Holiday Weekend Brings Big Family Reunion

[syndicaster id=’5853704′]

Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — Holiday weekends bring many families together and one local family brought in 100 people from around the country.

Every other year, the Jamison family comes together to celebrate their family name.

A name that has been a part of North Mississippi since the early 1800s.

And this gathering isn’t small by any means. About 100 Jamison family members gathered in Columbus this past weekend from places like Kansas City, California, Alabama, and Georgia.

“To see people who look like you, talk like you, sort of act like you and it sort of give you a boost in life, to let you know you’re not out there by yourself”, said family member from Kansas City Stephanie Bradshaw Jamison.

One family member says she meets someone new every year.

“I do!”, says Kansas City relative Shanae Jamison Osby, “…and they’re like how are you related or it could be a new marriage that brings you in and so you have to explain that you’re such-in-such’s cousin or married-in…”

The reunion has been tradition since 1981 and members say the reunion is meant to pass on a legacy to their children.

“My family history is who I am and so I have realized how important it is for them to know my entire history…”, says Karen Jamison, “…so they can understand who they are and which direction they need to go in life.

The occassion also reminds them that, no matter what, family is forever.

“When you see your family come together and everybody smiling…”, says Carol Jamison, “…and its not a sad occasion and to know we’re coming together on one accord to enjoy each other’s company its an awesome feeling.

The reunion’s history dates back to when their grandfather tracked down family members by a radio broadcast after a tornado in Tupelo separated them.

You can read up on the Jamison family history in their book in the Bryan public library in West Point.