Page 58 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2018- Online Magazine

newborn son, simply learning to walk bank. This donation became the impetus
again. Overwrought and despondent, for Breedlove Dehydrated Foods, a
he noticed a veteran coming down the commercial-sized non-profit food
hall of the hospital - both legs gone, processor that has been making massive
walking on knee pads, right arm missing strides against hunger in 69 countries
at the shoulder. The vet was laughing around the world, since 1994. The 29-
and called out to the others, “Any of you acre property is also the site of the new
bastards ready to play Poker?” Bill never South Plains Food Bank, allowing for the
saw his disability the same way again. provision of food to struggling families in
20 counties throughout the South Plains.
Mary Louise was also an avid advocate
for children. She is said to have hugged
every child she possibly could. After
visiting the overcrowded and depressed
Women’s Protective Services, she was
inspired to mount an effort to provide
not only a safe environment for women
and children in crisis, but a warm and
welcoming one, too. As a result of her
and Bill’s passion and persistent efforts, a
brand new shelter was built for the WPS.
After that moment, Bill understood loss Alzheimer’s eventually robbed her of
and perseverance in a way that most many of her memories, but until her last
of us will never understand. He and day, she held the women and children
Mary Louise went on to build a life with in WPS close to her heart. As her health
each other, moving around the country, declined, Bill lovingly cared for Mary
overcoming hardships and failures, and Louise, and she passed away on April 25,
persevering when others were ready 2010 with Bill and their beautiful family
to give up. After attending a religious at her side.
retreat in 1954, Bill became a Christian
and his life’s mission became clear. Their During the 1970s and 1980s, Bill was
faith and their 65-year marriage were investment partners with a man named
the foundational points from which John Wise from Atlanta, Georgia. His
they impacted the lives of countless sister Neta had been a friend of Bill and
individuals. Mary Louise at their church for many
years. In the hard months following
Mary Louise, ever the generous hostess, Mary Louise’s death, she offered great
opened her home and her heart to as support to Bill, as he found his way
many as would fit. This penchant for forward without his longtime love by
hospitality, and feeding anyone she could his side. Neta is an energetic retired
squeeze around her table, eventually educator, affectionate mother and
included many who
suffered from food
insecurity and hunger.
When her parents passed
away, they left her the herrin
property at 50th and
MLK which had been
the home of the airfield. h real estate
In 1989, when trying
to decide what to do
with the land, the idea ron herrin broker
of a food processing 806.773.6512
plant took shape. She
insisted that the acreage ronherrin1@gmail.com
h
be given to the food

58 Lubbock Senior Link