Helen Wires Talley – I graduated from Dora High in 1965. I live in Goodsprings, AL close to Mulberry Fork Conservation Area. I have been married to Bob Talley for 32 years. I have two step-daughters and five grandchildren.
I really loved going to school so I have a lot of favorite memories, but I thought Class Night was just the best of all. Our theme was dances of years past. Some did the twist, some the jerk etc., and Cheryl Tuggle, Linda Atchley, and myself did the charleston. We dressed in the 20’s costumes and had a ball dancing on stage. When we finished everyone in the audience kept clapping and Mr. Ellenberg was going to get us back out on stage for a second bow, but the next act came on stage and he said, “Oh, well, we just can’t get you back out there.”
I loved all of my teachers, but I remember a time in my adolescence when Mrs. Gant spent about 30 minutes talking to me about a problem I had. I thought it was so special that she would take time out to help me with a personal matter. I also was very fond of Mrs. Murray. She was very a very strict teacher, but when you worked hard, she always encouraged you. I remember making a little infant dress for my niece and I bet you she made me take out the hem and sew it again 50 times. The good thing about that was when it was done it was perfect.
I am currently retired due to illness. My husband is a Baptist Minister so I am trying to encourage him and help him with his paperwork when I can. I was in the Transportation business for 25 years and then went to work at UAB as a secretary to doctor John N. Whitaker in neurology. That is where I was working when it was discovered I had to have a hole in my heart repaired for the second time in my life. After that, I developed pneumonia and had complications and my family was called in twice to let them know I was not going to make it. But, by the grace of God, I am still here to carry out the work He has left me here to do.
My hero is God. He has brought me through many dark valleys in my life. My family that stood by me for the four months that I was in the hospital were also my heroes. And, my heroes are the men and women who serve in our armed forces. The policemen, firemen, and other branches of service.
When I grow up I want to be a forensic scientist. I think that is the most interesting field. My parents could not afford to send me to college because my Dad was disabled to work since I was five years old. I was able to take college courses while I was working. I did not get a degree, but was able to obtain a college degree job because of my work record.
I would like to be remembered a woman who has love and compassion for everyone. I would also like to be remembered as someone that contributed her life to helping others.