Saturday, May 19, 2012
My Dear Cousins, The day has come to memorialize your beloved Mother, my adorable Aunt, and I am at a loss for sufficient words. Selfishly perhaps, I've been preoccupied with my own beloved Mother, your adorable Aunt, who as you know has been in the hospital. I wanted to have some of Mom's photos of your mother scanned to post here, but unfortunately they remain in her photo albums. I did manage to get the albums out for her to look at for her own private memorial now that she is home. But I'm here to remember your mother, my Aunt Mavis, and what comes to mind first is how she could cook as good as her Mother, Grandma Coston. I loved eating at your amazing home in Virginia with all her fancy dishes and serving-ware. I especially adored the little individual salt cellars she would sometimes use as place settings with a flower floating in them instead of salt. She was so creative that way, and I loved it! Every time I would come to your house (which was not enough times) I would marvel at her fascinating collections of birds, shells, and other interesting memorabilia. It was probably what inspired me first as far as collecting and displaying. She had such a discerning eye. It was also great fun to explore there, whether in the house with multiple fireplaces (complete with hoove prints), in the barn swinging into some hay, or out in the fields making the cows run and riding on the tractor. Aunt Mavis was a good sport for all of the mischief, and appreciated as such. Another thing that instantly comes to mind is her humorous wit; she was so darn funny. I loved hearing her laugh while joking around with Uncle Clayborne, or one of you, or my Mom and our Aunts. She was so loving and natural and free-spirited. And of course that's what will likely sustain you through this sad time, Mavis's beautiful spirit. I wish I could be there with you to pay my respect today, as does Mom, but we are both there in our hearts. Ninety seven and a half years old and sharp as a tack, what an amazing feat. What an amazing life. Peace to you and yours, Marsha and Clinton. Much love, Kimerly Dawn
