Born 5-18-34 in Ashland, Alabama

Moved to Opelika in 1942 and attended Northside School.

Graduated from Opelika (nee Clift) High School in 1952.

Graduated from Draughon Business College in 1953.

Worked for a time for the Aronov family in Montgomery.

Returned to Opelika and married my high school sweetheart, Joe Lee, whom most of you will remember.

Joe died in 1960, and I found myself a young widow with no insurance, but lots of debt ‘cause Joe had been self-employed in the pulpwood business and had five pulpwood trucks, the oldest of which was the only one paid for. By then I was working for John Herbert Orr (Billy Orr’s father) whom most of you will remember, and with the help of lots of friends like Homer Bruce, I managed to dispose of the business and finally pay all the bills over a period of some three years.

I continued to work for John Herbert Orr until his death (32-1/2 years).  I was privileged to be on board while he built several businesses and enjoyed the opportunity to travel and broaden my horizons which would not have been possible in most jobs.

In 1965 I finally met my “soul mate” at Ampex. Bill Bohler took me to a Junior Achievement banquet (he was a sponsor) and two months and thirteen days later we were married.  We have been married for almost 38 years now, and it has been quite a trip. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Bill was the father of three daughters, and after our marriage they came to live with us, one by one, until all three were living with us. Since it was obvious that I could not bear children of my own, our daughters allowed me to love them and be a part of their lives. Perhaps the greatest testimony of our relationship is that our first born grandchild was named Jordan Whitley for me. I think that is the greatest tribute anyone could give you – to name their child after you.

We now have five grandchildren – one girl and four boys – and I finally found something I am good at – I am a terrific grand-

Mother, and I love the role.

Bill retired from Ampex Corporation (Now Quantegy) and after a year of retirement went back to work for the City of Opelika as manager of the Light and Power warehouse. After Mr. Orr’s death I worked for Datacount (a computer software company located next to the post office in Opelika) for 12-1/2 years. Bill and I both retired May 31, 1996, and spent the next couple of years traveling. Got that out of our system – bought a big house – too big – and down sized to a smaller house which we love. Retirement is great. We are very, very busy with family, friends, and our church. God has surely blessed us, and we are so grateful.