I don’t consider myself Pagan, nor do I ascribe to any other particular religious group. I feel that it’s important to follow what speaks to you. Makes sense to your mind… and your heart. I believe there are valuable lessons on how to be a good person that can be learned from many different beliefs, and during this time of the year, I’m particularly drawn to the Yule traditions

During the twelve days of Yule, the Norse and Germanic Pagans took time to reflect, give thanks, and set intention for the coming year. Rituals were performed that celebrated nature, family, and the self.

Tonight is the first night of Yule. It’s a time to honor the female ancestors who protect and watch over the home. Traditionally, fires or candles were lit, names of the “mothers” were read aloud, and offerings of food and beverage were made.

It’s a quiet night here in my little home, and I’m feeling particularly nostalgic. Figured I’d introduce you to some of my ancestors as a way of paying respect and celebrating them.

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NANCY MARIE TAYLOR TYSOR (1942-1978)
This is my mother. In her short life, she found joy in helping others, especially volunteering to help the kids in my school who were struggling academically or personally. I believe that I chose the career I did – helping college students – largely because of her. She taught me how to appreciate soul music and to dance with wild abandon. She epitomized the definition of kindness and had a smile that could brighten the darkest space. But she was also not one to be “messed with”. When that five-foot-three, ninety-pound fireball put her hands on her hips and aimed that stare in your direction, you were in for a mighty reckoning.

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WILLIE MARIE MORRISON TAYLOR (1915-2004)
This is my grandmother (mom’s mother). She comes from the Morrisons of Iredell County, NC (Stony Point), who were some of the first settlers in that area. Granny graduated from Appalachian State Teachers’ College (now Appalachian State University) in 1938 and was a school music teacher. She was also an artist and wrote poetry. After marrying my Pa-Paw, they lived in Denton, NC. Her love of teaching music found its way to nearly every schoolkid in that town, and her slightly goofy, joyous spirit and musical talents were passed down to me…
and I thank her EVERY day for that.

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JESSIE ELLEN THOMAS TYSOR (1906-2006)
Grandmother Jessie (dad’s mother) was born in Moore County, NC, and moved to Asheboro, NC, when she married Granddaddy Wade. This photo was taken on her 96th birthday. I remember it because she “declared” that we “needed to start planning her 100th birthday celebration, whether or not she would be in attendance.” She made it to 100, and we had a wonderful celebration… and she passed four months later. Grandmother taught me about unconditional love – no matter how many relationship changes, financial, health, or emotional hardships our family members faced (and we faced LOTS of them over the years), she welcomed all of us at the front door with open, non-judgemental arms and a table full of fried chicken, green beans, biscuits, and some of the best sweet tea I’ve ever tasted. She had the most peaceful, angelic presence I’ve ever seen, and I miss the calming tone of her voice.

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MARY ARCHY HARRIS MORRISON (1877-1954)
I know very little about Great Grandmother Archy (mother’s side), but I do know that she was a writer. One of her jobs was working as an “anonymous” writer for the local newspaper. While I’m not sure what type of columns she wrote, word has it, she used a pen name of “Ichabod”. She was also a hatmaker for the Ivey’s department store in Charlotte, NC, most likely in the early 1920s. I’m thankful to Great Grandmother Archy for passing down her love of writing… and for the beautiful dimples that my Granny, Momma, and I inherited. I sure would’ve loved to meet her.

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NANCY BELL OWEN TAYLOR (1887-1936)
Great Grandmother Nancy Bell (grandfather’s mother on my mother’s side) raised three children as the wife of an Army officer. Two children were born while he was stationed in New York and then he was transferred to Camp Gaillard during the early days of the Panama Canal Zone. My grandfather, Joseph was born there in 1915. In 1918, they returned home to Davidson County, NC, and another child was born. He died at age two, and shortly, thereafter, my great grandfather, George, died, leaving her to raise three young children on her own. Life took its toll on her health, and she passed at age 49. She is a testament to willpower and family loyalty.

I do not know much about my other female ancestors, but I’d like to honor them by sharing their names:

HATTIE LEE TEAGUE TYSOR (1877-1948)
Great Grandmother, born in Randolph County, NC

LOURETTA “RETTIE” CAGLE THOMAS (1879-1967)
Great Grandmother, born in Montgomery County, NC

SARAH MARTHA FAULKNER HARRIS (1851-?)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Stony Point, NC

PALLIE ALMEDA JONES OWEN (1865-1911)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Rowan County, NC

VELNA LEACH CAGLE (1855-1925)
2nd Great Grandmother, born in Star, NC

MARY ELEANOR SUGG TYSOR (1840-1876)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Randolph County, NC

MARY ELIZABETH LEACH TEAGUE (1849-1899)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Randolph County, NC

EMILY EMERSON THOMAS (1840-1870)
2nd Great Grandmother, born in Chatham County, NC

LUCY ADELAIDE SURRATT TAYLOR (1848-1922)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Rowan County, NC

MARTHA HALL MORRISON (1850-1941)
2nd Great Grandmother, lived in Iredell County, NC

Tonight, I light a candle, speak your names, and thank you for the sacrifices you made, so that I could be here.