Sandra James was crowned Ms. Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center at the annual pageant at the center Tuesday night.

Bertha McLendon was named, first runner up to James; Josephine Deveridge was second runner up and Faye Perry was took third place honors.

Fannie Boswell was name Ms. Congeniality. Rounding out the queen’s court were Mary Trawick, Hazel Sanford and Anna Ivery.

Jeanette Dawkins said all contestants were winners already.

“Each lady is beautiful and represents Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center and the City of Troy well,” Dawkins said. “They are all queens and we thank them for making tonight special for all of us.”

The newly crown queen has been a resident of Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center for six months. James was born in the nation’s capital. She has a son and daughter and two grandchildren.

James said she was honored and very excited to represent TH&R and looks forward to being “the queen.”

“I enjoy being a resident here,” she said. “I like the privacy and quietness of my room. I also enjoy talking to the staff and the other residents and attending the activities.”

Each of the eight pageant contestants was asked what bit of advice she would give to other generations and what she would change in today’s world.

“I would tell young people to complete their educations and go to church as a family,” James said. “A family that prays together stays together. And, I would put prayer back in the schools.”

The contestants all had good advice to share and great ideas that would make the world a better place for everyone.

Bertha McLendon has been a resident of TH&R for eight years. She has two sons and three daughters and eight grandchildren. She would change the world by changing the way people treat each other.
“The Bible says to love everyone and treat them the way you would like to be treated,” she said.
Josephine Deveridge has four sons and three daughters and “many” grandchildren. She has been a resident of TH&R for five years.

“My advice to others is don’t fight. Treat others respectfully,” she said.

Faye Perry’s advice to all is to serve the Lord with all your heart and soul.

“God can use you anywhere. Even in the nursing home, God can use you,” she said.

Perry is the mother of two sons and two daughters. She has been a resident of TH&R for three years.

Miss Congeniality Fannie Boswell said, if she could change the world, she would put an end to war.

“I don’t like the fighting and soldiers dying,” she said. “People argue and fight too much. We need to love and care about each other.”

Boswell has 13 children, five sons and eight daughters and “several” grandchildren. She has been a resident of TH&R for three years.

Mary Trawick said she had never been in a pageant before and was thrilled to participate. She encouraged others to volunteer at TH&R and visit the residents. She has been a resident at TH&R for nine months.

“I wish I could change the attitude and hearts of terrorists. I want them to love everybody and stop killing,” the mother of three sons said.

Anna Ivery, a four-year resident of TH&R, has one daughter. Her advice to people of all ages is “follow your dreams.”
“I wish people would be willing to help others,” Ivery said. “We all need help in some way.”
Hazel Sanford has been a resident of TH&R for two years. She has one son and one granddaughter.  She participates in all activities at the center. She especially enjoys church related activities and playing Bingo. She had no better advice than already been given.

Dawkins expressed appreciation to the Ms. Troy Health & Rehabilitation Center contestants and their families and to all who helped make the 2016 pageant a wonderful and memorable event.