Marilyn Ransom was named the 2016 Walker County Citizen of the Year at the 34th Annual Walker County Gala, hosted by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain.
Presenter Rachel Willeford commended Ransom, a retired educator, for her dedication to books and learning. Her community service includes time as a board member of both the LaFayette-Walker County Library and the Care Mission.
She also helped found the Women's Crisis Center, the LaFayette Downtown Development Authority, and Kids for Christ. Ransom taught Sunday school for 28 years and is still an active member of the Historical Society and the LaFayette Women's Club.
"We had several deserving nominees this year who have made positive contributions to our local community, and it is an honor for us to be able to recognize Marilyn for her service to Walker County," said Lacey Wilson, president of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
Ransom's nomination form noted that she is "truly humble, and she doesn't believe her years of service are outstanding or rare." After receiving her award, Ransom chose to dedicate it to all of the citizens doing great volunteer work in the community.