By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 75-year-old Bernice Hill. Hill is a retired school teacher from Escambia County Middle School. She enjoys visiting her SAIL Center friends and reading her Bible daily.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Monroe Co. on Sept. 10, 1931.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Ulmer and Nancy Marshall. They were from Monroe Co.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes, I have six brothers and one sister. They live in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Mobile and Beatrice.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to high school in Selma. I went to the Alabama Lutheran Academy, which was about 55 miles from my home. I was 12 years old when I left and went to school. We had to walk about a mile to elementary school.
I have a bachelor's degree from Alabama State University. I am lacking 15 hours for my master's. I don't know why I didn't go back to finish it.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: Yes, I have been all over the United States except for Hawaii, Alaska and Washington, D.C. I've been on three cruises, I went every summer when I'd get out of school.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I taught school for 36 years at Escambia County Middle School. I've taught grades one through eight.
I retired from teaching.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, I'm divorced now but I got married. I had four children.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: My oldest is deceased. I now have Gary in Pensacola, Arthur in Perdue Hill and Katrina in Atmore.
I have eight grandkids and two great grandchildren.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: I go to Ebenezer Lutheran Church. I have held all offices in the church except for preacher. I'm still the secretary.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Watching TV, watching soaps and reading. I read a lot.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: "The Young and the Restless" and "Wheel of Fortune."
Q: Do you like to cook?
A: Yes.
Q: What is your favorite thing to cook?
A: Fried chicken, collard greens, okra and fried corn. I have baked cakes before, but I don't as regularly now.
Q: Do you like to come to the Atmore SAIL Center often?
A: Yes, I enjoy coming to the SAIL Center to fellowship with the people here. I used to play cards here but haven't since I've been sick. I like playing cards and dominoes.
Q: Is there anything in particular that you would like to add for your friends to read?
A: I have had a good life and I have enjoyed people.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Eat right, stay on your diet if you are on one for your health. Trust in the Lord.
I read my Bible daily and I also read "Portal of Prayer" daily.
(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)