By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Florence “Dot” DeMotsis, longtime “First Lady” of the Town of Lee died Monday, March 24, 2008, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga.
   The wife of former Lee mayor, Louis DeMotsis, Dot died from injuries sustained in a car crash, which occurred earlier this month. She and Louis were married for 58 years.
   “She was my right hand, my friend, my companion and a wonderful mother and wife,” Louis said. “I know that I’ll never be able to replace her.”
   Louis said that right now, he and his family were trusting in God and his sheltering arms.
   She was born on July 4, 1924 in Daytona and was the daughter of the late Melford Lee and Mae Weaver Lee. She had lived in Lee since 1953. During her years in Lee, Louis served as mayor of the town for 30 years.
   Dot was a homemaker and a member of Lee United Methodist Church. She had been a member of the Daytona #1 Eastern Star since 1943.
   She is survived by her husband, Louis; one son, Timothy DeMotsis, of Lee; one daughter, Tina DeMotsis, of Lee; one brother, Robert E. Lee, of Daytona; and one sister, Edna Mae Withington, of Daytona.
   Donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Home, P.O. Box 6299, Deltona, FL 32728.

Traffic Stop Ends In Multiple Drug Charges

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Nicolas Robert Debisae, 19, and Raaj Vir Parmer, 18, had their travels end abruptly following a routine traffic stop that concluded with seven charges, including Possession of Marijuana of more than 20 grams and Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
   The suspects were booked early a.m. on March 23 from a traffic stop that occurred late the previous evening. 
   Additional charges included Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, as well as Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Board Of County Commissioners Honor Sorority 100th Anniversary

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   During the Madison Board of County Commissioners meeting of March 19, a Proclamation was issued recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Other issues discussed were the Tourism Development Council’s (TDC) promotion’s budget and a proposal from the Madison County Memorial Hospital regarding the conversion, renovation and development of several buildings the hospital obtained from the property that was the old Excel School.
   According the their website, “Since 1908, the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha has responded to the world’s increasing complexity.  It continues to empower communities through exemplary service initiatives and progressive programs.”
   Locally, the Nu Omega Omega chapter of AKA was established in 1981.  The five sisters representing Nu Omega Omega were Shirley K. Barfield, who currently serves as chapter President, along with Delores Jones, Cora Peacock Wyche, Jada W. Williams and Gwendolyn Johnson.  As the Proclamation was read, the group gently sang an inspiring sorority hymn that framed the meaning of the moment. 
   Following the reading, the sisters gave each county official a “Survival Kit” that had an inspiring message to go with its contents.  Seven items contained in the decorative kit were explained, including a toothpick to remind oneself not to be “too picky,” a rubber band to help one remember to be “flexible,” and a string to “tie off loose ends.”
   In other business, Elmer Spear made an appeal to revise the TDC budget limits for supporting conference and tourism business.  Commissioners agreed to let the TDC address the issue and make a recommendation to the board in time for the second April BOCC meeting.  Spear noted that more than 10,000 visitors have patronized his downtown Genealogy Library since it opened.
   Lastly, the hospital provided a brief update regarding future hospital development and a brief overview of proposals for property and buildings located at the old Excel School.  A phased development, Phase I would see these facilities utilized as soon as possible, with $551,000 slated for this component of the expansion.  It was also noted that the hospital is realizing profitability at a time many regional facilities are not.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Lee’s Founding Forefather 2008 Is Joseph Donald “Joe” Odom

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Joseph Donald Odom, known as Joe, was born in Madison County to Randle and Ellen Carter Odom on August 17, 1932.  He was the fourth of ten children and attended Madison County Schools. 
   Odom worked with St. Regis Paper Company until they sold out, at which time he joined Superior Trees, working in the Lee Nursery until his retirement in December 2007.  Over that 46-year period, Odom’s dependable and cheerful personality made him popular among co-workers, as well as friends and family.
   Odom married Loyette Jackson in 1955, later having three children, all of whom were raised in Lee.  Following Loyette Odom’s untimely death, Odom married Beverly Rigdon.  Unfortunately, in 2005, cancer claimed her life.
   Odom has always given so much to others.  He played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Lee Volunteer Fire Department in 1965, where he and Beverly were both active. 
   “Now that I’m retired from Superior Trees, I enjoy donating the additional time to my #1 interest…the Lee Volunteer Fire Department,” Odom noted.
   The Lee Town Council, Mayor, and town management join all the residents of Lee in their congratulations for Joe Odom on his selection as the 2008 Lee Founding Forefather.                  Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.