By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 62-year-old Eldnar McGhee. McGhee enjoys singing at Atmore Apostolic Church with her sisters and sometimes solo. She works at the Poarch SAIL Center filling out paperwork. She has been several places throughout the United States, but her favorite place to visit is in Canada.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Escambia County in Atmore in Greenlawn Hospital, the old Greenlawn Hospital. I was born on Aug. 17, 1944.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Levi and Treacy McGhee from Atmore.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: There were 13 of us all together. Daddy had two kids, momma had three and then together they had eight.
Fred McGhee was my brother. Donna White was my sister.
They all live around here.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to Escambia County High School and got my LPN license from Reid State.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: Oh yes, whenever I get a chance. I go with the seniors quite a few places.
Q: Where all have you visited?
A: We've been to New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Texas, California plus more.
Q: Where was your favorite place to visit.
A: I really liked Niagara Falls in Canada.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I finished high school and went to work at Vanity Fair. Then I bought a drive-in on Jack Springs Road.
I worked at Atmore Community Hospital. Then I came to work at the Tribe at the SAIL Center for senior services.
Q: What do you do at the Poarch SAIL Center?
A: I am the senior services clerk, I do paperwork and some homebound meals.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, to Shirley Lamar McGhee. We married in 1964.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: Five children – Steven Lamar McGhee, Theresa Smith, Derrick McGhee, Kevin McGhee and Pamela McGhee. They all live around here except Derrick, he lives in Wetumpka.
I have 10 grandchildren.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Atmore Apostolic Church.
Q: Are you on any committees at the church?
A: I am on the fundraising committee. I sing with my sisters, in the choir and sometimes solo.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: My job, grandchildren, these seniors, quilting and whatever else I can find to do.
My church fundraising also keeps me busy.
I stay busy with work and church.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: I don't watch TV.
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Fried porkchops, rice and gravy.
Q: What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
A: I tried tubing one time, I won't try it anymore.
In nursing school I turned 50 and I went on a jet ski. That was exciting-I was 50 years old and on a jet ski.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Eat right, exercise and take their medication like they are supposed to.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)