More than 30 years ago, the residents at Atmore Nursing Center got lucky when a couple of volunteers began giving beauty treatments at the facility.

Barbara Haley and Jean King made the leap at ANC to offer beauty shop services to the residents with dozens of volunteers following their lead for three decades.

A ceremony honoring their efforts was held recently as a letter of commendation was presented by State Rep. Alan Baker.

“These ladies were instrumental in providing the beauty shop services to the residents here,” Baker said. “Their outstanding service is recognized as an important need and it has initiated a voluntary program to provide beautician services to the residents.”

Over the span of 30 years, more than 50 volunteers have followed in the footsteps of the pioneers of beauty at Atmore Nursing Center.

Cindy Lee, current administrator at ANC, said the services provided by the volunteers are invaluable to the residents and staff.’

“It’s such a good thing for the residents to be able to have their hair done and get some special treatment,” Lee said. “The services give the residents a boost of self-esteem they really need.”

In his presentation, Baker said the efforts produced by the Atmore Nursing Home Beauty Shop and a weekly volunteer group of about 10 to 12 ladies have provided beautician services.

“These volunteers work selflessly each week for the residents of this Center,” Baker said. “There work has earned them a spot in the hearts of the residents and staff here. “

Baker said nearly 50 women have been a part of the volunteer group that performs the services each week and have become known simply as the “beauty shop ladies.”

“Over the 30 year span, approximately 50 ladies have participated as ‘beauty shop lady’ volunteers in this most worth service,” Baker said. “That has promoted the health, self-esteem and the over all quality of live enjoyed by the Atmore Nursing Care Center residents.”

Baker said bestowing the letter of commendation to the group of volunteers was an honor for him in his capacity in state government.

“It is with extreme pride and honor that I extend these commendations and praise to Mrs. Barbara Haley and Mrs. Jean King as well as all of the beauty shop ladies past and present,” Baker said. “They have and plan to continue to unselfishly volunteer their services and time to uplift the lives of others.”

Those volunteers who have, at various times, served as a part of the “Beauty Shop Ladies” group are Ruth Vickery, Annette Dawe, Evelyn Latham, Anne Flowers, Pat Cooper, Jean King, Essie Josie, Barbara Haley, Marsha Lowery, Doris Gentry, Deloris Mixon, Mollie Norris, Glenis Hadley, Candice Dawe, Teresa Nickels, Tommy Jones, Billie Wilson, Lucille Albritton, Ruby Dixon, Pat Bonner, Charlotte Boyle, Marie Owens, Goldie Morris, Omer Ruthford Margret Mack, Loyce Strawbridge, Bobbie Akin, Evelyn Tuberville, Margaret Earle, Judy Dorriety, Ann Amerson, Evelyn Parker, Betty Blanton, Edna Tolbert, Maude Ridgeway, Mollie Cunningham, Totsie Brown, Betty Lee, Buford Stacey, Kaci Martin, Dorothy Albert, Myrtle Merchant, Elizabeth Caylor, Helen Lumpkin, Louise Freeman and Annie Ruth Bryan.

To make a contribution toward the supplies and equipment needed to perform these services to the ANC residents, contact any volunteer of the group or administration officials at Atmore Nursing Care Center.