Rita V. Spivey

This message is long overdue. One that I find most difficult to write. On December 4th, 2006, The Arc of Georgia lost the most incredible leader and I lost my best friend. Rita fought a long hard battle after open heart surgery and left all of us wondering how we would continue without her. I knew how much she meant to me, but she left a hole in many lives. Some of the things I heard..."She had a way of lighting up a room..." That was so true. She also could convince you to do something you originally were against. Rita loved people- anyone and everyone. She was an incredible advocate and leader in the disability community- graduate of Partners in Policymaking, president of The Arc of Satilla and had a limitless future. There is a void in Georgia without Rita and her zest for life. She would want us to go on and continue our quest for better lives for those with developmental disabilities. We continue on- putting one foot ahead of the other, working for the benefit of others and their families. In Rita's memory, I continue to work, knowing what she would want all of us to do! To you my friend, we love you and miss you.

Michele May Pollard

On the night of October 21, 2006 Michele May Pollard, age 36, escaped her earthly body and immediately journeyed to her heavenly home. Michele loved life, smiled incessantly, and believed all persons were equal and worthy of her love and huge hugs. Michele made a lasting impression on those whom she met during her 24 years in Carrollton, particularly during her 7 1/2 years as a Publix employee, and was known throughout the city as “Michele from Publix.” If you had the pleasure of being “her customer,” you appreciated her zest for life, dedication to her job, and the joy with which she greeted you wherever she saw you. One of her favorite expressions after graduating from Central High School was, “I be the teacher.” And teach she did up until her last breath. At the University of West Georgia Michele was a frequent visitor to classes for education majors and taught them that persons with disabilities were unique, creative individuals who were disabled only in the eyes of the beholder. During her recent illness of 14 months, many medical personnel locally and in Atlanta were the beneficiaries of her unsolicited instruction. Even though her recent illness made it difficult for her to engage in those activities that brought her such joy, Michele still smiled and maintained her positive attitude and determination, teaching all that no difficulty should end the joy of living.

Michele was born in San Diego, California on February 15, 1970 and was the daughter of Dr. Nancy Ellen Pollard. In addition to her mother she is survived by her aunt and uncle, Marie and Al Bernard of New Castle, DE; her uncle and aunt, Ed and Mary Jane Pollard of Odessa, DE; her cousins Barney, Jon, and Michael Bernard; Ted and Natasha, James, and Jeremy and Trish Pollard; her youngest cousins, Jamie, Zachary, and Nicholas Pollard; and her special brother, Rudy Vinson. She also will be remembered fondly by her “Georgia family,” Ann Gray, Gladys and Jim Bennett, Dr. Meg Cooper, Kathleen Spanglehour, the Steve Harris family, her “bestest” friend, Phyllis Melvin; and her Publix family and customers.

Michele was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Edward G. Pollard; her cousin, Kevin Bernard; and her “Georgia family” members, Cathy Harris and Thomas Spanglehour.

Michele was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church where she had been a Sunday morning greeter. She had participated in Special Olympic sports on the local, state, and international levels. Her favorite sports were bowling, swimming, horseback riding, and track, and she was the proud recipient of many bronze, silver, and gold medals. During the international games held in Connecticut, Michele won Georgia’s first gold medal in equestrian events. As a high school student, she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Central Lions and also a ball girl for the West Georgia Lady Braves. In the locker room, regardless of the score, Michele could be found patting the girls on the back and letting them know, “You do a good job.” Michele’s greatest activity was bringing joy, a wonderful smile, and great big hugs to members of the Carrollton community.