By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

Although she has slowed down some, Mary Ross is another senior volunteer who is always on the go.

“I guess I was raised thinking that a day’s work doesn’t hurt anybody,” she said.

Ross’s strong work ethic and her drive to help her fellow man keeps her sharp.

“It makes me feel young to help other people. It inspires me,” she added.

A Pearidge resident all of her life, she has been dubbed the “mayor” because of her extensive involvement in the community.

Ross is a founding member of the Pearidge Senior Club and served as president for many years.

The club was named in her honor for her reputation for service to her community and her spirit of volunteerism.

A skilled cook, Ross has provided meals for shut-in residents as well as volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels meals to the elderly in her community.

Until cataract surgery several years ago, Mary also transported seniors to various appointments.

To name a few of her gifts of help to others, Mary visited area nursing homes to sing and encourage the people there and volunteering at the jail.

Ross has been an RSVP member since 1993 and has volunteered 25,480 hours.

She is a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Gold and Lifetime Achievement Award, RSVP Spirit and Star Awards.

Mary was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, Positive Maturity’s Top 50 Over 50 and recognized by the Shelby County Commission for her unwavering dedication and contribution to the community.