Staff Writer

Thinking of something nice to say is not hard when speaking of Mrs. Myrl Mallory.

"I consider you the example to follow in Thomaston-Upson nursing," said Tina Kent R.N. who works at the Upson County Health Department.

Mallory, a registered nurse, served as a public heath nurse for the community from 1948 to 1982 doing all she could to help and better patient care.

"If there was a need, Ms. Mallory would find the answer for that need nd not give up until it was taken care of," County Nurse Manager Lynn Walls said.

After retiring, Mallory continued to serve the community on the Upson County Health Department Board of Health.

From July 1984 till Wednesday morning she worked diligently for 21 years to improve the lives of those around her.

Family, friends, and co-workers joined together to celebrate her achievements.

Thomaston-Upson County School Board Superintendent Dr. Howard Hendley said that Mallory "epitomizes the southern lady."

"I can't imagine a better mother. She treats everyone the same no matter color, sex, rich, poor everyone is just a person that she has a chance to help" Joy McIndoe, one of her three children, said.

The Georgia Department of Human Resources Chief Nurse Carole C. Jakeway, R.N., M.P.H. announced to the crowd that Mallory would be included in the Nursing textbooks, highlighting her career and good deeds.

Former Thomaston Mayor Mr. Charles Kersey said he had the honor of serving with her on the health board, "It was a privilege to serve with her and a pleasure and honor to have her as a friend."

Mallory was overwhelmed at the out pour of affection and kind words.

"During my 21 years on the Board of Health, I have seen great strides in the accessibility of health care in Upson County, mainly brought on by the construction of the new health department building. Lynn Walls is doing an outstanding job heading up our public heath programs.

I want to thank the people of Upson County for the opportunity to serve on the Board. I commend the past and present County Board members and the Health Department Staff for their dedication to improving the quality of life in Upson County.

If I had to live my life over again I think I would do the same thing, just more of it."