Leola Settle
1922 - 2005

DEDICATION

by E. L. Boe Williams, Chairman of the Board
(originally published in Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia, Volume XI)

This book is gratefully dedicated to Leola Settle, one of the best friends and most tireless workers the Society has ever had.  No one has contributed more to the success of our fine organization than this brilliant and talented lady.

Leola was born in Waycross and as a young lady went to work in the local post office thus beginning a very successful career with the postal service.  In those days, it was truly a "man's world", making her success even more impressive.  She received many promotions, first moving to Atlanta and later to Macon.  When she retired 1977 she was one of the highest ranking women in the postal service.

After retirement, she returned to her beloved Waycross, much to the delight of her many friends, especially my aunt, Mrs. Nelda Cason Drinkwater.  Leola was visiting with her one day when I happened by and in a short while, the discussion turned to the Society.  Leola has always had a real interest in local history and genealogy and was aware of the work of the Society through her friendship with our valuable board member, Frankie Miles, so, between the two of us, she was persuaded to join.  But she extracted a promise that "she could just be a member and wouldn't be given any responsibilities".  I'm positive that the Lord has forgiven me for this because it was for such a worthy cause!

There was an opening on the board of directors and the consensus was that Leola Settle should fill the position.  But she reminded me of my promise!  What could I do?  Leola has a great passion for gardening, at which she is very successful, just like everything else she has attempted.  I was involved in the sport of racing homing pigeons, owning over a hundred birds, which produced lots of pigeon manure, the best fertilizer available for Leola's garden.  I proposed a van load of fertilizer if she would serve on the board.  The deal was made and she grew beans as tall as her house.  The van load of fertilizer proved to be my best contribution to the Society.

When Mr. Roscoe Stallings retired as the editor of the magazine in 1986 Leola, assisted by Frankie Miles, consented to edit the magazine for a few issues until "we could get a new editor".  This lasted nine years during which time the Huxford Genealogical Society Quarterly was as good as any in the nation.  During this time she also functioned as librarian, personnel manager and co-edited volumes eight and nine of Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia.  Assisting in the library was her friend and former colleague at the Post Office, board member Lawrence Seaman, now deceased. Incidentally, it was no coincidence that our revenue tripled under her guidance.

Until health problems forced her retirement, she was working full time for the Society, traveling to Homerville daily. All of this for free!  She has never been replaced as editor of the magazine, now done by a rotating committee of seven people, because it is just too much for one person to do.

So, Leola, with much love, respect and gratitude from all of us, Volume XI is your book.

E. L. "Boe" Williams, Chairman of the Board