Nineteen Georgia women were honored at the sixth annual Women’s History Month Georgia’s Legacy: Older Women observance sponsored by the Georgia Commission on Women, in partnership with the Georgia Women’s Institute and Georgia Osteoporosis Initiative, at Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta.  The event was established in 2004 in honor and recognition of outstanding accomplishments by women who, though having reached the usual age of retirement, are still contributing significantly to the progress and empowerment of women and families in Georgia.

 

Those honored for 2009 were ten current legislators, a former legislator and eight women performing incredible public service in their state and community.  Among those honored this year was Representative Barbara Massey Reece of Menlo and Sue Spivey of Summerville.  State Representative Jimmy Pruett, Governor’s Floor Leader from Dodge County nominated Rep. Reece along with eight other women legislators.  Mrs. Spivey was nominated by Rep. Reece.

 

Sue Spivey was recognized for her continuing efforts to improve healthcare, increase education opportunities, and promote economic development in Northwest Georgia.  Mrs. Spivey was the first woman to be elected to the Chattooga County School Board and served for many years as Executive Director of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Currently, Mrs. Spivey is a Board Member of Georgia Highlands Foundation and the Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center.  She chairs the Chattooga County Development Authority and is a member of Family Connections, the Emergency Planning Committee, and the Adult Literacy Committee.  She is an Elder at Summerville Presbyterian Church and an active member of Presbyterian Women at state and national levels.

 Georgia Commission on Women is a state entity, established in 1992, to elevate the health, education, economic, social and legal status of women in Georgia.  Georgia Women’s Institute was chartered in 2006 to bring women together, provide advocacy and a voice for women.  The Georgia Osteoporosis Initiative was created to address awareness, prevention and intervention of osteoporosis, a disease having a devastating effect on Georgians, especially older women.  From 2004 through 2009, a total of seventy five women have been honored at the six G.L.O.W. celebrations for their accomplishments.  Clemmie Walker Black of Summerville is a past honoree.  A book, currently being written, chronicles those achievements and is soon to be published by the Commission on Women.  For more information about the book, call 404-657-9260.