By Staff
Walker enjoys shelling butterbeans and peas at Poarch
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 62-year-old Ethel Walker. Walker was born and raised in Poarch. She enjoys cooking and spending time at the Poarch SAIL Center shelling butterbeans and peas. She likes to cook and her favorite foods are pork chops, lima beans and cabbage.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born Feb. 3, 1945. I was born in Poarch at home by a midwife.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: My parents were Woodrow Rolin and Estelle McGhee Rolin. They were originally from Poarch, raised in Poarch. They were Christian parents.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes, I have six brothers and four sisters. All of us are still living.
We all live around here except two brothers who live in Michigan.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to Poarch Consolidated School and then Atmore junior and senior high school. But, I didn’t get my diploma.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: No, not too much because I worked up until this March and then I retired. I went to Oklahoma and Eufaula with the SAIL Center. I’d like to go with them to New York if I can.
Q: What did you do in Oklahoma?
A: I had a great time in Oklahoma. We went to the Oklahoma City bombing site in Tulsa. We visited museums and different tribes of Indians-Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw.
Q: What was your favorite place in Oklahoma to visit?
A: The Oklahoma City bombing site.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I worked seven years at the nursing home in Atmore. I was a care nurse for patients.
Then, I worked seven years at the Creek Entertainment Center in the housekeeping department.
I retired from the Creek Entertainment Center.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, I married Gordon Leroy Walker in 1961. I’ve been married for 45 years.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: I have four children. My first-born is Alton Wayne Walker. Then I had twins, Sherry and Jerry Walker. Then last I had Jennifer K. Walker. They all live around this area.
I have eight grandchildren.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: New Home Pentecostal Church at Poarch Road.
I have a great pastor and pastor’s wife. And, I sing solos there.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Cleaning my home, working out here at the SAIL Center, helping them out with the blueberries and shelling butterbeans and peas.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I put up vegetables and jellies.
Q: Do you cook a lot?
A: Yes, I love to cook. I also like to work outside in the yard.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pork chops, cabbage and lima beans.
Q: What’s the most exciting thing you have ever done?
A: Going on the trip to Oklahoma.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: I don’t watch TV. I read my Bible a lot.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Eat right, serve the Lord and he will keep you in good health and strength.
(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)