Suffolk News-Herald

Hugging, kissing and plenty of reminiscing took place in the home of Clarence Johnson when the Booker T. Alumni Class of 1956 celebrated its 48th-year Class Reunion from 6 p.m. until on May 29.

This was the third reunion that the class had celebrated separate from other classes. In the past it had celebrated semi-annually with the Booker T. Alumni Association and in 1979 with the Class of 1955.

The class graduated 33 students and 15 attended.

The Johnsons have always been known for their exquisite home decorations during special events and holidays.

The very large den was decorated with red white and blue streamers (school colors), and miniature red and blue lights that were spread throughout the streamers. Round guest tables were also covered with red tablecloths.

One table was a memorial of deceased classmates, and another decorated table held decorated gifts wrapped in red and blue paper that were given to each attendee as they departed for the evening

Eleanor Deloatch Jack from Chesapeake said that it was a joy to be with her classmates of 48 years. &uot;Everyone looks absolutely fabulous,&uot; she said.

&uot;It’s awesome! It’s just like being back with family,&uot; said Richard Ricks from Portsmouth.

During the reunion a delicious feast was served, a memorial period took place for deceased members, and furniture was pulled back for oldies but goodies and line dancing.

Superlatives: Mary White still looked the same as high school days; Clifton Outlaw was the classmate with the most children at 15; and Deanna Staton Cross traveled the farthest from Savannah, Ga.

Those attending were Deanna Staton Cross, Wanda Boykins Barnes, Mary Mayfield White, Ann Coates Sadler, Eleanor Deloatch Jack, Julia Myrick Bradley, Mickey Bailey, Alma Holly Lundy, Richard Ricks Sr., Clifton Outlaw, Maurice Blount Sneed, Earnestine Beasley Ballard, Clarence Johnson, Bertha Thorne Wigfall, and Stephen Ricks.

The class also held a class meeting and decided to hold its 50th-year reunion in 2006.