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Two Atmore residents were inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Class of 2022 during a ceremony in Montgomery on Aug. 21.

Ann Gordon and Mal McGhee join inductees including Johnny Crear of Selma; James Harris of Wedowee; Gwendolyn Howard of Gordon; Albert Kirkland of Dothan, Andrew Onderdonk of Chatom; Col. Shirley Rogers of Tuskegee; Dr. David Thrasher of Montgomery; and George Anthony Yarbrough of Prattville in the class.

In addition to the inductees, other seniors were recognized for contributions and service to their communities.

Gordon has been an active realtor for more than 45 years, and volunteers in the Atmore community and church, where she focuses on service for senior adults and others in need.

She piloted a program for a national homebuilder to meet the needs of physically impaired individuals by providing adequate housing adapted for their needs.

Gordon provides Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for senior adults, has stored furniture for flood victims and has donated cars, property and money.

Gordon not only gives resources; she gives her time. She has served on the local volunteer fire department board of directors; serves on the Atmore Community Foundation Advisory Committee; has served on the board of Peacock Enterprises, Peacock Pavers, and Enhance Architectural Products; and has volunteered with the adult literacy program.

McGhee is a member of the Poarch Creek Indians and has spent his life working in his community. He has served on the Tribal Council for many years in various positions, and was a captain with the Poarch Community Fire Department, where he served for more than 20 years.

Over the years, McGhee has volunteered with many Tribal and non-Tribal organizations including the council, his local church, the Rotary Club, local and state leadership groups and recreational programs.

McGhee’s contributions have helped his Tribal community prosper. Because of his leadership and commitment Tribal seniors are well cared for with health care facilities, a senior housing village, senior food programs, vegetable garden program, arts and crafts, transportation, and a supplemental financial program.

Special awards were presented to 19 senior citizens for outstanding service in other categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Community Service, Military, Religion, Government and Volunteerism. Twenty-two couples who have been married 65 years or more, and 22 individuals who are 100 years old or older, were also recognized during the program.

“This is the one major event in Alabama each year where individuals are formally honored and recognized for their selfless advocacy and dedication to serving older adults in their community,” said Jean Brown, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of the Alabamians selected for the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame awards.”

Those honored in the Hall of Fame ceremony were nominated by members of their community and chosen by the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The Hall of Fame was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1983 to honor and recognize Alabamians aged 60 and older for their outstanding contributions to the lives of older Americans.

Gordon and McGhee were nominated by Charlotte Boyle.