RUSK LIBRARY STUDY CLUB
High school sweethearts marry, celebrate 60 years together
BY BETTY TOWNSEND

Members of the Rusk Library Study Club met April 4 in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church.

Presenter of the month was Nelleva Vining, who in keeping with this year's course of study presented her autobiographical sketch, "This is my Life--Until Now."

She was born in the community of Jones Chapel and the family lived in a large farmhouse. Her father made a living on a small farm as did many Americans during the depression era. Her mother was a homemaker, a farmer's wife and caregiver for Nelleva, sisters Mary and Ruth, and brother, Jimmy. Mrs. Vining has wonderful memories of childhood and shared several such as walking barefoot in the fresh red earth behind her father's plow. Her loving, Christian parents taught their children right from wrong, and she laughed as she told of being disciplined by a chinaberry switch applied to the back of her legs.

The family moved to Coldsprings for a short time and Mrs. Vining started first grade in a one-room school there. She told of being very timid and easily frightened and being scared to go alone to the school's outhouse.

The family returned to Jones Chapel, now known as Lynches Chapel, and moved into the same house of previous years. Mrs. Vining finished elementary school there and went to Alto High School, where she enjoyed all subjects. She especially enjoyed reading and English. She praised the teachers she had throughout her years of education. She told of the devotion to each student and the personal interest and pride in each one's abilities and progress.

When Mrs. Vining was a senior, she stated, "A little guy came along and stole my heart," so plans for college were easily forgotten. She and classmate, Joe Wade Vining, married in 1948.

The Vinings became parents of a daughter the next year and eventually the family grew as two sons and another daughter were added.

Mrs. Vining became a working mother when she was employed by the county with Allen Dotson as her boss. She related a few of her varied duties and told of her admiration of Sheriff Dotson as a man of high moral values who served the county with integrity. Mrs. Vining worked for Sheriff John Bill Slover for 18 months, followed by 18 years with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The family moved to LaPorte where Mr. Vining worked at a chemical plant. After four years they returned to East Texas due to the declining health of his parents. Lufkin was home for a while where Mrs. Vining resumed work with parks and wildlife.

An extremely difficult and traumatic period of time was endured by the family when son, Terry, was injured in an oil field accident. He was not expected to survive from second and third degree burns, but after months of intensive treatment and surgeries, he made a full recovery which Mrs. Vining credits to the grace of God and the prayers of many believing and caring people of the area.

The Vinings retired in 1991 and built a house near Rusk. He was in the used car business for many years. She said she has had a really good active life with "never a dull, quiet time." They will celebrate 60 years of marriage in June. They have found happiness in their children and grandchildren and have traveled extensively to "keep up" with their many activities.

The meeting adjourned after a business meeting.