Profile 2008
UNSUNG HERO: Martha Gutherie
Martha Gutherie retired from the Parkside Middle School lunch room two years ago. Since then, she has volunteered her time at the school to help children read. Teachers and students look forward to this Unsung Hero coming every Thursday to read with the kids.
But she is even better known for her cakes. Gutherie bakes for everyone she knows.
Most people only fix food for others in times of need or for special occasions, but this Unsung Hero will bring a cake just to say “thanks” or “have a good day.”
Gutherie is also a valuable worker for her church. She is always there working in some way, including at the church bazaar and at vacation Bible school. People at her church say they can always count on this Unsung Hero to help.
She works in the community, too. She is always checking on the sick and shut-in and, of course, carrying food to them. She picks up trash from the side of the road. She volunteers her time in community events in Baileyton such as the horse show and Founders Day.
- Profile 2008
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UNSUNG HERO: James Bell
James Bell — better known as “Bubba” — is a custodian at Cullman Middle School. While his job at the school is important, it’s the way he interacts with the students and other staff members that makes him an Unsung Hero.
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UNSUNG HERO: Brenda Graham
The person who nominated her said, “I was always amazed at how she cared for all the children as if they were her own. She gave love and caring, and bought countless coats, shoes, toys and clothes out of her own money.”
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UNSUNG HERO: Martha Gutherie
Martha Gutherie retired from the Parkside Middle School lunch room two years ago. Since then, she has volunteered her time at the school to help children read. Teachers and students look forward to this Unsung Hero coming every Thursday to read with the kids.
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UNSUNG HERO: Marvin Key
Marvin Key began his career in education in 1952 at Meek School in Winston County. The next year he came to Cullman County to teach at Dowling Junior High. He retired in 1988 but continued to work until the beginning of this year at age 85.
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UNSUNG HERO: Dee Lawrence
Losing both her parents at such a young age gave her an extra ability to care for other people. She makes sure that anyone who crosses her path is taken care of.
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UNSUNG HERO: Billie Sue Persall
Love is best shown when someone gives of their time and energy. Anyone who helps others when they are sick, injured or moving into a new home is a special person.
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UNSUNG HERO: Cathy Pilgrim
The person who nominated Cathy Pilgrim as an Unsung Hero described her as “one of the most unselfish, caring and generous people I know.”
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UNSUNG HERO: Grace Walsh
Grace Walsh had a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, including a quarter century teaching art history at Jefferson State Community College.
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2008 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN: Dr. Sylvia Morris
Holding two floppy-brim black hats, Dr. Sylvia Morris says proudly, “I made these hats for the community theater play, ‘Romeo & Juliet.’” Nearby her beloved cat, Jennifer, lies curled up in a soft chair, sunlight filtering through drawn curtains.
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MARIMAN POPE AND KRISTINA MATTOX: Taxidermist passing the torch
In the 45 years that Mariman Pope has been in the taxidermy trade, he’s created quite a reputation for both himself, and his business.
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