2008 Family Reunion News

It's time to make plans to attend our 51st Annual W.C. Peters FamilyReunion that is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Sweet HollowResort in Corbin KY (between Lily and Corbin). Potluck will be the menuand lunch will begin at 1:00 P.M. Arrive early so we can get the table of food set and ready to go at 1:00 (announcements should begin at12:45). Spread the word to family members who are not on our emailaddress list.

See you there, Charles Peters

Update on Kasey Lynn Sumner

The following story was published in the March 6 edition of the Corbin Times. If you are among the many family members who were praying for Kasey, please be sure to thank God and tell others about how God answered your prayer.

Published: March 06, 2008 09:02 am
Baby Kasey's doing well
By Samantha Swindler / Managing EditorBack home after heart surgery, Kasey Lynn Sumner is making great strides in her recovery.
She’s got more tests, cardiologist visits and the removal of stitches in her future, but her family is already noticing one of the signs of her recovery — a little bit of chub of her five-month-old legs.
Little Kasey had struggled to gain weight — she was only 8 pounds, 7 ounces about a month ago — because of a hole in her heart she had since birth. Doctors had planned a surgery in May to close the hole, but when they discovered her heart had enlarged, they moved up the procedure to within weeks. They also moved the surgery from Lexington to C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich.Kasey’s 18-year-old mother Jessica, and her grandmother Debbie Sumner, weren’t planning on the additional and sudden expenses, and the community came together to help. Insurance paid for the procedure, but donations were taken at local banks to help the family pay for gas, food and lodging during their week-long stay in Michigan. The Sumners were able to stay four nights in a Ronald McDonald House, and the community donations helped with other expenses.
“With all of my heart, I want to thank everyone that said a prayer, had their church praying, gave us prayer cloths, gave us a kind thought and smile, and for the financial help,” Debbie wrote in an e-mail thanking those who helped. “When the phone call came that Kasey would have to go to Michigan, I did not know what we were going to do, but by that afternoon things started happening. I don’t want to start naming names because I am afraid I would leave someone out, but the love and concern of people just started flowing like a river. The worries of the trip were washed away, and all thoughts could be focused totally on Kasey. Thanks to all, we made it up there and back just fine, we had plenty to eat, and a warm place to sleep.”
Kasey had surgery on Friday, Feb. 15, and surprised everyone with her quick recovery.
“They had told us that Kasey would be on life support for about two to three days,” Debbie wrote. “The next day on Saturday, around 11 a.m., they started doing what they call ‘sprinting.’ They said this allowed them to see how well the lungs were going to do. Kasey immediately started breathing on her own, and they were amazed. They kept the life support in and ran multiple tests, and they all came back fine, and around 4 p.m., the doctor told them to take her off of life support ... The nurses said that was the fastest they had ever seen a child start breathing on their own.”
Within days, Kasey was released from the hospital and was back home in North Corbin.
On Monday, she hit the big one-zero — weighing in at 10 pounds even. “It was just like, when we went in (to the hospital), Jessica and I felt like we brought the town with us,” Debbie said Wednesday. “It’s just like a presence that you could just feel everybody’s prayers and thoughts.“It’s been a blessing, and it’s not just financial,” she said. “The prayers, the concern, the love, it didn’t matter what church, there were all different denominations praying. It was a community thing, and it will never be forgotten. It’s a testimony, it really is.”

Debbie Hedrick

Yesterday James Peters told me about the passing of Debbie Hedrick. Debbie was a good friend of the Peters family and has attended our family reunion in the past. The following obituary was published in the Corbin Times Tribune:

Deborah Hedrick
Deborah Hedrick “Debbie” Hedrick, 52, of Corbin, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. She was the daughter of the late Edward Russell and Bettie Sawyer Hedrick Sr. She was born May 28, 1955 in Corbin. She was a member of South Park United Baptist Church and a member of the Ladies Aide at South Park United Baptist Church.She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Russell Hedrick Sr.; mother, Bettie Sawyer Hedrick; grandparents, J.C. and Ida Benge, and Tom and Easter Sawyer; nephew, Steve Fleming; brothers-in-law, Charlie Bill Litteral, Lawrence Henderlight, Larry Woodlee, Luther Burner and Dennis Pickard.Survivors include two brothers, Jim Hedrick (and Mrs. Linda) of Nashville, Tenn., and Russell Hedrick (and Mrs. Jane) of Gray; six sisters, Faye Pickard of Corbin, Anna Litteral of Corbin, Alma Henderlight Burner of Corbin, Lois Harrison Cathers (and Mr. David) of Corbin, Linda King (and Mr. Norwood) of Gray, Pat Mitchell (and Mr. Murrell, Jr.) of Corbin; and a host of family and friends who mourn her passing.Debbie’s homecoming celebration services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Corbin Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Steve Cole and Rev. Paula Farmer officiating.Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Corbin.Pallbearers will be Ms. Hendrick’s nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be members of South Park United Baptist Church.The family of Deborah “Debbie” Hedrick will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at Corbin Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to South Park United Baptist Church’s general fund, PO Box 933, Woodbine, Kentucky, 40771. To the Deborah “Debbie” Hedrick family, the staff of Corbin Funeral Home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.Corbin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, Byron L. Schiesz, director. Published in the Times Tribune from 2/27/2008 - 2/29/2008.

2-21-08 Update on Kasey Lynn Sumner

2-21-08
Good news from James Peters! Last night, shortly after midnight, Debbie, Jessica and Kasey Lynn dropped in for a visit (at James and Jackie's home in Corbin)! They had just arrived back in Corbin from Michigan.

James said that Kasey was breathing easier than before the surgery, and she looked more relaxed than before the surgery. One section of her heart had enlarged due to the original problem. The doctors said that the enlarged section had developed over a five-month period as a result of the holes in her heart. They expect that it'll take another five months for the damage to be un-done. She still has a long way to go down the road to recovery, but she has made it through major open-heart surgery much better than most of the doctors expected.
Even though Kasey is a long way from being recovered, we have much to be thankful for. Right off hand I can think of the following:

1. A safe trip to Michigan and back in the middle of Winter when there were snow storms and seriously cold temperatures throughout the midwest. As I was speaking with James, they were bracing for a major ice storm in Corbin - just hours after Debbie, Jessica, and Kasey's safe arrival home.
2. Good doctors and nurses who were blessed with the knowledge and facilities required to perform an operation that would have been impossible just a few years ago
3. Prayers and support from family and friends, and
4. God's mercy and grace in making all this possible.

Let's thank Him for answering our prayers so far as we continue to pray for Kasey's complete recovery in the months to come...

2-18-08 Evening:
I spoke with James Peters this evening. The last news he heard was yesterday (Sunday, 2/17) afternoon. The news was good at that time. They had removed all the tubes and had taken her off the respirator. She started breathing on her own as soon as they took her off the respirator and had been breathing on her own for several hours at that time. They were surprised at how well she came off the respirator.

Also, as of yesterday afternoon, they had already given her Pedialite and were starting her on Formula. The doctors were amazed at her progress! When James and Jackie called she was reaching for the phone. James was able to record her crying, and she sounded strong on the recording.

That's all we know up to now. James will call me as soon as he gets another update, and I'll post it on this web site. Meanwhile, KEEP PRAYING (prayer of thanksgiving for our prayers being answered so far and pray for continued good progress).

2-16-08 morning
Received the following update from Lois (Alene) Peters this morning:

Kasey Lynn had some bleeding during the night. They gave her blood and were able to get the bleeding stopped.

I'll continue to post updates as I receive them. Meanwhile, keep praying!

2-15-08 afternoon:
Kasey Lynn went into surgery today at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan at about 1:00 pm. to close two holes in her heart.
She came out of surgery at about 4:10 this afternoon. The doctors successfully closed up both holes. Their report was, "It went well. There was a little excessive bleeding but they were able to stop it."
Thanks to all of you for your prayers - KEEP PRAYING!

Posting from Wednesday:
James and Jackie Peters' Great Ganddaughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is having serious health issues. Debbie (daughter of James and Jackie and grandmother of Kasey Lynn) will take her to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday with plans for open heart surgery on Friday, February 15. Kasey will be 5 months old on the 19th and weighs 8 lbs. (The photo above is Jessica holding her daughter Kasey.)

A special fund has been set up to help cover the travel expenses. If you would like to donate to this fund, you may send your donation to Forcht Bank, Kasey Lynn Sumner Fund, P.O. Box 2600, London, KY 40743. Attention Keri. Make checks payable to the "Kasey Lynn Summer fund."

If you live in the London area, you may also make a donation in person at any Forcht Bank. Specify that your donation is for the Kasey Lynn Sumner fund.

The Peters family has always had the reputation of being people who are there to help in times of need. Your help will be greatly appreciated and is definitely needed!





The following article was in the Corbin Times Tribune newspaper on February 5:





Published: February 05, 2008 09:38 am
Infant needs donations
By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor


It’s certainly not easy being a single teenage mom. And for Corbin mother Jessica Sumner, it’s only gotten harder. At nearly four-and-a-half months old, her daughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is actually smaller than on the day she was born. Without a surgery planned for later this month, she could face more problems, and now friends are taking donations to help pay for the family’s expenses during their trip to a Michigan hospital.


“Kasey was diagnosed when my daughter was pregnant with a heart defect, and so whenever she was born, they told us she had two holes in her heart and she would eventually have to have surgery if the holes didn’t close up,” said Jessica’s mother Debbie Sumner. “Through medication and a lot of prayer and through time, we thought the holes would close.”


But the holes did not heal on their own. Last Monday, Jessica said she learned surgery would be needed, and the procedure could likely be done in May. But on Wednesday, doctors said the surgery couldn’t wait. Kasey’s heart had enlarged and the Sumners need to be at C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Feb. 13, with surgery scheduled for Feb. 15.


“It just kindly hit us really quick,” Debbie said. “We were expecting the holes to just start closing. Her heart’s enlarged and they need to do it now.”


Kasey weighted 8 pounds, 14 ounces when she was born a month early on Sept. 19, but part of that weight was because Jessica is diabetic, and it caused Kasey to be born with high blood sugar and extra fat. She dropped down to a low of 7 pounds, 4 ounces, but is now 8 pounds, 8 ounces.


“She doesn’t cry a whole lot, she’s a good baby in that sense,”Jessica said. “She makes little noises when she breathes. She’s on four different medications.


“I’m 18 years old,” she added about Kasey’s diagnosis. “It was extremely hard. With the help of my mom and support of family members we got through it.”




Jessica graduated from South Laurel High School last year. The baby’s father isn’t involved in Jessica’s life, she said. With Kasey needing regular feeding every three hours — even if it takes waking the baby at night to feed — Jessica lives with Debbie and isn’t working. She plans, though, to take online college courses and pursue a career in social work.


“My mom has been total moral support, and if not for her, I don’t think I could have made it,” Jessica said. “My family has been there for me, and.. it amazes me how people will help in a small town when they realize something bad has happened. It’s a hard situation.”


“We did expect surgery,” Jessica added. “But we didn’t expect a week(‘s notice) to go to Michigan. We were expecting in three months to spend a week in Lexington.”




The family does have insurance to pay for the procedure, but it will not cover costs for travel, meals and hotel expenses for the one to two weeks Jessica and Debbie will be in Michigan.


A friend — who asked not to be named in this story — heard about the Sumner’s troubles and offered to help. “(She) is a friend here at the school,” Debbie said. “We’re just working people, and she said ‘you need some money?’ and I said, well, what can I say...”


The friend set out on an e-mail campaign seeking donations and agreed to pay for a rental car to take the girls to Michigan. “Bless her heart, I feel blessed by the niceness of people, (even though) this is a bad situation to say you feel blessed in,” Debbie said.




An account has been set up at Forcht Bank in Kasey Sumner’s name for donations for the family’s expenses. If the family isn’t able to raise money through donations, Jessica said they’ll find a way to get to Michigan. “We’ll borrow it no matter what, because Kasey has to have heart surgery no matter what,” she said.

Special Prayer Request

The following was received from Charles Peters today (February 11, 2008):

James and Jackie's Great Ganddaughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is having serious health issues. Debbie will take her to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday with plans for open heart surgery on Friday, February 15. Kasey will be 5 months old on the 19th and weighs 8 lbs. James requested that we put Kasey in our prayers.

Kasey is the daughter of Jessica Sumner and Granddaughter of Debbie Sumner.

Charley

Thanksgiving Update on Health of William Peters

I received the following update on Uncle William's health...

The wait is over. My son Dr. Ralph Peters called me last evening and told me he had seen the pathology report, and there was no sign of cancer. Isn't the Lord good? He knows the end from the beginning.

William

The following health update was received today from Uncle William:

The radiation treatments are over now , and I have had my two week follow up. Everything seems to be going well. I will have more follow ups in November, which will tell more.

Charlotte seems to be doing better now that the Dr. has taken away some of the medication from her. I will be going to see her after while.

William

James and Jackie 50th Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to James and Jackie Peters on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married 50 years ago on October 19, 1957.

I posted this over a week before their anniversary so you would have plenty of time to send them a card or a note. I'm sure they would also enjoy a phone call or a visit. They're an amazing couple, and this would be a good time to let them know how much our family loves them.

Mark

Update on Aunt Ruby Proffit - More Surgery

Randy McIntosh called this evening to give me an update on Aunt Ruby. She is scheduled to have Surgery on Monday, Sep 24 to have a pacemaker installed. At the time we spoke, that's all the information Randy had; however, he was going to call Florida later on this evening to try to find out more. I'll update this posting when I hear more.

Mark

Aunt Ruby Injured in Fall

The following message was received from Randy McIntosh last Thursday (9-13-07) Unfortunately, Wendy and I have been moving into a new house and I just got connected to the internet after being "in the dark" for a couple of weeks. I spoke with Randy on Friday, and he told me that Aunt Ruby had surgery on her hip and that her wrist will be kept in a soft cast. The hip surgery went well. I'll post any updates as I receive them.

Message from Randy McIntosh:
Just a quick note to let you know that Aunt Ruby fell last night and is in the hospital.
Cathy (Ruby’s daughter) called and wanted me to let you know so you could get it in the family blog site.
Also she broke her hip and wrist. She may be going into surgery sometime today.
I don’t know the name of the hospital she is in, but when I get it I will pass it on.
Randy

A Brief Bio of William Christopher Peters

The following biography of W.C. Peters is from William B. Peters.


A BRIEF BIO OF WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER PETERS
By
William B. Peters
William Christopher Peters. Fondly known as (Uncle Billy) was born in Laurel County Kentucky on Thursday, August 24th. 1860. to John and Sarah Ann "Robinson" Peters. John and Sarah were shoemakers for the McNeal Company located in Laurel County KY.
William’s father died when he was only 5 years old, but he was ambitious and got an education
William was a school teacher in the 1880s and 90s. and into the 1900s. he was also A carpenter and engaged in farming. He was also a ordained minister. In 1917 he was first elected to the office of Laurel County Tax Commissioner, and was reelected in 1921. 1929, and 1937, he continued in the office until his death on March 10, 1941 exactly 60 years after his first marriage.
William met Elizabeth Lockaby in 1880 While visiting his cousins, Eliza and Louisa the twin daughters of George and Elizabeth "Reams" Peters. Elizabeth was the daughter of George and America "Reams" Lockaby, also a cousin to the daughters of George and Elizabeth Peters. They were married on Friday March 10th 1881. They had 10 children, see archives Sept 2006. Elizabeth died on MAY 17TH. 1903.
After being a widower for 5 years he met and married Mary Jane Creech on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1908. They had 5 children, see archives, Sept. 2006. Mary died on Dec. 07, 1918 during the fle epidemic, leaving him a widower once again.
After being a widower for 3 years he met and married Grace B. Davis on Monday, April 4th. 1921. They had 4 children, see archives Sept. 2006.
Uncle Billy went home on March 10th. 1941.

Uncle William Peters - Health Concerns

I received an email from Uncle William Peters today with the news that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus - in the VERY EARLY stages. He will soon begin undergoing radiation treatments.

Please make this a matter of prayer for the Peters family. Also, I suspect that Uncle William wouldn't object to a phone call or a card.

Mark

New Family Member - Abbey Townley. Great Granddaughter of Fay Peters Lunsford

Announcing the birth of the newest family member (that I know of): Abbey Townley was born yesterday to Heather and Brian Townley. Heather is the daughter of Grant Reed and the grand daughter of Fay Peters Lunsford. Now, you might think that this is a repeat of my announcement from last week; but it's not! This is the second birth in Grant's family in the past week. Both are girls. And Abbey makes two great grand daughters born into Fay's family within the past week.

Welcome to the family, Abbey!

New Family Member - Lily Fay Reed (Great Grand Daughter of Fay Peters Lunsford)

Mike and Constance Reed have a new daughter, Lily Fay. She is the great granddaughter of Fay Peters Lunsford (Fay from Lily - Do you get the connection with the name?)

We'll look forward to seeing Lily Fay at the reunion - maybe next year!

Be sure to let me know whenever you have news to post on the family web site. Photos are always welcome. Mark

Good Photo of W.C. Peters

Received the following from William and Charlotte Peters...

Mark here is a color picture of dad. Actually it is a enhancement of a black and white picture.

William and Charlotte

Jonathan Goodin

Jonathan Goodin passed away last Saturday morning at the age of 38 - the result of a heart attack. Jonathan was the husband of Vicky Robinson Goodin, father of Lauren and G.J. and son of Catherine Peters Goodin and the late Paul Goodin .

Services will be at the House-Rawlings Funeral Home in London, Kentucky at the following times:

Visitation:
6:00 P.M. Tuesday 5/8/07 At House - Rawlings Funeral Home

Funeral Service:
1:00 P.M. Wednesday 5/9/07 In The House - Rawlings Chapel

Interment:
River Hill Church Cemetery

The funeral home is located at 510 East 4th Street, London, KY 40741. Phone 606-864-2158.

Patricia Britton Sink

I would like the family to know that Patricia Britton Sink went to be with the Lord on March 27. A beautiful memorial service was conducted. at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church with family and friends participating. The final message was given by her brother, Rev. C. Harvey Britton. We laid her to rest in the Britton family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery, Ashland, Ky. She is survived by her brothers, David M. Britton (Dottie), C.Harvey Britton (Peggy), and sister, Mary Louise Parsons(Bill) ; her children, Jon Sink, Harvey Britton Sink, and Kimberly Ann Trahan(Eric) and two grandchildren as well as several devoted nieces and nephews. Her memory will be cherished. She was the daughter of Harvey and Christina (Benge) Britton and granddaughter of Lou .Benge.

Please post this on the family site in case there are those who have not heard. Thank you. Mary Lou Parsons

50th Anniversary W.C. Peters Family Reunion

From Charles Peters:
The W.C. Peters Family will gather together on Sunday June 24, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to celebrate our 50th annual family reunion. The reunion will be held at Sweet Hollow Resort Recreation Center located on State Route 2392 (old U.S. 25) between Lily and Corbin. Lunch is potluck and will begin at 1:00 p.m., so bring your favorite kettle (a deep vessel, bowl or pot loaded with something good to eat). The afernoon should be full of good fellowship, family stories, recreation at the swimming pool for the young people (or young at heart), horseshoe pitch contest, door prize drawings, etc. Get the word out to all the members of the family and let's make this a high attendance year in celebration of our 50th anniversary of the W.C. Peters Family Reunion.

Update on Patricia Anne Britton-Sink (3-15-07)

The following update was received today from Mary Parsons. Please continue to keep Particia in your prayers.

Dear Family, My sister, Patricia, is now off the respirator and breathing on her own with the help of oxygen as needed. She is still in CCU, Baptist East Hospital, in Louisville and is still in critical condition. However, our Lord has worked miracles thus far and we continue to pray for total recovery. For now we are grateful for the improvement. All her systems and functions are now performing within a normal range at last checkpoint. The nurses are amazed. So are we. Please continue to pray for we are not out of the woods yet. She is still responding to the antibiotics and pneumonia is a danger. Thank you, Mary Louise


Mary Parsons
gramsmlu@earthlink.net

W.A. Peters - Updated on 3-14-07

W.A. Peters passed away Tuesday morning after an extended illness. His services will be held at the House-Rawlings Funeral Home in London. Viewing will be on Thursday, March 15 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be on Friday, March 16 at 11:00.

House-Rawlings Funeral Home
510 East 4th Street
London, KY 40741
800-307-0455 or 606-864-2158

The following is from the House-Rawlings web site:
William A. (W.A.) Peters
Age: 71
Visitation:
5:00 P.M. Thursday 3/15/07 At House - Rawlings Funeral Home
Funeral Service:
11:00 A.M. Friday 3/16/07 In The House - Rawlings Chapel
Interment:
Cumberland Memorial Gardens

Mr. Peters was the widower of Irene Rush Peters, father of Pam (Dean) Gilbert, Tim (Denise) Peters and Rhonda (James) Bishop all of London, the brother of Wanda Jean Brock of Hamilton, Ohio, Faith DeLaPena and Lloyd "Cotton" Peters both of Lily, Kentucky, Mae Bales of Keavy, Kentucky and Sue Vires of Mesa, Arizona he is also survived by 6 grandchildren.

Two Topics: Donations to honor Bob O'Connell and Peters Family Military Veterans' Quilt

If you were unable to send flowers or make a contribution in honor of Bob O'Connell, the family has suggested that donations may be made to the Peters Family Reunion fund in honor of Bob.

Also, on another topic: Aunt Ruby received only a few photos of Peters Family service men to use for the quilt she was planning to make in honor of family members who served in the military. Therefore, she will not be able to make the quilt.

(On a personal note, I thought Aunt Ruby's offer to make the quilt was a tremendously patriotic and loving gesture on her part. I'm sad that the response to her request to send the photos was not good. We lost a precious family treasure! Thanks Aunt Ruby for your desire to give our family such a special gift.)