She Called Me James Evert

 

In those days kids were often called by double names.

In Aunt Velva's family there was Jerry Ray, Linda Kay, and Floyd Cecil.

She called me James Evert.

Not James

Not James Ev..er..ett

But James Evert

The sound of her voice speaking my name is oh so clear in my memory.

The sound of her voice was itself a direct connection to our collective heritage.

It was pure Middleton/Morgan, direct from north Alabama, the mountains of Arkansas, and the river bottoms of Indian Territory.

Her voice was as clear and pure as her heart.

I recall many visits to her homes in Bryant and Weleetka. And sleep over's with cousin Cecil.  She made the most delicious fudge and divinity; perfect for a sweet tooth like mine.

Once on a vacation trip to Branson, Missouri in the early 1990's, I met a young newlywed couple in an ice cream parlor. From our conversation, I learned they were from Weleetka, Oklahoma.  When I told them my aunt Velva Bowen lived there, their eyes lit up as they enthusiastically shared their words of respect and adoration for her. In their eyes Velva Bowen played an important role in the daily lives of students of the Weleetka schools through her work in managing the cafeterias. What a proud moment that was for me!

Later in life, after my father Everett, Aunt Velva's younger brother, had passed away, I took mom on a road trip to Weleetka from Bartlesville to visit Aunt Velva and Cecil.  She suggested we go to the one and only local cafe for dinner. The small cafe, in the heart of town along main street, was packed with locals. This was another eye opening experience for me.  It was humbling, yet fun, to see that everyone knew her, welcomed mom and me as her guests, and exhibited such warmth for her.

Yes, she called me James Evert and her voice will always ring true in my memory.  Her life was an inspiration to me.

James Everett Middleton
June 10, 2014