Felicia Blackburn, WoodmenLife Representative, Mississippi South

06/02/2022

At just 15 years old, Chris and Oree knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. June 1, 2015 was the day their story began. Very few days after that were spent apart. They dated throughout high school, both graduating in 2018 with honors. They continued their education at local community colleges, both working part time jobs to start saving for their future. After asking Oree’s parents for their blessing, Chris popped the question on June 1, 2020, their five-year anniversary. They both continued to work, go to school full time, plan a wedding, and remodel Chris’ great grandmother's house, where they would live once married.

On June 1st, 2021, a Tuesday evening, close family and friends gathered to witness Chris and Oree's marriage. Once they returned from their honeymoon, they spent the remainder of their summer vacationing with both of their families, spending time with their fur baby, Pebbles, settling into married life, and preparing for their senior year at Mississippi State University.

Chris and Oree never made it to school. On August 16th, 2021, on their way to Starkville, God called both Chris and Oree to their heavenly home. They were married only two short months before departing this earth. Chris and Oree were simply better together.

When we were first approached about organ and tissue donation, we were caught a little off guard—it had been a long, hard day. After stopping to think about what Chris and Oree would want, we knew we only had one option. They would truly want to help others. MORA assisted us and guided our families through a very difficult time, and we will never be able to repay them for the kindness and compassion shown to us. Special thanks to MORA's Aftercare staff, who has helped both families get through such a difficult time. —

We urge everyone to consider donation, have the conversation about your wishes with family and loved ones, and join us in taking a moment to be grateful for Chris and Oree, their families, and the many other donors and donor families throughout the state of Mississippi and beyond for their lifesaving and healing gifts.

05/31/2021

Freedom isn’t free. We owe our freedom to our military men and women who’ve given their all. Let us honor their sacrifices on Memorial Day.

05/09/2021

There isn’t a day that our moms aren’t thinking of us. So, to all of the moms out there: Happy Mother's Day. Thanks for always being there.

05/02/2021

Life insurance dates back to 100 B.C., when military leaders in Rome created burial clubs for their troops. If an unexpected death occurred, other members would pay for funeral expenses. On National Life Insurance Day, more than 2,000 years later, life insurance is still here to cover the financial needs of families should the unthinkable happen. Contact me to learn more.

Protect your family with WoodmenLife life insurance products. Compare Whole Life Term Life Universal Life and Family Term. Get a quote today.

05/01/2021

Spring started in March, but the sun’s warmer in May, and a dance around the maypole on May Day makes sure you’re ready for the season.

04/30/2021

Plant a tree on , and you’ll literally add oxygen to the air we breathe. And because trees live for decades, you’ll show your descendants you cared about their future.

04/22/2021

Chief Seattle famously said, “Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. That’s never been truer, and is the perfect time to remind everyone.