2008 Doyle Family Reunion
2008 Doyle Family Reunion Highlights Continued
The Picnic on Saturday was just as fun and enjoyable. Many family members who did not attend Friday night’s event gathered at Roeding Park to attend the Picnic. In all, four of Bom’s grandchildren were there: Johnnie Ayers, Sylvester Prosser, Rwyne Prosser, and John Doyle. Before dinner, all four addressed the family and spoke of their love for the Doyle family and their love for each other. Particularly noted was Rwyne’s comments regarding his love for his cousin John Doyle and how he regarded him as a brother. John Doyle followed up Rywne’s comments by mentioning the same, that Rwyne and Rwyne’s brothers was his protector against bullies. Also, John Doyle spoke from the heart of his love for his father (Vernon “Bud” Doyle) and how his father often bragged a lot about him and made him feel as though he could do anything. In a similar way, John Doyle encouraged the men in the family to do the same for their sons, to inspire them to believe they can accomplish anything they wish.
Prior to the family elders speaking, two family member received awards and acknowledgement from the Doyle Family Reunion Committee. Steve Moultrie won the Doyle Family Service Award for his work in regards to leadership of the Doyle Family Reunion and for his work on the Doyle Family Website. Derrick Doyle, Sr. won the distinguished Doyle Family Spirit Award for his design of the family logo and his willingness to go beyond the call of duty in support of the Reunion.
After awards and comments from our elders, the family sat down to dinner. The centerpiece of the meal was the barbeque meat prepared at Rwyne’s home by Horace Boo Smith and his brothers. Practically every farm animal was cooked, the cow, the pig, the chicken, and any other found on a farm was likely stuffed in the link sausage. The pork ribs, brisket, chicken, and hot links were smoked deliciously and tender where the meat just fell off the bones. Over 35 slabs of ribs were cooked, along with about 60 pounds of brisket and 35 chickens and a few hundred links.
Along with the meat, the family really enjoyed the other entrees, particularly the fruit cups. Considering the near 100 degree heat, fruit cups were especially refreshing and, moreover, a healthy addition to our meal. Fruit cups are quite expensive to serve and Davia Jackson donated all of the expensive melons, cherries, grapes, pineapple, and other fruit.
After the meal, most of the family sat around and enjoyed the cool shade trees at the Park. The day was not terribly hot as it was at our 2005 Reunion, and most family members stayed until almost dark. Some left a bit early to prepare for the evening event.
That night, the family gathered at the home of our adopted family member Martha Taylor. While Martha is not directly related to the Doyle family, her ties with many family members are quite deep, and she generously volunteered to host the evening get together at her beautiful home. Around 30 family members attended and spent the evening eating nachos and playing dominos and cards. One of the games played was Chicken Foot. Chicken Foot is played almost like dominos and many California family members were exposed to this game for the first time. Some raved of how fun it was and how they looked forward to playing it again, hopefully in Texas at our 2009 Reunion.
The evening event ended a bit before midnight and many family members left to rest for our final reunion event, our Sunday morning service. The next morning, Sunday Service was held at Macedonia Church of God in Christ where Bishop Samuel Doyle serves as pastor. Bishop Doyle also is a family member, the son of Johnnie Ayers and the grandson of Vernon “Bud” Doyle.
The service went quite wonderful and many family members participated in the service. As in the 2005 Reunion, the Doyle Family Reunion Choir gathered and sung a couple of congregational songs together. The song that really brought the congregation to its feet in praise was led by the twins Ken and Lin Smith who sung, “Trouble In My Way.” Following the choir selections, the family participated in the church offering. This time, the family took a separate offering from church offering, and, together, contributed $388 to the church. Then, following the offering, Sylvester Prosser sung a solo and Evangelist Princess Ayers delivered the sermon.
Princess Ayers delivered a very good word from Heaven and spoke on love. Her sermon tied in how love relates to family and how we are to love each other. After her message, she requested that Bishop Doyle anoint with oil and pray God’s protection on all of our family members.
Following the sermon, the entire family gathered in the church cafeteria for lunch. Sheila Taylor and other family members did an excellent job preparing lunch for the family. In addition to barbeque meat held over for lunch that day, other dishes were added to the meal, such as goulash, macaroni and cheese, and a variety of desserts.
Following lunch, the Reunion was officially over, but family members continued to hang around at the homes of local family members. Many family members returned to Rwyne’s home and played another game of Chicken Foot. Others, for sure, left to reflect on the incredible moments shared.