting were: Bobby Earl Broadway Sr., March 31, 2008; Billy Sidney Church, Dec. 29, 2007; Gene Wade Cobb, Nov. 3, 2007; Earl Lee Corriher, Aug. 2, 2008; Hazel Sides LeVay Jordan, March 14, 2008; Peggy Broadway Sides, Aug. 29, 2008; Mary Lou Morris Sloop, Jan. 16, 2008; and Ronald Keith Walker, Jan. 21, 1993.
New births reported: Stella Lee Christie, Oct. 13, 2006; Weston James Fowler, Sept. 5, 2008; Ethan James Fuller, Dec. 8, 2007; Hayden James Kelly, April 17, 2007; Logan Michael Rodgers, Sept. 25, 2007; and Harrison Mayhew Smith, Aug. 17, 2004.
New marriages reported: Terry Wayne Bostian and Suzette L. Scott, May 15, 2007; Bobby Earle Broadway and Christina Renee Szekley, Nov. 24, 2007; Dustin James Clayton Neely and Mary Rhodes, Sept. 13, 2008; Joshua Robert Sides and Brittany DeAnn Shaver, April 12, 2008; Andrew Wesley Sides and Mary Bruorton, March 15, 2008; Carolyn Holshouser Sides and Thomas E. Hess, Dec. 29, 2007; Barry Lee Smith and Lisa Dell Mayhew, Aug. 1, 2007; and Ashley Renea Weast and Casey Lee Goodman, May 4, 2008.
The family having the largest number of family members present was Robert and Hazel Sides; oldest woman, Evelyn Yow Sides; oldest man, John Cline; youngest girl, Victoria Stout; youngest boy, Tucker Gray Guthrie; longest married couple- Robert and Hazel Sides; newest married couple, Bobby Earl and Christina Renee Szekely Broadway; traveling farthest, Lynn McGavock; guests, Hanna Peele and Jimmy Sprintzer, both friends of Natasha Broadway Guthrie.
Revised and updated “Sides Genealogy” books are available. For changes or additions, call Martha W. Striker at 704-932-2000 or write to 1479 Oakwood Ave., Kannapolis, N.C. 28081.
The next reunion will be Sept. 20, 2009.
The reunion ended with a benediction by the Rev. Roy W. Sides of Lincolnton, and in a friendship circle sang “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.”
58th Trexler reunion
The 58th annual Trexler reunion for the descendants of Lawson Alexander and Lula Moore Trexler was held on Sept. 21, 2008, at the Rockwell Park. Their 14 children were: Lucy Bertie Lillie Trexler Morgan, Deberry (Deedie) Cone Trexler, Harvey Alexander Trexler, Roy Ernest Trexler, Ollie Lula Trexler Rogers, Maxie (Max) Trexler, Braxton Cleveland Trexler, Fred James Trexler, Gertrude (Gertie) Elizabeth Trexler Foster, Maude Wilma Trexler Smith, Lawson Edward Trexler, Cletus Adam Trexler, Grady William Trexler and Minnie Edna Trexler Stiller. All are deceased.
This year’s event was hosted by the Grady Trexler family. The welcome was given by Nelda Trexler Freeze. The blessing was given by the Rev. Wade Rogers.
A covered dish lunch was served to the 110 in attendance.
Following the business session, the reading of last year’s minutes and financial report was given by Sandra Trexler Whitson.
Potted plants were given to the following: the Rev. Wade Rogers, age 87, oldest present; Aiden Dalsey Morris, born May 10, 2008, youngest present, son of Laura M. Brady and Jay D. Morris, grandson of Wes and Star Brady, great-grandson of Faye Trexler Downum and great-great-grandson of Cletus Trexler;
Wade and Evelyn Rogers as the longest married couple at 67 years;
Timothy and Johnnie Rogers and daughter Brooke, and Larry Rogers, as traveling the greatest distance from Charlotte. They were also first-timers.
Births since last year’s reunion including Aiden Morris, the youngest child present, were: Cayden Layne Camper, born Oct. 12, 2007, son of Luke and Andrea Camp, grandson of Greg and Christi Cannon, great-grandson of Ray and Sandra Whitson, great-great-grandson of Grady and Mildred Trexler; and Addison Elyse Trexler, born Feb. 22, 2008, daughter of Samuel and Kira Trexler, granddaughter of Wayne and Susan Trexler, great-great-granddaughter of Grady and Mildred Trexler.
Deaths since last year’s reunion include Peggy Trexler Sides, Nov. 28, 2007, daughter of Lawson and Carmen Trexler; James A. “Bud” Rogers Sr., Dec. 19, 2007, son of Jack and Ollie Trexler Rogers; Ceretha Trexler Teal, Jan. 31, 2008, daughter of Roy and Lottie Trexler; Frank Leach, March 26, 2008, husband of Pauline Smith Bankett Leach; Lionel “Linn” Trexler, June 16, 2008, son of Lawson and Carmen Trexler; and Leith C. “L.C.” Foster Jr., Sept. 20, 2008, son of L.C. and Gertie Trexler Foster.
Also remembered was Mr. J. Reid Shinn, age 91, who attended for many years with his daughter Carol and husband George Smith.
Next year’s reunion will be hosted by the Braxton Trexler family on Sept. 20, 2009, at Rockwell Park.
Trexler reunion
Twenty-seven family members and friends of the late Bossa C. and Frances Poole Trexler met in the Christiana Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall for a picnic dinner Sunday, Oct. 19. Memorial flowers were placed on the altar by Kevin Sloop, great-grandson.
Sloop welcomed everyone. Bertha Garrison, one of the three living children, gave the invocation. Frances Trexler, acting secretary, read the minutes from the last year’s reunion.
Gifts were given to Ms. Garrison for having had the most birthdays; 18 month-old Dalton Ribelin for the youngest; and to the Lynne Stockford family for having traveled the farthest.
Out of 10 children born there are three living: Bertha Garrison, Claude Trexler and Irene Cross, who was unable to attend.
New births this year were Cole Taylor, Nov. 26, 2007, son of Teresa and Brad Taylor; and Madelyn Rae Morris, Sept. 10, 2008, daughter of Adriane and Mike Morris.
There were no marriages since the last reunion.
There has been one death, Mary Anne Howard, daughter of the late Marvin and Mildred Trexler.
The Claude Trexler family had the most number in attending.
Volunteers to plan next year’s reunion, which will be held the third Sunday in October, were Glenda Carriker and Lynne Stockford.
After the business meeting several members shared some childhood memories of past Christmases.
Attending were: Bertha Garrison; Claude Trexler; Kevin Sloop; Frances Trexler; Lynne, Meredith, Mia, and Conrad Stockford; Carolyn, Royce, and Wendi Thomason; Hilda and Elton Trexler; Glenn Wilson and guest Sue Cress; Glenda Carriker; Deannie, Matthew, Dalton and Dana Ribelin; Kylie Creel; Don and Gayle Weddington; Brandi and Shawn Boling; Franklin Sloop and friend Sarah Honeycutt.