Page 33 - Robeson Living Summer 2022

LRDA Pages 57-114 5/26/22 10:22 AM Page 3
Miss Lumbee

Farewell

“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe one of the ones I’ve always looked up to. Your faith in God
that you have received it, and it will be yours” Mark 11:24. helped me with my faith and you’ve kept me grounded
My prayers began when I was just a child, but in January when I needed it the most. You are my second Trish! I’m
of 2019 my prayers became more specific, and God knew so glad I have you in my life. You have always been in my
exactly what my little heart desired. I started competing in corner and I’m sure you will be until the good Lord calls us
the Lumbee pageants at the precious age of 9 and every home. You also gave me a gift that just made my life
time I competed, I always ended up disappointed. That perfect Maddox. My bubba, I can’t imagine my life without
was God telling me that it simply wasn’t my time to shine you. I love you both so much.
yet. But I’m here to tell you that God showed up and Mrs. Kristie – a Godly woman, a true servant of God. One
showed out. I heard the voice of God right before the person I can always call and you’re there to talk to me continuous love, support and prayers. You all have
curtains opened for the crowning ceremony. He said to about whatever, whenever. You have been in my life for encouraged me along the way. I love you all.
me, “this is yours.” On July 5th 2019, I became the 2019 many years and I never knew I would need you as much
Miss Lumbee. as I did until the past few years when things got rough and To all my sponsors, family and friends – if I didn’t mention
you, just know that I appreciate everything you have done
The events started rolling in and my responsibilities as prayed for me. Your words of encouragement and prayers for me. I love you immensely.
“queen bee” took place. I was blessed with three sweet have gotten me through the years and I love you more than
girls to take on my year with Kyla, Kynnady, and Riley. We you’ll ever know. My girls, where do I begin with you 3 clowns?
were having the time of our lives and loving every minute, My other prayer warriors – you know who you are who Kyla – my wild child, my oats eater. I’ve known you for
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but little did we know that God had different plans for the also have kept me covered with prayers and words of about 6 years now, but the 2 /2 years with you have been
rest of our reign. encouragement on days when they didn’t even know I extraordinary. We have become the best of friends and I’ve
March 2020, covid hit hard. We were almost at the end of needed them most. Thank you for your faithfulness to God grown to love you even more. My reign would not have
our reign, and we still had many plans in place and and to me. I love you immensely. been the same if you weren’t apart of it. From watching
numerous events we planned on attending. We just knew Aunt Ronnie my crazy aunt lol! Everybody has that one you make tiktoks and eat dry oats, there has never been a
boring moment with me. You made all of our event so
all those things were never going to happen for us. BUT aunt that will stick up for you in a heartbeat and tell
GOD! LRDA decided that it would be best for everyone if someone how it is real quick. Well this is her. But on a memorable. You’re going to do great things in life and I
we just waited until the next year to have the pageant. serious note,she has been there making sure I’m at events can’t wait to see where you go. I love you hot stuff.
God said not one but three years as Miss Lumbee. All the because she knows how hard I’ve worked to get to where Kynnady – my calm one. Kyn, I’ve known you since you
years of being disappointed was all worth it. When 2021 I am. Without her, life wouldn’t be the same. Thank you for were teeny tiny and over the years, I’ve watched you grow
came around, I became the longest reigning Miss Lumbee. all you do for me. I love you. into a beautiful young lady. Our car rides and jam sessions
Covid was still around and LRDA decided to wait until Last, but not least, Mrs. Natascha – man oh man. You have are something that sticks out to me. “Tay, listen to this.”
2022 to have the pageants. My girls and I had the been here for me since day one to hear me complain, Another thing about you, if I didn’t have lip gloss, I could
opportunity to serve 2 /2 years as Lumbee ambassadors. answer my questions and just be someone I could look up always count on you to have some. My go-to girl. Continue
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What a mighty God we serve. to. I really don’t know if I would’ve been able to handle to do great things sweet girl. I love you.
Thank you, Mr. Hardin, LRDA Board of Directors and the everything without you talking me through the hard times. Riley – the baby, the loving one. If I’m having a bad day, I
staff of LRDA for the support, encouraging words and Thank you for being so patient with me. I love you more could count on you to make me happy. You have such a big
never-ending love. What a great group of people. Without than you’ll ever know. heart, and it is evident. You are always happy to see me,
an amazing support system, I would never be where I am To my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins thank you always welcoming me with open arms and the biggest
today. Behind this girl is an extraordinary dream team. for the love and support throughout the years. You all are smile. You are really the sweetest soul. I can count on you
Mama and Daddy, where do I even begin? You guys have my dream team and I thank you from the bottom of my to always text me and check up on me. I love you.
supported my dreams and ambitions for as long as I can heart. I love you all with all that’s in me. My queen mamas – thank you for stepping in when my
remember. Whatever Tay wanted to do, whether it was Ms. Rena Jacobs and Mrs. Elisa Lancaster – you guys are mama wasn’t able to be there and thank you for giving me
pageants, dance, or sports, you made sure I was able to do the BOMB! You both have provided me with two beautiful the sweetest girls I could ask for to make my years
it. My biggest fans. I could not make it through life without regalias and exceeded my expectations. Ms. Rena, I would amazing. I love you Ms. AJ, Ms. Kayla and Ms. Steph.
you both. go by and we would talk for the longest time just catching To the next Miss Lumbee just know you will have major
Mason, my favorite brother! You are the one I can count up. You are really such a sweet lady and I’m so thankful for responsibilities like no other. You will have three girls
on to be completely honest with me. If my hair, makeup, you. You will get that wedding invitation whenever that looking up to you and many other kids looking up to you.
or wardrobe doesn’t look right, you are the one who will time comes! Keep your head held high, set your goals and dream big.
tell me. I can see your face now when I ask you if Sam and Sheena Bailey (Eye Candy) let me just start by This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and God has truly
something looks right and it doesn’t. You tickle me. You saying my portraits are AMAZING! You guys are awesome blessed me. So, take in every moment – take lots of
were my first best friend and I couldn’t be more thankful and your work is fabulous. Sam, with your photography pictures - and be the best Miss Lumbee ever. Wear the
for you buddy. I love you so much. skills and Sheena with the pep talks during photoshoots, crown with pride and carry yourself with dignity. This has
really been the best 2 /2 years of my life and a time I will
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Chloe, aka Toot, my mini me. My tag along, my personal you guys really made me feel like a queen. I could never treasure for the rest of my life. For the last time, I am your
hype girl. With my many events I had to attend, you were thank you enough.
always there telling me how pretty I am and taking my Michelle Mathis (Ella & Co) & Richard Mathis – you guys
pictures. Helping me pick outfits out and telling me I could are gracious with loving and warm spirits. Thank you for 2019, 2020 and 2021 Miss Lumbee
do anything because you believed in me. Toot, you are letting me model in some of your attire and feel beautiful Taylor Brooke Locklear.
really my mini bestie. I love you bunches. when the camera was on me.
Brittany – my very own fashionista, but most importantly Riverside Independent Baptist Church – thank you for the
Robeson Living ~ Summer 2022 Page 33