The official Sassiehood came together in 2000, but it started over many years. Ultimately, we all had kids graduating from NCHS in 2004. One evening, while out eating dinner, Paula suggested we make our group official with a name. We each wrote down a suggestion and put it in the middle of the table. We read them aloud and chose the Seven Sassies. Later, we dropped seven and just became The Sassy Sisters.
How would you describe the unique personalities that make up your group?
Though we Sassies span the range of unique personalities, we share a foundational component: faith in Jesus Christ. He has made a beautiful arrangement out of otherwise opinionated, strong-willed, and sometimes controlling “wildflowers.” There isn’t a mild-mannered woman among us, and yet, we have had no fallouts in thirty plus years of friendship. We each share our opinions without escalation into a divisive argument because we have been given this sisterhood. And thankfully, we value each other more than our own opinions. ~ Michelle Powell
What are some shared interests or hobbies that keep your group together?
We are shoppers, travelers, game players and enjoy parties together. Most importantly, we are all women of faith! We pray for each other in difficult times, and we celebrate together all the wonderful things that happen in each other's lives. ~Sonya Ray
Describe a challenging time your group faced, and how it strengthened your bond.
It's not one incident or challenge. We continually keep each other close at heart and lifted in prayer. Our strength comes from Jesus Christ. Through death, illness, and all of life's trials, we have each other covered in both our love and the precious love of God. There is no greater peace and comfort than that which comes from God through the prayers and love of [my] sister friends. ~ Terri Williford
What is it about these ladies that keep you close?
Each one of us love our families and Jesus above all else, and we genuinely care about each other. All the different personalities among us blend perfectly. Not only do you need your family, but good friends help get you through the ups and downs of life. We all feel like our friendship is truly a blessing from the Lord, and we make every effort to find the time to keep our friendship a priority. ~ Debbie Felice
Are there any traditions your group follows regularly?
One tradition that's continued for 30 years is celebrating birthdays, and we plan on continuing for many years. Traditionally, we have dinner, but have also planned creative things like festivals, dueling piano bars, a limo ride, weekend getaways, and a flea market scavenger hunt. We love celebrating with each other and enjoying our time together! ~ Paula Bishop
In 15 years from now, how will the Sassies keep their traditions alive?
We will continue to experience life's ups and downs together. We have seen the birth of grandkids, deaths, marriages, and illness...it has kept us focused on the importance of staying in touch. Friendship such as ours is a relationship that requires focus on the past, current, and future needs of each of us and our families.
The bond we share is unique; from the smallest struggle to the largest catastrophe, there is no judging, only support. The diverse personalities in all of us make us an amazing group of loving women. ~Debbie Needham
Can you share a memorable moment from the early days of your friendship?
Thinking back over 30 plus years of friendship, the memories are endless. It's difficult to narrow down. One of my earliest memories is a trip we all took to Lake Travis. We enjoyed our days from sun-up to way past sundown. One day was on a pontoon boat with a trampoline involved, and it's one day I hope none of us ever forget. I laugh every time I think about it. Bunko is another one of my favorite memories. The love and laughter we shared on those nights was immeasurable. We played to WIN, and it got pretty competitive at times but in the end, it was all for fun! ~ Sherri Abrahams
Friendship such as ours is a relationship that will focus on the past, current and future needs of each of us and our families.
Our early years of friendship were spent raising our kids together and watching them transform into who they are today. Our life together has allowed us to laugh, cry, pray, shop, play and travel together making these memories a part of each of our lives.
