Two (Exemplary Women) are Better Than One

By Mary Crawley, Member of Dining for Women’s Recognition Committee

When Chapter Leader Emilu Bailes and Co-Leader Laura Rose began the GA, Tucker-1 chapter in 2011, they probably did not realize how important it would be to rely on each other.

In May of 2013, Emilu endured surgery for a non-malignant brain tumor and suffered severe post-operative trauma. Despite Emilu’s temporary disability, the chapter continued to thrive because Laura assumed sole leadership.

Then in 2016, Laura suffered an acute broken ankle which required multiple surgeries and temporarily hindered her mobility. Emilu shouldered complete responsibility for the chapter. During each incident, the chapter activities did not miss a beat.

Both Emilu and Laura emphasize that they often take over for each other when family, work or vacation needs come first.

Emilu is a native of Birmingham, AL. and grew up in the civil rights era. She is the mother of three. She is retired from Abbott Labs but since her retirement has functioned as a stock options educator. She has lived in the Atlanta area since the 1980s.

Laura is a University of Florida graduate and is employed by the Center for Disease Control as a microbiologist. She is the mother of two and has been in the Atlanta area for more than 30 years.

This team of two exemplary women believes the fellowship offered at the monthly meetings and the fact that participants feel their contributions and interest in the wider world makes a difference are what keeps the chapter vibrant. Emilu and Laura also believe that by keeping their electronic communications to the basics, while providing links to more detailed information, is also crucial in keeping the chapter alive.

The Tucker chapter is the second of three that is sanctioned by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta.