The inaugural reunion was held in 1979 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In April 1978, the family decided to gather without waiting for another death. The children of Clara Williams—Willie Anderson, Jr., Clarence Anderson, Dora Thomas, and Ollie Mayes—along with their spouses, led the planning for a family reunion, collaborating closely with Doris Jelks, daughter of Clara's deceased sibling, Abraham Jelks. At the helm were Aunt Clara’s surviving siblings, “The Big Three”: Henry Jelks, Sr. (AKA Uncle Bully), Oliver Jelks (AKA Uncle Kiddo), and Britain Jelks (AKA Uncle Bud). The spouses of “The Big Three” worked diligently alongside them, assisting in all reunion activities. Everyone (sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins of all ages) joined in to help. The family elected officers and established a functioning organization. Initially, reunions were held annually in Florida, but later, they decided to meet every other year. This change allows members to spend time with their families and plan future gatherings in various cities nationwide.