55-year tradition connects family

SPRUCE PINE — Regina Jackson’s home has been the gathering place for her family for more than five decades. It’s where they’ve shared songs, games, and meals through marriages, children, loss, and change.

What began as a young couple’s first Thanksgiving together in 1971 has grown into a tradition that stretches across generations.

Jackson, the oldest of six siblings, said those early gatherings were simple but full of joy.

“We were all still young,” she said. “We’ve always had a lot of fun. It’s just family time.”

Those get-togethers have continued every year since. They carried on after the passing of her mother and youngest brother and grew as children and grandchildren joined the family circle.

Music played a central part in those early gatherings. Jackson’s mother played the piano, and the family often ended meals by singing together. Her mother’s favorite hymn was “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Jackson said they also sang Christmas songs as the season approached.

Games have been an important part of the family’s traditions over the years.

“There are always lots of little kids. They play hide and seek in the house. We’ve just always done family stuff,” she said.

Jackson grew up in Russellville and graduated from Russellville High School in 1970 before moving to Spruce Pine after she and her husband, Tommy, married. She described herself as a former city girl who had to adjust to darker nights and quieter roads.

She and her husband raised their two children, and now they live within half a mile of most of their extended family, including their four grandsons.

Around 1975, she decided to go to college and earn her teaching degree. She attended Northwest Shoals Community College at night while raising young children.

“My husband worked all day, and then he came home, babysat the kids, fed them, and put them to bed so I could go to class,” Jackson said.

She completed her degree in elementary and early childhood education through NWSCC and the University of North Alabama.

Jackson taught kindergarten for 27 years, most of them at Phil Campbell. Her first four years were split between Vina and Belgreen, half a year at each, during a time when kindergarten was just beginning, and teachers traveled between campuses to help serve more students.

Many former students still remember her classroom and her family’s visits. Jackson said her children often came into the room, joking and playing with the kindergarteners. Those moments stayed with them long after they grew up.

Hearing from those she once taught remains one of her greatest joys.

“It’s very special to get a hug from a former student,” she said. “I love seeing where they are now.”

Jackson credits her mother for shaping the strong bond she shares with her siblings. She was raised by a single parent after her mother and father divorced, growing up with difficulties but surrounded by love.

“We thought our family life was hard,” she said. “But it was filled with a lot of love.”

The Sunday before Christmas has been their tradition for decades, chosen early on to make it easier for everyone to come together.

“Everyone brings Christmas food, and we play Christmas games,” she said. “We just spend the afternoon together.”

Faith and community remain at the heart of her life in Spruce Pine. Jackson said she treasures the close-knit nature of the area and the support of her church family.

“People are always encouraging and loving and helping,” she said. “I love the community togetherness here.”

After 55 years of gathering, Jackson said the details have changed but the purpose has not.

“Next to God, family is the most important,” she said. “We need to stay together, love each other, share, help and encourage.”