Opp faithful have admired Geraldine Boothe’s flora around the City of Opportunity for years, and that’s just one of the reasons she was named the 2013 Opp and Covington County Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Opportunity.

Boothe was born and reared in the Rose Hill community by her parents W.G. Grimes and B. Jackson.

She graduated from Straughn High School, and graduated with an education degree from Troy University.

She taught in the Covington County School system for more than 40 years and earned several teaching awards during her tenure as an educator.

She helped rewrite the state course of study while serving on the state curriculum committee, and was named the Chamber’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 1987.

Additionally, she is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International, and has been for more than 50 years.

Since her retirement, Boothe has been actively involved in organizations such as the Three Arts Club, Covington County Education Retirees Association, Opp Cultural Arts Council, Alabama Education Association, National Education Association, the Opp Chamber of Commerce and was once a member of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, quilting and Monday’s china painting class at the OCAC.

Boothe is a member of the First Baptist Church of Opp, where she teaches a ladies’ Sunday school class and helps with vacation Bible school during the summers. She also serves on the Mizell Memorial Hospital auxiliary committee.

Boothe was married to the late J.C. Boothe, and has two sons, Alan Boothe and his wife Anne of Troy, and Gene Boothe and his wife Peb of Troy. Alaban Boothe represents Pike and Dale counties in the Alabama Legislature.

She has five grandchildren, Jason Boothe, Kevin Boothe, April Boothe Walden, Shana Boothe Johnson and Mellisa Boothe Hyche. She also has nine great-grandchildren.

Boothe will be honored at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet next Thurs., May 9 at 7 p.m., at the Opp’s First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Cost is $15 and can be purchased at the Opp Chamber of Commerce.