Vickie Lynn community honors seniors

Last year, the Vickie Lynn community in Warner Robins held a reunion for people that grew up in the area.

It was such a success that the people that grew up and lived in Vickie Lynn want to not only remember their past but change the future in a similar way that their own lives were changed.

The Vickie Lynn community, according to Michelle Tuggle, a former resident of Vickie Lynn, was one of three housing projects that was developed in Warner Robins between the late 1950s to late 1960s. "The families that would come to Vickie Lynn during those years, and thereafter, have formulated a 'village' that has recently reunited to share memories, honor their ancestors, and merge the past with the present," Tuggle said.

Although the houses are no longer standing, the memories of the residents who traveled from across the country for the reunion held last year, are still strong. "I have to say that seeing all of the family that I grew up with in the Vickie Lynn community, after what seemed like a lifetime, was such a joy," said Tuggle, who lives in Florida. "I looked back at the families that were all one and said to myself, 'That's my sister or that's my brother. ' ''

After the reunion, former residents of the community decided not to let the momentum stop, A committee was formed with plans to honor the senior members of the community and to mentor a new generation

On Jan. 16, they hosted a seniors breakfast. Among those attending were sisters Juanita Edmonds-Duke and Helen Simon. "I am so proud of all of you that have made this happen," Duke said. "Helen and I are still talking about the wonderful reunion. We are just so proud of your commitment."

Barbara Anderson and Josie Barton were key coordinators and servers at the seniors breakfast. "I really enjoyed watching the seniors enjoy one another," Anderson said. "After many years of watching them cook and take care of us, it was really humbling and an honor being able to serve them. They all greeted each other like it was just yesterday.

The Vickie Lynn community continued with their recognition of the seniors from the area with a red carpet senior's appreciation gala Feb. 20.

"Despite our humble beginnings, the Vickie Lynn residents have elegantly managed to capture the hearts and minds of both their community and the city of Warner Robins," Tuggle said. "Through kindness, love, fellowship, and respect for their elders and their youth, the residents of Vickie Lynn have turned a moment into a movement."

This story was originally published March 15, 2016 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Vickie Lynn community honors seniors ."