SISTERS
Sylvia and I never pictured ourselves as college students. Our parents separated when we were very young, which meant that there were no plans or means for us to attend college after high school. Our mother worked long hours every day, but she was unable to provide the necessary resources for a college education, making the prospect of higher education unattainable for us. Fortunately, we had a loving and caring Home Economics teacher, Mrs. Eddye Pearl Fennell, who encouraged us to reconsider. She persuaded us to apply for admission at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, and she helped us see the possibility of paying our room and board in a very unusual way. We Were Better TogetherThe moment Sylvia and I arrived on the campus of Benedict College, anxious thoughts began racing through our heads. Both of us worried about whether we would be able to fulfill the huge responsibilities and expectations required of us. The academic requirements were frightening, and we questioned our ability to achieve them. We did not have answers to these intimidating questions at that time, but we decided to put forth our best effort and approach the situation with persistence and determination. Despite these challenges, we made a promise to find ways to spend time together as often as possible. Everything changed our sophomore year when Sylvia and I moved into the dormitory and became roommates. This new arrangement allowed us to share many wonderful and unbelievable experiences together, and our college journey became amazingly enjoyable. Sylvia and I had a relationship that went beyond being sisters. We were like a symphony in motion because we always produced better results together. Whenever we worked as a team, we brought out the best in each other. Our combined efforts consistently led to greater success than we could have achieved individually. We were always better together! College life was very demanding, but it was also extremely gratifying. The students were provided with many transformative experiences that were both thrilling and personally enriching. One of the highlights was when I joined the Benedict College Concert Choir and Ensemble. These organizations provided unforgettable performance opportunities and a strong sense of unity. They gave me invaluable musical training, meaningful connections, and a supportive community that shaped my growth. Participation in these organizations meant performing at concerts held in various locations across the state of South Carolina, which was an incredible opportunity for me!Mrs. Fennell explained that some students were able to pay for their room and board by living with professors who worked at Benedict College and needed help with cooking and housework. If we decided to choose this arrangement, our mother would only be required to pay our tuition each month. Sylvia and I thought carefully about her proposition and made up our minds to give it a try, and our Home Economics teacher began working immediately to help us. Mrs. Fennell took the initiative to reach out to a friend who was an administrator at Benedict College. She asked her friend if she knew any professors at Benedict College who might be looking for a college student to live with them and assist with cooking and housework. A few weeks later, she arranged interviews for us with two ladies whom she believed would be ideal candidates for us to live with. Then Mrs. Fennell hired a coworker to drive us to Columbia to make sure we had transportation to those interviews. She accompanied us to the interviews, provided much-needed moral support, and answered any questions we were unable to answer. Shortly thereafter, Sylvia and I were given the opportunity to live with those two ladies and assist them with cooking meals and housework.
Better Together Sylvia decided to become a member of the Vesper Choir, but the Vesper Choir’s performances were limited to singing at the chapel on campus each Wednesday night, giving Sylvia a different but truly meaningful musical journey. In 1963, I was honored to be chosen as “Miss Benedict College Concert Choir.” It was a very meaningful event because every young woman elected as queen of a college organization was required to wear a formal white gown to the coronation of Miss Benedict College. Each queen was escorted to the coronation ceremony by a young man from a fraternity. Being a part of this tradition was absolutely wonderful! When Sylvia and I decided to become students at Benedict College, it was a terrifying decision to make; that decision ultimately changed the trajectory of our lives! The experiences we had and the lessons we learned during our time there helped shape us into better people. Attending Benedict College opened doors to new opportunities, allowed us to grow both personally and academically, and set us on a path toward a bigger and brighter future!
Sharing Bridesmaid’s DutiesSylvia first met Bernice Stokes when they were seniors at Benedict College. Although college eventually came to an end, their bond as friends continued to flourish. Bernice was hired as a schoolteacher in her hometown in Dew West, SC, and Sylvia worked as a six-grade schoolteacher in her hometown in Bath, SC. Bernice fell in love and began to make plans for a magnificent wedding. She envisioned having an intimate ceremony in the beautiful sanctuary of her church. However, she faced some financial difficulties and decided to have the wedding ceremony in the living room at her sister’s house in Dew West. When Bernice called Sylvia and asked her to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, Sylvia responded by saying that she would be incredibly honored to stand by her side and celebrate that next chapter with her. During their conversation on the phone, Sylvia told Bernice that she would ask me to be a bridesmaid as well. I willingly accepted the invitation and thanked Sylvia’s friend for letting me share her special day. To help Bernice manage expenses, Sylvia suggested that she and I make our bridesmaids’ dresses, and that is exactly what we did. We drove to the fabric shop in Warrenville, SC to find the perfect Simplicity Pattern for our bridesmaids’ dresses. We carefully browsed through the selections, searching for a dress design that suited both our tastes and sizes. After some consideration, we discovered a pattern that truly appealed to us and decided to purchase it in our sizes. Sylvia had been a bridesmaid in several weddings, but it was my first time being asked to serve in that capacity. I was completely thrilled to be given such a wonderful opportunity! To make the experience even more special, I brought my portable sewing machine to Sylvia’s apartment so we could make our dresses at the same time. We thoroughly enjoyed working together, and the dresses turned out beautifully, fitting both of us perfectly. After we finished making our dresses, we took them to the cleaners and had them pressed. Then we went to the shoe store and bought some lovely white satin heels and had the salesperson dye them baby blue to match our bridesmaids’ dresses; they looked beautiful! The long-awaited day of the ceremony finally came, and Sylvia and I couldn’t stop our minds from being inundated with overwhelming thoughts about the wedding. We drove 75 miles to Dew West, and we were extremely happy when we finally arrived at our destination. When the wedding ceremony began, Bernice was wearing a fabulous, long white gown that truly accentuated her elegance and beauty; she really looked gorgeous as she walked into the room! Her husband was dressed in a classic black tuxedo that made him look extremely handsome, and the groomsmen’s tuxedoes were the same color. The living room was meticulously adorned with blue flowers to match our bridesmaids’ dresses, making it look fantastic! When the wedding ceremony began, Bernice was wearing a fabulous, long white gown that truly accentuated her elegance and beauty; she really looked gorgeous as she walked into the room! Her husband was dressed in a classic black tuxedo that
made him look extremely handsome, and the groomsmen’s tuxedoes were the same color. The living room was meticulously adorned with blue flowers to match our bridesmaids’ dresses, making it look fantastic! Their wedding ceremony was so personal and heartfelt! It was a moving celebration of their love and commitment to each other; it was the perfect way for them to start a new chapter in their lives. Watching their love story unfold was a privilege and an honor for all who were in attendance! This entire experience was totally captivating! Being a bridesmaid in Bernice’s wedding filled me with more love and joy than I could have ever dreamed of!
When our plane arrived in Munich, Jerome was waiting for us at the airport. He had driven over 200 hundred miles to get there, so he was anxious to finally see us. While Sylvia and I were getting our luggage, airport authorities intervened and stopped us from leaving. hey opened our suitcases and thoroughly searched everything in them. We could hear Jerome calling us because he was in the adjoining room, but we could not join him because we were being detained by the authorities. Sylvia and I quietly prayed and asked God Almighty to help us gain our freedom, and the authorities finally released us. We were tremendously happy when they did! We felt overwhelming anxiety and fear about what happened to us, but Yolanda remained quiet and very calm through the entire ordeal. Jerome and Claudia wanted us to come and see the beautiful country of Germany before they came back to the United States the following year. Seeing Jerome after such a long period of time filled me with so much joy! He showed us around the Army base where he and Claudia were stationed, giving us a glimpse into their daily lives. Jerome and Claudia also introduced us to some of their favorite restaurants, allowing us to share in the experiences that had become a part of their routine abroad. Even though we kept up this tradition, I didn’t believe that a trip to another country would ever become a reality for us. In 1994, Jerome invited Sylvia, Yolanda, and me to come visit him and his family in Hanau, Germany. He wanted us to stay at least three weeks and explore the diverse landscapes of that country, learn about Germany’s rich culture, and indulge in their luscious cuisines. We accepted his invitation and looked forward to our new and exciting adventure! On the day of our departure, Henry drove us to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to board the plane. We flew on KLM Royal Dutch Airline’s massive Boeing 747 double-decker airplane. It was so large that people boarded the plane through three different doors. The thirteen-hour flight from Atlanta to Germany was a jaw-dropping, electrifying, and daunting experience. Sylvia and I grew up in a small town called Jacksonville, SC, so traveling to a foreign country was unimaginable to us. There was a black comedian named Moms Mabley who often made guest appearances on variety shows on television. She used to say, “Go to Paris, baby” in most of her comedy routines. One day, Sylvia and I heard her say those inspiring words and they resonated deeply within us. We began saying, “We’re going to Paris, baby” whenever we felt lonely, sad, discouraged, or disappointed. Those encouraging words always seemed to lift our spirits and give us a special goal to look forward to. TO GERMANY Our Unexpected Trip
While we were in Germany, Sylvia and I decided to make ourselves useful. We babysat Raymond when Jerome and Claudia were at work, and we helped Claudia do the laundry. Our most challenging experiences occurred when we tried to use the kitchen stove to cook meals and navigate the facilities in their bathroom. How to operate their stove and bathroom facilities was unfamiliar to us, so we needed Jerome and Claudia to give us assistance. We eventually overcame these challenges and learned how to manage these tasks with confidence. Jerome and Claudia took us on a tour of the city. We went on scenic trips, photographed the German landscapes, and learned the difference between German marks and French francs: the currency used in these countries. We cruised the Autobahn with Jerome and Claudia at speeds of a hundred miles per hour; I was petrified! Riding on the German Autobahn was terrifying, but it was also extremely exhilarating! After spending three magnificent weeks in Germany, we were ready to make our trip back home. Of course, we bought a beautiful souvenir to give Marvin Jones to thank him for helping us save money on our trip, and he really loved it! Claudia willingly drove us two hundred and forty miles back to the airport in Munich so we could catch our plane, and we never, ever forgot her kindness and love! Our trip to Germany was an amazing experience; I will treasure those memories for a very long time! What began as an unrealistic dream became a reality that exceeded anything we could have ever imagined! Danke, Jerome and Claudia, for giving us such a phenomenal opportunity! Sylvia fixed a variety of delicious meals for us to eat. She made her well-known macaroni and cheese, fried some crispy chicken, and created several other delightful dishes for us. Sylvia cooked each meal to perfection! Jerome and Claudia sincerely enjoyed every bite of the finger-licking food she prepared because it reminded them of home. Spending time with Jerome and his family was extremely rewarding! Their presence brought us immense excitement and filled our hearts with love, making every moment together feel special and meaningful! Jerome didn’t hesitate to express his happiness at seeing us, and that caused us to feel right at home. The precious memories we created while we were in Germany are timeless treasures; I will cherish them always! I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my grandson! Raymond and I engaged in funny and exciting games that allowed us to bond and get to know each other. I tickled him, planted kisses on his cheeks, and chased him through their apartment. The laughter and fun we shared made those moments truly unforgettable and so much fun! While Yolanda and Raymond were taking turns riding his tricycle and doing other fun-filled things, Sylvia and I captured stunning photographs of them playing together. Each picture totally reflected the excitement and enjoyment of the moments Yolanda and Raymond had playing with each other.
SINGING WITH HARMONY Many years ago, our mother taught my siblings and me how to sing in three-part harmony. Sylvia was eight, George was six, and I was seven years old when Mommy began teaching us how to harmonize together. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing our voices blending harmoniously as we sang the gospel songs our mother taught us. Mommy sang with the Starlight Gospel Singers, so she decided to name our group the Starlight Juniors. Mommy chose the name “Starlight Juniors” because she wanted people to recognize the talented voices we had. She wanted people to know that the Juniors sang with passion and harmony the same way her gospel group did. The Starlight Juniors began singing on Easter programs at our church, and soon we were invited to lift our melodious voices at other churches in the surrounding neighborhoods. Eventually, Mommy arranged for us to sing at a radio station in Augusta, GA every Sunday morning from 9:00 to 9:15. Singing on the radio was extremely exciting; it opened new worlds for us! We were honored with an invitation to perform on a program alongside some renowned gospel singers at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, GA. Sharing the stage with these celebrated artists was a remarkable opportunity for us; it was a moment we cherished deeply! In addition to performing at the Bell Auditorium, we were also invited to sing at one of the local television stations in Augusta, GA. This experience allowed us to reach a wider audience, and it created lasting memories! During those days, it was common for gospel singers to wear coordinating outfits. The women in the group were required to wear dresses that were identical in style and color, and the men wore suits that matched the color of the women’s dresses. This presented a very cohesive look while the singers were performing. George was the only male in our group, so Mommy always made sure the color of his suit matched our dresses, and the shoes he wore were the same color as ours. George got married about two years after he graduated from high school and secured employment in Pontiac, MI. As a result, he and his family relocated to pursue this new opportunity, and it caused an unexpected shift in the dynamics of our family and the Starlight Juniors.
one thing always remained constant: our tradition of buying identical shoes. This was a unique connection we shared and genuinely loved, and it continued into adulthood. Twinning with Sylvia was like having one soul in two bodies. Our outfits and shoes matched, and so did our hearts, creating cherished memories that will never fade away! Sylvia and I were devastated when George left, so our only alternative was for both of us to sing together. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and I sang first alto. Every time we sang together, our voices blended seamlessly! For many years, our melodic voices echoed throughout numerous churches, and we were also sang at Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings and other special programs. We had so much fun harmonizing together, and I will treasure those wonderful memories forever! Sylvia and I continued dressing alike even when we weren’t singing together because we really enjoyed it. We decided on a “twinning” look for our senior prom. We wore beautiful, identical white gowns to our senior prom; we looked amazing! Our matching gowns were elegant, sophisticated, and absolute showstoppers. We suprised everyone by showing up in the exact same dress──it was truly a total twinning moment! As the years went by, we noticed that our preferences in clothing styles were changing drastically, and that caused us to stop dressing alike. But
WE ARE GOING TO PARIS, BABY! We had only been in Germany for a few days when Sylvia and I received an unexpected phone call from our cousin, Colonel Howard Butler. He extended a warm invitation for us to spend a week with him, his wife, Scharletta, and their daughter, Ashley, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Kaiserslautern was located about seventy miles away from where Jerome and Claudia lived. We were absolutely thrilled by his generous and unexpected offer, so we said yes immediately! Our week with Howard and his family was enjoyable, enriching, and very enlightening! We were given the red-carpet treatment from the moment we arrived until we left! Howard and his family lived in a big, beautiful house, and they were so happy to have us visiting with them! Yolanda looked forward to playing with Ashley every day because playing with her cousin was so much fun! Scharletta, in addition to being an extraordinary housekeeper, impressed us with her exceptional cooking skills. The mouth-watering meals she prepared for us positively made our visit with them extra special! While we were in Kaiserslautern, we went to many beautiful and historic places. Scharletta took us shopping and Sylvia bought a very lovely charm bracelet. Scharletta bought a pretty Gucci watch, and I loved it so much that I decided to buy one exactly like hers. Every time I glanced at my watch, I was reminded of the awesome, engaging, well rounded experiences we had in Kaiserslautern, affectionately known as “K-Town.” Scharletta introduced us to the practice known as “junking.” In Germany, junking refers to a tradition where people place unwanted items, such as furniture and other household goods, on the curb for pickup. Most villages in Germany designate several days each year for this custom. During these times, any items that were no longer needed and were too large for regular trash disposal were placed outside for others to collect and reuse. Sharletta managed to find some small tables, which she refinished, transforming them into very beautiful pieces! So, whenever Scharletta wanted to go junking, we were always happy to go along with her! To our great surprise, Howard had purchased tickets for Sylvia, Yolanda, and me to take a day trip to Paris, France. We were ecstatic when he shared the news because going to Paris would truly be a dream come true! When our bus finally arrived in Paris, we were overjoyed to find ourselves in such a romantic, artistic, and historic city. A city known for its high fashion, numerous landmarks, and for being called “The City of Love!” Seeing the legendary Eiffel Tower for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience! It was as though we had stepped into a living, cinematic dream, surrounded by the city’s incredible beauty and amazing history. That experience was a “physical stamp on the heart.” It symbolized the fulfillment of a long-held passion, and it was a milestone that would always be remembered!
When we went up to the first level of the Eiffel Tower, Sylvia and I had to pinch ourselves to see if what we were envisioning was real. We couldn’t believe two ladies from Bath, SC would ever experience something as enchanting and awesome as that! The whole city was laid out like a map below us, and the unsurpassed view of the Parisian skyline was stunning! While seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time was mesmerizing, it wasn’t the reason why Yolanda was bubbling over with happiness. Her joy and excitement stemmed from celebrating her fourth birthday. Every smile and laugh reflected how delighted she was to finally be 4 years old! Sylvia gave her a big kiss and said, “Happy 4 Birthday! Thanks for giving me four years of giggles, snuggles, and lots of sweet memories. You bring sunshine to my life!” th In addition to our mind-altering trip to the Eiffel Tower, our day in Paris was filled with many other out-of-this-world experiences! We savored flavorful French cuisine, toured the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, sailed down the scenic Seine River, and we visited the Rolex watch factory. Our trip to Paris, France was indefinably magical; it left an indelible mark on our hearts forever! Merci beaucoup, Colonel Butler, for providing that once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Sylvia and I became employed at Rand’s Cleaners in Brooklyn, and we were required to work five days a week. Sylvia was hired in the dry-cleaning department, and I worked in the gigantic laundry on the third floor of the same building. We dedicated ourselves to our job and consistently performed our duties to the best of our abilities. Our boss, Joe Johnson, was so impressed with our performance that he invited us to return the following summer. Daddy drove from Philadelphia, PA to visit us three weeks later. He was thrilled about our new job, and he was very pleased with everything we had accomplished in only three OUR FANTASTIC EXPERIENCES IN THE BIG APPLE In the summer of 1963, Sylvia and I arrived at Grand Central Station in New York City. Grand Central Station, known as the world’s largest train station, looked colossal to us! We came to New York with a specific purpose: to work and save enough money to pay the tuition for our junior year at Benedict College. Sylvia and I rented an apartment on the third floor of a building on Pacific Avenue in Brooklyn. This was a huge milestone for us because it was our first experience of having an apartment of our own. However, it came with challenges, we had to share the kitchen and bathroom with another family, a situation that was quite unsettling. Despite the limited space and the need to adapt to sharing, this small apartment became our home as we learned to navigate and adjust to our new and challenging environment. Living in Brooklyn required us to conform quickly to the fast pace and routines of city life. We learned how to take the bus to our job, and we mastered using the subway system. Opening our first savings account at a bank near our workplace was another milestone for us; it was the beginning of our financial independence. weeks. Daddy was also hugely surprised at the significant amount of money we saved in that short period of time. Sylvia and I had carefully prepared our budget, so we decided not to deviate from it. This decision demonstrated to Daddy how responsible and resourceful we were. The most enjoyable part of our summer in NYC was when we spent the day with our cousin Rhonell Williams. Rhonell, along with his wife, Neeltje, and their charming son, Rickey, lived in a breathtaking, upscale apartment building. The building itself was impressively tall, towering over much of the
the city skyline. When we arrived at Rhonell’s apartment building, we were greeted by a friendly doorman. A professional valet promptly parked the luxurious, black Mercedes-Benz Rhonell was driving. The view from their living room was nothing short of spectacular. The iconic Empire State Building stood out clearly in the distance. Sylvia and I were astonished at what we saw! This unusual site reminded us of the tremendous history, exceptional beauty, and the unparalleled experiences that are found in NYC! The dinner table was set with exquisite dinnerware and silverware, making every detail feel special. The food was scrumptious! Sylvia and I felt like we were dining at a five- star restaurant. Our visit with Rhonell and his family was a rare, unrepeatable, life-changing experience! wWorking in Brooklyn, NY for the summer was terrific. Living through the unique, highly-intensity moments of Brooklyn changed us in ways we never dreamed possible. Brooklyn, NY was more than a place, it was an experience that ultimately reshaped our perspective on life!
Our Fascinating Summer in PhiladelphiaSummer in PhiladelphiaSummer in Philadelphian the summer of 1959, Mommy took Sylvia, George, and me on an unexpected trip to Philadelphia, PA. Although we thought the trip would be brief, Daddy persuaded Sylvia and me to spend the entire summer in Philadelphia so he could get to know us better. The idea of staying in a big city for the entire summer filled us with enthusiasm and gladness because it was really an extraordinary opportunity! Daddy arranged for us to stay with Aunt Babe, our grandmother’s sister, since she had a beautiful house and an extra bedroom. Aunt Babe welcomed us with warmth, kindness, and love, making us feel comfortable throughout our stay there. Our cousin, Barbara Whiteman, came over often and took us on many adventures around the city. We visited our relatives, went shopping, attended fascinating events, went on memorable trips, and enjoyed lively house parties together. Barbara patiently taught Sylvia and me how to do the “Strand” and other dances that were popular in Philadelphia at that time. She introduced us to her friends at church and taught us how to properly savor Philly Hoagies that everyone raved about. In case you are wondering, we met some very handsome young men while we were in Philadelphia, and Barbara arranged for one of them to drive us to Wildwood, NJ. Wild Wood, NJ is a family friendly vacation destination. It is known for white sandy beaches and a two-mile boardwalk that is packed with shops and eateries! We totally enjoyed walking along the beach, laughing and talking to each other, and gobbling up tasty food. Our trip to Wild Wood, NJ was sensational! This experience was extremely thrilling and fulfilled a long- standing wish of ours. Doing spectacular things with Daddy made our vacation even more gratifying, and we treasured every moment of it! Sylvia and I were completely surprised when we received a dinner invitation from Jaunita Potter, a dear friend from our hometown in Jacksonville, SC. Several years earlier, Jaunita had gotten married and moved from her hometown to Philadelphia, so she was very anxious to see us. She decided to invite us to have dinner at her home the following Sunday. Jaunita introduced us to Ronald, her loving husband, and we saw her handsome son, whose name is Tony, playing in his crib! The food was succulent, and the homemade peach ice cream she made was out of embarked on a trip to Atlantic City, NJ. Atlantic City has one of the most historic and family-friendly beaches on the East Coast! Sylvia and I joyfully walked across the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk we heard so much about. We were truly amazed at all the magnificent sights we saw! Our summer in Philadelphia gave us a wonderful opportunity to form a special bond with Daddy. He took us to Connie Mack Stadium to watch the Phillies play a double- header baseball game; we were overjoyed with excitement! This outing not only brought us gratification and enjoyment, but it also allowed us to create lasting memories together. Our adventures did not stop in Philadelphia. We
this world! Sylvia and I had a fantastic time; we cherished every minute we spent with Jaunita and her loving family! Our summer vacation in Philadelphia was fantabulous! It was filled with gigantic love from our family and friends, creating memories that were as meaningful and remarkable as any we had ever known!
BY JEANETTE GETHERS