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Wednesday, April 2, 2003 And the winner is By JANET
MCGREGOR
Seven wonderful ladies vied for the coveted title of Ms. Southland in the annual pageant. The event is one that is both exciting and nerve-wracking for participants. Some find it difficult to sleep the night before. Many spend a considerable amount of time practicing answers, picking out the perfect outfit and preparing in other ways for the pageant. Dorothy Brannon, 84, was first on the stage. Born in Toronto, Bannon moved to Georgia in 1972. She worked at Lane Bryant and Belk and confessed that she "loved to shop." Her elegant attire and accessories showed her excellent taste earning high points from the judges. She has two children, three grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Rose Field, 81, wore a beautiful rose-colored suit and engaged the audience with her fond memories of times with her family. Rose has six children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She keeps a close watch on current events and enjoys communicating via e-mail with family and friends. Rose won the title of second runner-up. Sarah Turner, 87, was a first-time contestant and was resplendent in her peachy pink suit. She was a member of the Hopeful Community Club for 60 years and is now a member of the North Fayette Baptist Church. She was involved with the Fayette County Ladies Fire Auxiliary. Widowed for 22 years, she remarried at the age of 72, inheriting a family of 100. She said she started shopping in January to get her Christmas shopping done in time. Alice Brouillette, 83, brought tears to the eyes of the judges and audience talking about her husband, "the best thing that ever happened in her life." She joked about how they met he was a hired hand on her family farm and the pair were not allowed to mingle. Her family speaks glowingly about Alice noting, "She represents what is best about family ... loving, caring, helping each other, working together and celebrating. She has always known what is most important to her, and that is the people she loves." Her attitude toward life and family helped earn her the title of first runner-up in the pageant. Leila Rutledge, at 90 the oldest contestant, wowed the judges and the audience, winning the title of Ms. Southland. She regaled everyone with her sharp answers to any question thrown out by the emcee, Judge Chris Edwards. Before taking her seat, she led the room in a meaningful rendition of "God Bless America." An amateur carpenter, she offered to help Edwards with any carpentry projects he might be contemplating. She was born in Cartersville and had 11 brothers and sisters. She has one son, Kenneth, whom she says is "the greatest gift God gave to me." She has one granddaughter, Darlene. Rutledge is active in many Southland Nursing Home events including Bible Study, music, arts and crafts and the Dixie Bells. Her hobbies include carpentry, colleting pictures of presidents, current events, politics, gardening and socializing. Vera Katherine Maynard, 84, was born and raised in Gadsden, Ala. She has three sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She and her husband, Guy, lived in Jonesboro. Her warm smile and pleasant demeanor helped her win the spot of third runner-up. Lulu Hunter, 72, sparkled. She wore a gorgeous purple pantsuit, perfect for the pageant. She lived in many parts of Georgia, including Gainesville, Haralson, Turin, Senoia, Newnan, Atlanta and Peachtree City. She has one daughter, Julie. Lula loves country music and singing. Her favorite singer is Elvis Presley Judge Edwards was able to coax a few bars of one of Elvis' songs out of her. She loves hats and enjoys participating in Southland events like the annual Mardi gras and Fourth of July parades. Her favorite events include cakes. All of the contestants were winners in the eyes of the judges, staff and the audience! Those who attend the annual contest often seem to get more out of watching and listening than the contestants. Tears and laughter are not uncommon and it is impossible to walk away without a sense of peace and warmth.
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