By Ralphine Major

They were lifelong members of the Gibbs Community.  For many years, Clark and Ollie Drummer were also active members of Clapp’s Chapel United Methodist Church.  When our family moved into the neighborhood many years ago, Ollie and Clark would often drop by and bring a bag of fresh fruit or vegetables.

Ollie was a sister to Clayton Sharp of the Gibbs Community.  Focus readers may recall that Clayton most recently appeared in the Knoxville Focus for his 100th birthday celebration.  The Drummers have been deceased for many years, but I often see reminders of the community leaders such as the long-forgotten photo shown here.  It was taken at the Tennessee Valley Fair many years ago when Ollie and Clark were manning a booth in front of a Gibbs Community display.

Special people along life’s journey leave lasting memories.  People who serve God and community leave a legacy that encourages those of us who knew them to imitate in our own lives.  The Drummers were certainly that special kind of people.

Words of Faith: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”   Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)