Are You Sisters?
The Gentleman Asked

   By Annie Mae Turner, Union Springs                                                

Leola Blanton and Mary Allison, sometimes mistaken for sisters, enjoy a typical Wesley Gardens friendship. We often see them walking arm in arm and talking, standing before the Aviary, admiring the beautiful birds in their colorful attire.

Leola, the older of the two, was born in 1906, making her age 93. Before she retired, she worked for the State Highway Department. She came to Wesley Gardens the last day of January of this year. She has one daughter, Ann Jones and husband Bob who live in Montgomery. Her son, Dr. James Blanton, lives in Birmingham where he practices Internal Medicine. Leola's favorite pastime is crocheting, and she has just completed a beautiful white baby blanket for an anticipated great grandchild. She has begun a pale yellow one for another great grandchild.

Mary was born in 1911, which makes her age 88. Arts, crafts, and gardening have been her life-long love. She received her college degree in art and did extensive study in china painting. Fifty years ago she opened an art studio which grew into a prosperous ceramic business. Mary's sons, Samuel and Frank, own branches of that same business in Union City and Columbus, Georgia. An avid gardener, Mary's yard and flower gardens were show places used for weddings and garden club tours. Mary moved to Wesley Gardens three months ago to be near her son Bill in Montgomery. She has one daughter, Ann Thompson, who lives in Columbus, Georgia.