Resident Spotlight: Sally Mayton is Loving Independent Living!

One of the many great things about moving to Magnolia Manor is the camaraderie. We deliberately foster that sense of belonging because that’s how we all want to be treated – like family. Just ask Sally Mayton.

Sally Mayton has been an independent living resident at Magnolia Manor in Macon since November 2019. She lives in one of the house-like villas on campus. Already a resident of Macon, she was familiar with Magnolia Manor because it’s right across the street from the church where she attends services, and many of the residents also go there.

“I went to several retirement centers,” she says, “and none of them felt comfortable.” Then one day she visited Magnolia Manor. It was close to lunch time, so people were heading toward the dining room for their meal. She noted how happy and smiling they were. She knew quite a few of them, and they welcomed her.

That did it. Sally Mayton moved to Magnolia Manor.

Sally Simply Loves Living at Magnolia Manor

Why? Well, she made a list:

• Her large, spacious, and comfortable villa
• The spirit of community among residents and staff
• Daily hot meals (independent living includes one meal each day)
• The caring, respectful, and helpful staff
• The outstanding maintenance department – they respond immediately and they’re courteous, friendly, and efficient
• Wonderful Bible study get-togethers every Tuesday night, where residents can visit and be with friends
• Vespers on Sunday afternoons

And one more thing: the activities on campus are always good. Sally says she likes it best when everyone can be together. For example, the Macon campus just finished celebrating their annual Fall Festival with music, games, and refreshments for all.

Villa Get-Togethers

Residents of the one- and two-bedroom villas on campus hold their own neighborly activities, too. Last year at Christmastime, Sally hosted a potluck open house at her home, where everyone enjoyed finger foods and a chance to visit. She’s reprising that get-together this Christmas.

Throughout the year, she and her fellow villa residents also do projects to help others. This includes assisting some of the residents who live in “the towers” (the apartment buildings on campus). With Christmas just around the corner, the current project involves creating gift bags for 12 residents who don’t have family, don’t get to see their families during the holidays, or have special needs.

“We want them to know they are loved and cared for,” she explains. The group makes goodie bags for Valentine’s Day as well.

“We also call and check on each other,” she adds, “to ensure everyone is OK and no one is lonely – especially to make sure all residents have someone to be with on holidays.”

Volunteering comes naturally to Sally. A retired teacher, she taught mostly first graders for 31 years. After retiring, she did lots of volunteer work, including as a conversation partner for international students at Mercer University. She also brought many of the students into her home for social events. As a church volunteer, she led trips with senior adults.

“Alabama Fan Lives Here”

When you see this sign on the front door, you know you’re arrived at Sally’s villa. When her husband was still living, he was a huge Alabama football fan, and they attended every football game together. “He was from Alabama and played football in high school,” she says, laughingly adding, “I had to learn to love it, too!”

She still follows Alabama football, watching on TV and keeping up, though she no longer attends in person. And, yes, she’s a Georgia fan as well.

Sally’s daughter lives just one street away and calls her every day. Her two grown grandchildren both live in Florida. When she speaks of her family, you can hear the pride in her voice. “They are very good to me,” she says. “I am truly blessed.”

Come for a Visit

See how great carefree independent living can be! Just give us a call to schedule a personal tour and a chance to ask all your questions.