Sharing lasting Memories of our Family Reunions
Celebrating love, bonds, and family unity together. Welcome to our page!
About the G.E.M.S Family
The G.E.M.S Family History
The Mashack Family Reunion was first held on December 25, 1970. The idea for the reunion came from the fourteen (14) children of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Mashack, Sr., who made a heartfelt promise: that the passing of their parents would never bring an end to their relationship as a family.
When the fourteen children speak of the Mashack family, they recognize that their heritage connects four major families — the Gilmores, Evans, Mashacks, and Sanders — as well as many other important relatives whose names are too numerous to list. This reunion was never intended to be limited to these few families, but rather to include every descendant and relative, no matter their surname or distance in relation. Every member of this great family is welcomed and celebrated.
~The Mashack Lineage~
Hannah Mashack was the family’s earliest known matriarch, living during the era of slavery. She stands as the starting point of the Mashack family name and legacy.
~The Sanders Family~
The oldest Sanders remembered in family history is Uncle Sam, whose mother was given the surname Moore by her enslaver during the time of slavery. From this lineage, the Sanders family grew into one of the four main branches of our heritage.
~The Gilmore Family~
Thomas Gilmore was originally from Bishopville, South Carolina, though his exact birthplace is not known. His parents were Peter Dennis and Liza Gilmore, who were deeply respected for their steadfast commitment to their religious beliefs. Their stepmother, however, did not share their same spiritual outlook.
The Gilmore siblings were Thomas, John, Mack, and Isaac, with one sister born to Peter and Liza. All of them are now deceased except for a half-sister who resides in Brooklyn, New York. The Gilmores were a family guided by faith and devotion, a pattern that would influence future generations.
~The Evans Family~
Grandmother Rebecca Evans Gilmore, daughter of Peter and Martha Evans, was the proud mother of five children: Rose M., Isaac, Shedrach, Chlorie, and Rebecca.
The Evans family, like the others, was known for its faith, hard work, and strong moral values—qualities that have carried through generations.
The Mashack Family
To the union of Grandfather Lonnie Mashack and Grandmother Mary Jane Sanders Mashack, eleven (11) children were born. Nine (9) of these children were raised successfully; two (2) passed away during early childhood.
Their household was rooted in discipline, respect, and faith. Children were taught to behave properly and to show respect to their elders and neighbors. In those days, neighbors were even allowed to discipline children when necessary — a practice that reflected the strong community values of the time.
The Mashack family faithfully attended church every Sunday, and the children accepted and lived by their parents’ teachings. They introduced their children to the Christian way of life, believing that living by faith and moral principles was the key to success and salvation.
Their devotion to God and their good Christian example made their “light” shine wherever they went. The Mashacks were known for their faith, integrity, and respected standing in the community.
The Gilmore–Evans Connection
From the union of Grandfather Thomas Gilmore and Grandmother Rebecca Evans Gilmore, eleven (11) children were born: Virginia, Girlena, Wilhelmena, Pearl, Ladel, Leroy, Olen, Merks, Rosekite, Curtis, and Heyward.
Grandmother Rebecca was known for her beautiful alto singing voice, and Grandfather Thomas for his strong bass voice. Together, they sang in the Kay Branch Baptist Church Choir as long as they were physically able to attend church.
Uncle Tom (Thomas Gilmore) was also well known in the community as a skilled butcher, respected for his craft and service.
The Gilmore–Mashack Connection
From the union of Sister Girlena Gilmore and Brother Lonnie Mashack, a remarkable family of fifteen (15) children was born — nine boys and six girls.
Fourteen (14) of them were raised successfully: Roberta Robinson, Willie James Jr., Rebecca Toney, Isaac, Girlena Jackson, Daniel, Malichi, Thomas, Elisha, Mary Ann Philmon, Ella Mae Chisolm, Aaron, Adena, and Charles Levern.
Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are now too numerous to count, spreading the family legacy across generations.
The family moved to Hartsville, South Carolina in 1926, where they lived for the rest of their lives. They continued to uphold the traditions of faith, discipline, and family unity that had been passed down from their parents and grandparents.
Honorable Members of the Family
Throughout our history, certain family members have stood out for their leadership, strength, and faith. We honor them by name:
- Uncle Albert Saunders
- Grandmother Mary Jane Saunders Mashack
- Rev. Uncle Lonnie Mashack, Jr. (Florida)
- Uncle Leroy Horne and Aunt Virginia Horne
Our Legacy Lives On
From humble beginnings in the South Carolina countryside to the countless descendants who now carry the family name and spirit across the nation, the Gilmores, Evans, Mashacks, and Sanders remain united by love, faith, and the promise made in 1970 — to never let distance, time, or loss end the bond between us.
This is our story — our family history — a living legacy of unity, strength, and faith that continues to guide each generation of the Mashack family.
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