Mrs. Wanda Kay Mathis

Mrs. Wanda Kay "Katie" Matthis

Two weekends ago, I was able to have lunch with one of the most genuine souls I think I've ever met.  She just exudes joy; and is kind to the core.

You see, I've been hearing about Mrs. Wanda for quite some time.  My mama, also known as Cynthia Kay, spends her Wednesdays at Pine Grove Baptist helping prepare the meal for Wednesday night dinners.  Mama typically takes care of baking the desserts, and Mrs. Wanda takes care of the cooking, along with some other sweet helpers.  Mrs. Wanda actually attends another church, but her cooking abilities preceded her, and she was asked if she could cook for Pine Grove when another lady stepped down.  Her cooking is widely known throughout Trenton....she even cooks many Fridays during football season for the Trenton Tiger Football Team.

My mama absolutely adores Mrs. Wanda, and upon meeting her, I completely understand.  She is a blessing to be around, and my spirits were just uplifted after meeting her.  I so hope you will enjoy her interview.

Cynthia Kay and Wanda Kay :)

What is your full name?

"Wanda Kay Mathis"

How did you get your name?

"My dad had two great-nieces. One was named 'Wanda,' the other's middle name was named 'Kay.' So they put them together. My mom wanted to name me 'Artencia' but my dad hated it. I have a niece named Artencia. My sister kept that name. I'm a better 'Wanda.'"

Did you have any nicknames?

"'Katie.' So if you ever hear anyone say 'Hey Mrs. Katie' that's me. Most of my family calls me Katie, very seldom do they call me Wanda."

When and where were you born?

"I was born in Gainesville on January 9, 1971."

Mrs. Wanda and two grandbabies: NaHarmoni and Aiden.

What were your best memories with your father?

"My best memories with my father was on the farm. We were raised on a farm. My dad worked for the Quinceys for years. Stacey Quincey. Those were my best memories with him."

What were your best memories with your mother?

"Shopping. She loved to shop. Boutiques, consignment, malls…it didn't matter. She loved to shop. She could find something anywhere. She'd save money, she'd spend money. We never went without. It wasn't that we had the money…Most other kids might have had bigger homes, nicer homes, but we never went without…food, clothes, we never went without."

What did you want to be when you grew up?

"A teacher. I wanted to be a teacher. When I was little, I would write on everything. I had my books. Seriously. I wanted to be a teacher. Not now. Now, I know it's not for me. I'd rather stay cookin'."

This photo was taken at Mrs. Bertha Walton's Funeral (Mrs. Wanda's Granny).  Mrs. Wanda is shown (bottom center); with her daughter Tassie (to her right); her nieces, Renee, Ebony, Shanae; her sister, Tan; and her nephew, Jamari.

How do you remember holidays growing up?

"Oh, holidays? Always people around. My relatives, my aunts, my uncles, my grandmother, my granddad, my family.  Food. We would play games. That was every holiday. That's why I learned how to cook so much…for big groups. And out of my mom and dad, I couldn't tell you which one could cook the best. He cooked what she cooked, she cooked what he cooked. They both were good cooks. Holidays were the best days. Now, a lot of my older relatives have passed on, so we're training the younger generation up. Same thing. Family first."

What was your favorite food growing up?

"Fried chicken, greens, Mom's macaroni and cheese, Dad's lima beans. I used to throw down on some lima beans. And he used to grill a lot, and that was always good. But fried chicken…fried chicken is my favorite. It's my grandson's favorite too. I'll probably wind up cooking some today. He loves some fried chicken."

What was your first job?

"Watermelon field. Tobacco. Peanuts. Anything that had to do with farming."

Where did you meet your spouse?

"Believe it or not, I was with a friend, and we'd gone to her boyfriend's house. The next door neighbor was having a cookout and we were invited over. So, I met him at a cookout in Bronson. He was originally from Philadelphia, but his family moved down in '79 or '80 to Marianna, Florida."

What was the first thing that you noticed about him/her?

"His smile. He smiles all the time. Even now, still to this day."

How did you know that he was the one?

"It was how he treated me. With my size, he wasn't ashamed of me or anything. That's what made me fall in love with him."

Mrs. Wanda's church used to be at the Ice House, this is where her wedding was held.

Tell me about your wedding.

"In Trenton. Got married at our church, Jesus Way Church of Deliverance. It was nice. My son was the ring-bearer. We got married on December 19, 1992. My grandmother, my mom, everyone was there. My dad wasn't there, he had passed away in 1988. The colors were lavender and cream white."

How many years have you been married?

"24 years. 25 in December."

What is the key to a happy marriage?

"Being friends. Friendship. Enjoying each other's company. Sometimes, people who are together…they might not do the same things. You may go one way, they may go their way. But still…you've got to have your 'me' time and then have you have your together time. We used to go fishing, go to our kid's games. You've got to be friends first."

Photo taken at NaHarmoni's 2nd birthday. (Left to Right) Tassie, Josh, NaHarmoni, Mrs. Wanda, Aiden, Adrienne and Brandon.

What were your memories of expecting your first child?

"Scared. I didn't know what to expect! I heard a girl 2 doors down screaming and it scared me! I was thinking 'Lord, get me out of this!' But then after that, no worries, no problems. Just excited. It was just fear the first time, because you don't know what to expect. And she was my smallest child. Tassie was 6 lbs 11 oz. Brandon was 9 lbs 13 oz. Adrienne was 8 lbs 14oz. Leondre was 8 lbs 13 oz. Josh was 7 lbs. 8 oz."

If you could sum up each child with one word, what would those words be?

"Tassie would be 'giving.' Brandon would be 'devoted.' Adrienne would be 'hardworking.' Leondre would be 'caring.' Josh would be 'millionaire' because he loves money."

NaHarmoni's Birthday Party: (Left to right) NaHarmoni, Mrs. Wanda, Aiden, Adrienne,  Brandon and Josh.

What was your proudest moment as a parent?

"Graduation. Seeing them graduate."

What was your hardest moment as a parent?

"Seeing them leave home. When my middle son went to prison. That tore me up. I had to pray for God to give me strength. But when they started getting grown, marrying off and leaving home. That was hard. I thought it was bad when they went to Kindergarten, because I cried. But I got over that. When they graduated and started leaving home? That hurt."

What do you wish you had known when you were younger?

"Take my time. Slow down in life. I wish I'd known that. Stay in school. See, I quit school. That's why I was so proud to see my kids graduate! But I wish I would've taken my time instead of trying to be grown. I wish I'd have listened to my parents."

What advice would you give a young person?

"It's really according to the person. To sum it up though…It's best to know the Lord. That's the best advice. When you don't have anyone to fall back on, He is always there. This young generation, they don't have what we had. I had my elders to go to. Now they don't. Don't think you know it all. Always be willing to learn."

This photo was taken at Akins during a Church Family lunch outing:  Mrs. Wanda, with Ms. Essie, Ms Christine and Ms. Carmen.

What legacy would you like to be known for?

"As a servant. My life…I get a thrill in being there for people. Whether it be just as a listener, or being there to do something for someone. Even by cooking and seeing people enjoy their meal, that makes me feel good. Sometimes the in the middle of the night, if someone is sick and needs to go to the hospital, I'm willing to take them. I'm just willing to serve. I want people to remember me as a true woman of God and that I really loved family and people. I want them to remember that I lived what I preached."

In your words, what is the key to happiness?

"Driving in your own lane. Happiness to me is loving your family. Taking one day at a time. If something comes up, I try to figure out what to do to make it better."

Adrienne, Ms. Carmen, Ms. Pat, and Mrs. Wanda at a Trenton Tigers' Game.

Of all of the places you have traveled to, what has been your favorite?

"There are two. The first is when they took me up to Pennsylvania, and they took me up to see Niagra Falls on that trip. I went to see Niagra Falls at night. It was so beautiful. We were staying in a town in between Pennsylvania and Buffalo, New York.  The grass, the mountains, it was just beautiful. AND there was a Walmart. They had told me I didn't have to do anything, but no... I wanted to do something for them, so I was going to cook. I took my son to Walmart at like 1 a.m. I went in there looking for grits.  I asked a worker if they had grits. He said, 'we have cream of wheat.' (She laughs)   They did end up finding a small variety pack of grits. But that's not the real stuff. They told me about a kind of bread they make, like a cinnamon bread…with the icing on it. So, that's what I fixed, with patty sausage. The one thing about that trip was…my son drove me. And everywhere we stopped, to fill up, we were taking pictures. It was just so pretty!"

Mrs. Wanda and Josh on the Bahama cruise

"My other favorite trip is when I went to the Bahamas.  I went on a cruise ship and it was just amazing. Mrs. Pat Lindsey surprised me and Josh with that trip. Me and Pat are like sisters. She knew the first time I had wanted to go, my Mother in Law had gotten sick, and I couldn't go. Pat and my kids got the money up, and everything was paid for, for me and Josh to go."

What is your favorite dish to make?

"I guess fried chicken."

A Saturday night dinner:  Mrs. Wanda's good cookin'.

How would you describe your cooking style?

"Soul food. Southern soul food."

What advice would you give to someone that doesn't know how to cook?

"First of all, you've got to take your time. If you don't have a passion for cooking, it'll have to grow in you. So, take your time. Don't make a big meal at first. Start small. Go from there."

How would you define "Southern Lady?"

"A Southern lady is a lady that can multi-task. She can clean, she can cook, she can go out in the field and get dirty. She takes care of her children. If she has to get her hands dirty, she don't mind; and she can be classy at the same time. Southern ladies do it all."

A photo of Mrs. Wanda's Church:  The Jesus Way Church of Deliverance

Pearls of Wisdom and other stories from Mrs. Wanda:

"My father died May 8, 1988. I was 17. It tore me up. Now, let me tell y'all something amazing. I wasn't saved. I knew about church. But I wasn't a churchgoer. I was in Cross City that weekend visiting my sister. I went to bed that Saturday night and I had a dream. And in my dream, I came out of my sister's house. She lived in a wooden house. I came out and stepped on the porch. I looked up and the sky was beautiful. Then, all of a sudden, it started turning grey and the white clouds disappeared. I looked up thinking, 'What in the world is going on?' I saw something falling. It finally got to where I could see what it was and I realized it was a white feather. One single white feather. I kept watching it all. And when it finally hit the ground, it swooped back and forth until it settled. And when it settled, it turned into a piece of paper. As God is my witness, I walked down the steps, and I grabbed the piece of paper. It was my dad's obituary. On the obituary, it had that he passed in May. It had that he was born in October, and that he passed in May. And when i picked it up in my dream, I started crying. I saw a police officer coming up. Have you ever heard of Mr. Ridgeway? It was Mr. Ridgeway. He was coming up in his car. He said (in my dream) 'I've come to give you some bad news.' And I just kept crying. That's how I woke up. I called my sister and I asked for mama. Mama was working. I asked them to come get me. I didn't tell them what happened. I cried until they came to Cross City and picked me up. And I cried the whole way home. That next day, I went to the nursing home. He was at Ayers then. He had prostate cancer. When I went into that nursing home, I fell on my knees and cried. I didn't tell him about the dream though. I cried and cried. I cried until a little bit of the hurt got off of me. Then I got up, and I felt a little better. This was all in April. In May, it was on Mother's Day. I woke up feeling bad. There used to be a little place in Williston called 'Frogs'…just a little juke. My friends and I were supposed to be going for Mother's Day. They came to pick me up and I told them I couldn't go. I just wasn't feeling good. I mean, I felt so bad. They went on. I stayed in the house all day. My mom was at work. I went down to my Granny's house. My granny said 'Katie, where you been all day?' I said, 'Granny, I've been sick. I've been in the bed all day.' She said, 'I knew you'd have been here, to tell me Happy Mother's Day and what not. You hadn't come to eat or nothing!' She asked me if I wanted to eat, I said no. But she told me I needed to have something in my stomach, so she went and made me a little bowl of banana pudding. While she was fixin the banana pudding the phone rang. She didn't have a phone in the kitchen. It was in her room, by her recliner, where she'd sit and watch her stories. She walked in and answered the phone, and I heard her say 'Oh my God.' I knew. I knew it was my dad. She came out and said, just like the officer in my dream did, she said 'Katie, I've got some bad news.' I said 'I already know.' I said 'Granny, I never understood it until I gave my life to the Lord, but He had shown me.' It tore me up. When I say it tore me up, it tore me up. But I think that day that I got to be with him, that was my grieving day. But I never told anyone about the dream until after he passed. My mom passed February 25, 1999…and I was right there. There were no problems then, I knew the Lord, I'd been praying. Until she took her last breath, I was right there with her. I took care of her for five years, because she'd had a stroke. There was a difference, like night and day, when my dad passed away and when my mom passed away. Jesus has known me always, but I didn't know Him when my dad passed. Sometimes people fear things. But God, He let's us know things to prepare us. That way when it happens…it may hurt, but not as bad."

"Now that I'm older, I understand how the Circle of Life goes, and it's all in God's hands. Some people He restores, and some people He doesn't. Now I know that everyday is a blessing. I love my kids. And everyday, when I meet somebody…I don't meet no strangers. However they take it, that's that. Sometimes I see somebody and they shy away, but I love them. That's the best way of getting through life. There's enough heartache to take you down. Now I tell my kids, and everyone I witness to, 'live life one day at a time. If you're not careful you'll miss what's in front of you.'"

"When I start getting to the point where I feel aggravation setting in, I'll go visit somebody or go witness to somebody. or go cook for somebody. That's what lifts me up."

Josh and Mrs. Wanda at the Tigers' first championship game.

"I kid a lot about my cooking being the reason the Tigers' have won a few championships."

"You have to multi-task. I wash dishes as I go. Because once I'm done, that's it. 'Til everyone goes home. Then I'll get up, clean up, take out the trash and all. But I try to clean as I go."

"I used to be 500 pounds. I've been big all my life. And it never slowed me down. In 2009, I saw a movie 'What's eating Gilbert Grape.' Their mom was big, and in the movie, she always slept downstairs, but she finally went upstairs, and she laid down in the bed up there, and she passed. Well, they couldn't get her out of the house. They ended up cremating her in the house. And I thought 'I'd never want my kids to go through something like that.' That was horrible. And it got me to thinking all kinds of things. So I prayed about it. I started eating right, and drinking lemon water. I went from 540 in 2009. At the end of 2010, I was 370. In 2011, I got weighed in May and I was 264. I ate smaller portions. I walked. When I started losing weight, and my kids looked at old pictures, they said 'Oh mama, I didn't realize you were that big.' They hadn't seen it. They were blinded by their mama's love."

"In 2012, I noticed I couldn't walk too far. When my sister in law passed, we had to go to the airport, and I couldn't even walk in there, it was like I'd ran up a flight of stairs. I knew something was wrong with me. I drove all the way to West Florida, feeling bad, went to the funeral. They had to help me in. I came home that Sunday night and planned to go to the doctor the next day. I should've went to the Emergency Room. That Monday morning, I remember sending James to school. Bianca came and picked up James. I went into my room to get clothes to go to the doctor, that's all I remember. I remember grabbing the dresser saying 'Jesus save me.' I heard voices, saw lights, doctor's asking me questions. Later, my husband said that he heard me hit the floor. It was the Lord, now. The way I should've landed would've had me hitting the corner of the other dresser with my head. But my body turned, and I fell in between it. He couldn't find my cell phone. He ran to two of my neighbors houses. He ended up seeing my sister. and she ran in and found my phone. It's by the grace of God that I'm here today. I had a huge blood clot. We had special doctors come in and they said it was too large. They told my kids all they could do was pray. I told my kids I was in the Lord's hands. I told them if it was His Will, it would be alright. If not, I know where I'm going."

---

Mrs. Wanda survived that ordeal.  She had a purpose not yet fulfilled.  She had more folks to bring joy to.  She had more people to witness to.  And this author, for one, is blessed to have had the opportunity to meet her.  She is an extraordinary human being.  One who never meets a stranger.  If ever you see her around Trenton, stop and say hello.  Believe me, your day will be made better.  

Mama Says Monday: Driving (Part one of several...probably)

Aleta Kaylee and the Infamous Cynthia Kay

I know that no one would believe me if I told you that my kids make fun of me. They make fun of me a lot. One of their favorite subjects is my driving. Now, while I’ve never had a MAJOR accident (knock on wood), I have had a few minor incidents that keep them entertained. Regardless, generally when we go somewhere, they still let me drive…although, Rheba does help more these days. I think Aleta rides “shotgun” just so she can laugh.

I don’t understand how I manage it, but every vehicle I’ve ever purchased has been an animal magnet. The vehicles aren’t really choosy about any particular animal; they will run over or into anything at all. I have hit dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums, birds, buzzards, a gator, an otter, and several deer. And it doesn’t have to be me driving. About a week after I purchased my last car, a raccoon came out of the woods, passed in front of another car, and ran right in front of my car while Rheba was driving. That should have told me that once again, I had purchased an animal magnet. 

Years ago, while driving my Toyota Corolla on the job, I was headed to Cedar Key. Just before I got to Otter Creek, a big gator came out of the ditch, right in front of me. Bump, scrape, bump. I thought I had taken out the whole underneath of my car. I stopped and there in the ditch was the gator. I couldn’t get out to check under my car, because I was scared the gator might still be alive. I went to Martin’s Store, and told them what had happened, checked under my car, and continued on my way to Cedar Key. When I came back, the gator was gone, leaving me to surmise that either he was just stunned, or someone enjoyed some gator tail for supper.

Another time, as I was leaving work, headed for home, just outside of Bronson, an otter came scurrying up the ditch, onto the road. You guessed it, right in front of my car. In my rearview, I saw him roll a couple of times, hit the ditch and scurry back towards the woods. This time, I didn’t stop.

Once, in my work truck, as I was traveling on HWY 339, a buzzard flew in front of me, cracked the windshield and clipped off the passenger-side mirror. I stopped and picked up the mirror, but could not bring myself to pick up that buzzard and throw him in the back of the truck. I considered it, so I could prove what had happened to the truck, but decided they would just have to take my word for it. 

Then, one Christmas season, I was headed to Crystal River to shop. At that point, I owned a teal, Chevy Astro van. For some reason, I had to go into Chiefland. I was cutting through the Walmart parking lot. A dog distracted me for a moment and I uprooted a stop sign, and got hung up on the huge concrete boulder that surrounded the stop sign pole. By hung up, I mean I could no longer go forward (Daughter’s Note—I was in the car, and she kept TRYING to go forward, to get off of the concrete…it was quite the spectacle.) Rolling on top of that piece of concrete made my van sound like a front-end loader scraping up rocks. Of course, there were 2 or 3 RVs parked at that end of the parking lot. Several people ran out of their RV to see what had happened. There I sat, on top of the stop sign and boulder, with my front bumper very dented. My thought was “What is Jackie going to say about this?” One of the men that ran over assessed the situation. With a bit of a language barrier, we understood this: “Oh no! could break oil pan! No oil…ruin motor. Big money!!” He helped me back up off of the boulder and I hurried to the service station to have the van checked out. No problem underneath the van, just the huge dent in the bumper. Did I go home and show Jackie? No!! I went on my planned shopping trip and told him later. The dent was never fixed as long as I owned the van. Had that been Jackie’s vehicle, the bumper would have been fixed. However, it didn’t bother me….I guess I wear my scars proudly.

When Jackie was so sick after a chemo treatment, I had to drive him to the doctor. Now, let me say here…that in all of our married life, any time we went somewhere together, Jackie climbed behind the wheel. It was just automatic. But because he was so sick, this time, I was driving. Even so sick, he was trying to tell me how to drive. Later that same week, on my way to work, I dodged some glass bottles on the road, but hit the cooler. It was a bad time for me, and I was pretty preoccupied. I intended to check out the front of my car when I got to work, but I forgot. When I got home that afternoon, my daughter found the dent in the front. She came in and caught me aside (not wanting to say anything to upset Jackie), “What in the world did you hit with your car??” I asked, “What are you talking about?” She said, “How did you get that big dent?” I asked, “What??....Oh. I hit a Styrofoam cooler on my way to work this morning.” Looking at me in disbelief, she said “There was nothing Styrofoam about that cooler if that’s what dented your car.” I know it had to be bad. As I said…I was sort of preoccupied. IT was not Styrofoam. It was a thick, plastic Igloo cooler. --Maybe I should explain that my father never taught me to jerk the steering wheel to swerve and miss something, you could lose control and overcorrect or wreck. So I figure, it’s best to just plow on through.—Jackie never saw that damage, he was hospitalized the next day, and lived the last 35 days of his life in the hospital.

About a month after he died, I hit a deer on HWY 339 coming home from Gainesville with the girls. I called my brother-in-law, and the Highway Patrol. I had not gotten my car fixed from the cooler incident and now I had a bigger dent across the hood, and the car was no longer drivable. Right after I hit the deer, as I was waiting on FHP, a truck stopped and asked us what had happened. We told them that we had hit a deer. They asked where we actually hit the deer. We pointed down the road and they went to that spot, jumped out of the truck, loaded up the deer and took off! When the Patrolman arrived, we told him what had happened. He was disappointed. He was fixing to get off work and had planned on taking the deer. 

After that, my Mazda got fixed, and looked good as new—for a while. Rheba later totaled it, rolling end over end one night. A story for another time.

Last year, while heading to Gainesville to visit my brother, I hit another deer inside the city limits of Trenton. I haven’t decided if these animals around my area like living on the edge and taking chances; but I’m beginning to believe in the theory of “survival of the fittest (or fastest).” Because I’ve only told you of the hits, there are a bunch of close misses in my past.

Back to the beginning…my kids make fun of my driving. I can find every bump in the road, every pot hole. In fact, my driveway has deep ruts and my car drags at the end of the driveway every day. Friday night, as we were leaving Miraku’s, I hit a bump leaving. Aleta claimed it was the curb, Rheba just said it was a big speed bump. And the laughing and ribbing about my driving began again. I simply said “Haters gonna hate.” I can’t figure out why they fell out laughing again…

Sunday Obsession: Barbara Jean's

Barbara Jean's, Fernandina

 I am a foodie from way back.  These hips don't lie.  I love food.  More specifically, I love good,  Southern food. 

A few years ago, the Sheffield girls were introduced to Barbara Jean's...and Lord knows, it has become a must if we're in close proximity to North East Florida.  It's like there is some kind of gravitational pull.

I don't know what has had me craving it so badly lately, but I certainly have.  Y'all, they have the best breakfast around.  By far.  Those white cheddar cheese grits are a little bit of heaven on earth.  Even as I sit here typing, my mouth is purely watering just thinking about them. 

I will tell you, although the seafood dishes are completely lost on me (I know, I know, what Southern girl doesn't appreciate seafood? **raises hand** "This one."), BUT they also have an excellent lunch and dinner menu.  And if you're having dessert (and let's be honest, if you've driven all the way there for food...you need to have dessert), you need to have "The Chocolate Stuff."  That's seriously the name.  It's like chocolate cobbler, if you can imagine. 

Lord, y'all, I may be planning a jaunt across the state, stat. 

If y'all want to check them out, here is their website/menu:  http://www.barbarajeans.com/menu/

Finishing up FFA Week: Watsonville

I wanted to finish off this FFA week with something special.  I would be quite amiss if I did not post photos of some beautiful scenery around Watsonville. 

Farming is a gamble.  And yet, this occupation is what my uncle does, several of my cousins do, just like their fathers and grandfathers did before them.  Perhaps it is this beautiful land that keeps drawing them back, year after year, putting their all into the crops and praying for a good harvest. 

I find myself stopping many mornings to take a picture of the sun coming up over my Uncle Bruce's field.  I love to get the sun rising up over the trees, on my way to work.  It is such a pretty landscape.  Summer is breathtaking around Watsonville.  Whether it be the field between my house and Dale's, planted in watermelons, or the field over by Mr. James', there is some beautiful scenery to be seen.

I began posting these pictures on Facebook and Instagram, just because I found them to be pretty.  However, I have since found that some of my friends who have moved away from the area often look at them when they're feeling homesick. 

Something that I've said many times: "I've thought about moving away a million times, but then a sunrise or sunset over Watsonville has stopped me in my tracks."

Farming through the Generations

In preparing for FFA week this week, I wanted to capture how farming has changed through the years. There are only a few farmers left around this area that can remember how it was to plow a field with a mule. On Monday, I sat down with my Papa Ercelle’s brother, Ronald Watson, to talk about how he had seen farming change over the years.

Uncle Ronald Watson, photo credit: Cindy Jo Ayers

I was born May 15, 1928. My Daddy got his first tractor in 1937. Before that, we plowed with mules. Before I ever went to school, my daddy asked me “Ronald, you think you could plant if I turned you around on the end?” See, he was afraid I would spill the seed. So, he’d lay off the row and then turn me around and head back. I planted for daddy before the older boys would get home from school. Back then, you could plant about 20-something rows in a half-day with a mule; and each row was about a quarter-mile long.

People always bragged on my rows. They didn’t know how I always had such straight rows. Someone even once said that if they shot a rifle down my row, it would never get off of it. A lot of people look down as they’re going. But I always kept my sight straight ahead.

I was brought up to work. Growing up, we did a little bit of everything. We tore up new ground. We helped plant. We picked and loaded watermelons. We even went over to Joe Giglia’s to help. He only had a red-belly Ford. Daddy would say “Boys, let’s go over and help Joe.” See, Joe helped us at watermelon time. I mule-plowed for Stacey Quincey. I shook peanuts for Stacey Quincey and for Milton McLeroy.

My Daddy planted peanuts, corn, and watermelons. We always had a good garden, too, though. Something that has changed is that back then, people didn’t buy fertilizer, except for with watermelons. For watermelons, we bought commercial fertilizer. We’d have to go down and haul it out of box cars at Hardeetown. We’d have to just pen up the cows to fertilize the corn.

My daddy never grew more than 40 acres of watermelons. My daddy, Sam Swilley, and LV Corbin, along with me and my brothers, we did all the picking and loading. Daddy had a 2-ton truck, Sam had a ton Dodge truck, and LV had a half-ton truck. We’d load them up and haul them to town. After I got to growing watermelons, most boys would throw 20 watermelons and yell ‘NEXT!’ But I could throw a whole truckload. I was determined. It was all in determination. In my farming, I got up to 100 acres of watermelons.

(In regards to the changes in corn) When I was little, we picked corn by hand. Then, we went to corn pickers. It was after daddy got the tractor and all, that he got the picker. Then, we went to combines. I bought my first combine in 1960. In almost 40 years of farming, I went through three combines. When I first started doing corn, right after I started farming for myself, we grew that Dixie Lily corn for the Dixie Lily Plant in Trenton.

With peanuts, Butler Swilley had a little one-row tractor he would plow them up with. We would shake them out and stack them around the stack. You took them up there and the thresher took them off the bushes. Then, you bagged them up and they hauled them out in the big trucks.

I got a spreader truck to help Daddy out. Then everyone around started getting me to spread their fertilizer. I spread fertilizer from Hampton to Lecanto to Ocala. I stayed busy. Johnny Webster helped me some that year. Then, with my combine, I combined a lot over in Williston. I finally had to put the fertilize deal down because it was working me to death. They’d send me out into some of the roughest fields you’ve ever been in. It was worse than riding the combine or tractor, either one.

I stayed busy.  And it was hard work.  But, I enjoyed farming as good as anybody. 

It has changed quite a bit over the years.  In my lifetime, I have went from mules to air-conditioned cab tractors.

My Uncle Gregg and my cousin, Dale, in the early 1980s.

In honoring both FFA and Farmers this week, I want to share a photo that I found a couple of weeks ago. It blessed my heart. These are two of my favorite farmers around. My Uncle Gregg and my cousin Dale in the early 80s. Dale always had a love for farming. Uncle Gregg had been the same way growing up. Before that, Papa Ercelle had farmed. Now, I so enjoy seeing Dale's sons out tooling around with Dale and Uncle Gregg; checking cows, checking on the watermelons, spending time up at the shed, riding with them in the tractor. It blesses my heart to see the passion for farming passed on down the generations.

FFA: A Legacy

I would like to thank all of the people that participated in this blog post.  It was very special to me, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed putting together.  I appreciate everyone for taking the time to participate in it.  I also would like to say "thank you" to Mrs. Dale Anderson, Rheba, Brooke Ward, Laura Fowler, and Jenny Rowland who assisted in reaching out to some of the participants in this blog.  And as always, thank you to Chris Rogers, who is always willing to help me with photos.  You guys are the best!

What made you want to become an FFA advisor?

Mr. Deas, Mrs. Marcia Smith, and Miss Sarah Trimm (a former student who is now teaching Ag at Suwannee High School).  The photo was taken at the FFA Alumni Food Fest.

"As a high school freshman, Mr. Deas the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Bronson High School, sought me out to take an agricultural class and join FFA. My mama was not too keen on that idea. She thought ag was just for boys, but since my best friend Judy Beauchamp was taking ag, she relented. Over the next few years, through Mr. Deas' encouragement and belief in me, I was able to take advantage of many of the opportunities FFA had to offer. He saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself. He pushed me to be my best. When I was elected as a State FFA officer in 1981, I then realized that I wanted to be able to do the same for other students. I went to UF, earned my bachelor and masters degrees in agricultural education, and have taught and been an FFA Advisor for 30 years. During that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping my students reach their highest potential. One of the things I am most proud of is the number of former students and interns that are now agricultural educators themselves. Teaching agriculture won't make you rich monetarily but I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of so many young people's lives. I can only hope that they feel as blessed as I am to have had the opportunity."
--Marcia Smith, Bronson FFA Advisor

Dallas Locke

"The reason I wanted to become an Ag teacher has evolved over the years. I decided to become an Ag teacher in the 11th grade. Back then, it was because I wanted to show cattle forever, still kind of is. After high school, as I pursued my degree, my desire changed as I had both good and bad Ag teachers and I wanted to be able to offer opportunities to students that I never even knew about. The competitive side of me is another reason...for the FFA part. As I finish up my 12th year teaching, I have never once felt as if I had to go to work, I know a lot of people can't say the same and that must be horrible."
--Dallas Locke, Chiefland Senior FFA Advisor 

Sarah Trimm with her FFA members

"I wanted to become an FFA advisor because I wanted to impact and make a difference in the lives of students.  I reflected on what my FFA Advisor, Marcia Smith, and other wise owls like Mr. Denny Voyles taught me and how they made me feel...special.  Like I could do anything I set my mind to.  We formed such a bond that I could never replace.  I want to be that person for someone else.  I want to live out my passion every single day and enjoy life.  Who knows?  Maybe one of my students will walk in my shoes someday and the legacy of agriculture will carry on.  I can only hope."
--Sarah Trimm, Suwannee Senior FFA Advisor

Colton, Harleigh, and Heather Rucker

"I have a love of agriculture that was instilled in me from my grandpa, who was a farmer.  I love seeing the kids learn and grow as advocates for Ag themselves!"
--Heather Rucker, Trenton FFA Ag Advisor

Katie Quincey

“I consider myself blessed to have grown up in Trenton. To this day, I believe it one of the best Ag programs in the state. I was taught by 3 different Ag teachers (Steve Broker, Erin Verplank, and Heather Rucker), who had the same common mission: encouragement and opportunities. They used the FFA organization to teach myself and the other members about leadership, belief in ourselves, the importance of helping others and so much more. They encouraged us to pursue our dreams and gave us the opportunities to develop our skills. I believe that my experience in FFA and the Trenton Ag program is what inspired me to become an Ag teacher. It seemed the best combination of the things I am most passionate about: our youth and agriculture. I just hope that I can have half the influence on the students I am blessed to teach and advise as my FFA advisors had on me.”
--Katie Quincey, Suwannee Middle School FFA Advisor

What was your favorite FFA memory?

Laia Gore and Lauren Bartholemy

"Well, I think my favorite memory would be in 9th grade when the high school Cedar Key FFA Chapter was first started, and I was elected Vice President. That was a pretty big deal for me. Also, that year, we hit the Ornamental Horticulture Demo contest really hard.  We had late night practices (all of our teams, probably 8 or so) and we just stayed in the Ag room for hours, practicing our flower arrangements and fruit carving and speeches. My team (Lauren Bartholemy and myself), took home First Place in the state for the Artistic arrangement division. It was one of the happiest days of my life because all that hard work showed in the CDE, and it really paid off."
--Laia Gore, Former Cedar Key FFA member

Emily Rutter

"Traveling to state and national conventions are my favorite memories from FFA! I'm sure a lot of people would answer the same way...but the experiences I got and the people I met through those trips were incredible, and I wouldn't have been able to have them any other way."

--Emily Rutter, former Bronson FFA member

Reagan Hudson and Mollee Beauchamp as they are recognized at State Convention for their OH Demo

"My favorite FFA memory would have to be when my partner, Reagan Hudson, and I won the State OH demo competition. Our demo was in the artistic arrangement category: we made herb gardens in a lot of different ways. We practiced for months! Since we were competing against 12 other district winners, we thought we would be lucky to place in the top three. We were on the edge of our seats and utterly shocked when the announcer called our name! I didn't even believe what I had heard. Reagan nudged my shoulder and said, 'That is us, Mollee!' Best of all, we would later be recognized on the stage at state convention!!!! Hard work really does pay off!"

--Mollee Beauchamp, Chiefland Middle FFA member

Sara Spivey showing at the Suwannee River Fair.

"My favorite FFA memories were made at the Suwannee River Fair."
--Sara Spivey, former Bell FFA member

Rheba on the far right, along with her fellow officers.

"Out of all the memories I could choose: winning State (multiple times), Nationals, becoming President...By far, my favorite FFA memory was during Senior year. It was the night after my Dad died, and I was trying to take a relaxing shower and clear my mind. Aunt Angie knocked on the door and said 'There’s this red-headed kid outside and he refuses to come in.'  I got dressed thinking 'who in the world is she talking about?'  I went out on the porch to find Shermie (Harold Tillis) waiting on me along with half of my officer team. I asked why on Earth they wouldn’t come on in and got the response, “D. Locke said no one can go inside until we all get here.” As if I didn’t already know, that night I realized that FFA was never a club or organization for us, it was a family. Although we had all grown up together, FFA brought us closer than we ever would have been otherwise. They stayed for hours that night reminiscing on old memories. Memories that drew laughs out of me when, otherwise, I would have been holding back tears. My senior year, Meagan Morgan and I both lost our fathers. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the rest of that school year without the love and support of my officer team, Ag teachers, and Alumni. They were always there when I needed a laugh, listening ear, or shoulder to cry on. The friendships I made through FFA are those that will last a lifetime."
--Rheba Sheffield, former Chiefland FFA member

'93-'94 Dixie FFA Officers

Back (Left to Right): Joyie Millican, Brooke Davis Ward, Jobi Mayo Taylor, Kenny Stemple, Tonya Long Overstreet, Mandy Higginbotham Brock, Carla Delaney Underhill, Rob Hatch, Jaime Landrum NesSmith, and Pearl Infinger Millard.  Front: Dixie FFA Advisor Matt Cravey.

"I have so many great memories of FFA, it’s hard to pick just one. Mr. Matt Cravey was our advisor and my most influential teacher without a bit of doubt. I learned early-on how to “re-create” his signature and was able to unearth that skill once I became the Creative Life Skills superintendent at the Suwannee River Fair by signing entry forms in his absence. As a Sophomore I attended National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Cravey rented two Cadillac’s for our adventure. His wife Maureen and their 3 boys, who were 7 and younger, joined myself and three other members on our adventure. Our friend, and past state vice president, Kristi Harrison joined us on our trip up. We stayed the night in St. Louis and visited the Arch. Later that night, we locked the keys in the Cadillac while the engine was running. Which led to us taking an emergency trip to the airport to get a key from the rent-a-car folks to unlock the Caddy. When we arrived in Kansas City at the Rodeway Inn it was a dump! The entire Florida Association booked at the “Roachway;” and after one night of Mr. Cravey walking the halls to run the prostitutes out, we moved out of the “Roachway” and found better accommodations. The trade show at Bartle Hall was my favorite part of convention. Each state sets up a booth highlighting their most popular crops and commodities, along with major tractor corporations and leading vehicle manufacturers to name a few. It was an amazing site, that sea of blue jackets from all over the United States and Puerto Rico gathered in one location! My favorite contest was the Forestry Contest. It was our first contest of the year and we spent most days after school combing through trees and bushes, hunting forestry diseases and pests. I could spot a fall web worm from a mile away and was always hoping to find signs a twig girdler or a gall wasp nest. Mr. Cravey did a phenomenal job of individualizing with us rough neck kids and identifying our strengths. Under his leadership Dixie County FFA was alive again, beginning in 1991, and continues to thrive today with support from their Alumni and supporters. Dixie County FFA has 9 American Degree recipients to-date according to the National FFA awards history database: Travis Cooper and Danny Watson, 1996; Chad Crews and Rob Hatch, 1997; Matt Frierson, Mandy Higginbotham Brock and Brooke Davis Ward, 1998; Heather Driggers Rucker, 1999; and Shelbie McCall, 2016. All but one (2016) were awarded during the Cravey-era. Looking back, SRF, State Convention at Greenleaf, LTC, Sub-district contest, Moultrie, Ga. and Forestry Field Day at LCCC…the vast majority of my favorite memories include FFA."
--Brooke Ward, former Dixie FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni Member

Emily Hallman

“My favorite memory of FFA was participating in creed speaking. During Creed Speaking, I found my appreciation for the FFA and it was by far my favorite contest. I ended up placing third in the State Creed Speaking Contest.”
--Emily Hallman, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Scotty Tucker

"My favorite part of FFA was working with the animals. One of my fondest memories would have to be the time I spent with "Big Pun", he was the Trenton High School FFA fat steer. I was picked to show him during the livestock fair. The experience was both a challenging and rewarding one."
--Scotty Tucker, Former Chiefland FFA member


"My favorite FFA memory...Dang. That's so hard to choose! I have two that are my favorite but for different reasons.  The first would be when I got a thank you letter from the local food pantry after I had donated a hog I had raised for the fair. They said it fed something like over 80 families, which in our community...because it's so small...is a ton. It really touched me, to know that so many people so close to you are food insecure and reliant on a food bank. And to help those is the greatest feeling in the world. It really changed how I saw things. Shortly after that was when I, and really the whole Chapter started focusing on food insecurity.  We did a summer seminar, and filmed with a TV crew, for the farmers network channel...it was so much fun. We met this wonderful reporter named Tyne Morgan and her crew was awesome and hilarious.  Getting to be on tv was so cool...We spent the day talking about what we wanted to accomplish, and we set goals, and we really learned about how many people don't know where there next meal is coming from. It was part of the Food For All Program.  Overall, that was one of my favorite memories.  We put on a workshop at state convention, and a presentation at national convention.. reps from our chapter spoke in Iowa, we helped a lot of people with out project and the memory is priceless."

--Taryn Epperson, former Cedar Key FFA member

How did FFA influence you?

Jake and Wes Sache, photo credit: Ashley Lynn Photography

"FFA helped me through SAE projects.  Also, going through interviews for Star Green Hand and Star Farmer.  It was beneficial to be on teams, and work together, and use what was learned on those teams."
--Jake Sache, Former Chiefland FFA member

Mr. Scott Mills

"The FFA has been a great learning influence on my life. I am currently a mechanic and I do a little farming. I began my FFA experience when I was in middle school and it has positively impacted my life since. I participated in the ag mechanics program which allowed me to expand my knowledge and show off new skills I had learned on how to mechanic on farm equipment. I also competed in tool identification which helped me learn the different tools and what they are used for. I also competed in tractor driving which allowed me to be proficient in operating farm equipment. With my gained knowledge on how to properly fix and operate farm equipment it helped me land my first job which was being a mechanic at Brookins John Deer tractor sales. I worked for 15 years then became a mechanic for my family business Standridge Baled pine straw. My career has been based around my love for FFA and the many tricks of the trade it has taught me."
--Scott Mills, Former Chiefland FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni member

Laci Cooper

"It’s been almost eleven years since I zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and just over 16 years since I first sat in an agriculture class. I surely didn’t know what I was in for when I sat there in Mrs. Smith’s room; a very shy, and easily intimidated, 7th grader. It was painful to talk to strangers, and I most definitely would not stand up in a room full of them and deliver a speech. Handle a cow in a show ring? I think not. Lead a group of peers in prayer? You’ve got to be kidding me! These things were the furthest from my mind of possibilities. Well, fast forward to the end of my senior year and there I was standing in front of fellow FFA members, parents, teachers and other supporters leading the Open and Closing Ceremonies for the final time as Bronson FFA Chapter President. So much- too many events, contests and awards to even mention- had taken place over that period of time. Somehow, shortly into my journey with the FFA, I was roped in as an alternate on a team. I had to memorize a small speaking part just in case one of the other members couldn’t make it. I ended up not being needed at that time, but it was enough to spark my interest for the next time. With a little (a lot) of persuasion from my mother and my advisor, I began to step out of my comfort zone and take on bigger tasks. I stood up in front of crowds, bigger each time. I competed on new teams that I could have never imagined myself joining. Literally- I judged everything from livestock, vegetables and soil, to speaking about water conservation and soil stewardship. I traveled across the state and to other parts of the country to learn about various agricultural practices and commodities, and I was honored to teach what I had learned to children from local elementary schools and beyond- all the way to Louisville, Kentucky. I lost track of the leadership conferences, camps and conventions I was fortunate enough to attend. Actually just a month or so ago I decided to part with the mound of FFA conference workbooks I had been hoarding. I glanced through them out of curiosity. These books were filled with recurring themes of how to be a leader, how to work together with your peers as a team, and setting and achieving goals. There were names of new friends and their AOL and MSN Messenger handles- some of which I am still friends with, some I don’t have a clue who they are! So what did all of this mean to mean? The conferences, the contests, the livestock fairs and traveling, it honestly all is a blur at this point. It breaks my heart a little because FFA was truly the best thing that happened to me during my youth and I hate that the memories are beginning to fade. Not just the FFA, but my advisor, my parents, my friends’ parents and others willing to teach, organize, critique, chauffeur- all of them- they helped shape me into the person I am today. That might sound cheesy but it’s totally true. My advisor and my mama pushed me to step out of my comfort zone- something I still have to make myself do. They believed in me, they pushed me, and they critiqued (sometimes when I didn’t ask for it.) This organization taught me how to believe in myself, how to push myself, and when to take chances. The FFA taught me how to lose, but then how to brush myself off and try harder the next time. There were a lot of victories throughout the years, but trust me, there were a lot of tears and heartache. Every win and loss was monumental, though I didn’t understand the significance of the losses at the time. There’s a lot about those years I wish I could go back and do again. It was truly a blast- except maybe the tears and heartache parts! One of the lines from the FFA Closing Ceremonies pops in my mind from time to time, 'As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life.' If FFA members take nothing else from this organization, I hope they take this. Oh, and I’ll leave ya’ll with a recurring statement that my advisor pounded in our heads (and one I still haven’t quite mastered after learning it almost 2 decades ago), the 6Ps: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance! Anyone coming from the Bronson FFA Chapter should be able to recite that in their sleep."
--Laci McGinty Cooper, Former Bronson FFA member

Kinsey Ward (Photo was taken in Washington DC at the WLC Leadership Conference)

"FFA, as a whole, entails the future of agriculture with faith in young people. As a 6th grade kid, FFA was where I found my passions after being cut from every sports team I tried out for. Little did I know that what I saw as a "last resort" club would take me all the way through high school and now even some of my college experience. FFA not only taught me how to be a leader, with strong morals and grace in front of crowds, but also how to interact one on one with people, deal with my own business endeavors, and be able to take pride in all of my attempts. FFA showed me the importance of diversity in agriculture, and in general, to make a functioning team of people. Most importantly, though, FFA taught me to embrace the way I was raised and love the agriculture industry, my 'inborn fondness for those associations which even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.' In October, I will follow in the footsteps of my great grandfather and past state vice president Lynn, my grandfather Joe and my mother Brooke to become a 4th generation recipient of the prestigious American Degree."
--Kinsey Ward, Former Chiefland FFA member

Hunter Parrish with Miss Harley Parrish

"From the time I was a young child, FFA has always been a major part of my life. For me, it began by seeing my older cousins wearing the blue and gold while showing calves at Suwannee River Fair. From that moment, I was hooked. I joined FFA in the sixth grade and have never looked back. FFA has taught me the importance of the agricultural industry. I have learned, first-hand, the value of a hard-earned dollar. I will always be appreciative to the FFA for helping to shape me into the man I am today."
--Hunter Parrish, Former Trenton FFA member

Cale McCall

"Growing up, I was always taught that you give back to whatever or whoever poured into your life. When I joined FFA in the sixth grade, I was outgoing but I never really found 'my place.' I didn't fit in with the 'cool' kids, or play any sports; so, when we were made to take an agriculture class in the sixth grade, I learned about the FFA. I can still recall what it felt like to attend my first meeting, and the anxious nerves of unpacking my very first FFA jacket. As my career progressed in the FFA, I met some of the most amazing people, and mentors. People who have poured their entire heart and souls into my life, and have shaped me to become the person I am today. To say the FFA changed my life, is an understatement and misconception. FFA made me who I am today, by taking the kid who didn't really have a place and giving him a place to flourish. The reason I ran for state office was for all the kids that felt the same way that I did, I wanted them to know that FFA is a place for everyone; that no matter where you come from, how you identify, what race, religion, or culture you claim...the FFA accepts you. I ran so that I could give back what they gave to me and build up the organization for future kids like me."
--Cale McCall, Former Dixie FFA member

Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

“Growing up, I was surrounded by agriculture. From growing watermelons in the spring time, to baling hay in the summer and fall, I have developed a passion for the agriculture industry. When I joined the FFA in sixth grade, I had the opportunity to learn leadership techniques and develop my public speaking ability. My participation in a prepared public speaking event helped me discover my desire to pursue a career in plant genetics. The FFA has established my abilities as a leader and gave me voice to advocate for the agriculture industry.”
--Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

Tenlee Beauchamp and Jared Twombly

"I don't think that I could choose one FFA memory. There have been so many, but to me, FFA is the long nights spent studying for a contest, conventions, conferences, road trips, and very close friendships. FFA has taught me the value of hard work and dedication. Had I not joined this amazing organization as a sixth grader, I would not be the person I am today."

--Tenlee Beauchamp, Chiefland Senior FFA member

What has been your favorite FFA project?

Mr. Randy Wilkerson wearing the tiara after winning the alumni show, and Ashley with her hog, Charlie.

"My favorite project would be the hog I showed my senior year, Charley. She was hands down my favorite, of the 10 I showed, because Daddy won the alumni show with her and had to wear a tiara all day!"
--Ashley Dayle Wilkerson, former Chiefland FFA member

Kyndal Bussard competing at the Suwannee River Fair

"My favorite project is my swine project.  It is my favorite because I love showing the pig at the fair and learning what I can do to make my project better for the next year.  I also look forward to seeing my friends show their pigs.  I also like dogs, so I love that I get to work with my dog, a 90 pound yellow lab, Colt.  I enjoy the bond that we have.  We are a team and have to work well together to be successful.  I enjoy meeting other young people and spending time with them and their dogs.  My favorite competition with Colt is agility, because he really gets to show off!  The obedience showmanship and rally are more disciplined...so I like to be able to let him run and have fun!"
--Kyndal Bussard, 8th Grade Dixie FFA member

Sam Mills

"My favorite project in FFA is beef production. I enjoy breeding and raising beef cows for show and maternal quality. I have a show herd of cows that I artificially inseminate to produce show quality heifers or steers for me to show at the SRF and at the state fair and numerous other local shows. My maternal commercial herd I use to produce good mothers and high quality meat. Normally, I sell those to people wanting to breed and raise calves. I throughly enjoy showing my calves and I practice with my calves daily so they will be the best at each show I take them to. I have won several championship titles and numerous showmanship belt buckles. No matter what, I always take away useful knowledge to help me on my next show."
--Sam Mills, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Nolan Benton

"Tool ID and showing my steer in the Fair.  I enjoyed learning all the different tools and their purpose and using that knowledge.  Having a steer is hard work, but I look forward to the Fair every year."
--Nolan Benton, Williston FFA member

This photo was taken right after the Ag Issues and Par Pro Competitions, Sydney is pictured on the far right.

"My favorite project was when we competed in Ag Issues at State Convention. Agriculture issues is a competition based on current events that are causing a problem in our communities. While searching for our topic, we decided to give our presentation on water conservation in the United States. We set up a presentation that was based on a meeting in the US Senate, where four state senators from Florida, Arizona, California, and Nevada got together to pose a solution to our water problem. This project was small, and although we did not place, our project influenced me to be a lobbyist for agriculture to help spread awareness...not only water conservation but the ag industry as a whole."
--Sydney Groom, Dixie Senior FFA Treasurer