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tion as a wife to her husband Leslie Clark, as a mother to her children Aaron, Joshua, Kelly, Nicholas, and Susan, and as a grandmother and great-grandmother to her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“Deborah was not originally from Wheeler County, but after she made her home in Wheeler, she came to love this community and the people who live here. She attended Shiloh Methodist Church, where she loved to worship, fellowship, play the piano, and serve with her church band,” he remarked.

Smith continued, “Deborah worked as a reporter for The Vidalia Advance. It was important to her that she got the news out to our community, keeping us informed and using facts that she could verify – no false news would do it for her. She was a truth teller. One of the things Deborah helped with here was capturing the history of Wheeler County. She wanted the history preserved and handed down for generations. She was one of the founding members of the Longleaf Legacy Museum at our chamber office.”

“After Deborah was diagnosed with cancer, she made a statement that she did not want her time on earth to end just yet. She had too much work left to do in her community and in her church. Sadly, she did not have the chance. She left us in November of 2025. So now we have the honor of continuing her work. She is truly appreciated and will be greatly missed,” he concluded.

Deborah’s husband Les Clark and sister Holly Thompson were in attendance at the event, as they were thanked by Chamber board members and the community for “sharing” Deborah with them.

“We loved Deborah. She was an important part of our community. She loved us,” Chamber President Janice Mock emphasized, as she informed the audience that the Alamo Lions Club had recently purchased a brick in her memory, which is currently on display at the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind campground. Citizens of Distinction As customary during the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, two citizens – one male and one female – were presented with Citizens of Distinction awards for their work in the community.

Joy Youngblood was the first citizen honored, as Chamber Vice President Suzanne Couey presented her with the award.

Couey explained that Youngblood is a devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt who values time with her family, who spent 35 years teaching at Wheeler County Schools.

“Mrs. Joy started doing photography because many of her students could not afford to have senior pictures done,” Couey added, as she went on to share Youngblood’s involvement with the church, as she has spent twenty years serving as an assistant teacher, nursery worker, and more at the Alamo Baptist Church.

Youngblood is a member and former treasurer of the Alamo Lions Club, and a has served as a president of her retired teacher association. She works with an organization in Laurens County to help serve kids, and has represented Wheeler County on the District Council of Aging Board. Youngblood is a member of the Prayerful Quilters Group at the Alamo First Baptist Church, and often uses her talents to help spread love and faith throughout the community.

“She’s a good daughter. She is so gracious to people, and she has a good heart. Joy has stepped up to lead and serve throughout her life in Wheeler County and we are so grateful for her,” Couey concluded.

Tommy Spell then took to the podium to honor Bobby Cox Sr. as this year’s male Citizen of Distinction.

“I have the pleasure of introducing a man that has been with our community for a long time,” Spell said. He has been really active in our community, and is a past Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce President. He’s a member of the Wheeler County Development Authority. He has served for four state Boards, including one of the Middle Georgia Head Start boards, which covers 16 counties.”

Cox has lived in the area for 38 years and worked on numerous boards covering over 25 counties for several years. Cox served as the mayor of Alamo for several years, and was one of the individuals responsible for getting the 1976 Aggie Flag, which was one of the most well-known flags in the 13 colonies, displayed in Wheeler County. He also served as the Alamo City Manager for 8 years and has represented the public as an Alamo City Councilman for several years.

“Thank you, Bobby,” Spell emphasized.

Business of the Year Not only did Divine Inspirations Café cater the event and feed all of the attendees, but Café Owner Gwendolyn Mann and her daughter received the Business of the Year award from Presenter Janice Mock.

Mock praised Mann not only for her work in the kitchen, but also her work in ensuring that customer service and the restaurant’s staff is prepared for the day and their future. “They’re spiritual people. In fact, because I know Gwen, I know before she opens up doors, every single day, they have Bible time,” she emphasized.

“She says the main ingredient in her food is love,” Mock remarked, as she shared her joy that Mann did not focus on negativity, but instead kept working to become her best.

Community Service Honoree Alamo Post Office Postmistress Dolonda Oliver was recognized for her outstanding community service, as Chamber officials raved about her joyful attitude, excellent work ethic, and willingness to help in whatever way she can.

Other Festivities

During the event, Jason Sikes entertained the audience by performing several songs in what he referred to as being extremely patriotic. Over 80 door prizes – donated by businesses – were given out, and the attendees enjoyed a time of fun and fellowship.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP – Former Mayor and City Manager Bobby Cox Sr. was named this year’s Citizen of Distinction, as Tommy Spell thanked Cox for his servant leadership within the community.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Divine Inspirations Café of Glenwood was named the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE – Alamo Lions Club Member Jim Mock (left) recognized Alamo Post Office Postmistress Dolonda Oliver (right) for her excellent customer service at the Post Office.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

ENTERTAINING THE AUDIENCE – Singer Jason Sikes entertained the attendees of the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on Friday, March 27.Photo by Makaylee Randolph