1994 - Marie Douglas
GRINDSTONE AWARD
1994

 

Marie
Douglas
Most of us are familiar with the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan. His example of human compassion has given a name to those later human beings, who, like their predecessor on the Jericho road, cannot pass by on the other side. Marie Douglas is such a Samaritan. Her life of selflessness and dedicated service to others has made Marie the 29th winner of the Grindstone Award for Distinguished Public Service.

As one nominating letter put it, "It's hard to put down all the things Marie has done, for her heart and energy know no limits."

Marie's early schooling was in Clarion, PA. She moved to Berea in 1938 and graduated from Berea High School. Soon afterward she became a licensed cosmetologist and hair stylist. But Marie was more than just a hairdresser; she was a true friend to many of her customers, including shut-ins whose hair she did at no charge, also running errands for them and visiting hospitals and nursing homes. For 54 years, Marie Douglas has arranged hair for Baker Funeral Home.

She and husband Bill will have been married for 50 years in June, 1995. They have two children, Leslie and Keith, and two grandchildren. Marie and Bill have lived in Berea all their married lives.

When their children were in the Berea Schools, Marie was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. At Berea High, Bill and Marie both served the Booster's Club in many ways. She still volunteers once a week in the Nurse's Office at the High School.

Early in her marriage, Marie also began a longtime involvement with the Berea Welfare Department where she helped gather clothing and furniture for Berea families down on their luck. She has been very active in the "human" activities of the Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees, as well as running garage sales, cooking for senior citizens, delivering Meals-on-Wheels and assisting the needy.

When her children were younger, Marie was active with the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. She is a present member of the Berea Area Historical Society.

Indeed, Marie Douglas, Good Samaritan, personifies that appellation. She has never passed by on the other side; rather she has helped make the lives of many Bereans a little easier, a little better and more enriched. Yes, even unto the very end. Berea is proud to award Marie Douglas the title Outstanding Citizen for the year 1994.
Presented April 8, 1995 Holiday Inn Middleburg Heights