What you’re looking at in the picture above- is a gen-u-ine Southern Spitfire. You would have to know one to understand exactly what we mean by that in the South. Under a thin veneer of Southern charm, my grandmother Betty Jo Sparks Holmes was a Southern Spitfire. I’ve been told her mother was a beauty who rode fast horses sidesaddle! It’s her birthday, if she was alive she would be well over 100. We can’t know her true age for sure, because-well, a Southern lady generally shaves a few years off. Even tombstones of Southern females may not reflect the actual age. Here’s what I know for sure-She came from a long line of warriors:
- a Daughter of the American Revolution
- a Daughter of the Confederacy
- and with the papers to prove it, a bonafide descendent of Davy Crockett!
Her husband served in World War I, guarding Woodrow Wilson’s White House, living in tents on the grounds- he was a very handsome man. My grandmother tickled him to death with the things she said- particularly when her green eyes were flashing! Her son, served as one of the youngest pilots in the Navy during World War II, flying off of aircraft carriers in the Pacific. She adored him, caring for him most of his adult life as a disabled veteran. He had a lot of problems, but Mimi never allowed any criticism of him, at all. She was a fiercely patriotic American who loved FDR and his First Lady Eleanor, admired John Kennedy and Jimmy Carter, probably because they served in the US Navy, like her son. I’ve inherited her favorite novel, Gone With the Wind, purchased when it was considered a very racy book! Scarlett O’Hara is the best representation of a Southern Spitfire in literature. My grandmother looked nothing like Vivian Leigh except for the flashing green eyes! However, some of the things Scarlett said could easily apply to Mimi-
- ‘War, war, war. This war talk’s spoiling all the fun at every party…I get so bored I could scream.’
- ‘Don’t be a goose, Melly!’
- ‘Great balls of fire! Don’t bother me anymore, and don’t call me sugar.’
Betty Jo Sparks Holmes raised her family, including her younger sister Mary Sue, her younger brother Charles, my Uncle Chig and my mother, Betty Gene- during the Great Depression. She was one of the finest cooks I have ever known. She learned to cook, not because she had to, but because she loved to be in the kitchen with the household cooks. They humored the feisty Betty Jo, by letting her make biscuits, which she would load into a small wagon, take across the tracks and sell to laborers for pennies, knowing when she got home she would be in a mess of trouble! Only to do it again, the next time she got close to the kitchen!
She became a florist at age 55, when most women were homemakers, her income was necessary. She had a great sense of style and good taste, but wasn’t uppity. Her life could be described as ‘grit with grace’. I loved that about her. I can still hear her now- the impression of her strength, wisdom and strong sense of humor inform me all these years since we lost her. She was a Spitfire but she was one of the most generous people I have ever known. ‘As God is my witness’…No one ever came to her door and left hungry, empty handed or without comfort. Like most Southerners, she engaged in a bit of ancestor worship. Mimi didn’t tolerate weakness in me. My older sister was probably her favorite- however, she gave me large chunks of her time and the best advice I have ever received- ‘Stop crying, hold your head up and don’t ever forget whose child you are!’ Now, if that is not advice from a Southern Spitfire? I don’t know what it would be. Happy Birthday Mimi, I’m a better person because of you.
Love y’all, Camellia
Photographs are mine. The top photograph was taken in the 1920s with Mimi’s bob and scandalous short dress holding her son and baby brother J.T.. The photograph on the right was for my sister’s high school graduation, the photograph on the left- Mimi is holding me at Christmas on her lap. The photograph of Vivian Leigh- the indomitable Southern Spitfire- Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind by that great southern author, Margaret Mitchell, is public domain.
Great post. I could really picture her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh thank you! truly
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just nominated you for the 3 Quotes for 3 Days Challenge. You don’t have to participate, but I thought you might have some great quotes to share from all those wonderful cookbooks and Southern ways! 😊 You can check it out at: https://thegrizzlegrist.wordpress.com/2016/10/01/the-beauty-of-audrey/
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh my! what an honor…I have a confession to make- I was nominated for an award in july, have not picked that up yet and two this past week which I have not worked on yet…would it be terribly rude of me to pass this up for now and perhaps if you think of me later I will be able to do it?? I would love to participate and darlin’ you know I’ve got quotes coming out my ears!! 🙂 ps my older daughter’s name is Audrey!
LikeLiked by 2 people
No problem! It’s just for fun, anyway! 😉 If you decide later, maybe you can even just quote a few in a blog and ping back to me. 😊 I’d love to know your favorites!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So gracious ! Agreed all of this is just for fun for me ! And I wish I could write all day everyday! And I am always so surprised and so honored…its just been a crazy few months ! And I ‘can’t see daylight ‘ yet ! There’s a quote for you !
LikeLiked by 2 people
So gracious ! I am always sooo honored and surprised other bloggers would nominate me for anything ! It’s just been a crazy few months and I can’t see daylight yet! There’s a quote for you ! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
did I reply twice? see how goofy I am ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not goofy, just extra thoughtful! 😉💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
GREAT photos and biography! So loving! So American! Thoroughly enjoyed this post, Camellia.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Thank you! I loved writing it.. she was an unforgettable person. you made my day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Too bad we couldn’t all have known her!! I had a Southern Spitfire of my own, my Granny!
And a whole lot just like yours!! Except she never bobbed her hair, or wore ear bobs either.
When we moved to Jupiter, Fl, she always called it “God-forsaken Juliper”! She never did get it right, no matter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh soo funny! love grandmother stories! Mimi wasn’t warm and fuzzy but she made up for it with her humor and good food- not to mention good advice whether you wanted it or not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, the advice!! Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so wonderful! As a photographer, I’m quite obsessed with looking through old photographs and I love family stories. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my ! Thank you ! I love writing about Mimi and thankful to have photos of her !
LikeLike
It was a fun read. Nothing like family, also thanks for your like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! blessings to you!
LikeLike
Such a great read I truly enjoyed that. My great grandmother who we lost recently was a spitfire. You surely watched how you acted or even spoke around her. I miss her, learned so much from her. Thanks Camilia, God Bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh, thank you for sharing your great grandmother with me! so sorry for your loss- those ladies will surely never pass this way again! xoxo
LikeLike
So loved this story! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike