By By Adrienne McKenzie
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 66-year-old Joyce Whatley. Whatley enjoys watching “Without A Trace” and gardening. She also likes visiting with her friends at the Atmore SAIL Center.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born Sept. 9, 1941 on Bell Fork Road, right off of Highway 21.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Bill and Ethel Roberson.
Q: Where were they from?
A: She was from Coffee County and he was from the same place.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I had three brothers and three sisters. I have one brother living and all the sisters are dead.
Q: What’s your remaining brother’s name?
A: We call him ‘Bird Eye.’
Q: Where does he live?
A: He lives in Onalaska, Texas.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: In McCullough. I finished the seventh grade there and then finished the eighth grade in Wade, Miss. Then I got my GED at Murphy High School.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: No. I just don’t care for it.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I was an LPN from 1976 until 2001. Then I retired.
Q: Where all did you work as an LPN?
A: Greenlawn Hospital, Dr. (Harold) Wilson’s office, the nursing home and McMillan Hospital. Then I worked for the health department for six years. The last place I worked was for Home Health for six years.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes.
Q: What’s your husband’s name?
A: Wayne.
Q: Where is he from?
A: He was born in Uriah.
Q: How long have you two been married?
A: For 48 years, it will be 49 years in June.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: Yes, two boys.
Q: What are their names and where do they live?
A: Randal is the oldest and he lives in McCullough. Rodney lives in Pensacola.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: Three boys.
Q: Do you attend church?
A: No.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Coming to the senior center, housework, yard work and gardening.
I have a vegetable garden in the summer.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Without A Trace” and NBC Nightly News.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: I like them all. I don’t have a real favorite.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Stay active. That’s about it.
(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)