CULLMAN — Now in its 18th year, the Ms. Senior Cullman County Pageant will soon crown another lovely lady as the reigning senior ambassador of the county. The pageant is directed by Jackie Cook Porter, who followed Betty Leeth Haynes and Lucy Campbell, former directors of the event.

Betty Leeth Haynes went to the state competition and won Ms. Senior Alabama. From there she went on to the national competition and placed in the top five contestants.

“She was an outstanding representative for our county and state,” said Porter. “She worked hard to develop this pageant for the senior women in Cullman County so that we could have this great experience of not only meeting other senior women but being able to show their talents and abilities to others.”

Porter pointed out that the Ms. Senior Cullman County program lets women show how much they have to offer, having have been part of the history of our community and continuing to choose to be a part of present and future by involving themselves in hobbies, family, church and civic events.  

“We are so fortunate in Cullman County to have business sponsors to allow us to provide an outstanding show that usually brings 300 to 400 people,” said Porter. “If not for our generous contributors who believe in supporting the quality of senior living in Cullman, our pageant might be like many around the state which remain unfunded.”

This year’s crown is donated by Ed White Jewelry. The flowers for all contestants and winners are from Burns Florist.

There is no charge for entrance fee and there are prizes awarded to each winner. “It has been said that our pageant is one of the highest quality in the state,” said Porter with pride. “We can do that because of the support from business and individuals in our community. Several restaurants feed our contestants each year. Cici's Pizza, Chick-fil-A, and Luna's Barbecue are just a few.”

“Our contestants and workers usually are treated with a meal in the WSCC cafeteria on Thursday of the week of the pageant. This is always a wonderful treat with food prepared by the culinary students at WSCC under the direction of Chef Chris Villa.”

 “We have the best facilities for the pageant at Wallace State College in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. This year we will feature Wayne Abbott, who has been referred to as the Willie Nelson of Cullman County, along with former Ms. Senior Cullman County winners, Brenda Drake and Lillie Tucker in an upbeat musical which supports our theme of ‘We’re All A Little Bit Country.’”

Members of the Board of Directors for this year are Jackie Cook Porter, director; Donna Burns, Curtis Mize, June Nelson, Doris Patterson, Becky Faulk, Hazel Twilley Goodwin, Betty Ross and Anne Hendon, honorary.

“We have six wonderful contestants including a set of twin sisters in the pageant this year,” explained Porter.  

“We also have some of our outstanding previous contestants who have earned honors in the past and will be there to compete again for the title.”

From 1 to 2 p.m. there will be a special screening of the history of the pageant, which includes the women who have been involved over the years.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $5, or you can purchase tickets from any member of the Board at the same low price. Tickets not only include the show and the pageant, but attendance at the reception following, which will be held in the lobby of the theatre. Refreshments will be served.

Reserved seating is available for former contestants and winners.  

“Meeting all of the contestants up close to share your congratulations to each of them for stepping out is an extra special part of the reception. We encourage all to come for an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment,” Porter invited.

The winner will go the state competition in June to vie for the title of Ms. Senior Alabama, and will also be available to speak and entertain throughout Cullman County this year.

For the interview form portion of the competition the contestants were asked several questions. Here are some of their answers and remarks.

Q. What is your philosophy in life?

A. “To love and respect others,” said Joann Phillips, 62, of Cullman. “To be honest and judge not lest ye be judged.”

A. “To live every day that God gives you and enjoy it,” answered Janette Morrow, 73, of Cullman. “This is the best part of being a senior.”

A. “Smiling and treating life as an adventure,” said Dianne White, 66, of Bremen. “Always learning from yesterday and not wanting to miss a thing tomorrow. Laying all my tragedies at Jesus’ feet and counting my blessings and choosing happiness. I love being a senior. There are those who are not given the privilege.”

A. “The serenity of prayer, being loved, appreciated and understood,” said Annette Bates, 73, of Joppa.

A. “Believing in one’s dreams and where they can take you,” answered Juanita Crocker, 70, of Good Hope.

A. “To follow my Lord's guidance in loving and showing it,” said Mary Ellen Hartness, of Cullman.”

Q. What do you think makes this pageant different from others?

A. Joann Phillips thinks it’s because this pageant gives seniors a chance to compete for something and have fun doing it.

A. “This is not a beauty pageant,” says Dianne White. “It’s a celebration of a senior woman’s life and all that she is. It is inner beauty and this pageant gives the young women hope for an exciting life as they become seniors.”

A. “I think what sets this pageant apart from others is the enjoyment of meeting all of the great ladies with many talents,” says Juanita Crocker.

A. “Most pageants judge outward beauty,” answered Mary Ellen Hartness. “However, the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant judges the inner beauty of the contestant. Although, seniors can be beautiful outside, it is felt that her "inner beauty" is the most important factor.”

All the ladies are active and have interesting hobbies, like Joann Phillips, who loves working out, music and meeting new people.

Jannette Morrow likes to quilt, garden and sing. Her sister, Annette Bates loves sewing and singing.

Dianne White enjoys singing, especially at churches, as well as reading. Juanita Crocker also loves reading as well as dancing and traveling.

Mary Ellen Hartness has many hobbies and enjoys working with the elderly in several area nursing homes, entertaining, writing poetry, and helping the many civic groups she belongs to.

When asked what prompted them to enter the Ms. Sr. Cullman County Competition, they had varied replies. For instance, Joann Phillips entered just for the fun of it.

“It gives me a chance to show off, have fun and show what I can do,” said Jannette Morrow.

Dianne White is giving it another shot because she has almost won it twice before, “I was second runner-up in the 2010 Ms. Senior Cullman County; and was first runner-up in 2011,” she said.

Juanita Crocker says, “I look forward to giving the youth hope that one is never too old to learn.”

Their talents vary, many will be singing, Joann Phillips will cook her favorite dish, Jannette Morrow will read a selected poem and Annette Bates will tell jokes and stories.

All the contestants are looking forward to the upcoming pageant. For Juanita Crocker it is important to set an example for those to follow. For Jeanette Morrow, and Joann Phillips, it’s for the fun of it and to be able to showcase their talents. Mary Ellen Hartness is looking forward to renewing old friendships with other present and former contestants and committee members, as well as refreshing her pride in being a senior.

“We are now taking applications for next year,” Porter stated. “If a senior woman, 60 years of age or older, would like to be a contestant next year, please contact me or another member of the Board of Directors.”

The event will be Saturday, February 4th at Wallace State College, Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with reception following.

Contact information:

256-734-9655 or 256-347-4681 or email jackie@finderskeeperscullman.com .  

 

Additional Information

Former Ms. Senior Cullman County winners are Kitty Young, Virginia Parker, Bonzie D. Key, Betty Leeth Haynes, Mary Henry, Billie Jean Parker, Jackie Cook Porter, Ann Burleson, Brenda Drake, Jewel Hall, Rebecca Branch, Lillie Tucker, Barbara Marsh, and the current reigning queen, Brenda Foxx.

 

Sponsors

Primary sponsors are Cullman County Commission On Aging, Drinkard Development, Bella Faire Day Spa and Salon, People's Bank, Pepsi Cola, Walkers Brothers in Baileyton, Doug Doggett Jewelry, Gloria Williams at Freedom Insurance, Ed White Jewelry, Burns Florist, Deep South Classics, and many individuals.

If any business or individual would like to make a contribution and become a sponsor, they can send a check to Ms. Senior Cullman County, Donna Burns, Treasurer, P.O. Box 1005 Cullman, AL 35056