Tributes

The purpose of this section is to highlight family members who have and continue to contribute to the 40+ years of successful family reunions we have witnessed. “Being able to rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life: - Albert Einstein, has proven to be extremely beneficial in learning who you are and where you came from.

What Have I Done For My Family Today?

I. Have I Kept In Touch?

Have I written, called or visited an elder or older member of my family,

especially one who is infirm, or housebound?

Have I sent a thank you note to a family member who has shown

kindness for me or a member of my family?

Have I tried to know and communicate with a branch of

the family with which I am not very familiar?

Have I encouraged and/or assisted my young children in doing any of the above?

•• Do they know who our family Elders are?

•• Are they aware of uncles, aunts, cousins who do not live

in the immediate area?

•• Are they aware of and interact with relatives in the area?

II. How Have I Contributed to Past or Future Reunions in Any of the Following Ways?

Suggest a reunion theme?
Volunteer for a committee or assist with a reunion activity?
Offering to be available at the next reunion to assist as needed?

(Registration desk, hospitality services, ushers, photographer, etc.?)

Have I sent some memorabilia to “National Executive Committee” for the Archives?
Have I paid my seed money fee for the current year?
Have I donated to the Emma Woodson Hill Memorial Scholarship Award Fund?

III. How Have I Contributed to the Family Website or periodic newsletter?

Have I notified the National Executive Committee of events and activities

occurring in my immediate family?

Have I written an article for the newsletter?
Have I interviewed an older family member of my immediate

or extended family for the Oral History Archives?

Have I suggested new areas of information to be covered in the newsletter?
Have I sent a change of address, telephone number or e-mail to the National Executive Committee?

Whatever you do, it is a gift to your family.

What Have I Done For My Family Today?

Dorothy Inez Roane Simpson

During a telephone conversation in 1981 to wish “Merry Christmas, Dorothy Roane Simpson (daughter of Princetta Coles Roane, granddaughter of Colonel Wilson Coles, great-granddaughter of Mary Jane Coles) introduced the idea of having a family reunion to reunite and bring the branches back to the root.

Meaco Woodson

Mr. Woodson was a strong, strong supporter of bringing us together as a family, His insights and family value were passed along to his children Gloria, Meaco Bey, and William, Sr., who continue to support our ongoing efforts.

1909-2007

Mary Lucy Meekins Reynolds, Meaco Woodson (2).jpg

James "Bubba" Lemco Meekins, Jr.

James (Bubba) Lemco Meekins, Jr. of Virginia is a strategic part of our ongoing ability to keep our family reunions and more, together. Among other things, on at least two occasions in the last five years, he has organized a cookout at a James City County Park, which was attended by hundreds of family members targeting descendants of his father. James Lemco Meekins, Sr. was the father of eleven children and thus numerous direct descendants of all ages attended these functions. Thank you.

Florence Alease Lemons Christian

Florence Alease Lemons Christian of Virginia is one of five children born to Virginia Coles and Lemmie W. B. Lemons. As far back as in the 1960s, she was instrumental in helping to organize our family functions. As of right now, she continues to volunteer her services and finances to make sure the tradition continues. Thank you.

Emma Woodson Hill

Emma Woodson Hill was truly a lady with great wisdom. She grew up at a time in which it was entrenched into our brains the importance of achieving the best education possible. We see the results of her hard work through the ongoing advanced education achievements of her daughter and granddaughters. She also spent countless hours researching our heritage by gaining genealogy expertise and wisdom at Temple University. But most of all, she was a kind and loving person. She truly, truly cared for this family. Thank you.

1926-2003

Mary Lucy Meekins Reynolds

Mary Lucy Meekins Reynolds, born in New Kent, VA was one of nine children born to Osie B. Meekins. This wonderful lady was one of substance from the word go. Her “can do” attitude was exhibited by her perseverance to become a train yard flag person back in the 1940’s when it was unheard of women, much less Black women obtaining and performing such a job. That same perseverance was exhibited in her zest to bring our New Kent, VA, and south Jersey family members together because the two sets of Meekins had been separated for decades until she and others decided to re-establish the connection. Thank you.

1919-2002

Laura Meekins Miles

Laura Meekins Miles was born in Newport News, VA, but spent much of her life in in Richmond, VA. Before personal computers came along, she and her brother Earl Wesley Meekins traveled to numerous courts houses in search of family genealogy documentation. Even after she learned how to use a personal computer, she continued her research. She was also instrumental in the formation and leadership of the Richmond, VA Family Reunion Chapter for many years. Her direct dedication to exhibiting leadership and dedication is one reason our reunions till continue.

1937-2020

Osa F. Meekins, Jr.

Osa F. Meekins, Jr. of NJ was and is a true leader. His very strong leadership as chairman of Philadelphia Chapter in the 1980s provide a blueprint on what it takes to be successful as a family reunion committee. The other family chapters (DC, Richmond, & NY), all fashioned their business practices and fundraising ideas from him. Today, he remains a strong participant and supporter of our family reunions. Thank you.

James A. Meekins

James A. Meekins of New Jersey and Maryland is a cousin who has been there from day one. His mother Mary Lucy Meekins Reynolds saw to it that our New Jersey Meekins became acquainted with our Virginia relatives starting back in the 1960s or earlier. Jim learned a valuable lesson from his mom and that is that family is very important. Her instilled values are with him forever. We have seen that because he was an original DC Chapter member who did whatever it took to make sure our family cookouts, fundraisers, and family reunions were a success. Because he is a master chef, he has spent numerous hours preparing delicious foods for family functions. There was an occasion in which he started cooking on the grill at 6AM one Saturday so that food would be ready later that day for our family reunion cookout. He not only has physically supported us, but he continues to reach out unexpectedly to supply much needed financial support. Like his New Jersey Forchion/Chinn/Meekins first cousins, for whom he grew up with, Jim (like his mom) continues to set an example of why it’s so important to come and be together as a family. Thank you.

Paul and Karen Woodson

Paul and Karen Woodson of MD were there for our DC Committee starting back in the 1990s when we needed a location to host a cookout. This wonderful couple opened their huge home and yard for that very successful event. They also allowed our committee to meet at their home plus they continue to enthusiastically support our overall family reunion and scholarship fundraising activities. Thank you.

Brenda Stevens West, wife of James, is a huge part of each of the five family reunions this chapter has hosted, plus has provided delicious catering to family reunion activities held at their home, Allen Pond Park, Watkins Park, and Cabin John Group Park. Her homemade potato salad is a major draw at each affair. She has also assisted as a committee member dating back to it’s inception back in the early 1990s. She was extremely integral in identifying the wonderful children activities that proved to be a monumental success at our 2022 family reunion. Thank you.

Brenda Stevens West

Gregory J. Chinn

Gregory J. Chinn’s family reunion support is invaluable. This professional photographer has provided thousands of reunion and many other family related functions pictures and video for many years. He is ALWAYS there when we need him. His valuable documentations has and will provide visual evidence to future generations as to how we were able to continue as a unit. We also greatly admired the splendid attention and love he paid to his late mother Alice Meekins Chinn. Thank you.

Ronald and Toni Meekins

Ronald and Toni Meekins of Arizona continue to be a huge asset to our family reunion activities. Ron’s dad Alvin set a strong example by introducing our extended family member activities to him by leading by example. Both Ron and Toni are there whenever and every time we need support. Toni chairs our Emma Woodson Hill Memorial Scholarship Award committee. Even though our reunions are east coast based, they never hesitate to find their way east to be with our extended family. Ron’s leadership in the form of being our Executive Committee Chaplain sets a moral tone for how we go about functioning as a group. We ALWAYS look forward to seeing and being with this great couple. Thank you.

Linda Harris Winters

Linda Harris Winters of NJ has from day one, been there all the way. Both as the Philadelphia Chairwoman and committee member, she always steps up to support our activities. But most important was the love and never-ending support of her late mother I. Ophelia Meekins Harris. By doing so, she set an example of how our elders should be loved, treated, and respected. Even as her mom aged to be over 100 years of age, Linda continued to bring her mom to family functions That was EXTREMELIY admirable! She also supports us religiously with her appearance on our monthly “Cousins Fun Night” video sessions. Thank you.

Theodore “Ted” Herman Meekins

Theodore “Ted” Herman Meekins of New York was truly a great person and citizen. His support of our family reunion efforts was there until the end of his remarkable life. From the time our reunions rotation started, he attended almost every one. Even as his help started to fail, he managed to board Amtrak and made his way south to be with his extended family. Dedication is the word that best fits Ted, not just when it came to our family, but his substantial political work to better life in New York City, was just another example of this multi-talented cousin. Thank you.

1931-2018

CLMWWW Family Reunion, MT Laurel, NJ 7-2015 Ted H. Meekins.jpg

Rhonda Hill-Wilson

Rhonda Hill-Wilson, of Pennsylvania, daughter of Emma Woodson Hill is an example of children paying attention to the example and teachings of their parents. Like her mom, as far back as most can remember, she has used her talents and perseverance to overcome many obstacles in life, mainly being a black woman attorney in the court room. Also, she has and is using her knowledge and resources to enhance our family reunion operations plus support us in numerous other ways. Thank you.

Frances Ann Christian Lemons and Eric Lemons, Sr.

Eric Lemons, Sr. CLMWWW Rich, VA Picnic 7-23-16 [3].jpg

Eric Lemons, Sr., and his wife Frances Ann Christian Lemons have been extremely helpful starting back in the 1980s. Just like Eric’s sister Alease, he has found a way to do whatever was asked to improve and help our organizational activities. Seldom do we see couples dig in and support us as a team. When asked, both are eager to do what’s necessary to get the job done. Ann’s dedication to the operation of our Richmond Chapter was a key to successful family reunions hosted by their chapter numerous times. Thank you both.

Brian E. West

Brian E. West of Virginia was not only a gentle giant physically but was huge when it came to trying to maintain the Richmond Chapter. By that, we mean managing the chapter, holding fundraising events, hosting family reunions (as Chairman), performing physically such as driving a group of family on a tour of New Kent, VA, shuttling family members during reunions and much more. Thank you.

1969-2022

Alice Hortense Woodson Swann

CLMWWW Family Reunion 7-2015 (72).Alice Woodson Swann.jpg

Alice Woodson Swann of Pennsylvania was a multi-talented lady who used those talents to bring love, warmth, and laughter to so many family members and society at a whole. Known as a very talented puppeteer, she did an amazing job entertaining young family members during some family reunions. Rarely do we see a Black puppeteer, but one who was willing to use those talents to enhance her extended family activities. Up until her last appearance during our 2017 family reunion, this very delightful lady continued to support what we are trying to do as a family. Thank you.

1928-2017

Gloria Woodson Bassett

Gloria Woodson Bassett of Virginia, daughter of Maceo and Supfronia Woodson, was shown at an early age the importance of family. Her parents led by example so their children (including William, Sr., and Meaco Bey) could see examples of what it took to make sure our extended family knew one another and came together during family reunion time. Over the years, Gloria has and supports our activities in every way, but just as important was her efforts to convince fellow cousins to financially support our activities, especially our Emma Woodson Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you.

Detrel M. Howell

Detrel _ Mets-Nationals Game 4-16-18 [20](8).jpg

Detrel M. Howell, daughter of Helen Woodson Howell of New York, continues to bring ongoing leadership and support. Despite her numerous extended family commitments, she is involved in numerous non-family activities. Such as being honored as a veteran during a New York Mets baseball game and now be honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanitarianism (June 2023) from The Global International Alliance University. This plus her numerous other post high school degrees clearly show how blessed we are to have her as a family member that gives of herself to benefit our extended family. Her National Executive Committee vice chair position provides us with an opportunity to benefit from her talents. Thank You.

Doris Williams Moses

Doris Willams Moses of Maryland was one of the founding members of our Washington, DC Committee. Even before then, she was involved in some of the early family reunions held in Richmond, VA. Before health issues beset her, she did whatever she could to ensure that we had successful reunions. Committee members still remember the personal handmade handkerchiefs and scarfs she made for them. Thank you.

1935-2017

Richard T. Forchion

Richard T. Forchion of New Jersey is a gentleman’s gentleman, and a true, true family supporter. There can’t be anyone on this earth that does not love this man. A retired U.S.A.F. Lt. Colonel, he has shared his experiences to the betterment of our organization. Son of Bernice Meekins Forchion and William D. Forchion, Jr., he along with his four brothers (one deceased) continue to exhibit and demonstrate what sibling love should be. Clearly, clearly, they are their brother’s keeper. As health problems have beset him, each of his remaining brothers and others, have been and are there for him. Why, because he has earned their undying love and respect. He also continues to enthusiastically support our family reunion organization both physically and financially. Thank you.

Helen, Shirley, Angela, and Patrice Roper

Helen, Shirley, Angela, and Patrice Roper of New York have long personified what family means. Mother and grandmother Helen Danials Roper led by example by bringing her daughters Shirley and Angela to our early family reunions. Shirley then brought daughter Patrice along. Then Patrice started bringing her lovely children and husband along while Angela is there when possible. This is an example of leading by example. If it were not for “lead by example” family support, we could not function as an organization. Cousin Helen could not have visualized what she started many years ago when she got her daughters acclimated to our family reunion environment and members. This group of family members are truly delightful and supportive. Helen was the granddaughter of Annie Lee Meekins.

Thank You.

Helen P. Daniels Roper

1934-2013

Preston L. Forchion, Sr.

Richard Forchion's 74 B'day 8-19-17 [48]Preston Forchion, Sr.(9).jpg

Preston L. Forchion, Sr., of New Jersey, son of Bernice Meekins Forchion and William D. Forchion, Jr., is a tower of power and strength in every sense when it comes down to family. This father of three continually stresses the importance of family to all within the sound of his amazing singing voice. The good Lord gave him the ability to share his excellent singing voice with family, friends, and strangers. But we as a family have enjoyed his singing contributions during our many family functions and during sad occasions such as funerals. But his most important contributions have been to recruit other family members to help us and his contributions both financial and physical to our family activities. Thank you.

Melanie N. West

Melanie N. West of North Carolina, daughter of Reatha West, granddaughter of Elsie Meekins West was (as she affectionally puts it) dragged to the first family reunions held and has not missed any since. Even as a mother, she has brought her daughter to each reunion. Just as Melanie got to know her extended family cousins at an early age, her daughter Micala is now following in mom’s footsteps in that respect. Starting in 2008, she has been a member of our National Executive Committee and the Richmond, VA Chapter, performing many tasks including participation in hosting family reunions, hosting family fundraisers, and much more. Thank you.

Alan F. Garcia

CLMWWW 2017 Family Reunion (28) Alan Garcia.jpg

Alan F. Garcia, son of Bertha Williams and Gerard Garcia was the chairman of our initial New York Family Reunion Committee Chapter. Our last reunion there in 2001 brought us lasting memories due to the great hosting by that committee led by Alan and others. Alan attended virtually, if not all reunions until his transition in 2018. You see, his mom migrated from New Kent, VA to New York before he was born and thus, he had little if any memories or knew hardly any Williams direct New Kent descendants. So, during each reunion, his mission was to find his direct Williams descendants in attendance. When reunions were in Virginia, he found and visited direct Williams descendants Inez and Willie Ann Bailey (daughters of Annie E. Williams). His professional life following his military obligations, was to become a New York City law enforcement officer. He later moved into being a police detective prior to his retirement and move to Florida. We also thank the love of his life, wife Francine. When you saw one, you saw the other. Even after he retired to Florida, he continued to provide tremendous support in Kiwanis Club functions and the Florida Democratic Party, especially during the election process leading up to the presidency of Barack Obama. So, you see, he shared his skills and willingness to get-the-job-done with not only his extended family, but the United States. Thank you.

1943-2018

Mary Lucy Meredith

Mary Lucy Meredith of Virginia, great granddaughter of Sally Earves was an extremely smart lady. Among her accomplishments were: High School Student Council Member, Secretary of Jr. Conference League, received scholarships offers from: Virginia Union University, Durham College, Tuskegee Institute, Morehouse College, graduate of Smith-Madden Business College, J. Sargent Reynolds Community College in Business Administration, Peoples Comprehensive Income Tax School with honors, substitute teaching programs for 2nd and 3rd graders in Art, English, Mathematics at Carver Elementary School, Richmond, VA, U.S. Army Ft. Lee class: preparation of government contracts, real estate consultant, Richmond, VA., member of Richmond, VA Board of Elections, notary public, Member of board of realtors, and expert genealogist. So, one can easily see that this multi-talented lady touched many lives in many ways. Her family identification background and knowledge were EXTREMELY beneficial in helping to add to and build our huge documented genealogy database. As a member of our Richmond, VA family reunion chapter, she used her enormous skill base to assist the committee. Her memory recall was like nothing most have ever seen. She is missed. Thank you.

1932-2020

Shirley McCoy Goldin

Shirley McCoy Goldin of Ontario, Canada, great granddaughter of Harriet H. Meekins, personifies and brings to our family organization a wealth of world knowledge plus a dedication to help us be successful. Her super strong dedication in the field of education is to be commended. As a former teacher of the English language in Russia, she strives to get her immediate family teenagers involved and interested in higher education be it college or trade school learning. Her continued, multiple Emma Woodson Hill Memorial Scholarship yearly donations is an example of just how important education is and why this organization is an avenue to reaching our young family members. She has recently made additional scholarship donations in memory of deceased family members Alan F. Garcia, Brian E. West, Wayne Chinn, Mary Meredith and more. It is family members such as Shirley that helps us continue to be a viable success. Thank you.

Marla D. Woodson

Marla D. Woodson, daughter of Paul, is a breath of fresh air whether in person or via telephone. She is a very talented young lady who gives of her time and talents to support us, especially in the area of website hosting. Like her brother Travis, both are there wherever and whenever our organization needs them. In this area of technology, Marla’s expertise is sorely needed when it comes down to communicating with family members worldwide. Thank you.

Lora J. Neal

Lora J. Neal of Philadelphia, PA, great granddaughter of Laura Meekins, has participated in almost most our reunions and is an original member of our National Executive Committee and Philadelphia Committees. Her duties on the Executive Committee continues. She brings a very refreshing atmosphere to our meetings and other activities whether they are family reunions or fundraisers. No matter what is asked of her, she performs without hesitating. Most importantly, she strives to get her immediate family involved on our family reunion activities. Even during her mother’s funeral repast, she introduced and pointed out other family members to me. Even today, she still tries very hard to convince her immediate family members to get involved. Thank you.

Merriel L. Forchion, Sr.

Merriel L. Forchion, Sr., of New Jersey, son of Bernice Meekins Forchion and William D. Forchion, Jr., is another of the fabulous Forchion brothers of NJ. Merriel seems to be a quiet but forceful leader. He is there to make things happen. Whenever our reunion committees needed physical or financial support, he reached out to make sure we had what we needed. Plus, he constantly implores younger family members to get involved with family reunion activities, especially genealogy research. Another great attribute of this wonderful cousin is the love and respect he exhibits for his brothers, especially Richard. He clearly exhibits superior traits that we hope will have a positive effect on all of our extended family members, especially our younger generations. Thank you.

Coles, Lemons, Meekins, Williams, Winfree, Woodson Family

Cousins Cruise