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2010 Persons Of The Year: Sonny And Catharine Jeter

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week. Click here for previous recipients.

Sonny and Catharine Jeter have been named two of our North Escambia Persons of the Year for 2010.

The following was submitted with their nomination:

In nominating a “Person of the Year”, you could nominate a variety of individuals who have made a significant impact on the area. But how often does a “team” emerge that has had such a lasting and positive impact on the region? Sonny and Catharine Jeter, are two such people.

Both were born and raised in this community, they were high school sweethearts from rival towns — Sonny from Century, Catharine from Flomaton — who have been married over 51 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Over the years, they have volunteered their time and efforts to Century’s various church and community activities. Whether it was Catharine’s warm smile or Sonny’s sly wit, this husband and wife team has made life in Century and Flomaton more enjoyable and their individual impact they have both had on the community has been obvious.

Catharine graduated from Flomaton High School where she was head majorette, but she showed an early love for North Escambia, as she married Sonny Jeter of Century upon graduating high school and the two rapidly became a huge part of Century.

Soon, she began working for South Central Bell as a telephone operator where she remained for over 18 years until the company relocated to Pensacola. Catharine found her niche however, when she began working as a career manager with the Private Industry Council and Pensacola Junior College, contracted through Job Services of Florida.

This job kept her running between Century and Pensacola, providing job opportunities for many of North Escambia’s citizens. She eventually retired from that job but quickly returned back to the work force working for Workforce Escarosa’s office located in Century, again serving the citizens of Northwest Florida as a resource advisor helping citizens find jobs.

Catharine has always been devoted to her family and extremely active in her community and church. She serves as president of the Sue Jackson Chapter and also serves as president and secretary of the Pilgrim Sunday School Class in her church.

Catharine has been dedicated to improving the economic development in North Escambia as demonstrated through her active involvement for over 20 years serving on the board of directors of both the Century and Flomaton chambers of commerce. She is an active member of Century’s Alger-Sullivan Historical Society as well as being one of the forces in developing the Flomaton Historical Railroad Museum and the Flomaton Welcome Center where she serves as a charter member.

Every year, she participates in the annual Christmas parade and happily distributes toys and candy from a Christmas float. For over 50 years, she has volunteered her time and efforts to help coordinate the Annual Thanksgiving luncheon for the elderly citizens of both Century and Flomaton, at the Flomaton United Methodist Church, in which she assists in food preparation and serving dinner to these citizens.

While you may see Catharine’s warm, friendly smile throughout the community, Sonny’s efforts are silently given to help others within his community. Most people are unaware about Sonny’s contributions and you would never hear him speaking of the numerous times he has helped families in need at Christmas (and other times throughout the year) taking them shopping for new clothes or just contributing so they can have something under the tree on Christmas morning. He has helped many others in a variety of other ways as well. Over the years, there have been many people who have taken advantage of his compassion but he continues to help those in need.

Sonny graduated from Century High School and after briefly attending Southeastern Mississippi College and Pensacola Junior College, he began working for the Container Corporation in Brewton, Alabama. Sonny is well-known in the community for his generosity and willingness to help others in need. He coached Little League Baseball for many years, was a member of the Lions Club, served on the Century Town Council, is a member of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, and serves as chairperson on the Pastoral Committee within his church.

Sonny also served as temporary Mayor of Century for a two week period when the Mayor unexpectedly passed away. This selfless act was critical in maintaining stability in the community until a special election could be held. After 38 years, Sonny retired from Container Corporation due to four blocked arteries resulting in open-heart bypass surgery.

He has continued to serve the Escambia community as he has hosted the University of West Florida’s Sigma Chi Fraternity annual Leadership Development retreat on his farm for the past three years.

This is a two day event in which the leaders of tomorrow engage in an intensive program consisting of team building, community service, risk management, and self evaluation. Not only does Sonny donate the land for the event or provide materials if needed, but he donates each year’s Sunday morning breakfast for over 50 young men in attendance each year.

Both Sonny and Catharine are known for their fun personalities, knack for never meeting a stranger, and willingness to help others. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year with over 300 family and friends attending. This ‘team’ clearly has a lifetime of selfless achievements and continues to contribute to the community.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.