This is the third part of Opal’s Lifetime Memories.



The first part, GROWING UP IN TENNESSEE, describes my life growing up on a farm in Hawkins County in the thirties and forties; getting my education in Hawkins County public schools, Carson-Newman College and University of Tennessee; and my wedding to Haynes Alvis. In 1954, Haynes and I impulsively moved to Tampa, Florida.



The second part of my Memories, ENJOYING LIFE IN THE CITY, covers the ten years of Haynes’ employment there with Phillips Petroleum Company, experiences teaching, and the joys of parenting our two children, Michael and Martha.



In 1976, when Haynes was faced with a company transfer to Oklahoma, we chose to return to our roots and settle in Tennessee.



This third episode, RETURNING TO MY TENNESSEE ROOTS, relates many of the family events; some exciting, some disappointing, and some distressing, even heart breaking, as we adjusted to being ‘home again’.