BY TIFFANY LANE

Staff Writer

MONROE

Emmy Lou Haywood has worked for decades to preserve her hometown’s history.

The longtime volunteer with the Waxhaw Historical Committee and Union County Heritage Room was chosen as Union County’s Woman of the Year, but said she’s not sure why.

Last year’s winner, Gwen Perkins, recently called Haywood to share the good news. Perkins, along with several other former winners, sifted through about two dozen nominations before choosing Haywood.

“They said it was for all my volunteering,” Haywood said. “I was really, really surprised, but I think it’s a great honor and I hope I deserve it.”

Perkins said one thing that stuck out to the committee was her role in the success of the Heritage Room and dedication to her community.

Haywood, a retired bank teller for BB&T, was married to the late John Thomas “J.T.” Haywood and widowed at the age of 36 with three children, ages 3 to 17.

Oldest son Gary Underwood was a senior in high school when his father died. He said his mom “just did what she had to do. We didn’t miss out on a whole lot; she made sure we were well cared for.”

“She is a natural leader and take-charge woman in any area she finds herself serving in,” her nominator wrote in a letter to the committee. Nominations are anonymous.

Underwood couldn’t agree more. “She still hasn’t slowed down very much,” he said. “She’s still on the go.” Even at their church, Waxhaw United Methodist, Underwood said his mother jumps in to do whatever needs to be done. He said he isn’t surprised she won the award.

Why the interest in preserving the county’s history?

“I was born in Union County and I love it,” Haywood said. “I just think we all ought to know about it.” Haywood said her favorite part about digging through the past is the people she meets along the way. “They’re interesting and they can always bring you up to date on something that you’re not aware of.”

Waxhaw honored her in August for her commitment to the town.

Like Union County Man of the Year I.F. Plyler, Haywood also makes a point to visit with shut-ins, whether going to the hospital, taking food to them at home or floating a telephone call.

Haywood herself is battling cancer. “I’m on my 20th year,” she said matter-of-factly. Cancer started in her trachea, then spread as breast cancer and is now in both lungs. “I just take one day at a time and so far I haven’t had any trouble.”

Her nominator called her a “steady beacon of faith and courage to her family, friends and all who know her.”

Both Haywood and Plyler will be honored with a banquet on Jan. 29.

BIO BOX

• Volunteer for the Union County Board of Elections since 1992 and chief judge for her precinct for 12 years

• Helped develop the Andrew Jackson Museum

• Member of the Waxhaw Woman’s Club for nearly 50 years

• Member of Waxhaw United Methodist Church for 44 years