Helen Joy’s Photographer Blog

Helen Joy George 6/16/15 Helen Joy George 6/16/15

ma-gaye | ball's creek camp meeting

Two nights ago, my dear friend Catherine called me up to tell me that her grandmother was very near to breathing her last breath and she was wondering if I had some pictures I had taken 6 years ago. 6 back up drives later I located them. That was back in my sepia phase and when I didn’t quite know what I was doing all the time. But OH MY how that precious soul was shining.

Last night, surrounded by family and the singing of songs, Ma-Gaye went to be with Jesus. I simply have to share a little about her life and these images shot at Ball’s Creek Camp Meeting where Ma-Gaye attended 89 years. She missed one because of a polio outbreak. The one’s of her singing with her daughter and granddaughter make tears pour down my face. What a legacy!

I remember meeting Ma Gaye for the first time after being ever so curious after reading the hilarious notes she would send my friend in college. I remember gathering around our college post office boxes when a letter from her would come. When I met her I felt such a kindred spirit with her. She was such a free spirit and her constant singing and dancing, no matter who was looking gave me such joy. She a strong and brave strength for her family, she was a joy to all who laid eyes on her, and she brought so much spice to the world that I know it will never be the same.