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This columnist normally shies away from re-printing stuff coming over the Internet. Let’s make an exception in this case — a piece popping up on e-mail in-boxes across the country as we gear up for the Christmas holiday. It’s titled “Birth of a New Tradition” and its authorship is a bit murky, so apologies to whoever wrote it. Your thoughts are appreciated. My thanks to Frances Bryant of Sanderson.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different.

This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes there is!

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In the early 1990s, Olustee native Bobbi Croft was busy completing requirements for an associate degree from Lake City Community College.

She knew she wanted to continue with her education beyond that, but paying for it was going to be a challenge.

“I wanted to be a writer or something in communications,” she said. “That I knew for sure. I also knew I needed more school, but the money wasn’t there.”

So the enterprising Bobbi started looking for a way to pay for the completion of her education. Entering the military seemed the logical route.

It would be the Naval Technical Scholarship Program in advanced electronics that would make more education possible and help the young woman find her niche in communications.

In August 1991, with an associate’s degree under her belt, Ms. Croft reported to Naval Recruit Training Command Orlando for boot camp. The following November she graduated from electronics technician school.

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Phyllis Barnes Shelton, 59, of Bostwick, FL died November 4, 2011.

She was born in Baton Rouge to Glynn R. Barnes Sr. and the late Annie Laura Wells Barnes. She was a resident of Florida since 1968 after moving from Nashville, TN. Phyllis was self employed as a Mary Kay director for 31 years and attended Celebration Church of Orange Park. She enjoyed sewing, reading, volunteering and cooking. 

Survivors other than her father of Fruit Cove include her loving husband of 38 years S. Richard Shelton of Bostwick; children Matthew Shelton of Savannah, Lauren (Eric) Cole of Green Cove Springs, Marshall Shelton of Orange Park, Whitney (Christopher) Stephens of Hawaii; brother Glynn R. (Lynn) Barnes Jr; grandchildren Brandon Bihn, Lillian Cole, Morgan Shelton, Shelbey Cole and lifelong friend Sydney Ferreira of Macclenny.

The funeral service was held on Sunday November 6 with Dr. Vincent Ferreira officiating. Interment followed in Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery in Green Cove Springs. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mary Kay Foundation (TMKF) in Ms. Shelton’s honor at P.O. Box 799044 Dallas, TX 75379.

Margaret Pittman, 81, of Brunswick, GA died Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Hospice of The Golden Isles.

Born January 28, 1930 in Macclenny to the late Calvin and Ruth B. Morgan, Mrs. Pittman was a former x-ray technician and secretary. She was a resident of Glynn County for most of her life. She was a member of Norwich Baptist Church and an avid Atlanta Braves fan who enjoyed sports. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pittman was preceded in death by son Glenn W. Pittman and sister Jean Mobley.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years Tharion Pittman of Brunswick; son Randy Pittman Sr.; grandchildren Ran­­­­dy (Christa) Pittman Jr, and Katlyn Pittman; great-grandchildren Randy Pittman III and Brycen Pittman; sister Lee (Ed) Jones of Florida.

The funeral service was held at 3 pm Tuesday, November 8 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with Pastor Spencer Johnson officiating. Interment followed at Palmetto Cemetery with Ricky Pittman, Josey Davis, Don Peters, Harold Jones, Ashford Pierce, and David Waller serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers included Leon Braddock, Henry Towels, Gene Leggett, and Ben Nelson. Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Golden Isles.