Once upon a time there was a class requirement of Home Economics in the public school system. Basics of homemaking were taught to girls and some boys elected to take the course too.
While those classes are gone several people in Magee remember Home Ec teacher Liz Holbrook. She was also the pianist and organist at Goodwater Baptist Church. Pastor Jacob Webb recalls, “Miss Liz was our organist – that’s how I knew her as Liz the organist. That was her identity to me. Well later I find out that she was very influential in this area with Home Ec. So at her funeral I had at least 12 people say ‘she taught me how to sew.’ I thought that’s interesting.” Holbrook died November 23, 2023.
Shortly after her death a new ministry was born out of Holbrook’s love of sewing and her friendship with Maxine Shows. Webb commissioned the group at its inception two years ago and recently dedicated the space they use in honor of Miss Liz Holbrook.
The original project for what has become known as The Sewing Circle was a hand sewn bag used to replace baskets the church annually gives away at Christmas time. Webb explained that baskets became too expensive so plastic grocery bags were used. But the ladies said they could do better than that and began making the reusable bags.
Shows then brought to the group what is being called a soup koozie to hold a hot bowl of soup and the like, knowing many people would benefit from the gift. The koozie is packed with a can of soup and snacks.
Webb shared a memory from a visit with David and Marinell Tetford who he originally met through an annual Goodwater event called Shadow of the Cross. Church members attempt to knock on every door within a three mile radius over a weekend. Webb was alone Saturday and visited 29 homes. However, Sunday his family joined him and they made it to only two; one of them being the Tetfords. “We spent two and a half hours with David as he showed my kids everything in his shop. Here I am thinking ‘this family’s probably sick of this pastor’s family being here’. I didn’t know David was de-churched and hated all things church.”
Webb continued, “So fast forward he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he’s real sick now. I called, ‘Hey brother I want to bring you one of these it’s a koozie with a can of soup, fruit and snack cakes.’ They opened them and they just start laughing. His wife said we have one of these; we fight over who gets to have it every time. Now you’ve given us three!” Tetford died January 22, 2025.
The ladies initially met in the home of LeeAnne Lewis, eventually moving to their Sunday school room. The layout for the room was ideal for the sewing machines. They moved again to the parsonage that is used mostly for storage. The ladies have six sewing machines and they spread out in the home’s living room. Their sewing materials are stored in the large master bedroom closet.
The group has five to six mainstay women including Lewis. “Leeann is the leader of this. Leeann is the most leader driven person but doesn’t want the credit but she has to have it otherwise God doesn’t get the glory of what He’s done in her life. She’ll learn that lesson. She’s been such a great asset,” Webb commented.
And it is not necessary to be a seamstress to join. People can cut and measure fabric. The latest project is a pocket apron for a walker. “In honor of Miss Rose Ainsworth the Sewing Circle has made these walker aprons for residents at Lakeview Place in Magee.” In addition the ladies are working toward making fidget blankets for children.
Webb was quick to compliment this group of committed ladies. “I appreciate the willingness of The Sewing Circle ladies to honor a dear sweet saint while looking forward at the same time. That’s what legacy is all about. It’s not just what happened; legacy is where you’re going.”
