April 13, 2019 was the last year that the Feaster-Mixson reunion was held and there was quite a turnout.  It was a beautiful spring day, perfect for the gathering  under the Old Oak Tree. Just before eating, all the families gathered in a large circle with each of the families represented having a sign with the family name and I stood in the center of the circle and took photos of each family as I rotated around.

The Mixsons, decendants of James Darlington Mixson, in attendance
Boy, Brenda Mixson Stallworth, David Mixson, Judy Pettit Mixson, Dan Mixson, James Mixson, Wayne Mixson, Larry Mixson (me), Morris Darlingtion Mixson, James (Jim) Darlingtion Mixson, Sue Junior Mixson.
(Not Mixson seated Betty Yawn and her daughter Janice)

I had missed the 2018 reunion as I was busy preparing to retire, selling my house in Virginia, and moving back to Gainesville in August of that year.  Due to the COVID pandemic in 2020-2021 the reunion was not held. During the COVID and following couple of years several of the older generation passed including Dad who died in August of 2020 (not from COVID), and J.L. Feaster, Jr. in 2024 who was one of the primary coordinates of the reunion. Unfortunately, none of the younger generation seem to be motivated to take on the coordination. The “younger” generation themselves are getting old and in their 70’s, including myself, so it possible the long-standing gathering under the Old Oak Tree, after eight some years, may have come to an end.  

After gathering in a circle for the blessing everyone headed to the food.

Children on the vence

A new generation under the Old Oak Tree