Spotlight: Lela McDowell
Volume 4 | April 2024
Greetings Cheatham Family,
Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the Cheatham Family Reunion 2025 Newsletter! We are thrilled to announce that plans for our upcoming reunion are well underway, and we are working hard to ensure it will be an exciting and memorable event for the entire family.
The planning committee is delighted to share that we have already begun fundraising efforts, and our first fundraiser was a tremendous success! We are incredibly grateful for the support of our family members who contributed to this achievement. As we continue to prepare for the reunion, we kindly ask all those planning to attend to start sending in your full or partial payments now. Your contributions will be noted and applied to your registration, helping to offset the cost of the reunion and ensuring its success.
In the coming months, we will be making announcements regarding hotel accommodations and the itinerary for the reunion. We encourage you to stay tuned for these updates.
We are looking forward to seeing each and every one of you at the reunion. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at cheathamreunion25@gmail.com. Your input and participation are invaluable as we work together to make this reunion a truly special occasion.
Warm regards,
The Southern Committee
Save the Date! Cheatham Family Reunion 2025
We are thrilled to announce that the Cheatham Family Reunion will be held on July 19-21, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama! We are looking forward to a weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories as we come together to celebrate our shared heritage and family bonds.
Now is the perfect time to start preparing for this exciting event. Please consider paying your registration fee to secure your spot and encourage other family members to join us. Let's make this reunion the best one yet!
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed information on accommodations, activities, and more. We can't wait to see you all there!
Family Member Spotlight: Lela (McDowell) Thomas
In the bustling life of a big family, Lela McDowell Thomas' s journey from Alabama to Iowa was a pivotal chapter. Growing up with six siblings in a small two-bedroom house, she learned early on the value of togetherness and resilience. In 1976, when Cousin Bernice and Eddie James proposed the first Cheatham Family Reunion, Lela was overjoyed at the chance to reunite with relatives she hadn't seen in years.
After experiencing the warmth and joy of that first reunion, Lela felt inspired to host her own in Detroit, Michigan, which turned into several successful gatherings. Guided by her father's wisdom that family should always stick together, Lela has been a steadfast presence in the family, never missing a reunion until last year.
Lela's hope is for the younger generation to embrace the family legacy, symbolized by our slogan, "Strong and Mighty," and to remember the importance of keeping the family bond strong. She encourages everyone to honor their history, involve the elders in planning, and most importantly, have fun while creating lasting memories. Lela's dedication to the Cheatham family serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together.
Reconnect, Reminisce, and Create New Memories!
Have you been missing out on the joy and warmth of our family reunions? This year, we're calling on all family members to reach out to those who haven't attended in years and invite them to join us in Birmingham. Whether it's a cousin you haven't seen in ages or an aunt or uncle who's been distant, a simple invitation could make all the difference. Our family reunion is a time to reconnect, reminisce about old times, and create new memories together. Let's make this reunion the best one yet by bringing everyone together for a truly unforgettable experience. Who will you call to make sure they don't miss out on this special occasion?
Your Input is Needed!!
As we plan and finalize details for the upcoming Cheatham Family Reunion, we need your help! We are considering a special trip to our family's origin location, Greenville, Alabama. Greenville is home to the Damascus Baptist Church and the gravesite of many Cheatham Family members dating back to the early 1900s. To gauge interest and make the best arrangements, we kindly ask all family members to fill out the survey linked below. Your input will help us ensure that this reunion is memorable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to seeing you in Birmingham!
SURVEY IS CLOSED
Look Who’s Coming……
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have already submitted their payments towards the Family Reunion Registration Dues, and to those who have paid in full. Your support and commitment to the reunion are truly appreciated.
As we continue to plan for the upcoming Cheatham Family Reunion, we kindly request that those who have not yet submitted their payments to please do so at your earliest convenience. Your contributions are instrumental in covering the costs associated with the reunion, including venue rental, catering, and other essential expenses.
Your funds up front greatly assist us in ensuring that we can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you soon and creating lasting memories together as a family.
Join a Sub-Committee Today!
Are you passionate about raising money, organizing fundraisers, or rallying the troops for a great cause? We need your help! The Southern Committee is seeking dedicated members to join us in fundraising for the Cheatham Family Reunion 2025.
Reunions are a time for us to come together, reconnect, and create lasting memories. However, these events require proper funding to plan and execute successfully. By joining our fundraising subcommittee, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that our reunion is not only memorable but also truly special.
Your support and involvement will help us secure the necessary funds to organize a fantastic event for our family. Together, we can make this reunion the best one yet!
If you're interested in joining the fundraising subcommittee, please reach out to Sonya Thomas at cheathamreunion25@gmail.com. We look forward to having you on board!
Cheatham Family Reunion 2025 Fee Amount
Adults and Teens (14 years and above): $125.00
Children (5 to 13 years): $85.00
Babies and Toddlers (4 years and under): Free
To facilitate the payment process and accommodate varying financial situations, we have established a reunion fee payment schedule. Starting from February 2024 through February 2025, we encourage a monthly payment of $10 per person. This approach ensures that all dues are settled well in advance of the reunion date, allowing us to focus on the joy of coming together as a family.
Payments can be made through the following methods:
CashApp: $25CheathamReunion
Zelle: cheathamreunion25@gmail.com
Check or Money Order:
Please send all checks to the attention of Angie J. Storey,
c/o Cheatham Family Reunion 2025
at 201 Woodstone Court Atlanta, GA 30331
