Well known Waycrossan Ada Douglas attributes her lifetime of 90 years to “staying active, worshiping her God and being with her family and friends.’’ Her February birthday caused an afternoon of remembrance and joy at an open house celebration at her home.
The Douglas home on Shawnee drive was aglow with a shower of best wishes when Mrs. Douglas was honored by her family at a party long to be remembered. “I am so thankful for the remembrance of so many relatives and friends,’’ she said. “The party was just so special and I appreciate my daughter-in-law Cynthia Douglas of Thomaston, and my sister Jeri Eaton Pearson for the special occasion.’’
The gala occasion captured attention in the spacious living/dining room and family room area as many guests focused their attention on their special honoree. Showing her appreciation for their presence, the honoree looked special in a pants ensemble featuring a blouse of many colors, plaids of red, blue and purple. Her sister shared her joy and looked the party appearance also.
Conversation and fellowship highlighted the birthday occasion and guests found a delightful birthday table aglow with tiered trays of delicious treats. Cynthia Douglas was complimented for the magnificent array of party foods: tired trays of delectable cookies, spinach and veggie dips, meat balls, pimento pinwheels and ornate treats.
Centered with a colorful vase of flowers, the table was backed by a “Happy Birthday’’ sign. A photo of the honoree was a special accent. Everyone wanted to know who baked the special Italian cream cake and made the refreshing punch. Jeff Johnson made the cake and Becky Williams made the punch.
Along with many best wishes, Mrs. Douglas was showered with gifts to commemorate her special birthday. She expressed deep appreciation for everyone’s thoughtfulness.
Mrs. Douglas was born Feb. 4, 1935, the third child of Carlton and Sara Youmans Eaton of the Youmans Chapel area of Pierce County. “My daddy was a railroad man and I have many happy memories of my childhood,’’ she said. “Ten years later the fourth child Jeri was born. I also enjoyed growing up with two older brothers David Eaton and Dorsey Eaton, both deceased.’’
“I started school at Center Hill Grammar School which is no longer there. It was located in Pierce County across from the present Midway Elementary School on Midway Church Road. A 1952 graduate of the former Blackshear High School, I began a 32 year career with Southern Bell in Waycross. She transferred to Houston, Texas (Southern Bell) then to New Orleans, LA, and then back to Waycross and to Savannah. “I retired early from Savannah in 1985 to care for my ill mother. After she passed away, I worked part time for Bank of America and Kelly Services,’’ she recalled.
In the early years of her career, she attended classes at the University of Georgia Waycross Off-Campus Center and while in New Orleans, attended night classes at Tulane University.
Her life has been active as she has always been a volunteer, mostly with Telephone Pioneers of America, which works with other agencies. She said her favorite was “Make A Wish Foundation,’’ when she was able to make several wishes come true for terminally ill children in Waycross, Douglas, Jesup and Pearson. She served several years as president of the local Pioneers.
Her many memberships have included: Breakfast Exchange Club of Waycross, serving as president three years; Rose Garden Club, and worshiping at the Lutheran Church in America until the church dissolved.
Today, Mrs. Douglas finds meaning and faith in her First Presbyterian Church of Waycross, “a joy I have shared for the past 39 years.’’ She is now an elder and has served as Sunday School teacher, coordinator for Presbyterian Women, treasurer and clerk of session. She said she now spends much time reading, playing cards and especially enjoying her “cherished friends playing Mah Jongg,’’
