By Staff
Matthews has devoted 40 years to hospital
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 62-year-old Cora Matthews. Matthews has worked at Atmore Community Hospital for 40 years and while she’s not working she loves to relax, while fishing.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: In Wilcox County in a place called Coy.
Q: What is your birthday?
A: May 11, 1945.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Willie and Georgia Mae Matthews.
Q: Where were they from?
A: Coy.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: There were seven. Now there are six.
Q: What are their names?
A: Clarence, Charlotte, Mary, Karen and Cary.
Q: Where do they all live?
A: Clarence, Charlotte and Karen live in Atmore. Mary lives in Arizona and Cary lives in Brewton.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: At Escambia County Training School.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: I used to, but now I don’t.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I work at Atmore Community Hospital and I sit with people sometimes and I work for Dr. Yoder now, too.
Q: What do you do at the hospital?
A: I work in the housekeeping department
Q: How long have you been working at ACH?
A: For 40 years in December.
Q: What has kept you here that long?
A: I always felt that I needed a job and I was satisfied here. I like working with the people.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: No.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have two sons.
Q: What are their names?
A: Gary and Anthony.
Q: Where do they live?
A: Gary lives in Oxford and Anthony lives here.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: I have one grandson.
Q: What’s his name?
A: Anthony Jr., or A.J. for short.
Q: How old is A.J.?
A: He’s 12 years old.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Power Pentecostal Holiness Church. It’s behind the old cucumber shed.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Working at ACH. But, when I’m not here I love to go fishing. I enjoy deep sea fishing.
I can leave here (work) so tired that I can’t hardly walk out the back door, but when I get my reels and hit the water I’m fine.
Q: How long have you enjoyed fishing?
A: When I started working here I would go fishing with some ladies in the kitchen.
We’d sometimes fish all night.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I love fried chicken, well, I used to. I usually bake it now.
Q: Do you cook a lot?
A: No, because I live alone. I usually eat here (at ACH). There are good cooks here.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: To eat lots of vegetables, try to stay away from starchy food and try to eat as healthy as you can, especially vegetables.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: About 30 years ago, I gave my life to Christ and I thought it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life, by giving it to Him. I consult him on things that I’m going to do and that I need to do.
I love working around people, helping people and praying for people.
(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)