Uncle Johnnie's pastimes never ceased to amaze us. Kelo, a retired race horse, would run around the barnyard like a big puppy. Uncle Johnnie's big smile would erupt into laughter at our reactions and interaction with Kelo.

Ronald Stephens, Uncle Johnnie's baby boy (correction-Until William). 
The "I love my family gene" has shown up in Ron.  He is the person everyone in the family knows because he makes it his business to connect with them. In this way, he is very much like Grandmother. He is very proud of this  and the that he looks like Uncle Louis.

I find it funny that he rides a bike for it really is a modern day trait from Uncle Johnnie.  Uncle Johnnie rode a horse that was a retired race horse and the joy of children throughout the community. Ronald rides his iron horse and you might find you child riding in a parade on a baby bike beside him.

A couple of his young nephews wondered to each other if he was "actually their dad" because he was always checking up on them and their process in school. He always showed up for everyone's key events and often with other family members in tow.

Recently, I met his "real" son and was SOOOO glad Little Ron is truly GOOOD person.  Ron deserves a good son. This child is key because carries the family name and the family love of his father.

Janie Shellman
(1994 Smart Family Honoree)

On September 22, 1917 twins were born to William Joseph and Ursula Smart Stephens, a happy bouncing baby boy and girl.  These babies were named Janie & Johnnie.  Janie was reported to be the second born.  She became the oldest sister of the 8 surviving sisters and brothers.  This helped her develop a nurturing personality very early in life and from these experiences she transformed into a family treasure.  This loving and giving spirit allowed her to take care of her mother for 15 years prior to her mother's death.

Janie attended Statesboro High and Industrial School from 1934 - 1938.While there she was captain of the women's basketball team.  She earned extra money by teaching and "doing hair".  At one point she actually owned and operated a beauty shop with several stylists working for her.

From 1936 to 1949 she taught school.  Her association with Julia Pearl Bryant, the State Superintendent of Schools, led her to teach in many of the schools in Bullock County, such as but not limited to: Polk, Willow Grove, Harmen and Statesboro High.  She is remembered in "The Curriculum Staff and Teachers of Statesboro High and Industrial School" section of a book commemorating the school.  Janie was very good in math and she is remembered for several students having problems solving algebra problems.

In 1939 she married Henry "CJ" Watson. Her life pride and joy, Henry & Jacquelyn were born.

Another of Janie’s lifetime legacy were the hats she made for Bess Myerson, star of the Big Pay Back, and the number of family members she assisted in getting jobs with the telephone company.

As a fun loving person, she spent her 70th birthday dancing with her niece to live band singing somethng about being sexy.  She wore a black lace dress because she was pretty enough to do so.

Her loving nature never ceased for her nieces, nephews and cousins became sons and daughters and friends became family.