Open Arms: The Life and Legacy of Ernestine Wells Slade (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781728333960)

Ernestine Wells Slade was born in Rushmere, Virginia on February 1,1928 and is the eldest daughter of P.D. Wells, Sr. and Sarah Bradby Wells. On September 5, 1948 Ernestine married Clifton Samuel Slade and they went on to have four children raising them on their 495-acre farm where they grew peanuts, corn, soybeans and sweet potatoes. In 1975, Clifton and Ernestine along with a close family friend opened Slade's Park where performers came from all over the country to entertain. Slade's Park has now become one of the states most visited trail bike riding parks. In 1981, the Slade's began opening their arms as Foster Parents to children who needed a home. They never imagined that they would become the Foster Parents to sixty-three children. In 1990, Ernestine was honored with the prestigious recognition of National Foster Parent of The Year," in Orlando, Florida and was later recognized by Virginia's Governor Robert F. McDonald for her continued commitment to the Foster Care program. She is a proud and devoted member of First Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Rushmere, Virginia and continues to reside in Surry, Virginia on their family farm. Ernestine would like to thank her granddaughter, Melissa Burkley, and all who contributed towards making this book possible. This book was written by Alanda Robinson and Edythe George in the words of Ernestine Wells Slade.