GCREA History

INTRODUCTION OF PRESIDENTS

For almost thirty years the Gwinnett County Retired Teachers Association has been an ever-increasing force in the life of retirees who chose the field of education as a career.This group, working closely with the state organization of Georgia Retired Teachers Association, is a strong voice representing all retired educators.

At the time of this printing, sixteen individuals have served this organization as president. Their stories and personal memories paint a picture of a most alive and viable organization.

Thanks for the memories:

T. Carl Buice 1972 - 1974

Florence Garner 1974 - 1976

Crawford Puckett 1976 - 1978

Leona Williams 1978 - 1980

Jane Alexander 1980 - 1982

James (Jim) Caples 1982 - 1984

Annie Frances Flanigan 1984 - 1986

Don Herndon 1986 - 1988

Barney Davis 1988 - 1990

E. Reid Mullins 1990 - 1992

Don Burt 1992 - 1993

Mary F. Long 1993 - 1994

Gailya Raines 1994 - 1995

Katherine Carlyle 1995 - 1996

Deloris N. Mullins 1996 - 1997

Marie Beiser 1997 - 1998

Harriette G. Hamrick 1998-1999

Bob Hamrick 1999-2000

Nancy S. Wayte 2000-2001

Brenda Bigham 2001-2002

Throughout the years, our Gwinnett County Retired Teachers, now known as Gwinnett County Retired Educators, have served in district and state offices. Currently, Brenda Bigham is serving as Area XIV Director, Awards and Recognition committee, and Services to Members committee. Mary Long  served as president of the Georgia Retired Educators Association in 2002-2003. She also chairs the Archives and Georgia Retired Teachers Association History Committee. Serving on this committee with Mary is Deloris Mullins.

Reid Mullins, former principal of Snellville Middle School and our Gwinnett County Retired Teachers Association*s tenth president, served as president of Georgia Retired Teachers Association in 1993-1994. Jackie Perry served as state secretary during Reid*s term of office. Katherine Carlyle and Gailya Raines also served on state committees that same year.

We believe we are strengthened as retirees by social contact; therefore, we in 1997-1998 are continuing regular meetings. Not only do we share a meal, but we meet social, educational, economic and health needs through informative and entertaining programs. As Robert Lewis Stevenson (1850-1894) said in his writing, Achievement, "That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has

gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth*s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had." This represents the ideals of GCREA.

The following pages contain photos of each President along with his or her memories and comments/accomplishments/contributions which occurred during the President*s term of office. Truly, this is reason in 2010 to celebrate 38 wonderful years of loyal members and dedicated Presidents working together to give life to GCREA.