Waller-Chaffin family gather from all over U.S.
BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WARFIELD — This year marks the 100th annual Waller-Chaffin June Meetin’ in Martin County, and Friday’s storm damage at the Chaffin Cemetery will not stop it. The monumental event kicks off Friday with a spaghetti supper and wraps up Sunday with dinner at the Waller Homeplace at 5266 Hode Road in Warfield.
Wendy Richards says the family will not want to miss out.
“Despite this obstacle, we will hold our reunion and Sunday service,” Richards said. “We have been coming together the fourth Sunday in June since 1923.”
Richards’ great-great-grandmother Sarah Chaffin started the annual meeting after her husband James Chaffin passed away.
“Sarah said, ‘We will celebrate James the fourth Sunday in June,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing ever since for 100 years,” said Richards.
“James was a Methodist circuit minister and well known in the area, and Sarah wanted to give everyone enough notice to come celebrate James after his passing.”
James and Sarah’s youngest daughter Josie Chaffin and family carried on the tradition.
“Josie had 14 children, and all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren still come to celebrate our family and the ties that bind,” said Richards. “Josie’s oldest grandson Larry Waller just celebrated his 80th birthday and this will be his 80th June Meetin’.”
The family will travel to Martin County from all over the country. Richards will come from Northern California to join with cousins from Texas, Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina and Kentucky.
There will be a silent auction Saturday at the Homeplace.
“Tables will be set up, so bring your handmade crafts and arts,” said Richards.
Brunch is 9:30 a.m. Saturday at The Homeplace. Richards said, “Be sure to bring food items to share.”
There will be a Homeplace Commemoration at 11 a.m.
Waller Chaffin Inc. will hold its annual meeting at noon under the Shelter House, followed by decorating loved ones’ graves at the Chaffin Cemetery.
“Bring mementos and join in with singing, memories and prayers,” said Richards.
A live auction will follow in the family yard. There will be large ticket items, says Richards. “Bring your greenbacks.”
Saturday evening will feature a fish fry. “Lend a helping hand to prepare the fish, fire and fixins’.”
Richards added that saying goodnight means singing and hugging until tomorrow morning.
Sunday begins at 10 a.m. with the June Meetin’ at Chaffin Cemetery with special preaching and singing.
Family dinner will follow at the Homeplace.
“Share in all the good food from all our wonderful households,” said Richards.
Get a family group photo under the celebration banner and pick up T-shirt orders.
“Please bring food dishes and drinks to share,” said Richards. “If you have a folding table, consider bringing it. We are expecting a large group. Bring your own lawn chair.”
Finally, Richards urges everyone to bring photos and memories of past reunions.