Judy Wilcock, a "registered nurse from the old three-year diploma program," went back to school a

few years ago to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

She said, "People over 50 can go back to school. We can always learn." Wilcock worked a full-time

job while she completed her degree. Her past experience includes work in hospice home care and as a

visiting nurse. While working with the community Visiting Nurses Association, she was

instrumental in developing a cancer support group and a bereavement support group in Connecticut.

Shortly after obtaining her degree from Clayton College and State University, she accepted a position as a

health instructor at Flint River Technical School in Thomaston, GA. Wilcock currently commutes an hour in each direction

to teach Certified Nursing Assistants.

At the request of the school, she recently developed the first Elder Care program to be offered in the state of

Georgia. Recognizing the changing needs and growing elderly population, the program is designed to train nurses on

issues related to aging and provide the skills needed to work in assisted living, adult day care and other senior facilities.

"We take the holistic approach. We look at the whole person social skills, as well as the physical, emotional and

other needs," she noted. Wilcock has also been an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City for the

past three years. She is currently an Elder of the church and the chair of one of the two Evangelism Committees.

Additionally, she is chair of the church's Committee on Aging. The Wilcocks chose First Presbyterian Church as their

home church because it was "very welcoming." Judy noted, "They showed us how to be involved. It felt warm and friendly."

A group of Elders forms the Session, the governing body of the church. One of Judy's particular duties or tasks is

to develop special programs designed to draw the membership together.

"Judy is an integral part of the church and its leadership," said Tom Perkins, Operations Manager for First

Presbyterian Church. "Being elected as an Elder of the church by the congregation says that they found Judy to be a person

of strong faith and Christian character." When the Presbyterian Church chose to designate 1999 as the International

Year of Older Persons, Wilcock was the natural choice to provide leadership for a committee to "raise awareness of

the needs and skills of older adults," as stated in the church's Resolution on the International Year of Older Persons.

"I have knowledge and feel the need to share both it, personally and professionally," said Wilcock. One of

Judy's particular duties or tasks is to develop special programs designed to draw new people to the church.

The Committee on Aging developed a six-week series of "informative sessions to explore the issues of aging."

The series is geared toward educating all ages on the many issues facing the aging population. Wilcock was born in

Worcester, Massachusetts. She met husband Dana on blind date. The pair have been married for 35 years and have lived in

the area for close to five years.

Judy and Dana have two grown children. Their son Barry lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children,

Brian (9) and Meghan (7). Daughter Bonnie Smith is married to Christopher and lives in Newnan.

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