This page is dedicated to my maternal grandparents, Joe and Phyllis. My grandfather is from Grantham, NC. My grandmother is from upstate NY, but went to high school and college in California. When my Papa was 17, he joined the Navy, but only stayed his required years. After that, he tried farming, but didn't like it, so he again joined the military, this time the Air Force. Around the same time, Grandma was teaching in California. She had loved to dance all her life, and the opportunity arose for her to be a professional dancer in a dance troupe. Of course she went along, and while performing for the troops in Alaska, she met & fell in love with Papa. Now they only knew each other for about 2 weeks before he got orders. He left, but they kept in touch for about 2 years. When he returned, grandma came to NC, where they got married in 1951. A year later they had a premature son, William, who only lived 8 hours. Then came Denise in 1953, followed by Teresa in 1955, in Italy. They taveled all around, and came back to settle in NC in 1962.
They became very strong and faithful Mormons and raised their daughters to be the same way. Grandma went on to teach Special Education at Eastern & Southern Wayne. Papa retired from the military in the late 60's & went into real estate. They both retired around 1990. In 1992 they decided it was their time to go on a mission for our church. They got sent to Washington, and loved it. We all missed them alot, but we constantly sent drawings and letters to them. In 1994 they returned to NC and decided it was time to relax. Their first great-grandchild, Holden, was born about 2 1/2 years ago to my cousin Cindy. Their second,Jonathon, was born 1 1/2 years ago to my sister, Heidi. They were very proud and excited when they were born. Sadly, last year papa got alztimers and passed away this past December. Grandma is currently living with my mom, doing surprisingly well.
Here are a few pictures of Papa and Grandma.
Papa in th Navy. Grandma's dance photo.
Grandma again, beautiful, huh?
Papa & Grandma's Wedding Day. Their 50th anniversary..
Papa posing.
An article that I love to read.
My grandparents at the Temple.
