In Mar. 22 issue, Russell County News
By Greg Wells, Managing Editor

Dear Russell County News,
I would like to nominate my mother, Betty Fisher, as a hero. If anyone deserves this honor, it would be her. She has organized an annual “free” Thanksgiving luncheon at the R.C. Rescue Squad Building for the past 10 or 11 years.

It is for those who would otherwise not have a place to go on Thanksgiving or to anyone else who’d like to stop by for a good hot meal and some good gospel singing in the dining area. 

Also, my mother has held numerous benefits to help those less fortunate.  The benefits are for good people who didn’t have health insurance and had thousands of dollars in medical bills.  She’s also organized benefits for families who lost loved ones and couldn’t afford the funeral expense. 

Every year around the 4th of July, she holds a picnic in her yard and invites everyone for gospel music and free food and fellowship.  It’s a way, she says, to bless others.

Mom believes God spared her 12 years ago after being diagnosed with breast cancer, so she could help others.  She has spoken at the annual breast cancer walk in Columbia for the past two years always testifying about how God is the answer and to put your faith in him.  She’s also testified at many area churches and has spoken at the annual Relay for Life event. 

She is not only my mother, but my hero and role model. She will be retiring from Fruit of the Loom on May 1st after 43 years of service and she will then work full-time on her benefits.

I’m so thankful for my mom and how she raised me in a wonderful Christian home.

(signed)
Lisa Fisher-Clark

In her own words

As we have with past heroes, we had to call our newest Russell County Heroes nominee. She is a busy lady and we couldn’t get through on the first try, but without our even leaving a message Betty was on the phone to us in just a few minutes, incase we needed something.

“Yes, 12 years ago this November I had cancer,” Betty answered without breaking stride. “The Lord cured me.”

Though she gives the praise to God for her cure, she hasn’t forgotten her doctor. “Doctor Shivley, he’s my sweetheart. He did my surgery. Every time I’m in Somerset I stop in to bring him something.”

This hard-working cancer survivor turned 62 just a couple of weeks ago and though she said she has done the paperwork to make her retirement official that just leaves more time for her other work.

Betty said she has long ago lost count of the number of people she has organized benefits for.

“I usually do about one a month,” she said.

And though she will admit to being driven, “My preacher says I about work him to death,” Betty won’t take the credit for the fund raisers either.

“I couldn’t do any of it without the help of all the business people,” Betty says repeatedly. “Everyone is so giving and so helpful.”

She says that local businesses always provide the gifts for the benefit auctions and there are auctioneers who volunteer to conduct them.

Betty sings the praises of those who have been beside her over the years helping with the benefits, with the Thanksgiving dinners and her summer picnic.

When pressed Betty simply explains her drive to help others, “The Lord was so good to me I want to be good to everybody else.”