Hope found in the darkest of times — Virus assaults the Rains family

On February 25, 2020, Elzada Smith Rains turned 85 years young. Just days before, she celebrated the milestone alongside 100-plus of her closest family and friends.

If you never had the pleasure of meeting Elzada, better known as Aunt Tatie, the fact so many people showed up to her birthday party should tell you how loved she was.

It was a surprise party, her son Charles Ray Rains and daughter-in-law Michelle, said. She cried tears of joy.

None of them could imagine it would be her last.

For more see the March 18 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.