I have lost a dear childhood friend and want to share a few memories of her. As Yvonne and I grew up, we drifted into other circles of friends, but in our elementary school years, we were close. She was just fun to play with, fun to spend the night with at both her house and mine. We enjoyed doing the things that little girls did in those days: hopscotch, paper dolls, playing "house", jump rope, exploring our rural surroundings. I lived on Highway 1 near Oak Grove, and Yvonne lived in Oak Grove, so our family homes were fairly close together. I think we were in the same class from first through seventh grade at Warren Easton. We knew each other well. I have forgotten much from that period of my life, but have a very fond recollection of the hot summer day Yvonne and I walked from her house to Tater Dison’s store. Barefooted! Dison’s store stood near the current I-49 intersection with Robeline Road. I have no idea what the distance is from Yvonne’s house to the store - maybe 4 miles. (That could be a stretch!) I just know that, back then, it seemed like it took a half day to walk there and a half day to walk back! I can still feel the hot dirt and rocks on my bare soles and Yvonne repeating "we’ll be there before long". As a little girl, I had a true-blue friend who was a comforter and encourager.

Like so many of us in the Class of 1960, Yvonne and I lost touch after graduation. I was aware that she lived in the Alexandria area and that she and I shared the same profession - special education in the school systems where we lived. Yvonne was a school psychologist and I a speech therapist and then administrator. We had lost our personal connection, but we had a professional connection during those years. That’s a special memory for me.

And then came our 50^th Class Reunion when I saw Yvonne again. What a beautiful, classy lady she had become! Somewhat retiring and very unassuming. We weren’t able to have more than passing conversation that weekend, but fortunately had lengthier visits following the reunion. Some of us girls had "mini-reunions" on a few occasions and Yvonne was there to share with us about her life. She was so proud of her son, his accomplishments and pending marriage. We exchanged a few emails, but they dwindled over a year ago and, upon learning of her death, I know why they stopped. None of us who had been getting together knew that Yvonne was ill and we all regret that. We trust in our hearts that her church family and other friends ministered to her in her hour of need.

God rest your soul, Yvonne.

"The memory of a good person is a blessing." Proverbs 10:7

Rosalie Lott Ewing

January 23, 2013

I too am sorry to loose such a good friend. She was a kind and caring person all through our grade school years. It was great being able to see her again  at our 50th class reunion. After all these years she was still the same friend and always had time for you. Since the reunion we were able to have a telephone conservation and shared more about each other lives. We have our memories to hold on to until we see her again in heaven. "A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17