The town of Leesburg recently crowned Eloise Farley Willingham as Mrs. Leesburg 2009. She was recognized during Leesburg Day festivities held Saturday, Sept. 12.

Mayor Ed Mackey shared some of Willingham’s biographical information. A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, she was born Aug. 3, 1922 to Ruben and Mary Parrish. She was married to the late Joe Farley, with whom she had three children, Wayne Farley of Glencoe, Kenneth Farley of Leesburg and Tammy Swatt of Gadsden. She has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She later married the late Bill Willingham. She worked as a CAN for Collinsville Nursing home and was an Avon representative for 23 years.

“Let’s give her a big hand,” said Mackey. “Thank you for being Mrs. Leesburg 2009.”

The Rev. Mark Mayo from Cedar Hill Methodist Church gave the invocation. Local Vocalist Charlene Covington sang The National Anthem and the Honor Guard of the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Firefighters posted the colors and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The day featured a number of activities including a Red Cross Blood Drive, live entertainment, rides and exhibits for the children, plenty of food, arts and crafts and more.

On behalf of the town of Leesburg, Mackey extended appreciation to KTH, Cherokee Electric Cooperative, Loder’s Plant Farm and numerous other sponsors who donated cash prizes and merchandise for door prizes which were given away throughout the day.

He also thanked Town Council Members Dianne Tillery, Wayne Byram, Tony Chandler, Brandy Pierce, Billy Ransum and also Town Clerk Jennifer Sharpe for their role in pulling the day’s events together.