Members of Stephens-Lee High School Class of ’64 gathered for a group photo during their dinner and dance celebration.  Photo: Urban News
Members of Stephens-Lee High School Class of ’64 gathered for a group photo during their dinner and dance celebration.  Photo: Urban News
Class of ’64 member Sandra Robinson, with husband Henry. Photo: Urban News
Class of ’64 member Sandra Robinson, with husband Henry. Photo: Urban News

The Stephens-Lee Class of 1964 held its 50th reunion in Asheville the weekend of July 18-20. The smallest class to graduate from Stephens-Lee, the Class of ’64 comprised 104 graduates, many of whom have gathered locally over the years for holiday meals, for joint 55th and 60th birthday celebrations, and, of course, many previous reunions.

Class of ’64 member Charles Harrison. Photo: Urban News
Class of ’64 member Charles Harrison. Photo: Urban News

The class celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1974, and for the past eight reunions Nevada McCoy chaired the planning committee. In addition to holding regular reunions, the Class of ’64 established a benevolence fund to assist class members during illnesses and death.

Those attending the 2014 reunion traveled from across North Carolina (including both Durham and Greensboro), and from Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Most arrived on Friday, July 18, for a Meet & Greet with dinner at the Asheville Event Center on Sweeten Creek Road. The following morning alumni enjoyed breakfast at the Cornerstone on Tunnel Road, then danced the night away at the Asheville Event Center.

Class of ’64 member Charles McElrath and wife Carolyn. Photo: Urban News
Class of ’64 member Charles McElrath and wife Carolyn. Photo: Urban News

Sunday was a more serious time, with many graduates attending services at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church in West Ashville, led by Rev. Charles Martin. After church, the reunion ended as it began: with a delicious meal, lunch at Ryans on Brevard Road.