TFRW Woman of Distinction – October 2023
Ms. Tommie Worthy of Avalon is truly one of the hardest-working and most dedicated civic-minded women in Ellis County. A banker by trade, this active lady who is about to turn 88, is all about community service — always focused on finding ways to help others to make a difference in the lives of the citizens around her.
Tommie’s main thrust of activism has been with Ellis County Republican Women. She joined this meaningful organization in 1999 and became seriously involved. Her leadership roles and the positions she held include: Treasurer; 1st Vice President Program Chair; President for three terms; Committee Chairs for Legislature, Scholarship and Literacy. Since 2008 she has been the Editor and Publisher of the Liberty Belle Ellis County Republican Women’s Newsletter. Since 2009 she has managed the www.ECRW.org website. She also served as TFRW District Director from 2010-2016, Delegate to state conventions, and attended many leadership workshops. For the Ellis County Republican Party, she served as GOP Precinct Chair and Election Judge for 29 years, and GOP Party Secretary for 10 years for three County Chairs. Other Republican efforts include Get Out the Vote serving as a Voter Deputy Registrar.
Especially noteworthy, the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court declared January 19, 2001, as “Tommie Worthy Day” because of her many accomplishments and dedicated service. She has the true heart of a servant and is an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Throughout her working career, she enjoyed a variety of business positions, and ended up landing a job in the banking industry in 1973 at Comerica. But, her greatest passion has always been her family. She was the proud wife of the late Sterling Worthy, who farmed and diligently worked so hard on their land in Avalon to bring in the crops each year. The couple has three daughters and four grandchildren, and they are still the loves of her life.
Ms. Worthy’s favorite pastimes include crocheting, going to the movie theater, working jigsaw puzzles, and watching Hallmark movies. During her high school years, she played basketball and was selected to play on several all-tournament teams. Her goals in life have been to be the best possible wife to her husband and mother to their children, and to be a respectable, good neighbor and citizen to all.
Tommie Worthy says, “The Republican women’s group that I have been a part of has given me things that money could never buy. I cherish the friendships I have made, the doors that have been opened, and even the leadership abilities that I have learned and are still learning as the result of this great opportunity. I don’t believe any of these things would have been available to me had it not been for the Republican Women and all the other organizations I’ve had the privilege to be a member of or part of. I have been very blessed. And, God bless America.”
