A Community Treasure

Patrick County is such a wonderful place in which to live because of caring, compassionate people who seek to serve others above themselves. Jesse Mae Vernon exemplifies these admirable qualities as well as anyone in the community. On Sunday afternoon, Apr. 26th, I was honored to be among the many citizens who attended a reception in the John D. Hooker Memorial Building at Rotary Field in Stuart in honor of Ms. Vernon, who celebrated her 90th birthday on Thursday, Apr. 23rd. Despite the fact that she has enjoyed 9 decades of life, Ms. Vernon has the energy and vitality of a much younger person. Apparently in relatively good health as she reaches this milestone in her life, Ms. Vernon is still highly active in her family, her church, and the community.

Ms. Vernon dedicated her life to serving the youth of the county during a 34-year career as one of Patrick County's most beloved and respected teachers. In her retirement, she has been kept quite busy, attending bible study and being involved in various church activities including serving the homemade ice cream for which her church, Concord United Methodist, is widely known, volunteering for the American Red Cross blood drives in Patrick County, being a member of the Patrick County Retired Teacher's Association, and assisting in various other community functions. According to her son Charles Vernon, Jesse Mae still cooks Sunday dinner for about 25 members of the family, does yard work (recently she spread two truck loads of mulch to keep her lawn beautiful), and is always there when anyone in the community is in need of assistance and prayer. Her focus is always on others, never on herself.

Asked about her secret to a long, successful life, Jesse Mae jokingly replied, "I inherated these good Ayers' genes." Actually, said Ms. Vernon, "being active" is the key to her happy and healthy life.

Speaking personally, Jesse Mae Vernon is an inspiration! She is an example of the kind of person that I aspire to be even thought I tend to fall far short of the standards of excellence in family, church, and community service that she has established. She is a wonderful role model for us all! You are truly a community treasure, Jesse Mae. Happy 90th birthday and many, many more!