They first met at the king’s College Spring Banquet 1940 in Belmar, NJ.  Tom was a Freshman, 18 years old and Martha (Marty) was a Junior in high school, 16 years old. It was a “blind date! Uncle Brooks introduced them by mail and they didn’t see each other until about 2 hrs. before the affair. After Tom finished seminary and Martha finished college, they were married in 1945 in Oradell, NJ at Martha's home at “Half After Four O’clock”in the afternoon. A reception for 75 was held immediately following. They have since lived in Newport, NJ (‘45-‘47), Metuchen, NJ (‘47-‘57), Passaic, NJ (‘57-‘65), Phila., PA. (‘65-‘83) and currently reside in Knoxville, TN.

Knoxville is the “buckle” of the Bible Belt where “everyone goes to church.” Many large and growing protestant, Bible believing,( mostly Baptist) churches. There are more restaurants in Knox County than any other area in the country and it is NOT unusual to see an individual, couple or family bow their heads before eating a meal. The TN. Valley is only 45 miles from the Great Smoky Mts. They live in a basement rancher, 3 bedrooms, on an uphill ¼ acre lot. Just 2 in this love nest in a quiet and congenial neighborhood with super neighbors including Dave and Darlene and family. They have had a small vegetable garden each summer to supply their table and sometimes the neighbors with fresh veggies. ‘Been there for 18 + yrs.
 
 
 

2002 "Year in Review"

The best way to review 2002 is to go by the date book.  Will try to pick out the high lights.
JAN-Mom still in back brace.  Len and family spent some time with us after returning from SC.after the rest had left.  Snow!  New activity for seniors (monthly luncheons began at church.)
FEB- Women’s mentoring program began for Mom. Dinner out for us sweethearts for Valentines Day.
MAR- Mom discards back brace.  Wedding shower.  Started planting garden—peas, lettuce, spinach.  Wedding.  Mom pays someone to clean the house!! (one time deal)  Some streets flooded in K-town.  B&B for New Tribes Missionaries.
APR- Annual Dogwood Festival in K-town.  Trip to casket store to choose---  Another bridal shower. Memorial service for good friend of 18 yrs.
MAY- Another wedding shower.  Visited Scott and Beth Ashworth and 5 children in SC on way to beach with Benners.
JUNE- Made plans for future mortuary services.  Supper cruise on TN River with church friends.  Two weddings.  We both spoke to couples’ SS class (young marrieds with children).  Another bridle shower!!  JULY- Dinner and B&B for Wycliffe missionary family of 5.  Another wedding!!
AUG- Church Home Missions Conf.  Missionaries for luncheon.  Cleaned fish pool.  Funeral for SS class member.
SEPT- Funeral for SS class member.
OCT- Funeral service for former SS class member!  Wycliffe missionary for B&B.  Flu shots for both.  Trip to DE, NJ and NY.  Early voting. Dinner at Olive Garden for 57th wedding anniv.
NOV- Seniors from church go to Aquarium in Gattlinburg (guests of the church)  Election Day (vote against lottery was lost in TN.)  Started volunteering weekly at Scripture Printing Ministry.  DEC- Training for church money counting.  Cleaned windows and decorated for Christmas outside. Seriously considering setting up a Living Trust to avoid probate at time of death. Both managing back pain with RX from doctor and doing better.
Dad says this is long enough.  I agree.  Can you see a theme through out?
We’re preparing for our departure from this earthly life to save you the trouble later!  No gloom!  “Our GOAL for real life has been to raise a family who become independent, spiritually healthy adults who love Jesus.  Our ambition- to present the beautiful gifts of our children, complete in Christ, to our Heavenly Father.”  We feel this has been accomplished with the help (lots) of God so we’re ready anytime He calls us home.
Steve, I’m so sorry you didn’t get this on Sat., the dead line.  Dave
and Dar gave me a computer that the boys were not using anymore and hoked
it up last Wed.  I thought I had sent this to your home computer so you
would have it to work on at home over the weekend.  I was able to get it
back from the inbox and sure hope it sends OK.  Love Mom
 
 

December 2001

South Carolina Beach

Ma & Pa Bell