Stars
ing of volunteers who provide caring support to their patients every day. He’s a friendly face to all he meets. The staff at the Cancer Center says that Mr. Jimmy is a joy to work with and he inspires seniors to shine at every age. When asked what his secret to positive aging and longevity is, he responded by saying that, “My relationship with God, family and friends is my secret and I also encourage everyone to get involved with helping people in any way they can.”
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work with the Sergeant of Arms in the Florida Legislature, and then on to consumer affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Since retirement, Carroll’s been intertwined with many local charities and organizations. She served as president for both the Junior Women’s Club, where she would organize fashion shows to raise money for children, and the TallyHo Club — an organization that introduces new people to the community. In addition, she served as chairman on the board of trustees for her church, St. Paul’s United Methodist. Although Carroll is still actively involved in many local charities, she now devotes much of her time to the Tallahassee Senior Center. “The Senior Center is a place where people can really come together and form strong relationships,” said Carroll. “It’s the place where your investments of time and money see the greatest returns.” Besides volunteering and raising money for TSC, she loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. One of the things she is most proud of is the fact that all her children and grandchildren completed their higher education.
Myrtle Edwards “M. E.” Williams, 86 Myrtle “M. E.” Williams is a seventh generation Tallahassee native with a passion for education. After graduating from Lincoln High, she went on to study Home Economics at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, before it was a university. From there she taught school in just about every setting one can imagine.
Mattie Mobley, 99
Myrtle Edwards Williams, 86: “I always have students who recognize me in town.”
After teaching for many years, she continued her education by receiving a master’s in Elementary Education. Throughout her career she taught at every level from preschool Head Start programs to university classes. “It is amazing the progress students make between August and June,” comments Williams. “I always have students who recognize me in town, give me a hug and thank me. My students all know me as “M. E.,” she says with a chuckle. M. E. has been nominated as an Outstanding Educator in Leon County. When she isn’t teaching health education to young adolescents, you can find Williams volunteering at Dr. B.L. Perry Jr. Library or Bond Elementary as a math and reading tutor. She’s active in her sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and is a leader of her Sunday school at St. Mary Primi-
James Fortner, 93: He coordinates training and scheduling of volunteers at TMH Cancer Center.
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“All the years I worked, and all my volunteer experience, it just comes together at the center. This place engages people.” PATTY PARKHURST
tive Baptist Church. Williams also shares health tips with seniors at Jake Gaither Community Center. The avid gardener has made her home a beautiful sanctuary. She loves beauty in all things and finds incredible splendor in her family. When asked what she is most proud of, she proudly says, “all my children chose to pursue higher education.” Her children and grandchildren are now lawyers and
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educators across the country – one even works in the White House.
James Fortner, 93 James Fortner, or “Mr. Jimmy,” as many call him, is a man who has dedicated his life to serving others. Born in Live Oak, he served in the National Guard throughout his youth until he joined the Air Force. There he spent two years before deciding to go back to the National
Guard, this time as a Lieutenant. After his military service, Fortner joined on with the Florida Department of Agriculture as an Assistant Bureau Chief. There, he directed more than 125 employees in the assessment of food quality and quantity. Additionally, he was also contracted by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that businesses were in compliance with all regulations. When he retired from the state in 1992, Fortner continued making a difference in the lives of others. He lovingly cared for his wife during her illness, and then at age 88, began volunteering at the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center. At the TMH Cancer Center, he sits on the Auxiliary Board as a director and chairs the Radiation Therapy Committee assigned to the center. He coordinates the training, placement and schedul-
The charismatic Mattie Mobley comes from a long line of Tallahassee natives. Although she turns 100 next year, she hasn’t slowed down one bit. In fact, she is actively looking for more work to do and more people to help. After graduating from Lincoln High, Mattie Mobley continued her education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College and studied cosmetology. She opened her own beauty salon and became an independent business owner for more than 30 years. She retired from the salon at age 75. Until very recently she provided home and health care services for mentally and physically challenged individuals. Mobley started the Pretty Hat Tea organization which raises funds for charitable causes. She serves as president of the Capital City Garden Club and helps direct their mission to “make Tallahassee one of the most beautiful places in the state” by supplying the city with flowers. Church plays an important role for Mobley. As a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, she has chaired and served on many boards and organizations within the church. See STARS » Page 5