The Ladies Bible Class of the First Southern Baptist Church met at the home of Donna Walker for their regular meeting on April 26. The meeting was followed by a luncheon in honor of Ms. Goldie Kester’s 90th birthday.
Betty Bunfill who lives in the Smith Chapel area of Ozark County teaches the class. Due to flooding in the area, Betty was forced to go around some swollen areas which covered the roads in order to get to Ava. Betty reported she had received 15 inches of rain and 6 hail storms during the past week.
After the bible lesson was completed, Goldie was presented a birthday cake as the ladies sang, “Happy Birthday.”
They then moved to the dining room for a luncheon of soup, sandwiches and salad. Goldie then shared her birthday cake which was served with ice cream.
Those present were Judy Kent, Pat Orvis, Corrine Ellison, Jewell Brown, Beverly Corbin, Joyce Baxter, Thelma Chisam, Mabus Weaver, Betty Bunfill, Geneva McCullough, Sandy Walker, Parker Smith, the honoree Goldie Kester, and hostess Donna Walker.
Many of the ladies in attendance have many gray hairs, but Ms. Goldie has very few. In fact, Donna Walker said she didn’t notice any. Goldie jokingly said, “They say it’s the gray matter in the brain that causes one to have gray hair.”
Everyone wished Ms. Goldie many more birthday celebrations.
Goldie Woods, daughter of John William Woods and Annie Duckworth Woods, was born April 30, 1921, in Stockton, Kan.
When Goldie was about 12 the family moved from Kansas to Ozark County, Mo. Here she met a young man, J.C. Kester. They fell in love. At the age of 16, Sept. 25, 1937, Goldie Woods became the bride of J.C. Kester.
Goldie and J.C. were blessed with seven children, six of whom are still living: Joan (Sell), Lorene (Lawrence), Glenda (Floyd), Howard Kester, Nancy (Cook), and Paul Kester.
J.C. and Goldie lived in Ozark County where they operated a farm and reared their family. After they sold their farm they moved to the Ava area. Life’s work became a little easier after moving to Ava. Goldie and J.C. purchased a pickup and camper and were able to take some vacations. Others who had campers and were part of their group had to stop frequently and replenish their food supply. But Goldie says she took along many home-canned vegetables and other items. Their camper’s pantry was well-stocked.
Goldie and J.C. celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, a remarkable feat in itself. The family was bereaved on Oct. 24, 2005, when Goldie became a widow. She has since been able to live in the family home.
A close friend, Jewell Brown, has been able to live with Goldie this past winter. This arrangement has worked wonders for both. Jewell is now helping with the gardening and yard work. The two have become very close friends and compliment each other.
