CELINA-Longtime newspaper columnist Edwina Napier served as the bellringer for Homecoming Days last week. 

The ringing of the bell at the Clay County Museum on Thursday is observed annually as the official beginning of the three-day festival, and Mrs. Napier, better known to many as Miss Ed, was the honoree this year.

In the opening comments, museum spokesperson Mary Loyd Reneau told those in attendance at the ceremony the bellringer was always someone who knew and appreciated the history of Clay County, and that Mrs. Napier certainly filled that criteria. 

Napier was introduced by son Don Napier, a longtime newspaper man and media consultant, who now lives in Crossville. He pointed out his mother has written a continuous weekly column since 1976–a span of 33 years. Miss Ed has written columns for the former Clay Citizen (started by her son), the Citizen-Statesman, for the Dale Hollow HORIZON the past five years, and is still going strong. 

The former Edwina Hargrove was born and raised in the Willow Grove area, and has lived in Clay County all her life, except for a short stint in Livingston. She has lived in Celina all her adult life, and graduated from Celina High School. She retired from the U.S. Postal service in 1988. She and late husband Billy are the parents of five children, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren (to whom she is known as Nanny). 

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Homecoming Days organizers said Monday the festival was a success, and thanked all the businesses, sponsors, musicians, vendors and attendees for their part in the effort. 

BELL RINGER-Mrs. Edwina Napier, longtime newspaper columnist, served as the bell-ringer for Homecoming Days this year. She was introduced by son Don Napier (left).