By By MaryClaire Foster
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 71-year-old Birdie Mae Williams enjoys visiting the Atmore SAIL Center and visiting with friends.)
Q: Whan and where were you born?
A: I was born in Dixon’s Mill in Marengo County on Feb. 2, 1937.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: My parents were Alfred “Cracker” and Discie Stegall.
Q.What did your parents do for a living?
A: They were farmers.
Q: Do ou have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have 13 siblings. There were six girls and seven boys.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended Marengo County High School.
Q: Did you do a lot of traveling?
A: Lately, I have been. I’ve been to Las Vegas a few times, Miami, Orlando and Tennessee. I frequently go to Birmingham, Gadsden and Shreveport, La. to visit my children.
Q: Where did you work?
A: I worked at Vanity Fair from 1965 to 1999. I was one of the first African-American workers.
Q: Where have you lived?
A: Dixon’s Mill and Atmore.
Q: What do you like most about Atmore?
A: There are good people and it’s a good community.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes.
Q:What is your spouse’s name?
A: I was married to Leo Williams in January of 1954.
Q: How did you and your spouse meet?
A: I came to Atmore because some of my first cousins lived here. He was outside his momma’s house on th porch cutting hair, and I rode by on a horse that noone else was able to ride. He told me he said, “I’m gonna get that girl.”
Q: What advice do you give married couples to have a long, healthy marriage like you did?
A: It’s a two-way street. It’s not everything is my way or their way.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have five children, four girls and one boy.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: Yes, I have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Q:Where do you attend church?
A: I attend Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Crocheting mostly and alterations. I also like to work in the yard.
Q: What is your favorite thing to listen to on the radio?
A: I listen to WGOK Gospel out of Mobile all day long. I even keep it on when I go to sleep.
Q: What is your favoriitefood?
A: I like a little of this and a little of that. You can’t go wrong with chicken.
Q: Are you a good cook?
A: Oh Lord yes. I don’t cook much anymore since my husband died though. I can make a red velvet cake that will just melt in your mouth.
Q: What advice would you give people on staying healthy?
A: Keep God in your life and honor your parents, just do what the good book says.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories?
A: Anytime my family and friends get together. Last Thanksgiving we had 100 people here at my house. That was a lot of food.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact the Atmore Advance at 368-2123 or e-mail us at newsroom@atmoreadvance. com)