Wade Family Reunion held in Darlington Heights

Published 1:16 pm Thursday, August 4, 2016

The descendants of Lizzie and Maxie Wade met for their ninth reunion June 18-19 at the Darlington Heights Firehouse in Prince Edward County. There was fun, food and fellowship for all ages during the weekend.

Kimberley Wade Ray has researched the history of the family extensively. She has documented research showing Maxie Wade was born on March 12, 1868, to John “Jack” and Clementine Wade at Avondale — the residence of G.W. Watson in the Taro community of Charlotte County. Maxie died Jan. 15, 1919, during an influenza epidemic. His wife, Lizzie Jackson Wade, was born to Martha Ann and Elijah Jackson in 1866. Her birthplace is unknown, but some evidence supports it may have been in the Madisonville area of Charlotte County. Lizzie and Maxie were the parents of 13 children. Three of their children died within a year of their birth and one child died during his adolescence. Their surviving children either moved to West Virginia to seek employment or remained in Taro. Lizzie and Maxie are buried in the St. Andrews Baptist Church cemetery in Cullen. Several of their children are also buried there.

The weekend began with a “Meet and Greet” and family choir rehearsal on Saturday morning. Belinda Morton Gee gave opening remarks followed by prayer by Minister Jonathan Wade. Greetings were extended to all by Ashley Roberts. Justin Wade introduced the children and descendants of Lizzie and Maxie Wade. A Litany of Remembrance was read by India and Tre’ Holcomb. Mary Wilson Holcomb presented the honorees for the reunion: twin sisters – Naomi Wilson Holland and Ruth Wilson Holcomb.

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The following empowerment sessions were held: “Reach Out and Touch” — Kim Ray, “Supporting Your Foundation” — Cornell Goldman and Brian Goldman, and “Where Do We Go From Here?” — George Wayne Carrington. The family enjoyed listening to how technology is being incorporated into the family’s communication, being updated on St. Andrews Baptist Church current expansion project, and brainstorming about continuing the family legacy. Elizabeth Carrington and Stacy Wade reported family news. Tiffany Randolph blessed the food and the family enjoyed a delicious dinner, “$2 Pyramid Game” and fellowship.

Charmie Bruce, granddaughter of Lizzie and Maxie Wade, received a plaque, compliments of F & S Enterprises, photographers for the reunion. It is inscribed with the family‘s theme, “A Tree Is Known By the Fruit It Bears” and a picture of the daughters of the late Rosa Wade Wilson.

On Sunday morning, the family worshipped with the St. Andrews Baptist Church family. Minister Jonathan Wade, the great-great grandson of Lizzie and Maxie Wade, preached a spirit-filled sermon. The Wade Family Choir, under the direction of Gleniss Wade, provided the music. Family members returned to the Darlington Heights Firehouse for dinner and farewell. Everyone left for their homes in Georgia; Maryland; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia, making plans for 2018.