‘CELEBRATE OUR SENIORS’ PROGRAM CONTINUES RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL CITIZENS

  

The Thomye Delle “Celebrate Our Seniors” program continues its tradition of honoring senior citizens.

The nonprofit, volunteer program lauded two senior citizens this month and delivered personal care packages to hundreds of others.  For over 20 years, the program, co-founded by Veronica Ferguson Maxie and her son, Tre Maxie, has recognized senior citizens of Washington County for their devotion and service to the community without the expectation of anything in return.

The two individuals who were honored this year were Cleo Jones Daniels and RV Franklin. 

(bios provided by the Thomye Delle “Celebrate Our Seniors” program)

Cleo Jones Daniels

Mrs. Cleo Jones Daniels continues to lead an extraordinary life and remains actively engaged in her church, Allwise Missionary Baptist Church (MBC), as well as her Chappell Hill and Brenham communities. She credits her good health and remarkable longevity of 101 years to God, and she consistently takes the opportunity to express her gratitude to Him.

As the oldest of ten children born to her sharecropping parents, Oscar Jones Sr. and Josephine Felder Jones, Mrs. Daniels took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings while her parents worked. Given the living conditions of that era, the limited civil rights for African Americans, and the widespread socio-economic challenges, Mrs. Daniels could have easily succumbed to despair and sought opportunities beyond her surroundings. However, she had developed a relationship with the Lord, placed her trust in His plan for her life, adhered to the path laid out for her, and persevered through the trials and tribulations that she encountered — all while embracing the promises of God.

Throughout her journey, Mrs. Daniels met and married Calvin Daniels, Sr., raised seven children, and now stands as the matriarch of her family. Having been a member of Allwise MBC for over 80 years (since 1943), she holds the title of ‘church mother’ and likely holds a record for church membership that is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. She was also recently designated as a “Seasoned Saint” in her church. The Bible instructs to ‘Love thy neighbor,’ and that is precisely what Mrs. Daniels embodies. Conversations with her invariably conclude with “I love you and you can’t do nothing about it.”

Mrs. Daniels has received widespread recognition for her unwavering spirit and wise counsel. One notable acknowledgment came from local elected officials. In celebration of her 100th birthday and as a tribute to the virtuous life Mrs. Daniels has led and the public service she continues to provide in the community, the Brenham City Council and Mayor Atwood Kenjura honored her with a proclamation designating her birthday, April 3, 2024, as Cleo Jones Daniels Day.

The Thomye Delle Celebrate Our Seniors program is also privileged to honor Mrs. Daniels for her life of selfless service.

RV Franklin

RV Franklin, affectionately referred to as “Mama Peaches,” was born on July 7, 1932. She Franklin stands as one of the esteemed matriarchs of Brenham, Texas. A woman characterized by profound faith and steadfast devotion, she has dedicated nearly a century to service, love, and community.

Raised in Washington County as one of eight daughters of Cellus and RV Franklin Sr., she spent her formative years on a family farm where she assisted in caring for chickens, pigs, sheep, cows, horses, and a substantial garden that supplied food for the family. These foundational experiences fostered in her a robust work ethic, humility, and appreciation for life's blessings.

A lifelong member of the Independent Baptist Church in Brenham, "Mama Peaches" has diligently served in various capacities, including Pastor's Aide, Mission Board member, Choir President, and currently as the cherished “Mother of the Church.” She remains actively involved in Bible Study and the Women's Mission, always eager to learn, share, and serve. She frequently expresses that her work within the church is her greatest joy and highest calling.

She is the proud mother of three children and has significantly contributed to the upbringing of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Renowned as a nurturing mother, aunt, and grandmother, she has influenced generations with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in the significance of family and community.

In her free time, Mama Peaches delights in working on puzzle books, watching her favorite television programs, and cherishing moments with loved ones, particularly during competitive games of dominoes.

As she commemorates 93 years of life, Mama Peaches attributes all glory to God, stating: "I want to thank God for keeping me and taking care of me for 93 years. The Lord has truly blessed me. I am the last living sibling out of eight girls, and I am grateful for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, my family, and my church family — everybody. God has been so good to me. I pray and read His word daily."

Senior Personal Care Packages

Under the guidance of Veronica Ferguson Maxie, a group of volunteers distributed bundles of personal care packages on Friday, August 8^th to elderly residents in local nursing homes, including High Hope Care Center, Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Argent Court Assisted Living Center.  The initiative was followed on Saturday, August 9^th by teams of volunteers who delivered over 150 individual care packages to seniors living in private homes across Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Washington and surrounding areas. 

The personal care packages contained items like socks, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, blankets, puzzles, coloring books and gift cards.  Additionally, the care packages came with handmade greeting cards created by youth from local churches and various communities.

The nonprofit is now looking toward its activities planned in preparation for the 2026 program.  To learn more, or to support the program, contact Veronica Ferguson Maxie via email at celebrateourseniorsday04@gmail.com or by calling 979-830-5555.