By Staff
Erika Goodman of Meridian and Clifton Lamar Busby Jr. of Lucedale were married Dec. 21, 2002, at Bethany Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmie D. Garrard Sr. officiating.
Parents of the couple are the Rev. Terry L. Goodman and Linda Goodman of Meridian, and Clifton Lamar Busby Sr. and Pat Busby of Lucedale.
Grandparents of the bride are the Rev. Leland Goodman and Carolyn Goodman, and Odis and Jewel Shirley.
Grandparents of the bridegroom are Velma Hutcherson and the late Johnny Edward Busby, the late Thomas H. Brown Sr. and the late Thelma Brown.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Robin Butler, organist; and Karen Buford, vocalist.
The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore a white matte satin cathedral-length gown adorned with pearls and iridescent sequins. The long-sleeved princess-cut gown featured a sweetheart neckline and was adorned with lace. She wore a cathedral-length veil anchored by a beaded pearl headpiece and carried a cascading bouquet of red and white roses with star gazer lilies.
Amy Rutledge of Tuscaloosa, Ala., cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. Other attendants were Judy Busby of Lucedale, sister of the bridegroom, Donna Davis of Meridian, cousin of the bride, and Kim Richards of Meridian, cousin of the bride.
Jewel Lynn Shirley of Meridian, cousin of the bride, served as flower girl.
Greg Bufkin of Brooksville was best man. Groomsmen and ushers were Jamie Arrington of Hattiesburg, Grant Goodman of Meridian, brother of the bride, Jody Smith of Union, Brian Busby of Fort Polk, La., brother of the bridegroom, and Johnny E. Busby of Huntsville, Ala, brother of the bridegroom.
Trevor Peyton Shirley of Denham Springs, La., cousin of the bride, was ring bearer.
Jingle bell and candy cane attendants were Whitley Goodman, Jewel Lynn Shirley and Kristen Buford. Assisting at the wedding was Marilyn Cooper, aunt of the bride.
A reception was held in the church fellowship hall following the ceremony. Assisting at the reception were Jennie Mayatt, Julie White, Kim Davis, Gail Dearman, Robin Butler and Betty Miller.
After a honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tenn., the couple resides in Meridian.