Etta, Sis
After graduating high school at Progress, she went to Mr. Adam’s business college, then worked for Dr Mincey in the Baker Hotel.
Someone would break a leg--we would be sorry--but she would tell it funny. If any prank was pulled--you could be sure that she was behind it. These old stories were so funny when she told them, we loved to listen. She taught us to look for fun, how to laugh at our problems.
She and Vernon married and they adopted Gwenna Jean, she lived 6 weeks. They adopted Glenna June and Suzanne and raised them well. Oh, their pretty smocked bonnets and dresses, satin and velvet, that she made. And she kept on, sewed them such nice pretty dresses.
Mama Gill lived to be 99. All of us kids helped with Mama. Etta did more. She kept her a 'woman' hired, and the groceries bought, she never 'left her'.
Vernon’s health wasn't good, she didn't complain when they moved out of their home, into the Crazy. Her tough times were handled with grace. Then, when Vernon 'couldn't get better anymore', she was alone.
She does not have the 'little sins' of worrying, complaining and bitterness. That leg is short, her shoe needs a little extra on the heel. That foot is twisted, she's always had to wear a leather shoe that laces.
90 years later, the polio pain, it come back in that leg. She could not walk. Oh it hurt, wheel chair bound, more pain pills.
Dropped by two nurses and her leg broken, still no anger, more pain pills.
The following was written by Anne Louise Moore, April 6, 2005: From her I learned grace to handle my tough times, others are watching. Her strength of character and thankfulness has been a mainstay in my life. She taught us all to laugh and look for good----and to find it, too. She still cheers her visitors, and remembers the old stories, usually.
Etta is the last one of the eight 'Gill kids'.
Still doing the best she can at 97 in 2005.
Copyright © 2004-2005 by Anne Louise Moore - All rights reserved.