How happy I was to attend the 84th birthday and book launch party for Janie Shores, who served as the first woman elected to the Alabama’s Supreme Court. Beginning her life with humble roots in Baldwin County, Janie eventually worked for a lawyer in Mobile who encouraged her to attend law school. Janie’s eventual work throughout Alabama’s tumultuous civil rights era helped shape key debates that resonate even today in our state and throughout the South.
A house full of interesting and fun people gathered to celebrate Janie’s long overdue memoir. In a basic interview style, Janie tells her story which moves from picking potatoes to serving on the Alabama Supreme Court.
Key mentors taught Janie the value of rising above her environment and stretching beyond what was expected of little girls at that time. Her amazing tale intertwines many pivotal moments in history and even involves having regular morning coffee sessions with the “new” Alabama football coach, Bear Bryant.
I think Janie’s outer (and inner) beauty and charm could have carried her far, especially in the South, but her brains and quick mind elevated her even further, to places and positions of which she never dreamed.
Janie’s book will be available for purchase at her first signing at Page and Palette Bookstore on June 9th from 6-8pm. Or, if you are out of our area, you can find, “Just Call Me Janie” on Amazon. You’ll find a link to her web site HERE.
I must get this book, what an inspirational and beautiful Southern woman! I bet that was an interesting party, full of amazing stories!
You’ll love the book, and yes, it was a great party! Janie’s house overlooks the bay and it was a gorgeous spring afternoon. The perfect setting for all those creative minds!
Thanks for sharing! Sounds like a really good read about a very remarkable lady! And you’re looking pretty as ever at the gathering! Happy Mother’s Day! ~Rhonda
Janie is truly remarkable for a male of female! Thanks for stopping by Rhonda, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, how marvelous! So proud to know she has done so well! We moved from Alabama in 1964 so I’m sure she was going to town! Loved seeing the snaps of her through the years and what a pretty lady she is. And…my pretty little friend – look at you! You’re so gorgeous and I love your little lady pearls! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Sheila, you make me laugh! I don’t think the Alabama part of you has ever left. No one else would notice nor care about pearls except for a Southern girl. Janie is indeed the best of our area and someone I wish all little girls could know.
Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Leslie Anne, thanks for sharing, I didn’t know that her memoir was coming out soon. You meet the most interesting people! Happy Mother’s Day! Pam @ Everyday Living
Janie is like many others around here. She floats around town volunteering and meeting people and never mentions her background. I’ve met her before and just thought, “what a nice lady she is.” – Duh.
Happy Mother’s Day to you too!