Monday, July 28, 2025

Dear Grier Family and Friends,

Here’s hoping everyone had a safe return home from the 54th Grier Family Reunion in Lorain, Ohio.  Let me start by sincerely thanking everyone for attending and participating this past weekend.  It was refreshing to reminisce about Reunions of the past and wonderful to welcome our newest family members, Antonio and Angela Ross.  I do hope that everyone was able to seize a sizeable slice of enjoyment during our time together.

On Friday, fantastic food was the theme, and the Hospitality Suite was the scene: spaghetti, salad, subs, chips, ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, fruit, cookies, brownies, ice cream, and an assortment of beverages lined the tables.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a few competitive games of cornhole on the patio.  We then had our Business Meeting, which brought about a change in Reunion fees.  Adult fees were reduced from $200 to $150.  We also elected a new Treasurer: Alicia Price.  Congratulations, Alicia!  I know you will do an outstanding job for many years to come. Your enthusiasm was quite palpable, and I thank you for that. I also want to send my appreciation to Valerie Bowles for her years of service. Job well done, Val!

After breakfast on Saturday, we headed to Main Event for an afternoon of bowling.  We also celebrated LaNetta Price’s birthday (please see cake).  

Saturday night’s banquet was held at Knights of St. John where it was catered by Marshae Tate.  The menu included salad, green beans, Puerto Rican rice, roasted potatoes, macaroni and cheese, baked chicken, fried chicken, salmon, fish, turkey ribs, and a host of desserts.  Thank you, Marshae for preparing such a delicious dinner.

We then enjoyed a fantastic fashion show from the family, hosted by Sweet Lorraine.  From Barbara and Eddie Gaston to Chris Knox to Kelli McBurrows to everyone else, you all have splendid style!  

Congratulations to our Grier Family Reunion Scholarship Fund recipient, Kayla Knox.  I wish you continued success in your educational journey.  

After a night of dancing, we ended the evening—make that the morning—back at the Hospitality Suite for boxing.  Claressa Shields emerged victorious once again!

After breakfast on Sunday morning, Octavia Payne opened Worship Services with a special prayer on the theme of “Hope.” She emphasized the omnipresence of “Hope” and the capabilities and power it possesses.  

Barbara and Eddie Gaston then sang “Trust in God,” which inspired and lifted us all.  

Del Bowles then delivered the Word, focusing on “Love.” He reminded us that “Love always protects” and how important it is that we learn to “Love ourselves better.”  

Octavia, Barbara, and Del, a thousand thanks for providing the Sunday spiritual nourishment.  

To the Ohio Committee: Sweet Rock Hamilton, Sweet Lorraine Weaver Capers, Stan Weaver, Alicia Price, Monica Weaver, Marian Weaver, Charniece Weaver, Adrianne Weaver. Please accept my heartfelt THANK YOU for all of your hard work, from the planning stages of the Reunion all the way through Sunday.  Without fail, you all attended each meeting and imparted invaluable input and followed through with every commitment you made. You all made a number of sacrifices for the overall good and health of the Reunion, and I thank you for this.  It is always a pleasure to work with each of you and see plans, concepts, and ideas come to fruition. I love you all, and I appreciate everyone’s efforts immensely.  Everyone earned an A+ for the entire process. Lastly, Mr. Stan Weaver, you are a great man.  Thanks for the kind words and support.  

Family, as we know, next year we will be in Orlando, Florida.  Please spread the word as far as you can.  Look for information regarding the Reunion in the very near future.  Please try to send your fees in as soon as possible, so Allen and Jasmine Graham can have an accurate count and plan accordingly.

Thank you to each Officer for all you do to ensure success, regardless of the challenge or task before you.  

Have an amazing week, and please try to be a Blessing to someone in some small way.  Thank you.

Patrick Weaver

President

440-670-2631

patricklweaver@yahoo.com