Mayor Pro Tem Woody Ayers selected Debora Workman as Marion City Council’s October Citizen of the Month during the Tuesday, October 3 meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that Ms. Workman reminded him of the Mother Theresa quote “Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.” He stated that this was evidence by the way she lived her life in the service of others.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that Ms. Workman had been married to her husband David for nearly 30 years and they had 6 children and 7 grandchildren, with more on the way. He stated that Ms. Workman was originally from San Diego, but had moved to Marion at the age of 15.
Mr. Ayers stated that after high school, Ms. Workman moved back to San Diego, where she became the youngest Wendy’s General Manager at the age of 21. He stated that she lived in San Diego and worked hard until a significant event in her life made her reevaluate her life.
Mr. Ayers stated that Ms. Workman was robbed at gunpoint and decided to come back to Marion, where it was safer and she could see herself starting a life. He stated that Ms. Workman worked several different places before being hired for her position with the Marion East Forum.
Mr. Ayers shared that along with her work with the forums, Ms. Workman helped deliver food to shut-ins in the Marion East area. He stated that she also worked with Centro Unido Latino-Americano and the Marion East Recreation Complex on a variety of programs.
Mr. Ayers stated that Ms. Workman also volunteered at The Landing at East Marion Baptist Church. He stated that she also helped head up Overdose Awareness Day and Black Balloon Day Events.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that Ms. Workman was leading a Community Safety Town Hall at the Marion Train Depot on Wednesday, October 19, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that Ms. Workman was active in her community, because she wanted to bring it back together. He then thanked her for her efforts.
Mayor Little then presented Ms. Workman with her Citizen of the Month Certificate.
Mayor Little commended Ms. Workman for her hard work. He then recognized Ms. Workman’s mentor Kitty Wilson. He stated that Ms. Workman had a heart of gold and would do anything within her ability to help someone else.
Mayor Little stated that it was wonderful seeing the impact of Ms. Workman’s work in the community.
Council Member Ramsey congratulated Ms. Workman. He stated that he had seen her help the downtrodden, the lost and those who needed assistance. He commended her for her servant’s heart.
Council Member Martin congratulated Ms. Workman on her dedication to the community. He said if there was anything going on, Debora was always there helping. He stated that she did a fantastic job engaging the community.
City Manager Bob Boyette commended Ms. Workman on the work she did with the forums. He stated that it was evident that everything Ms. Workman did was with passion and enthusiasm.
Council Member Harkey said that Ms. Workman was so deserving of this recognition. She stated that Ms. Workman was dedicated to the community in so many ways, through her service to the McDowell Mission Alliance Board, Marion East Community Forum, and so many other nonprofit and community groups.
Ms. Harkey said she was glad to call Ms. Workman a friend. She stated that the two had met and 2018 and ever since then she had been amazed at Ms. Workman’s ability to bring people together.
Becky Young stated that she had witnessed Ms. Workman’s devotion to love and caring for other. She stated that Ms. Workman always gave 100% and never thought of herself before others.
Ginger Webb stated that she was glad that Ms. Workman was part of West Marion Inc. and their tribe. She stated that she appreciated Ms. Workman’s dedication to the community.
Kitty Wilson said it had been a pleasure working with Ms. Workman and being her neighbor for so many years.
Dawna Ledbetter congratulated Ms. Workman. She stated that she hoped this recognition would reaffirm Ms. Workman’s worth to Ms. Workman. She stated that Ms. Workman was humble and hadn’t even told her co-workers she was getting this recognition.
Justin Workman, Ms. Workman’s son, said he was thankful for his mother. He stated that she had sacrificed so much to make his life better and there was no way he could say thanks enough.
David Workman, Ms. Workman’s husband said Ms. Workman had been his world for 30 years. He stated that he didn’t know what life would be like without her. He stated that the two met in church and ever since then they had been inseparable.
Mr. Workman said he as proud of how dedicated his wife was to her work. He stated that God was her director and that he was just a person who did what she said.
Ms. Workman thanked everyone for the kind words. She especially thanked Mayor Little for always being there for groups when they needed him.
Ms. Workman stated that she we very grateful for everyone, especially her husband. She thanked West Marion Inc. for giving her a chance. She stated that they had helped her find her true calling.