Over 50 attend 51st Hoffpauir Family reunion on Labor Day in Indian Bayou

Hoffpauir descendants from Alabama, Texas, Missouri and, of course, Louisiana gathered Monday, Sept. 5, at the Indian Bayou United Methodist Church for the 51st Hoffpauir Family Association Reunion.
More than 50 people were in attendance for the annual Labor Day event, each given the opportunity to introduce themselves and note their ancestors. It was noted that, although the 2016 event marked the 51st “formal” reunion, members of the Hoffpauir family had been gathering for years prior, always around the Labor Day Weekend, “just to get together and have fun,” according to Association President Charlie Hoffpauir.
The association president also explained that, although the formal Hoffpauir Family Association was formed 53 years ago, this year’s reunion was noted as the 51st since two had been cancelled due to weather, “an issue we almost had this year.”
Two Hoffpauir descendants, Almeda Ledoux and Warren Hoffpauir, were honored for being 90 years or older. LeDoux also received a plaque of appreciation “for her many years of faithful service to the family.” It was noted that she took minutes at the very first formal Hoffpauir reunion and has worked on every reunion since then. She is a past vice president of the association.
“I’ve enjoyed every year,” LeDoux said in accepting the plaque. “I’m thankful to be here.”
The oldest in attendance, B.J. “Boise” Morgan, 96; the youngest in attendance, Whit Moffett, 6; and the person who traveled the farthest, Sandra “Sandy” Ashurst of St. Louis, Missouri, were presented certificates and gifts.
Following the “In Memoriam” recitation of family members who had died since the 2015 meeting, sisters Cheryl Whitlow Gott and Vicki Whitlow Clark, daughters of the late Myra Whitlow, were presented a “personalized” family tree booklet produced by Charlie Hoffpauir.
“Two of our long-time board members, Lamar Boulet and Myra Whitlow, were included in the reading of the memorial list,” explained Charlie Hoffpauir. Lamar really helped me many years ago when I started assembling my version of the Hoffpauir Family Tree. Myra encouraged me as I put my information on the web to share with others, and convinced me to become the Family Association president 13 years ago, and encouraged the production of the family history on a CD.
“As a small tribute to Myra, I produced the first ‘personal’ family book for her,” he said in making the presentation.
“Mother would be very proud. She always greatly enjoyed these reunions,” said Gott in accepting the booklet on behalf of herself and her sister.
Jim Spell, music director for the church, entertained the audience with three songs, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Because He Lives” and “He’s All I Need.”
Rev. Larry Maxwell, pastor of Indian Bayou UMC, delivered the benediction, adding that the church currently is accepting donations for repairs at the church cemetery, which sustained “substantial damage” during the August flooding event.
Following the reunion meeting, attendees were invited into the church hall for lunch and desserts.