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photo by Marcus Frazier
Eighty-one-year-old Cotine McPhearson travels east on her regular route on the U. S. 84 on her electric scooter.
McPhearson has giddy-up and go
Published Tuesday, May 6, 2008
NATCHEZ — They say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
This is definitely the case for 81-year-old Cotine McPhearson who can be found traveling the Ferriday-Vidalia highway on her Go-Go electric scooter with an American flag patriotically waving behind her.
“I call it my giddy-up and go,” McPhearson said. “I can take off when I want to. I have my basket on the front or I can hang something on the arm and shake a leg home,” she said.
Living off Westside Drive McPhearson has traveled as far west on U. S. 84 as Wal-Mart and as far east as the Dodge Store on her scooter. She has even driven her wheels through the 84 Quick Through drive-thru when the need arose.
And why the flag?
“An officer told me I needed to put something on the back so that people would notice me,” McPhearson said. “So I got me a flag for all those children fighting for our country.”
“My grandson worries about me at intersections and four-ways but I just wait then open it all the way up and go on across like the wind when the traffic stops,” McPhearson said.
“That’s why I make sure its fully charged before I leave home, don’t want it to die on me when I’m doing that,” she added.
“If you live according to God then you’re gonna get there,” said McPhearson, “and I know where I’m going.”
Comments
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
An officer told me I needed to put something on the back so that people would notice me,” McPhearson said. “So I got me a flag for all those children fighting for our country.”
BLESS THIS WOMAN'S HEART!! awe!!!! this lady sounds sooo much like my meme it's unreal! this story but a smile on my face and one on my heart this morning!! YOU KEEP 'shaking that leg ma'am'
and it's not a bad idea at all with gas prices and all!!
Posted by meluvcookies (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She certainly sounds like an absolute PRECIOUS woman. What a darling! I admire her willingness and ability to be able to get out and do on her own, however I must say that it's far too DANGEROUS out there on that highway for anyone to be traveling on a scooter, bike or whatever. I know 'lil ole ladies can have streaks of being stubborn, but she really needs to go scootering just in her local neighborhood, if there's a sidewalk! Perhaps get a relative to do her shopping or at least take her wherever she needs to go. She's lived this long & I'd hate to see her precious life be taken away via scootering down a highway, especially Highway 84!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am with buttercup here it has put a smile on my face as well as in my heart........Keep on keeping on Ms. McPhearson.....
Posted by NatchezHighGraduate1993 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a touching story and one of motivation for others just like her.
It also allows drivers who read the Democrat to be on the watch for her.
May God always be with her on her travels.
Posted by 3on23 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well stated NatchezHigh!
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very inspiring story. Let's hope Mrs. McPhearson doesn't become another fatality.
Please be careful!!!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think she's great! Hope I'm that determined to get around when I am her age! Keep on keepin' on Mrs. McPhearson.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very cute little lady. I've seen her & always worry some crazed driver will hit her. But apparently she knows the safety rules.
Let's all hope at 81 we have her spunk to keep on rolling!!!
Posted by Trillian (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Would you all join with me please, in a prayer for Mrs. McPhearson:
Please dear Lord, keep this lady safe. Let her light shine for a long long time Lord. And let us keep a close eye out for her, and pray that others will too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((Trillian)) awe that was sweet.. i just closed my eyes and said it again..
Posted by Razzmatazz (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All this cuddly and cute stuff may be great and make you feel good but somebody needs to tell her she can get run over. She needs to keep that thing off the road. Be real people. When she gets run over you'll think cute, sweet, determined, precious, etc. It's not made for the highway, keep it off the highway. You'll be wanting to hang the sorry dog that happens to be the one who runs over her instead of saying, Man, I should've warned her. Enough said.
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