KRISTIE MYERS

I have to say, venturing out like this is a tad nerve-wracking.

As my 8th grade Civics teacher, the Great George Strauss often said

“Nothin’ beat a failure but a try” So, here we go!

Welcome to my FIRST Faces of Dawson Interview. Freely, I admit taking the cowards route seeking out a woman I knew would take it easy on me. Betty Mallernee and I were involved in a whirlwind adventure of a few days and a blur of the next 30 to land solidly together on a

“What the Hell Just Happened?”

I knew Betty was my kind of woman when I called her, center storm, to ask her

what she was doing? You never forget some moments….

“I’m eating butter. I am standing in my kitchen eating butter.” We were officially SOUL MATES.

Dr. Rollin and Betty Mallernee moved to Dawson County in 1987 after “Doc” retired from a

career in Dentistry. Moving from Atlanta, they built a house on the hill

where the curve swells on Nix Bridge Rd.

“Be yourself. Be a person of integrity, always extend kindness.”

In the heart of ten acres Betty created beautiful gardens and peaceful places to wander. Talk to the “old timers” down Nix Bridge Road. Most will share a story or two about Doc and

his dogs on their frequent sightseeing tours down to the park.

Theirs was a well-loved homestead, a house you would toss a glance when passing by,

as if checking on an old friend.

Not long after settling in, “Doc” and Betty became involved, beginning with The Chamber of Commerce. In retirement, they shared their lifetime of knowledge freely with their

church and community. From the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority,

The Dawson County Board of Health and the Good Shepherd Clinic they shared their

time and resources. They have touched our community in many unseen ways.

After Doc’s passing and in his memory, Betty planted the seed for dental services now offered at the Good Shepherd Clinic. Today, that clinic has grown to fill (pun intended)

a real need in Dawson County. All because Doc and Betty chose Dawson County,

got involved in the community where they saw a need and filled it

(again, I couldn’t help myself).

Hats off to you, Betty! It was a pleasure to sit in your beautiful home, have a coffee,

watch the birds in the feeders and the ducks on the water. You inspire me.

You are a chapter I hope to navigate as gracefully.