By Staff
FIRST BABY OF THE YEAR Veronica Terrell holds her new son, Donovan Rashad Keeton, who was the first baby born in Meridian in 2002. Keeton was born at 2:39 a.m. Tuesday at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. PHOTO BY MARIANNE TODD / The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Jan. 2, 2002
Veronica Terrell was busy trying to get ready for a New Year's Eve service at Freedom Rock Ministries when "it" happened.
Her water broke about 9 p.m. and she begin going into labor.
Terrell's mother, Maxine Ramsey, grabbed her daughter, loaded her in their white Hyndai and headed for Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center.
Terrell gave birth to a baby boy, Donovan Rashad Keeton, at 2:39 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Keeton was the first baby born in 2002 in the Meridian area.
Ramsey admits she was a little nervous when her daughter went into labor.
Terrell said the staff at Anderson's obstetrics department were excellent.
The hospital staff gave Terrell a goodie basket this morning filled with baby clothes, rattles, an embroidered blanket, a supply of diapers and a one-year free membership to the hospital's health and fitness center.
Terrell said most of Keeton's family members made it to the hospital on Tuesday to see the new baby.