"An Appreciation of Life and Love" celebration honoring the life of Mrs. Geraldine Coleman Benson WareSteed was held at the Pope Community Center in Washington on Saturday, July 1.

GERALDINE COLEMAN BENSON WARE-STEED Mrs. Ware-Steed was employed by the Wilkes County Board of Education and the Wilkes Health Care Center until her retirement. Her children, Larry Coleman, Cindy Jackson, Jerri Benson, Terri Simmons, and Mable Benson, were all present and extended a special thanks to all the guests for coming and sharing in the recognition of their mother.

Ivory Tatum was the mistress of ceremonies and musical entertainment was provided by Sounds of Goodness with songs by Eliza Easley, Robert Maddox, and Jackie Bradford. Prayer was provided by Pastor Frank Moore. Scripture was ready be Evangelist Ruby Lockhart; and Princess Shamonda Coleman read a poem.

The program consisted of reflections by the children; childhood memories by her brothers and sisters; recognition of special neighbor and friend, Azalee Tate; remarks by Evangelist Ella Zellars, Pastor Terry Casper, and Rev. John Tatum; words of honor by Pastor Christine Moore; and a presentation by Willie E. Burns, Mayor of Washington.

After the blessing by Rev. John Gartrell, everyone enjoyed the beautifully served food catered by Jon's Sweet Tooth and Larry Andrews. Decorations for the event were provided by Designs by Gale.

Relatives and friends came from Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Baltimore, Chicago, Decatur, East Point, Elberton, Ellenwood, Hephzibah, Jonesboro, Lithonia, Marietta, Milledgeville, Nashville, Reading, Penn., and Florida. Friends also came from Danburg, Delhi, Lincolnton, Rayle, Tignall, and Washington.