| Fab Women By GWENDA ANTHONY What makes a woman over 50 fabulous? Is it her walk, her talk? Her smile, her caring attitude? Is she fabulous because she is a picture of health and beauty? dn english has a legion of fans who think she is all of that and more. The Jackson Sun's readers responded to a request for nominations for "Fabulous Women Over 50." The nominees, chosen for their healthy lifestyles and community activism, include: dn english, Vera Brooks, Ann Smith Murchison, Lucy Shaw, Barbara Young, Bettye Simmons, Clementine Spencer and Sherry Caldwell, Dent Partee of Trenton and Cathy Dunagan of Martin, Annette Galloway of Jackson composed a letter that was an ode to english, whose business interests include Main Street Research, A'Mata Hari & Hari Investigations and Main Street Publishing. Her legal name is lower case letters and if you want to know more about her, go to www.dnenglish.com. Galloway was not alone in her admiration. The letter was signed by many who agreed, among them english's husband, Danny Winbush. "It is amazing to be picked, for one thing," said english when told what others thought of her. "In my 55 years on this planet, I have been called many things such as passionate, enthusiastic, opinionated, stubborn, persistent, aggravating, tree-hugging environmentaltist, and on rare occasion, talented and creative, but never have I been called fabulous. "But I do want to say I was honored that others were kind enough to say or describe me as a fabulous woman in her 50s. I still cannot believe it - out of all the outstanding women in West Tennessee." Among others penning their name to Galloway's missive were Doris "Cousin Tuny" Freeman, Jane Fesmire, Felix Fly, Margie Fly, Russ Truell, Steve Bowers, Sheri Isbell, Sonny Phillips, Dexter Bowles, Kay Vales, Angela Howell, Thomas Pirtle and Don Hill. "dn english has been 'fabulous' long before she was in her 50s, and we suspect she will be until the day she dies," began Galloway's letter. "There is no one on this earth, as far as we are concerned, who fits this description so well." Here is what else she had to say: "Ms. dn english doesn't mind speaking out, but more often, she's a 'doer' than a 'talker.' Ms. english is on several boards such as Crime Stoppers and Jackson Downtown Development Corp., and has been on many more throughout the years. "Through her generosity she provides both organizations with Web sites along with other aid. She has also researched and donated many of the historical signs on our downtown buildings. Through her writing, we have learned much about our city and those who have played a part in making Jackson great. " 'd' not only enjoys events in Jackson such as the Symphony, Diamond Jaxx games, art gallery openings, the Shannon Street Blues Festival or whatever is going on at the McWherter Center, she reminds and encourages those around her to participate. "It's doubtful you could go to very many events in Jackson without seeing her there, with her pretty red hair and exquisite attire. "The best thing about her though is the fact that she sincerely cares. She has helped and inspired all who have signed this nomination. dn english is truly fabulous." Dent Partee of Trenton is in a league by herself, according to those who nominated her, including Kathryn Taylor McCullough, Nancy Reid, Shirley Lawler, Mary Nelle Hamilton and Dorothy Hockaday. "She's an absolutely wonderful person who's done so much for so many people and for our community," said Hockaday. Hockaday said Partee brings "cheer" to the retirement homes where she gives book reviews and hands out goodies and gifts and that she's known for bringing food to the home if someone is ill or taking people to Memphis or Jackson to receive medical care. "Dent is a person who is dependable in so many ways," she said. "She is a great humanitarian and philanthropist," wrote Kathryn Taylor McCullough. "A former elementary schoolteacher, she tutors children every week during the school year. One of her greatest joys is helping children learn to read." McCullough and the other ladies who wrote in honored Partee for being an elder in the Presbyterian Church and an active worker in the American Cancer Society. They all talked about her dedication to a community effort a few years ago to restore Oakland Cemetery in Trenton. "With no remuneration, Dent cared for a multiple handicapped woman for many years until her death last year," McCullough wrote, finishing up with these thoughts: "Along with her acts of kindness is her sense of humor. One usually feels better because Dent has been there." Dent Partee - widow, grandmother, retired schoolteacher and sought-after storyteller - is the epitome of a fabulous woman over 50, added friend Nancy Reid. "She is articulate, well-dressed and extremely popular. Some of her community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Golden Door, a residential center for mentally challenged adults; and the Family Resource Center, an agency for at-risk families and children. She is involved in "A Walk Through History" presented by the Oakland Cemetery Committee.... She has a marvelous sense of humor and enjoys entertaining her many friends. Recently, she was asked to entertain at a friend's birthday party. She arrived costumed as a flapper and proceeded to do the Charleston." Shirley Lawler also commended Partee for working during elections at the polls, but in particular, for volunteering to tutor children. Below are other nominations from a spouse, a son-in-law and friends for Fabulous Women Over 50. ¥ "I would like to nominate my wife, Sherry Caldwell, as a 'Fabulous Woman Over 50.' Sherry turned 56 on Saturday, July 5, two days before our 30th anniversary. I believe that Sherry is a fabulous woman because her life represents the complementary qualities of graciousness and excellence. She is a classic beauty, and her graciousness is manifested in her sincerity in dealing with other people. Sherry would feel at home and be at ease in either a pea patch or a palace. The excellence shines through in the approach to life that she learned from her late father : "If something is worth doing at all, it is worth doing to the best of your ability." I see this in her passion for graciousness and excellence in our home (such as in extending hospitality); in our family (such as in raising our 16-year-old daughter); in church work (teaching Sunday school and Bible studies). I think of Sherry as a garden fairy. I really believe that she could plant a dry stick in a bucket of sand, weep over it, and lo ... it would sprout leafy and green! This old quote describes Sherry well: "If I keep the green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." - Robert A. Caldwell, CPA, Caldwell Financial Group, Jackson ¥ "This beautiful lady that I'm writing about is Clementine Spencer. She is a member of my church and very active in the community. She is a member of the Democratic Women and a volunteer for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. She is a grandmother and just an all-around beautiful, caring lady. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need." - E.J. Johnson, Jackson ¥ "Bettye Simmons was born in Jackson, over 50 years ago. She was raised in South Jackson, graduated from J.B. Young High School and attended Union University. She is very active in the community and enjoys golf, bridge, swim aerobics and walking. She is a charter member of Woodland Baptist Church and a sustaining Jackson Service League member. Bettye is a fabulous woman, mother and grandmother. She attends every event that her grandchildren participate in. She is full of life and encouragement and was recently seen driving a four-wheeler at her daughter Lynn's home. She is my mother-in-law, and retired four years ago from BancorpSouth where she worked for over 30 years." - Ed Woodside, Jackson ¥ "Lucy Shaw is a fabulous woman over 50 because she is an intelligent, compassionate person who is willing to share her vast knowledge with anyone who will listen. After conquering chronic fatigue and helping her husband fight cancer several years longer than he was expected to live, she has been willing to accept that our current medical system does not adequately address the needs of the chronically ill. She has added training in naturopathy, nutrition and other natural disciplines to her experience as a registered nurse. Most impressively, she realizes her training is only a starting point and that she is helpless without wisdom from God. She prays with each patient and, consequently, has miraculous results. She also knows that God does not always heal, realizes doctors are sometimes needed, and will not hesitate to send a patient to a physician if necessary. Shaw has spoken before Congress and to professionals in foreign countries but is humble enough to care about those who have nothing, a rare quality in this age of uncontrolled capitalism. Shaw is one of the most fabulous women of any age I've ever met." - Jacqueline Maxwell, Jackson ¥ "My nominee for a fabulous woman is Ann Smith Murchison. She is one of the most giving and selfless people I have ever known. She is a retired schoolteacher. She is an active member of her church, where she is an usher, president of her Sunday school class, chairman of a ladies' circle, a founding member of the United Methodist Women and serves on other committees. She is a member of several bridge clubs, regularly visits a shut-in at a local nursing home as a representative of her church, is a member and past president of the Evergreen Garden Club and president-elect of the Jackson Symphony League. I know that this is only the tip of the iceberg of things that Ann is involved with, but she would never let you know all of the good things that she does for others. Ann has colon cancer and was recently hospitalized with reaction from chemotherapy. From the beginning of her treatment, her concern has not been for herself but that she hasn't been able to do for others. Her sweet spirit and eternal optimism were contagious as she faced the biggest trial in her life. She is unbelievable. Ann spends her time caring for her friends and ones who can't tend to themselves. Her faith is rock-solid, and she serves her Lord by serving others. She is the epitome of a fabulous woman over 50, and I am so thankful to call her friend." - Sue Harvey, Jackson ¥ "Barbara Young is a survivor and maintains grace under fire. She is multi-talented, doing beautiful needlework and teaching smocking classes. She is a professional office manager, accomplished seamstress, gracious hostess, dedicated grandmother of six and most important - one who 'practices what she preaches.' - Betty Brown, Jackson ¥ "Vera C. Brooks is a retired elementary schoolteacher from the Jackson-Madison County School System, a super grandmother and not a stay-at-home couch potato and soap opera fan. She is always correctly dressed, no matter what the occasion. She volunteers in community services and is involved with her church. She serves as a trustee and works on such committees as the annual Homecoming, Little Miss Hub City pageant and in her church circle. She is the chief decorator for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and The Links Inc. She attends the symphony and other cultural programs and is involved in activities with two of her grandboys, who live in Jackson." - Anna Cooke, Jackson ¥ "Cathy Dunagan qualifies as a fabulous woman over 50 in every category. She is the wife of Chancellor Nick Dunagan and spends much time involved as "first lady" of the University of Tennessee Martin. She helps plan and carry out functions at the university. She cares about the students as well as the faculty there. She is the mother of four fine young adults and the grandmother of Abby. She awaits the arrival of three new grandchildren this fall. Cathy takes care of herself by participating in a group aerobics class at the Wellness Center in Martin. For years she has played tennis with a group of women about her own age, about 57. She is a fantastic cook, bridge player and is always very organized." - Nancy Biggs, Greenfield |
Congratulations to all of you Fabulous Ladies!
From Main Street Publishing