Special Salute to Chapter President Mrs. Dorothy Spencer-Amey

Atlanta native Mrs. Dorothy Spencer-Amey is a perfect example of #DisruptAging. At 89 years young, she has had a full life with plans of a full future. From AARP president to civil rights activist, Mrs. Spencer-Amey continues to be an embodiment of “To serve, not to be served,” the mantra of AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

Born in 1934, Mrs. Spencer-Amey is our longest standing chapter president. She is the mother of three, and has three grandchildren. She and her beloved husband were married for 43 years before he unfortunately passed away seven years ago. Through the grief of losing her best friend, she still manages to find a way to offer herself to her community. She says being able to help others and bring other people joy is the only thing that keeps her afloat.

She began her journey as one of the founding members of the Decatur-McAfee chapter #5334 of AARP in 2001. By 2006, she had become the president. Currently standing in her third term as president, she says it’s an honor to share and make things better for mankind. Throughout her time as chapter president, she has still maintained her youthful charm. “I know all my classmates from elementary school until today, and we are still doing the things that we used to do. We haven’t stopped,” Spencer-Amey said. And, that statement holds true: She has facilitated food pantries and clothing drives, partnered with several churches, charities and other chapters to make the most progress in her community.

Her chapter’s devotion to its community doesn’t stop there. Sometimes they even take people into their homes. Through all of her years of serving she still feels as if she can’t do enough, and is excited to take on whatever the future may bring.

She has been a dedicated civil rights activist throughout her lifetime and has served as a community organizer for various marches and also voter registration.

Being in the same room as someone with so much experience and so much hope and love to offer the world was a blessing. Unknowingly Mrs. Spencer-Amey described herself when she said “There’s something about people when you meet them. That first impression follows throughout the whole experience learning about them.”

Thank you, Mrs. Dorothy Spencer-Amey for making an impact and giving to your community and AARP unconditionally.