Minna Deen Link, Bernard Bryan Jones and Ann Elizabeth Calk.

Siblings Minna Deen Link, Bernard Jones and Libby Calk shared more than growing up on Marcella Plantation in Mileston, Mississippi: They also share the same birthday. On April 17, 2005 twins Bernard and Libby turn 80 while sister Minna Deen is 87, and their family shares their memories on the their birthday.

Minna Deen, the oldest child, was called "Sunshine" by her parents, William Everarde and Jessie Deen, reports her granddaughter and the family historian Deena Maloy. "Her parents instilled in her a great sense of family, which she has carried with her all of her life."

Cindy Thompson loved to hear the stories of Marcella Plantation from her father, Bernard. "Thank you for all you have taught us and for passing your pearls of wisdom down," she said. "One such 'pearl' is your advice years ago as I scurried around way too busy: 'Sometimes you need to just sit on the fence all afternoon like I used to do waiting for the mules to come in from the fields.' I remember that when life gets too busy, and my favorite place to 'sit on the fence' is that pier at the cabin."

Their Mississippi childhood home, Marcella, below.

Bryan Jones remarks on his father always being a gentleman. "I have admired Dad for many reasons but two stand out. People respect him and he is always a gentleman. I hope I can be a little like him in all areas but these two especially."

His daughter Debbie Braswell adds, "Bryan, Cindy, and I are so blessed that we were brought up in a Christian home where we were taught the lessons of life based upon God's Word. I respect him because I love him, and he has always provided me with everything I needed in life and much more."

Libby's children appreciate their unique upbringing. "Our mother, a country girl who was raised on a cotton plantation and kept a copperhead as a pet, went to Maine and New York as a young lady and became an accomplished harpist," said Laura Calk. "Then she moved to Atlanta, married a young doctor, and raised all of us. With seven children, a couple of dogs, Black Kitty, and a chicken yard, it was never dull around our house! People often think I grew up on a farm when I tell stories of how we raised chickens and quail or how we spent summer days shelling bushels of black-eyed peas and butter beans. When I think of our mother playing the harp to the seven of us or hosting the entire chorus of the Metropolitan Opera for a pool party, I realize that the diversity of experiences I had have shaped my life in many special and important ways. I am still learning from her in my 40th year!"

Deenie Calk remembers, "Libs always said to me as a young girl, 'Remember who you are' and 'Don't be afraid to be different.' She was encouraging me to figure out who I am and to grow into an original person. Her love of beautiful things has inspired me to surround myself with beauty and to seek "the art of ..." in my activities. In making art, I have learned to accept myself, which makes my work personal and distinctive. My endeavors have led to much satisfaction and happiness over the years."

Her daughter Barbara Braswell also appreciated her wise advice. "My mom has always been there for me," she said. "While she may not say what I want to hear, she always takes the time to offer practical responses. My greatest compliment was, 'Your mother did something right when she raised all of you,' and I can only hope that I can, through my journey of raising my own children, do just half of what she has done."

Her son Olin recalls, "When I was a child there was nothing more beautiful or soothing to me than a Song in the Night. I have never told you of the comfort that it brought, I did not have the words. It was not the notes themselves, though they are beautiful, indeed. Rather it was the expression from the fingers, the hands, and the heart that I heard and felt. I still hear you playing it at times when I lay down to sleep, it has never left me, it never will."

Her daughter, Sara Passarella, still laughs about the surprise party they dragged their mother to by telling her she was going to a "job site" only to be surprised on her birthday with a train trip.

"I've loved that we've spent the time we have since my children were born; I can't help but respect you and the sacrifices you made during your life for all of us. I hope that I will be as faithful to bringing my children up with the same love and attention that you did for us."

Her niece Sara Laura says, "My fondest memory of Aunt Libby is that crazy day that she took all of us to Six Flags during Hurricane Camille. Most women would have bolted at the thought of taking 10 kids to an amusement park during a storm, but not Aunt Libby."

And Link says, "Minna Dean, Libby, and Bernard, three members of the 'greatest generation.' You have been an inspiration to me all my life and never failed to be the perfect example. Your hearts and homes are always open to me and I thank you for that."

Tommy writes what it means to him to be a member of the Jones family. "For me, the name Jones defines the word 'family.' Whether on childhood station wagon trips to Tchula or a summer job at Refuge Plantation, and more recently at reunions or hunting trips to Greasy Bayou and Providence, I have consistently felt the sense of closeness in this company that gives meaning to that word. It is my hope that today's celebration will help future generations of Joneses to appreciate and become more involved with their extended family. Happy Birthday to Minna Deen, Bernard and most of all to my Mommy for putting up with me all these years. Thank you all for bringing us up as Joneses."