Our Vibrant “95 Years Old” Family’s Matriarch

Our Vibrant

“95 Years Old”

FAMILY’S MATRIARCH

BY LATOYA WALTHOUR

Mrs. Blondia P. “Trapp” Walthour is our family’s matriarch. Born on February 8, 1926, Blondia is a vibrant 95 years young! She was born in Conroe, Texas, and traveled mainly by foot and hitchhiking with her mom to Florida. Currently residing in Valdosta, Georgia, she is the eldest member of our family. She is the mother of 11 living children and has many grands, greatgrands, and great-great grands. She loves her family dearly and if she had it her way, she’d have all of her children, their spouses, and children to live with her under one roof. That would make her one happy camper indeed! She is definitely a people’s person and loves to be surrounded by them. I often wonder if being the only child makes the love for her own family so strong that she desires to always want to be with them.

Blondia is the epitome of resilience. This is what truly makes her our matriarch. No matter what challenges in life she’s faces, she always seems to find renewed strength by trusting in God. He is her rock! With Him, she believes with all her heart that all things are possible. It is through Him she is able to move forward in the face of adversity. Blondia has instilled dependency on Christ into her family and shares it with her friends, neighbors, and in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. She never meets a stranger. If any of them have been angels, she certainly has shown great hospitality to them, as instructed in the Word of God.

Some characteristics that stand out about Blondia is that she is a great communicator and connects with all generations. She beautifully relates to them and sometimes it never ceases to amaze me how much knowledge she has as it relates to the younger generation such as their jargon and lifestyle. Her ability to captivate their attention with her natural charm and humor is a wonderful thing to experience. She often meets them right where they are and offers her wisdom, love, support, positivity, and most of all the way to salvation. Somehow, she always skillfully manages to maneuver Christ into the conversation along with prayer. In addition, Blondia is a cheerful giver. Talk about one ‘giving you the shirt off their back’; if she thinks you are in need of something and she has the ability to supply it, it’s yours. Her children have to keep a watchful eye on her because she will try to sneak monetary gifts to others (family, friends, and even strangers) when they know she needs it for herself. When she gets caught, she will say with quickness, “Don’t stop me from getting my blessings from the Lord.” How can you argue with that?

Blondia is a woman of strength, patience, trust, perseverance, praise, thankfulness, endurance, and an abundance of faith. We embrace this God-fearing woman of God who possesses the characteristics of a perfect example of a matriarch, and we are extremely grateful that she is OUR matriarch!!!