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The Faver Alumni, Friends and Family Association held its 16th triennial reunion on July 15th-17th, 2022. The theme was “Keeping the Faver Spirit and Legacy Alive.” The attire was Hawaiian with leis to be worn at all times, even for a “white out” dance as planned by Margaret M. Williams, decorator for Faver events.
The association began its kickoff with tables for hospitality in Faver’s entry hall (Wesley Bennett) and for registration in the auditorium (Margaret N. Williams, financial secretary, and Shirley Phillips, secretary). After a small crowd had gathered , vicepresident Darryl Hughes hosted a short program that consisted of a prayer by Rev. Orville Roper, chaplain; a welcome by Christine Hathorn, president; and a musical selection by Rev. Hersey Hammons, well-known pastor and local activist. It ended with attendees going outside for a balloon release. A meet and greet followed at the Drexel Event Center.
Later that evening the association had a banquet at the Cimarron Golf Club where caterer Allen Bean provided a wonderful meal. Carnelia Hughes hosted and Minister Norma Guff, chairperson for the Faver career tech grant committee, was the guest speaker. She was introduced by her classmate, Dr. Leon Bragg, retired dentist. Mahogany Greenhoward, invited as a 2022 grant recipient, sent apologies for not being able to attend. When the banquet ended, attendees returned to the Drexel Event Center for a social hour hosted by DJ Myron Williams.
On Saturday morning the association had its general assembly with Dr. Lola King serving as the mistress of ceremony. Special guests were Dr. Mike Simpson, GPS superintendent, and Jim Case, Guthrie’s vice-mayor. Carmen Bennett (courtesy and Ad Booklet committees) recognized the veterans and conducted a memorial tribute for members who had passed away since the last reunion in 2018. The guest speaker for this even was Minister Ruth Wooten (First Baptist Church) who was introduced by her mother, Carzetta Threatts. Rev. Hammons offered another musical selection. After the assembly, attendees adjourned to the Drexel Event Center for a picnic catered by George’s Happy Hog BBQ of OKC. A fashion show planned by Margaret N. Williams and Connie Hughes followed the picnic.
On Saturday evening at 7 p.m. the reunion dance began at the Drexel Event Center with everyone instructed to wear white. Myron Williams repeated his duties as DJ. The opening highlight was the Motown Review where selected Faverites perform their versions of such artists as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and the Temptations while encouraging the audience to do old school dances. The review went so well, a repeat performance was requested. Connie Hughes handled the food for the occasion with delicious assorted platters.
FAVER REUNION » PAGE 8 Awards were presented for the first person to register: Dr. Leon Bragg; oldest, most seasoned person to attend: Steve Hamlin; and the person traveling the farthest: Evelyn Banks of San Francisco, CA. Beautiful and exquisitely designed artwork by local artist Gladys Brown was used as door prizes for seven very lucky winners.
The reunion ended on Sunday with a farewell dinner at the center catered by B & B Catering Services of OKC. Comments were made by the president with thanks to all who made the reunion a success. Hopes are to do it again in 2025 or sooner as suggested by Mathis Hathorne, treasurer, who along with his assistant, Wayne Nephew took care of money issues. Special appreciation to Carole M. Hider, a longtime member and officer, who passed away on June 28, 2022. The association’s next meeting is at 10 a.m. on September 9, 2022 at the Faver annex on Perkins Street.