Chatman & Pack Family - Reunion History

The Genesis of the Chatman & Pack Family Reunion

The Chatman & Pack family reunion came to be in Queens, New York, following the passing of George Chatman, son of JB and Ella Mae Chatman. JB's nieces, Estelle Chatman Jackson and Katie Chatman (King Chatman's Daughters), were involved in the arrangements at JB and Ella Mae's home.

Estelle expressed to Katie her desire for the family to gather more often, not just for sad occasions. This resonated with Katie, who then spoke with cousins Helen Chatman and Margaree Chatman (Chester Chatman's Daughters) after the service. Katie declared she would start a family reunion, stating that the family only ever gathered for sad occasions. From this moment, the Chatman & Pack family reunion took root.

1984: Estelle Chatman Jackson, seeking long-lost relatives in Buffalo, NY, randomly called five Chatman numbers. She connected with Edna Chatman, niece of the late Pete Chatman and daughter of Palmer Chatman, establishing a crucial link.

1985 (Inaugural Reunion): Plans quickly materialized for the first Chatman & Pack Family Reunion in Manning, South Carolina. A bus transported family members from Brooklyn, Albany, Buffalo, and Queens, NY. Activities included a picnic at Poinsett State Park and a family dinner/entertainment at South Sumter Gymnasium, concluding with worship at Green Hill Baptist Church.

1986: Despite lower turnout, attendees enjoyed activities in Manning, SC. Marie Chatman prepared food, and dinner was held at Brotherly Love Lodge #99. The family decided to host the next reunion in Tampa, FL.

1987: Joseph and Lucille Chatman hosted the reunion in Tampa, Florida, featuring a picnic, dinner, and church service. Afterward, Joseph Chatman, Jr. suggested future reunions be held in South Carolina, a proposal everyone present agreed upon.

1988: The reunion in Sumter, SC at the Bernie Center had a disappointing turnout. Joseph Chatman, Sr. expressed concern but vowed continued support.

1989: This reunion saw a significant increase in attendance, including Buffalo, NY family members for the first time since 1985. Activities included a picnic at Dillon Park and dinner at the Elks Lodge in Sumter, with worship at Green Hill Baptist Church. The theme was "We are one, one Family under God," with white T-shirts. The group agreed to keep reunions in South Carolina.

1990: Attendance was smaller, with Chester Sr. and Marie Chatman hosting at Manning Middle School. A memorable moment was David Chatman, Sr.'s emotional response to Mrs. Bertha McKinney's gospel singing. The family decided to hold reunions every other year and changed the dates from August to the second weekend in July to allow for travel preparation. The idea of rotating locations was discussed but dismissed due to high costs outside of South Carolina.

1992: This well-attended reunion featured a picnic at Santee State Park and dinner at Manning National Armory. The theme was "A Family That Prays Together Stays Together," with green and gold T-shirts.

July 8-10, 1994: Mrs. Sally Chatman Burns presided over the reunion. Dinner and entertainment were held at the Gamecock Shrine's Club in Sumter, SC. The theme was "A Family Bond By Unity, Loving, Caring, and Sharing," with black and gold colors.

July 1996: Hosted by President Mrs. Ida Chatman Neal in Sumter, SC, plans for a Myrtle Beach trip were canceled due to a hurricane. Entertainment was at The Bernie Elks Lodge, and church service at Green Hill Baptist Church. The theme was "We're Going To Make It," with royal blue and white colors.

July 1998: President Mrs. Rosa Lee Pack-McElveen led this reunion in Sumter, SC, over the Fourth of July weekend. Activities included a cookout at Swan Lake and two dinners at the NCO Club and Shaw Air Force Base. The theme was "Hold On A Change Is Coming," with red and white colors. This reunion was dedicated to Melissa Nicole Green, and a scholarship fund was initiated in her name, though it later faced financial challenges.

2000: Initial plans for the NCO Club at Shaw Air Force Base were altered due to slow responses. Two cookouts were held at Croswell Park and Taw Caw Park. Joseph Chatman, Sr. discussed the future of the reunions with family members. The theme was "From The Past To The New Millennium, God is Still Blessing Us," with gold and purple colors. The family voted to keep reunions in South Carolina, with more activities in Clarendon County (the ancestral home).

2002: This memorable reunion included a drop-in at Dignity Village, Sumter, SC, a picnic at Dillon Park, and dinner at The VFW Hall. Worship was at Mt. Zero Baptist Church, and a family reunion service at Rock Hill Baptist Church. The majority voted to keep the reunion in South Carolina. Henry Chatman was elected president and Michael Tyrone Chatman vice-president. The theme was "Families Making A Difference In A Troubled World," with gray and burgundy colors.

2004: The thirteenth family reunion's theme was "Back Together Again and Experiencing Life," with sky blue and navy print colors.

Help Us Complete Our Story!

Do you have memories, photos, or details from reunions after 2004? We'd love to hear from you! Please email your information to Chatman.pack@gmail.com so we can continue to build our family's vibrant history.