City of Centre Renames City Hall in Honor of Mary George Waite in Historic Dedication Ceremony
CENTRE- The City of Centre marked a historic moment as officials, family members, and community residents gathered for the official renaming of the former City Hall to the Mary George Waite Community Center, honoring one of Cherokee County’s most influential civic leaders.
The ceremony reflected both celebration and remembrance as the city formally dedicated the facility to Waite, who is remembered for a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to Centre and the surrounding region. Her legacy spans education, banking, civic engagement, and decades of volunteer leadership across Alabama. She was also a member of the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame.
Centre Mayor Jay Howell opened the program by welcoming attendees and recognizing elected officials, members of the Waite family, and community members who had worked alongside Mrs. Waite during her lifetime of service. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Chris Cone, who led those gathered in prayer to begin the ceremony.
Following the invocation, Mayor Howell introduced Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a personal friend of Mary George Waite, who spoke about Waite’s character, humor, kindness, and lasting influence. The governor reflected on Waite’s broad impact across Alabama and emphasized that her legacy would continue through the facility now bearing her name, serving generations to come.
During the program, Sheila Mobley presented a rose to the governor on behalf of the Nurses Auxiliary, adding a personal and symbolic moment of recognition within the ceremony.
A particularly personal tribute followed from Jay Graves, Waite’s grandson, who spoke on behalf of the family. He expressed appreciation to those in attendance, as well as gratitude to the city council and mayor for the honor. He also acknowledged Governor Ivey’s presence and support, noting the significance of the day for both the family and the community.
Graves shared personal reflections on his grandmother, including the affectionate family nickname by which she was known. He described her as a deeply accomplished and inspiring figure whose contributions spanned education, music, banking, and civic leadership. He highlighted her work as a teacher, church organist, and bank president, along with her involvement in organizations such as Girls State, 4-H, and Boys State. He also noted the importance of the support network that surrounded her throughout her career and life, including individuals such as Nell Kilgore, whose contributions were also recognized in connection with the dedication.
Graves emphasized that his grandmother’s accomplishments were remarkable in both scope and impact, describing her life as one of service, leadership, and inspiration. He also noted her deep love for Centre and Cherokee County, stating that there was no more fitting place for her name to be carried forward than a community center serving the public.
Mary George Waite’s life story reflects a legacy rooted in Centre, Alabama, where she was born on August 8, 1917, to J. Oleus and Louise Smith Jordan. An only child, she graduated from Cherokee County High School before attending Huntingdon College in Montgomery, earning a degree in English in 1939. She later married Daniel W. Waite, who served in the U.S. Army, and spent two years traveling with him to military installations across the United States before returning home to Centre, where she began her career in education as a teacher at her alma mater.
Her professional path later expanded into banking following the death of her father in 1957, when she became president of Farmers and Merchants Bank, continuing a family legacy of financial leadership. Under her guidance, she became a pioneering figure in Alabama banking, breaking barriers as the first woman to serve as president of the Alabama Bankers Association. She also served as a regional vice president of the National Association of Bank Women and was appointed by Governor Fob James to the State Banking Board, where she served a six-year term. Throughout her career, she actively promoted the advancement of women in banking and leadership roles.
Waite’s civic involvement extended widely across Alabama. She served two terms as president of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and held leadership positions in organizations including the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Alabama Department of the American Legion Auxiliary, and multiple offices within the American Cancer Society at both county and state levels. She was also a founding member of the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame board of directors.
Her contributions to higher education included service as a trustee of Huntingdon College, where she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and was named Alumna of the Year. She also served on advisory and governing boards for institutions including the University of Alabama, Auburn University’s School of Business, Jacksonville State University’s International House program, and Birmingham-Southern College.
Waite was instrumental in the founding and continued success of the Miss Cherokee County Pageant, a preliminary Miss Alabama competition, and remained actively involved in its production until her death in 1990. She also dedicated more than 25 years of service to the Alabama Girls State program.
Her commitment to youth development extended further through leadership in the Boy Scouts of America, where she served as district chairman and council president and received the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. She also held prominent roles in Alabama 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs, particularly in support of their foundation and development initiatives.
A lifelong member of First Methodist Church in Centre, Waite served for many years as church organist and Sunday School teacher. She also contributed to church governance as a member of the finance committee and administrative board and was frequently invited to speak at events on the local, state, and national level.
Across her many roles, Mary George Waite’s influence was defined by her commitment to education, civic leadership, and youth development, leaving a lasting imprint on communities throughout Alabama.
Following the indoor program, attendees moved outside for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. With community members, elected officials, and family present, Mayor Jay Howell formally cut the ribbon and proclaimed the renaming of the facility as the Mary George Waite Community Center. The action marked the official dedication of the building and ensured that Waite’s legacy will remain a visible and enduring part of Centre for generations to come.
