One of my favorite Greenies is Margie Gibson Crabtree. Margie was head cheerleader, among many other honors. But Margie was always kind to everyone. I wanted very much to be like her. As I am sure many others did. So, thanks Margie for setting the example for other Greenies. Gwen Garig Watkins

Another Greenie
WANDA WILSON RYALS

    How I remember Wanda, is not nearly so important, as how I know her today. After many years, the Lord brought us together through Ronnie Berwick. In preparing for the 1999 Class Reunion, Ronnie had come to see me to gather information on our mutual classmates. As he learned who I am today, he said, "You and Wanda need to get together. You both love the Lord."
    So, Wanda and I made contact via email. Then we decided it would be great fun to surprise Ronnie with a gift at the reunion. A way of thanking him for doing such a great job with the Greenie Gusher and pulling our Greenie Family back together.
    Although Wanda and I didn't spend a lot of time together in high school, God was surely saving the best for last. Today, I know her as someone who is beautiful inside and out. Her highest honor is that she loves the Lord with all her heart...causing her to love ALL His children...even me.
    Everyone passes through some crises in their lives, and as I have spent a big part of my life going through one, I believe God sent Wanda to help pull me through this last lap. Her wisdom, faith in God, and love for me, has lifted me many a day...though her positive emails.
    I like this recent picture of her. To me, it represents the warm beauty God has created in her and that she so willingly shares with others. I can't thank God enough for sending her into my life, just when I needed her.

HOW DO YOU REMEMBER WANDA?
HOW DO YOU KNOW HER TODAY?

WANDA REMEMBERS HERSELF AS: Wanda says:
    My, Gwen...who can remember that far back? I suppose I remember myself as being one of the tallest girls in our class. I can remember Irma Dee Renfro, Barbara Randall, Ruby DeVries and perhaps Delores Cropper as being tall, but none were a flat-footed "5ft. 11 3/4 inches" as Mrs. Simpkins blurted out when she measured and weighed our class. She will never know, "GOD REST HER SOUL", how much that embarrassed me. I was very self conscience of my height along with my skinny frame. Isn't it strange, the things we put an importance on as we grow up? I remember me as one that loved Chorus Class and singing.
    I didn't create any ripples as I was growing up. I was really pretty shy. I enjoyed having a good time with classmates and doing fun things, but I wasn't one of the Most Popular or an Honor Student by any means. Girl, I don't know what to say. I went from First grade through my Senior year at South Park and knew many and loved my classmates. I think it is wonderful how we have all stayed in touch on the most part and continue to have reunions. It is hard to believe we will soon have 50 years behind us. Thanks for the honor you have given me to be mentioned in your Web-page. You are a GOD SEND to me my dear friend. Love, Wanda.

    I enjoy Wanda now for the things she writes about memories of things gone by. I remember her best from GAA's and P.E. classes where she always stood out (not for her height) but for her athletic ability. She made it more fun. After our Freshman year my P.E. was the tennis team, so I only experienced her through the Girls Athletic Association for her coordination. She always seemed like a gentle person which she exudes today. Janice Zahn Adams

Hi, Gwen,
I just read your web page and the very sweet things you had to say about Margie and Wanda Wilson Ryals. Margie (and Jack) and I are still great friends. Not a week goes by but I see her and/or talk on the phone. She is still the wonderful, sweet person she was in high school. She is a great Christian lady, and would do anything possible for a person in need or for no reason.

Late last month we went to New York with our daughters, who are also great friends. We had a wonderful time walking, shopping, subways, shows, dining, sidewalk vendors, Radio City--all of what makes New York so great. We spent 4 days walking fast and staying up late, but still didn't get it all in. What a trooper Margie was! Just thought you would like to hear about our escapades.

Wanda Ryals has been a great e-mail friend to me, too. We were in choir together, and I always thought of her as a sweet but somewhat quiet person. I did see the fun side of her occasionally, though, mostly when Mr. Truncale was out of the room.

Wanda is a wonderful Christian, very bold in her witness for our Lord. She's been an encourager and trooper for our Christian way of life in the U.S. Too bad our lawmakers and judiciaries have gone so liberal as to tolerate things our forefathers never intended. We must continue to keep on, and Wanda is one who will continue to spread the Word as long as she can.

Just wanted to comment on these ladies. Virginia McDaniel Hurley