Selina Amburgey

Selina was the first born child that resulted from the union of marriage between William Riley and Harriet.  Selina was born on February 25th, 1894 in Knott County, and died on November 25th, 1961 being laid to rest in Collins Cemetery in Knott County.
The following is a recollection of Selina by her granddaughter Charlotte Hall Dixon.  This recollection is taken from the Potter Family geneology page which can be accessed at the following link:  http://yeahpot.com/newsome/minus.html

REMEMBERING GRANDMA
by Charlotte Hall Dixon

My grandma, Selina, passed away in 1963. Her memories will live in my heart until I get to see her again.

When I close my eyes and think of her, I can still feel how soft she was when we hugged. Grandma was short, like me. She kept her grey hair up on her head. She wore long dresses and always looked so neat. I can't remember ever seeing her or my Mom in pants. Grandma was like an angel; so sweet, loving and caring.

I remember our visits to Grandma's house. She met us at the door with a hug. As we walked through the kitchen door, we always smelled food and spices. After we ate and visited inside for a bit, we seemed to always end up on her big front porch in the summertime. It was so inviting and comfortable. I sat there on those visits and listened to my Mom and Grandma talk. While they talked, I would feel the cool summer breeze on my face and smell her flowers and flower bushes. The breeze carried the beautiful, soft fragrance right across the porch. Sometimes, I would go down off the porch and walk around her flowers, enjoying the beauty and smell of them. She had one bush that I'll never forget. It smelled heavenly. She called it her "bubby bush." It was my favorite of all. The memory of her "bubby bush" is so strong in my mind, it's like it's still here today. When I think of her, I almost always remember the smell of that bush, also. I guess I associate it with her in my mind.

I can remember one visit very vividly. I was sitting on the floor of her porch, in front of Grandma Selina. She was braiding my hair and teaching me things from the Bible. Oh, she was such a sweet Angel On Earth. She said one thing that has stuck in my mind ever since. I was thirteen years old at the time. As she was braiding my hair, I remember she said, "In order to enter the gates of Heaven, you must be as humble as a child." Well, I know that's where Grandma is, as she was so very humble. She was such a good, sweet, honest person. And I know her heart was with the Lord.

I hope that she can look down at me today and smile at what I have become. I hope she knows that I'll be joining her some day, and she can braid my hair and tell me stories again.

Oh, Grandma, if you can hear me, thank you for helping to shape me and teach me. Thank you for all the love you gave me. I'm still carrying that love in my heart until I see you again. I love you, Grandma!

Author: Charlotte Dixon
Hazard, Kentucky