FAIRHOPE, Ala. — For nearly 30 years, Betty Williams has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels, now loading up as many as 10 hot lunches each Tuesday to deliver to elderly and disabled Fairhope residents, as well as those unable to cook for themselves. She doesn’t do it alone, however. Her husband, Jesse, likewise delivers nutrition and a ready smile to those in need, just as he as done since he retired as an engineer in 1985.

The couple were recently honored for their service by the sponsoring organization, Ecumenical Ministries Inc., a United Way agency. Carol Rupp, EMI’s Meals on Wheels director, said, “We couldn’t have the program without the drivers.” She called the Williams wonderful volunteers and tremendous individuals who contribute much to the community.

In fact, Rupp credits Betty Williams with helping expand the program. At one time, the food was prepared only at Villa Mercy (now Mercy Medical) in Daphne. Those who distributed meals along the lower Eastern Shore had to travel there before doubling back, spending much more time on the road picking up meals than actually taking them to recipients’ homes.

Williams suggested a Fairhope prep site be established, and with the cooperation of The Birches assisted living facility (now Carroll Place), the meals … and wheels … were in motion.

The program now has 40 volunteers working seven routes, picking up meals at both locations, and dropping them off in Fairhope, Spanish Fort and Daphne. Last month, more than 1,000 low-cost meals were distributed.

Williams said Mary Stanford introduced her to volunteer work. She added, “She was the most wonderful volunteer person. She got me involved in Meals on Wheels and at the nursing homes.”

On the day she brings to others nourishment of the body through Meals on Wheels deliveries, Betty also helps sustain souls at Golden Living Center and Montrose Bay.

“My friend Nancy Wilkins and I go up there,” she said. “She plays piano and we sing hymns. Eastern Shore ministers come and we have devotionals.”

The scheduling is flawless, enabling the women to visit both nursing homes before Betty gathers with other Meals on Wheels drivers late in the morning. She said, “It’s timed beautifully. Of course, God’s timing is always perfect.”

Betty and Jesse Williams were married 58 years ago, six years after having met while he was a high school senior attending Georgia Military Academy.

“I went to a Methodist church, and there she was,” he said. They have been together ever since.

He attended Ole Miss in order to get a U.S. Navy commission, and she became a Georgia Bulldog.

“We still argue about football teams,” he said with a smile.

Jesse spent three years on active duty, mostly in the Korean War, and nine in the Navy Reserve, finally hanging up his uniform in good standing as a lieutenant.

He then began a career as an engineer in the paper industry. The couple moved from city to city over the years, wherever the job took them, he said. They arrived here in 1977.

The Williams raised two sons and two daughters. One of the girls had special needs, and died after suffering from cancer, she said. They have nine grandchildren, three of whom live in the area.

“We’ve always enjoyed entertaining our grandchildren,” Betty said. “We’re proud of our family and our grandchildren.”

The younger ones play baseball and volleyball in school, while some are either attending, or have graduated from, Auburn, Emory University, Huntingdon College and the University of Mississippi. Two are in a Virginia high school and two others are enrolled in junior college in that state.

In addition to spending time with their grandchildren and volunteering, Jesse is known as a man with quite a green thumb.

“We’ve done an awful lot of yard work,” he said. “We started out with a bare yard, and now have 65 camellias.” Betty pointed out, “He’s been generous about rooting and sharing, too.”

Both were involved in the youth group at Fairhope United Methodist Church while their youngest son was still in high school, and they are now part of the seniors group and church supper club there. Jesse also ushers two months out of the year. The church has expanded twice since they arrived in town.

“I’m sure other people have more exciting lives than we do, but we love it,” Betty said. “We’re really fortunate to have so many close friends here.”

Both also consider the Meals on Wheels clients as friends. She said, “It’s been such a blessing. We think of all the wonderful people we’ve gotten to meet. We’re so attached to these people. It’s just part of it.”

Jesse said it takes them around a half-hour to 40 minutes to deliver meals. The closest stop is just around the corner, and they have gone as far as Magnolia Springs. Although they are not paid for their efforts, nor reimbursed for gasoline used, they don’t mind at all.

“The smiles you see when you walk in are the biggest reward,” Betty said. “For some, the volunteers are the only ones they see. It’s been a blessing to us.”

Rupp said, “We have many wonderful drivers who share their time with those neighbors in our community who need it, but our Meals on Wheels program is growing and we could really use more drivers in Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort.”

She said volunteers should be willing to commit up to 90 minutes, one day a week. Less than a dozen meals are delivered by each driver, and a route sheet is provided.

Financial contributions are also welcome, Rupp added.

For more information about becoming a Meals on Wheels driver, donating money to the program or receiving hot meals, call (251) 928-3430.