aia_drawing

Original Drawings & Model Commentaries:

AIA Drawing # 21
(17 inches X 23 inches)

(top L)      Mr. Fred Jackson: 1880 -                    Jackson

(top R)      Mrs. Willie "Marie" Walters: 1904 -     Collins

(below)     Mrs. Vida Pardue: 1906 -                    Lumberton

(bottom R) Mrs. Mable Young Ross: 1903 -           Marks

(bottom L) Ms. Grace Simmons Hughes: 1906 -    Kosciusco

I came to Mississippi to select a model for the 21st drawing of the Aging in America series. Before arriving, I had narrowed my search to five potential subjects. They lived in communities throughout the state from Lumberton, in the southeast, to Marks, in the northwest. The diversity in locations gave me the opportunity to see the beauty of Mississippi as I traveled. The diversity in the potential model's backgrounds allowed me to see the beauty of Mississippians.

My choices for a model from Mississippi were all individually unique. I felt each deserved recognition. Selecting only one model from the five distinctive subjects were impossible. I eliminated the requirement to choose only one person by creating this composition of all five Mississippi residents.

Drawing #21

(top left) Mr. Fred Jackson: 1880 -

Jackson, MS;

At 115 years of age, Mr. Fred Jackson was the oldest subject I had researched for the Aging in America series. He is a resident of Albemarle Health Care Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Fred Jackson was waiting for my visit dressed in a dark suit and felt hat. He had an easy smile, a firm handshake and spoke softly of a life that was as colorful as the tie and matching vest he wore.

Fred was born on a plantation near Canton, MS. With his brother and father, he worked the land. After farming, the three worked as carpenters building houses. "Nothing like you see today," he says, "we built little ol' wood houses." His days were filled with hard work and there was little time for a formal education. Fred never learned to read or write. "We didn't have time to get much learning. It was hard to go to school. They felt like we didn't need it anyway," he said. He remembers the times he played the guitar and sang at church. He sang a chorus from a Gospel song remembered from earlier days.

His son, Fed Jackson Jr., who is a World War II veteran living in Vicksburg, MS, spoke to me about his father by phone. He said, "My father's health has always been amazing. Before he went into the nursing home, he was never sick a day in his life. He is in better shape than I am. My father was a Deacon in his church and lived a simple, clean life.

While he still remains alert, Fred says he feels his age. He and his wife Fronie, were married more than 68 years when Fronie passed away in 1991. He says that he pays little attention to politics and local issues. The last U.S. President he remembers is Ronald Regan. "I ain't kept up with it much since then, he said. Fred is content with his present life at Albemarle and doesn't have any yearnings for the days of his youth. "They take good care of me here," he says. "They are nice people here, the food is good and I have friends here. I got all the enjoyment I can handle right now. About all I do is chew tobacco. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. Ain't much else to do when you get to be my age."

As I drove up the Natchez Trace Parkway towards Kosciusko to meet with my second potential Mississippi model, I thought of Fred Jackson and the history that had occurred in his lifetime. Geronimo was still waging war in the American west when Fred was born. Mules pulled his plows and wagons. Honesty, integrity and hard work was all he ever knew. Yet at 115 years of age, he showed no bitterness or regret for the way he chose to live "the life that God gave to me. He was at peace with the world, himself and God.

Outside the car, flashes of autumn colors from the beautifully wooded Natchez Trace Parkway were moving by at a leisurely 55 miles an hour. I made a mental note, "Fred Jackson must be included in the Aging in America drawing series.

Drawing #21

(bottom left) Ms. Grace Simmons Hughes

Kosciusko, MS:

The winding road curved around the front of the nursing home where Grace Simmons Hughes lived. I was not expecting the immaculate conditions I encountered when I entered the Attala County Nursing Center in Kosciusko. I was greeted by a smiling resident who was just passing by on her way to the dining room. Others followed her and all were talking to one another but greeted me warmly as they passed. In the lobby, halls and throughout the facility there were beautifully framed fine art prints. Full length polished mirrors, conveniently placed on pillars in the communal areas, reflected images of a responsible and caring staff and the center's residents.

I was a little early for my appointment and when I was taken to Grace's room, her lunch was just being served. I offered to come back after her meal but was brought an additional hot lunch. I shared the company of a stranger through the well prepared and, I must add, delicious meal. As I ate, I understood the smiles of the residents on their way to lunch.

Mrs. Hughes admitted that she was a little nervous as we started the visit, but before the meal was consumed, I was Jim and she was Grace. She had a spiritual countenance and spoke in a refined manner of her life in Mississippi. Although she had been born in Louisville, MS, she had lived in Attala County since infancy. She graduated from Kosciusko High School and received a teaching degree from Mississippi State College for Women (now Mississippi State University for Women). Grace taught a year before marrying J. Smith Hughes, a Sallis businessman, in 1932.

Grace moved to Sallis, twelve miles west of Kosciusko, taking time off teaching to have two children-- a daughter, Anne Hughes Porter, and a son, James Simmons Hughes. She returned to teaching in Sallis when Anne was 12 years old. There are now four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Grace and her daughter collaborated to compile and write the book, A Place Called Sallis. Anne retired after a thirty-two year teaching career. James is currently Executive Vice-President of the Merchants & Farmers Bank.

Grace is a member of the Samuel Hammond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is also a charter member (1939) and charter officer of the Sallis Twentieth Century Club. In addition to her long interest in history and progressive change, Grace maintains a lifelong passion for her Christian faith. She and her late husband served as church clerk and treasurer of the Sallis Baptist Church for almost 50 years. She also devoted much of her time to the Women's Missionary Union.

Grace's daughter, Anne, revealed that Grace had made the decision to move to the Attala County Nursing Center about five years before she actually entered the facility. She first became a "temporary" resident when Anne had a business trip to Washington, DC. Grace decided to extend her stay to a month. She is now a permanent resident. Her son, James, brings the paper each morning and has coffee and conversation with her. Later in the day, Anne stops by to visit and assist in any way needed. Grace's family continues to provide the one ingredient that is desired by all elder parents in or out of long term care-- love.

Drawing #21

(bottom right) Mrs. Mable Young Ross: 1903 -

Marks, MS;

I left Kosciusko and continued up the Natchez trace Parkway toward the birthplace of Elvis, Tupelo, Mississippi. My next appointment the following morning was about 100 miles west of Tupelo in Marks. The minor detour through Tupelo would add to my tour of Elvis landmarks. At fifty, I find I am still a teenager at heart. Are the memories held by my models as clear as those of Elvis belting out, "Since my Baby left me...?" To my models, I am still a kid.

The humble beginnings of Elvis quickly faded as I drove west on Highway 6 past Oxford toward the famed Mississippi Delta. I crossed under interstate55 then through Highway 51 at Batesville. Twenty miles west, I drove to Marks, found the Quitman county Hospital and Nursing Home and learned of the humble beginnings of another Mississippian, Ms. Mable Ross Young.

The Quitman County Hospital and Nursing Home, incorporated and locally operated, is home to sixty residents. It is tastefully decorated, spotlessly clean and had a comfortable feeling. The home had a strong community volunteer association that assisted in making the facility a "home." Ms. Mable young Ross, my next potential model was very active in that group prior to becoming a resident. Karma.

Mable Young Ross began a thirty-two year career as an elementary school teacher at a time when a college degree was not required. "I was working in the fields when they asked me if I wanted to teach the children twelve miles north of here in Falcon, MS. I thought teaching would be better than working the fields," she said with a hearty laugh, "so I began teaching; however, it was my 'dream' to earn my teaching certificate." After taking college courses for twenty-five years, at 68 years of age, Mable proudly received her degree in psychology from Rust College. She was considered a "born teacher." Her students were encouraged to excel with the philosophy "I know I'm somebody because God didn't make no junk."

Mable became the post mistress for the town of Falcon at the age of 72 and held the post for approximately fifteen years. The post office at Falcon was a gathering place and clearing house for community news. When the town of Falcon was in danger of losing a federal grant to build a water tower, Ms. Ross went to Marks to deed two lots of her property to the town. When advised she would not be able to give these lots to the town, she sold them to the town for one dollar. I was told she gave the dollar back on the way home.

At the age of 84, Mable took a course in journalism. She then wrote a weekly article entitled "Falcon News" for the Quitman County Democrat newspaper. Her concern for the needs of the elderly of Falcon prompted her to begin a feeding program that continues to serve those needing the service. She received a plaque from the Quitman County Hospital and Nursing Home in recognition of her contributions of time, energy and ability to improve health services in the Quitman County area.

"Ms. Mable young Ross exemplifies the humanity and dignity I seek to depict in this series," I thought as I left the Delta going south past Jackson and Hattiesburg to my next interview. Mable had not achieved the fame of her Tupelo counterpart; nevertheless, she had a positive effect on each life she touched.

During the 250 mile trip from Marks to Lumberton, I faced the choice of selecting one model from the three residents that I had already interviewed. I still had to interview two more of the original group of five subjects. I had not solved the problem of how I was going to compose the drawing, but I had solved the selection decision. I would depict them all in the #21 drawing of the Aging in America series. The composition would be determined by the photo sessions with each of the models. Content with the decision, I headed south from Hattiesburg on Highway11 to the Adventist Health Center, just north of Lumberton, MS. The rolling hills reminded of Oklahoma. The Kudzu, ferns and other fauna told me I was further south.

The Adventist Health Center is a long term care facility that is owned by the Glf. Sts. Con of Seventh day Adventist. It is located about an hour north of Mississippi's gulf coast. The rural setting and large mowed lawns invited me to pause a moment before meeting with Ms. Vida Pardue. This time, I was nervous about the interview. Ms. Pardue had spent her life in the halls of power and had met many great leaders of this nation and of the state of Mississippi. Would I be able to sufficiently explain my goals for the Aging in America drawing project? Would she agree to participate as a model for the series.

Ms. Pardue was ready for my visit, She wore a white silk blouse that complimented her snow white hair, each would be a challenge to render. She was artistically beautiful. My concerns vanished soon after we met. She was articulate and pleasant. Her brushes with greatness had not diminished her excitement for the educational goals of this project. I saw in her the qualities of character and talent that made her so invaluable in her career, the ability to make every person feel their individual needs were important.

Ms. Pardue played an important role in Mississippi's and our nation's history. She was born in Pearl River County, Mississippi, in 1906. She graduated from Loyal High School in pearl River County and attended State Teacher's College, now known as the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg. She also attended Tyler Commercial College in Tyler, Texas. After completing her education, she returned to Pearl River County and began work for the W.P.A. While working at the W.P.A., Ms. Pardue met Senator Bilbo and was offered a position on his staff. She accepted the position and moved to Washington, DC.

Working for Senator Bilbo presented her with many exciting moments in life. She met President Truman and attended parties hosted by First Lady Bess Truman. She most enjoyed these and other social functions held at the numerous Embassies. She told of meeting John F. Kennedy when he was a senator, Jacqueline Kennedy at social functions and other historical figures. She understates her life in our nation's Capitol as "being very colorful." Her work in Washington ended with the death of Senator Bilbo in 1955.

After returning to Jackson, Mississippi, Ms. Pardue began a 23 year career as personal secretary to the Secretary of State, Heber Ladner. Ms. Pardue retired in 1978. Eight years later, she moved to Hattiesburg. When her health required it, she moved into the Adventist Health Center for nursing care and to be close to her family.

Drawing #21

(top right) Mrs. Willie "Marie" Walters: 1904 -

Collins, MS:

The final subject to be interviewed for the 21st drawing of the Aging in America series is a resident of Covington County Nursing Center, Mrs. Willie "Marie" Walters. The center is located 25 miles north East of Hattiesburg on Highway 49 in Collins, Mississippi. It is home to 60 residents and, like the Attala County Nursing Center in Kosciusko, it is county owned and operated by Magnolia Management located near Jackson.

This project is not about long term care facilities, assisted living, nursing homes or retirement centers, etc. The project was created to depict the humanity and dignity of all older Americans. I focused attention in this series primarily on residents of long term care because I feel long term residents are the most forgotten of America's aging citizens. In discussions of the concerns of aging Americans, health care is often mentioned at the top of the list. The treatment of America's elders in their own homes, homes of family members or in homes run by care providers in the health care field is a concern that must be addressed. I have visited over 100 nursing facilities and have seen the dedication required of all health care providers. The facilities I visited in Mississippi are to be commended for their attention to the needs of their residents. They deserve recognition for the efforts.

It is fitting that my last subject is being cared for by such a dedicated group of caregivers. Two aspects of Mrs. Walters' life attracted my attention. The most obvious was that she was crowned Ms. Mississippi Health Care Association 1994. The second aspect of her life that caught my attention was a notation that she had cared for a disabled daughter for fifty years. I wanted to honor her devotion to caring for one who required constant care over a lifetime by including her image in this drawing. I wanted to know more about that quality of love.

Mrs. Willie "Marie" Walters was born in her grandmother's home in Jones County, MS in 1904. She married Jesse T. Walters in 1927. Marie graduated from high school (Kelly Creek School( and attended the State Teacher's College in Hattiesburg (now University of Southern Mississippi). Jessie and Marie worked a farm and Jessie worked for Covington County. Marie taught school for ten years. They had two children, Annie Grace (1933) and Douglas "Tennon" (1947).

The year that Annie Grace was born, Marie was 29 years old. Annie Grace was injured at birth and was bedridden her entire fifty three life. Marie's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mary Walters, told how Marie had learned of Annie Grace's severe medical problems at birth. She states, "My mother-in-law prayed to the Lord that if He would let Annie Grace live, she would take care of Annie Grace and she would would never complain. I want you to know that I never once heard Marie complain about taking care of Annie Grace. Marie had to turn her in bed (every two hours) and provide total care. It wasn't until Marie fell and broke three ribs at the age of 79 that the Doctor convinced her that Annie Grace needed more care than she was able to provide. Only then did she agree to let Annie Grace go into long term care." Marie states, "I went to visit Annie Grace every day to love her and see her smile."

Concerning her own residence at Covington County Nursing Center, Marie says, "There's no place like home, but this is a wonderful place to be at when it's needed; I wouldn't make any changes; they have wonderful nurses and I prefer to stay right here. What I try to be is a Christian, to be a good woman, I want to love and be loved.