By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



On Oct. 25, north Jefferson residents will have the opportunity to tee up and score for a cure during the Gail Anderson Memorial Golf Tournament at Green Briar Golf Course in Morris.

Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Morris resident Linda Willis decided to honor her long-time friend, Gail Anderson, who died last year from breast cancer, with a golf tournament at her husband’s golf course.

“I knew that it was one way that I could honor Gail,” Willis said. “And, everyone loved the Gardendale High School golf tournament, so I thought it’d be a good idea to have another one before the weather got cold.”

In order to make a donation to Susan G. Komen For the Cure in Anderson’s name, participants will pay $25 to compete in the nine-hole, two-man scramble played with glow-in-the-dark golf balls and lighted flags.

Other ways to contribute to the event include making a donation in a business’ name or providing merchandise for prizes or participants.

But Willis said the golf tournament would be more than just raising money for breast cancer. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate Gail and her life,” she said. “All the people there will have known her. She was a friend that was always there for you and everybody knew her.”

Opal Lewis, one of the coordinators of the event, agreed with Willis. “She was a precious friend to everybody. It was very painful to lose her,” Lewis said.

Not only was Anderson a mother, wife and a good friend to many, she also devoted her time to playing piano for Enon Baptist Church and teaching music lessons to children in the community.

During her battle with breast cancer, Willis said Anderson remained cheerful and optimistic, placing all her faith in God. “Even after she was diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment, she taught Sunday school class every Sunday and continued teaching her music studio.”

Lewis said the golf tournament is a chance for the community to honor her memory and an opportunity to raise money for breast cancer research in her name. “Her contributions to this community are very significant,” Lewis said. “Our wish is to keep her memory alive with the golf tournament.”

Call Opal Lewis at 590-7358 or Linda Willis at 281-2143 to learn more information about the night golf tournament.