Dear Editor,
A week ago, late on Friday evening, I received the sad news of a tragic accident on the Sparta Highway that had taken the lives of a long-time friendship of Jim and Betsy Abbott. The news of this great loss, leaving two sons, Jay and Chris, sadden our lives. Jay and Chris are older now but the memories I hold dear to my heart. I recall the times we could keep the boys as their dad was the basketball coach for girls and Betsy was the school office director. They held other jobs as well. They lived across from the Knox Center, as that was the high school, and my daughter Jackie would keep Jay if there was an out-of-town ball game. Then Chris came along, and I would keep him often. Both boys were our love for many years. Jim and Betsy moved away after their retirement, but we kept in touch. In 2003, at a very sad time in my family’s life, I saw Jim bringing Jay up the steps of Bradley Church to pay respect to us. I was so happy to see them. They came from Jewel, a small town out of Sparta. Jay lived there with his grandparents. Jay has been a Godsend to many, as he has endured much and still moving forward. The service for their parents was at Mulberry Methodist Church in Macon last Tuesday and many of our retired Educators from Jones County, friends and relatives were there for the love of our dear friends. For Jay and Chris, we love you and call on us if we can help you.
Sincerely, Evelyn Collins
