Outgoing Junior Auxiliary Members Bid Well-Wishes and Farewells

(left to right) Margaret Blake Embry , Ashley Windham, Joanne Bagley McGehee, Claire Kiamie

The Junior Auxiliary in Oxford began its new year with the passing of the crown .

Past officers left this chapter, having served their six years (one year provisional, five years term), but not without the appreciation of the organization.

Joanne Bagley McGeehee said, “Being a part of this organization was an honor and a blessing. Seeing the work of these incredible women continue to inspire me as JA directly impacts the children and families of Lafayette County. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing my service as an associate member.”

Ashley Hendricks Windham wrote to the chapter, congratulating Jane Cross on becoming the new president of Junior Auxiliary as well as reflecting on her past six years with the organization.

She said in this excerpt of her letter: “As I reflect on the last few years in the Oxford Chapter, they have left behind bittersweet memories as it is my turn to leave the chapter 6 years later. While I did not hold any head board positions, I shifted my weight throughout several projects and came to know the different aspects of the chapter throughout the years. I can say that serving the children of our community did not always come without hard work and severe demeanor, but it always ended with an excellent feeling of accomplishment. I have left some projects (and even an occasional monthly meeting) with tears of happiness at the outcome of a successful day, and then sometimes of sadness from the overall need in the community we serve. Regardless, at the end of the day I felt humbled to have been chosen to serve in this great chapter, with these wonderful women who all share the same desire to serve our children.

I say all of this to encourage the provisionals and the members to stay focused as you serve and do not be discouraged in the work you do. We are volunteers and most of us have families we also serve. Being a mother of three, a wife, and business owner, I have been faced with many distractions over the past six years that have left me feeling torn between family and service. Do what you can in the time that you have and you will succeed in both your service to your family and to Junior Auxiliary.”

Windham said the organization brought a “fulfilling sense of accomplishment and confidence” in helping provide opportunities for children in the local community.

The organization too appreciates these former JA officers. Torie Marion, Community Enhancement Coordinator of Visit Oxford and public relations chair of JA, said, “We couldn’t let their service to the community and the children of Oxford and Lafayette county end without recognizing these ladies. JA appreciates all they have done the past 6 years.”

To see what Junior Auxiliary is up to, like its page on Facebook.

Callie Daniels Bryant is the senior managing editor at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.