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Past Reunions 1983 - Bakersfield, CA - Barefield 1985 - Milwaukee, WI Barefield 1987 - Davenport, IA – Clay 1989 - Detroit, MI – Henderson-Barefield 1991 - Chicago, IL - Woolfolk 1993 - Milwaukee, WI - Claypool 1995 - Atlanta, GA - Clay 1997 - San Jose, CA - Barefield 1999 - St. Louis, MO - Barefield 2001 - Denver, CO - Woolfolk 2003 - Milwaukee, WI - Clay 2005 - Carson City, CA - Henderson 2007 - Metropolis, IL - Barfield 2009 - Tampa, FL - Barefield HISTORY OF THE BAREFIELD-BARFIELD, CLAY, CLAYPOOL,
Morris developed a data base of names and addresses of family members and was responsible for communications. The other children of William and Pearlie Barefield were responsible for the planning process, accommodations and the program. The cost was $10 per person and $30 per family. Much of the food was prepared by family members. The Barefield Family Reunion became a reality the first weekend of August 1981 in In 1983 the fires and spirit of “family“spread to Bakersfield, California; the home of Arkall and Elder Finas Dave Barefield. (Finas’ wife, Opal Louise Rose, was the daughter of Charlie Rose and Millie Claypool.) The planning, organizing and corresponding was managed by the sons and daughters of Arkall and Finas Dave. Arrangements were made to utilize the facilities at The next stop on this journey was Brookfield, Wisconsin in 1985. The preparations were made by the family of Hobert Barfield and Delphine (Clay) Barfield, namely Phillip, Vernell, Hobert, Jr., Phyllis, Pat and others. Delphine was the daughter of Marcus Clay and Alice (McCelland) Clay and Hobert was the son of Joe Barfield and Sallie ( After the first three reunions some procedures were established. The reunion would be held on the first weekend of August with Friday being an evening for welcoming and registration, Saturday a day for registration, tours and a banquet that evening, and Sunday was a day of worship and a family picnic with games and much food. The host family for the next reunion is determined by nomination and a majority vote. The first three reunions were hosted by the Barefield-Barfield families. Who are the descendants of The Clay family hosted the 1987 reunion in The reunion caravan moved to The cost of the first reunions was minimized by the host family assuming some of the expenses and doing much of the food preparation for the picnic. As our numbers increased to more than 300 and nearing 400, this model became unworkable. Our accommodations were provided by a select hotel and we became dependent on catered services. In 1991 the Woolfolk family invited us to The next stop was Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the Claypool’s in 1993. They started something new, we had a theme. For this reunion the theme was “Children Are Our Future”. This was a great idea; it caused the attendants to look to the future as well as our past. The things we do will survive only if our children give them life. The host families were those of Sherman and Jerry Claypool. A note: John Claypool and Audrey ( The 1987 reunion was hosted by the family of Mark and Blanche Clay. The 1995 event was organized by the Clay family also, but the hosts were the children of Mark’s older brother, Oris Clay. The reunion was held in the great city of At this junction of the reunion trail all families had hosted at least one reunion, so there is little more family history I can share. I will state the remaining stops on the journey from this point forward. In 1997 we revisited After 18 years the reunion returned to In the year 2001 we found a new place to celebrate the “Family”. The Woolfolk-Pryor family invited us to the mountains, The Clays of At the conclusion of the In 2007 we were called back to the place where we all share common roots and where we call home, Grand Chain,
In 2009, the reunion caravan headed south Tampa, FL (The Sunshine State). Our host was Anthony B. Curtis, Jr, who is the son of Anthony and Carol Curtis, Grandson of Clydia Curtis (Barefield) and Raymond Curtis, and Great Grandson of Arlene Barefield. Also instrumental in the reunion planning was Christi Tillman (Barefield). Christi is the daughter of Finas Dave Barefield, Jr and Lois Barefield, and Grand-daugher of Finas Dave Barefield. Anthony’s Great Grandmother Arlene and Christi’s Grandfather Finas Dave, Sr. were siblings. Anthony and Christi were the only family members living in Florida, but they did an outstanding job hosting the 450 who were in attendance. The theme was New Vines from Strong Roots. This reunion marked the first time a website was created and the first time we were able to register online. The reunion opened with a grand reception where we were entertained by a DJ, three comedians, massage therapists were on hand giving free chair massages to the family, and the array of food was outstanding. On Saturday morning busses carried family members to either Busch Gardens, Adventure Island (Water Park), or Clearwater Beach. There was a banquet on Saturday night where we were entertained by a six piece bands and we gave out the traditional rewards. There was church service at the hotel on Sunday morning and the picnic Sunday afternoon was held at the very scenic Fort Desoto State Park just steps away from the beach. In 2011, we celebrated 30 years of being connected as a family. So, no other theme was more befitting than “30 Years and Still Connected”. So, back to the Midwest we go ~Chicago, IL. The city that looks great from every angle. The hosts were Danette Carter and Debra Woolfolk. Danette is the daughter of Sylvester and Alice (Woolfolk) Carter, the Granddaughter of Clarence and Sarah (Gaynor) Woolfolk. Debra is the daughter of Doris Maxine Porter and Lawrence Woolfolk, the Granddaughter of Amos and Viola Woolfolk. They are both the Great Granddaughters of Coleman, Sr and Nannie (McClelland) Woolfolk. We gathered ~600 strong~ at the beautiful Chicago Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (30 miles outside Chicago) for a weekend of family fun. This Chicago resort blended modern comfort and prairie style with exhilarating and relaxing outdoor activities. Although, some family members went on a Downtown Excursion, which included Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile. Some of us relaxed at the full-service spa and enjoyed massages, body treatments, and facials. There was a mini golf course, but the golfers in the family were out on the full PGA course saying “Fore!!”. Family members also had the opportunity to enjoy indoor or outside pools and the video arcade/gameroom. On Saturday night was a family buffet style dinner and dance. Where we honored some key members in our family, especially Morris Barefield. On Sunday, we had morning worship followed by the picnic, which we held in the pavilion on the resort grounds. This weekend was ALL set within the 260 acres of lush grounds….there was no reason to leave the property. Aug. 2-4 2013, Sarah Woolfolk Edwards and Teresa Barfield Deas hosted the 33rd Family Reunion. Sarah is the daughter of the late Norvell V. Woolfolk and the great-granddaughter of Coleman Woolfolk, Sr. Teresa is the daughter of Brenda Jean (Barfield) Barton and the granddaughter of granddaughter of Hobert and Delphine Barfiled. The Woolfolk/Barfield family duo planned a themed weekend of "Fun in the Sun" in Virginia Beach, VA"! Friday was for members of our large family to register and enjoy a meet & greet reception. Registration gift bags were filled with our festive green & orange T -shirts and an array of items ranging from beach toys to *Andy's Seasonings, and *Ameren UE snack clips & more, which were provided by the late, Ida Goodwin-Woolfolk (Sarah's mother). Saturday was the family picnic at Little Island Park, which is on a semi private beach. Food, fellowship, & fun was had by all. Saturday evening we opted to replace the traditional family banquet with free time, so that families could enjoy the numerous tourist attractions and free fun along the Atlantic Oceanfront. Sunday morning we stuck to our strong, Christ-filled family roots. On Sunday, we had a Gospel Brunch Buffet & church service filled with love and featured exceptional talents by family members. We also had a member from each family branch to pour colored sand into a glass to represent family members who have gone home to meet the Lord. In 2008, Morris Barefield drafted the first iteration of our reunion history per the request of Anthony B. Curtis, Jr. who wanted to include the information on our first website. Edits, additions, and corrections have been made as we have received additional information and as we have continued to host the biennial reunion.
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