Honorary Council Member of the Month - February 2013

II was born in Porterdale, which was a great place to grow up when I came along. We had wonderful schools and a good community spirit. I moved to Oxford in 1976, which had the same community feeling. I have lived my life in about a 4 mile radius. I went to work for Southern Bell while I was still in my senior year of high school. I worked in several departments while in Covington, the last being in the Assignment Office where I reported to John Burson. I retired in 1998 at the age of 47 from Bellsouth Advertising & Publishing.

After retiring, I began to help Laurie Oliver on a part-time basis as she was beginning her career with Life Dance Wellness Center (I still fill in at times because she won't let me retire!). I was also caring for my Mother who passed away in 2001. After the loss of my husband in 2006, I was really thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. That's when Mr. Hoyt Oliver called me on a Monday morning and asked if I wanted to be appointed to the Oxford Planning Commission. I thought about it and prayed about it and decided to accept.

I am in my second term at this present time and have enjoyed getting more involved in the Oxford community. I am very involved with my church in Covington, Calvary Baptist Church, where I teach Sunday School and also hold the position of Church Clerk. I have a sister who lives across the street from me and a brother who lives in Porterdale, two stepsons and many nieces and nephews who are much loved.

It was truly an honor to be nominated and selected to be an Honorary Councilmember. I spent a very enjoyable afternoon getting to know our officials, department heads and city employees. They are all dedicated to continuing to make Oxford a desirable place to live. I would encourage anyone who is invited to be an Honarary Councilmember to accept so that they can gain a better understanding of city operations as did I.