Senior Center Spotlight — Fyffe

August 25, 2025

Lunch is served at the Fyffe Senior Center in DeKalb County

Senior adults who spend time at the Fyffe Senior Center say it makes their day better.

“When I don’t come, I miss everybody,” said Janet Bowman, 76.

“Me too,” added Ann McNemar, 71.

It’s a sentiment shared among the participants attending on a recent August morning.

We have a good time here,” shared Janet Hood, 78. “I lost my husband a few years ago and I had do to something. Those four walls were closing in on me and my sister was coming here at the time and invited me to come.”

Her sister is unable to attend now due to health issues, but she’d be there if she could. And Janet said she’s found that she would rather eat a meal with other people than alone.

“The food is better when someone is eating with you,” said Ann Troxtel, 71. “I suffer with depression and it’s good for me to be with other people and I enjoy coming here.”

Her friend, Teresa Harris, 63, invited her to come a few months ago because she said being with everybody at the center just makes the day go better.

“And it does,” Ann said.

J.D. Findley, 62, said he had heard good things about the center for a while and thought his mother-in-law would enjoy it after she moved to the area. He brought her a few months ago and found out that he enjoys it too.

J.D. stops by daily and sometimes plays a few games but he’s also started picking up a hot meal to deliver to an elderly aunt.

Arleen Pardue, 85, lived just north of Nashville until a year and a half ago. She’s glad her son-in-law J.D. brought her to the center because she loves it.

“It’s wonderful here,” Arleen said. “I have friends and it’s a nice break in the day. At my age, it’s boring be at home alone all day and I don’t get out as much as I used too so I sure am enjoying coming here.”

J.W. Shankle, 63, has been coming to the center a few years and loves playing different games like Chicken Foot. There’s also a Billiards table, shuffleboard, cornhole, frisbee and nerf toss, puzzles, card games like Rook, dominoes and other games. And don’t forget the exercise equipment.

Just about anything associated with the Masters Games of Alabama can be found at the Fyffe Senior Center, except a basketball goal which is at the park next door. And a bowling alley that’s a short drive away

Over the years, James Manning, 88, and wife Dianne, 79, are among center participants who have helped bring home several gold, silver and bronze medals.

“We really enjoy the Masters Games,” Dianne said as the couple pointed out different winners from the center over the years. “We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished here.”

But it’s the family atmosphere at the center that keeps them going back.

“The fellowship and being able to be around people is nice,” Dianne said. “It’s almost like a church family here every day.”

Charles Simmons, 86, and his wife Nellie have attended the center for years. He stopped by to pick up lunch because her health is keeping her at home right now.

“I come in the mornings when I can and play a few games, but I have to tend to my wife so I can’t stay long and then I come back to pick up lunch and leave again,” Charles said.

He said having the one meal each day helps out.

Dorothy Berry, 91, said she really enjoys having somewhere to go since she retired. Mary Chitwood, 88, said she’s been going to the center “a long-long time.” Playing games is a favorite activity for both of them.

Center Manager Brenda Womack, 80, says helping people keeps her motivated each day and she does see the participants as extended family. The center serves 27 hot meals each weekday, of which 13 are delivered by volunteers to the homebound.

Anyone interested in learning more about the center may stop by at 413 Paul Benefield Lane or call 256-623-2148.