Thanking Long-Term Volunteer, Mr. Willie Stoker, for 26 Years of Delivering Senior Meals
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • October 7, 2021
You will be greatly missed!
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) celebrates a longtime volunteer, Mr. Willie A. Stoker, who is retiring from delivering meals for our meals on wheels program to East Texas residents. Mr. Stoker started delivering meals in 1994 and is known for his dependability, trustworthiness, thoughtfulness, and being on time.
“Mr. Stoker is highly respected by all that have worked with him,” said AAA staff. “His clients love him dearly, and he goes out of his way to get their meals delivered every week. He is like the rural postman. Neither rain, shine, sleet, or snow keeps him from his appointed rounds on Wednesday of every week.”
“Mr. Stoker is a calm and understanding man,” said Robert Dunn. “He was my first babysitter, and he handled us with firm but fun discipline. A valuable friend of mine.”
Mr. Stoker’s most recent route is Harrison County, where he delivers meals to 21 residents. While retiring has always been on his mind, he would change his mind. He would tell the meal-site manager, Mrs. Bonnie, “I don’t think the Lord is ready for me to retire. This keeps me going, and I love doing it, so I am going to keep on delivering meals for a little while longer.”
She said he is welcome back anytime.
Born in Harleton, Mr. Stoker grew up in East Texas and graduated from H.B. Pemberton High School in Marshall in 1961.
During his life, he worked various jobs and retired from the Darco Company in 1994. In his personal life, he serves as a Deacon in his church. Mr. Stoker has been married for 58 years, is a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
“I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Stoker, and he is an awesome man with stories that you wanted to believe,” said Linda Calip. “I wish him the best. God bless you.”
The AAA wants to commend and personally thank Mr. Stoker for being a dedicated volunteer for meals on wheels for over 26 years. He will be greatly missed.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
