Janet Davis Is Citizen of the Year; Bank of Monticello Is Business of the Year

Janet Davis was named Citizen of the Year, and the Bank of Monticello, her employer for many years is Business of the Year. They were named at the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner meeting Tuesday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

“Miss Janet” as she is known to most everyone is th epitome of a true southern lady, said one of the nominees.

“She is kind, gentle, soft spoken, friendly, helpful, generous, thoughtful, caring, hard working, and always has a positive attitude with a smile for everyone. I have never heard her say an unkind word about anyone.

“She loves her community and has shown it through the years by supporting the many activities and events here. I have known Miss Janet all my life and worked alongside her at the Bank of Monticello. She is definitely revered by anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her or serving with her in one of her numerous areas of involvement.

“Miss Janet’s son, Tommy, said that even her children do not know everything she has accomplished. I will attempt to mention a few of the things I know or have learned about Miss Janet’s service to our community.”

Miss Janet retired from the Bank of Monticello after 36 years of faithful service, then was hired part time and continues to work today 20 years later.

Mrs. Davis worked several part time jobs over the years, including Jasper Memorial Hospital and several local doctors where she typed medical records. She is a long time active member of Monticello Baptist Church, and has served on many committees. Some of the areas she has served include help prepare food for people with a death in the family, helping count the offering and make deposits, teaching Sunday school, leading the Girls Auxiliary (GA’s), and a choir member for many years.

She has volunteered her service in the Chamber of Commerce to answer phones, greet guests, etc. She also nominated Jack Yearwood for Citizen of the Year, and attended many COC annual meetings.

Mrs. Davis served on the local board for the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) for many years, and also has provided transportation for persons to their doctor’s appointments, grocery store, or where ever they needed to go when it was needed.

She is an avid sports fan of the Hurricanes, and a long time member of the Hurricane Club. She is also a fan of the Atlanta Braves and the teams at the recreation department.and of course, any sports her grandchildren and great­-grandchildren participate in.

Mrs. Davis also served as a board member of the Jasper County Library and of the local chapter of AARP. She previously served as treasurer at Hunter Pope Country Club.

She served as a chaperone for the youth center that was located behind the old gym behind the old school on College Street (late 1950’s – early 1960’s). She has always been a big supporter of the County Extension Service and its programs.

With everything Mrs. Janet Davis has been’ involved in with the community; you could not find a better ambassador for the COC, Jasper County and the entire region, one nominator said.

Another said, “Janet Davis is one of our citizens who comes in under th radar and seeks to that. Being in the limelight is not one of her goals.

“If we could choose a citizen in our county to be a model of the perfect citizen, it would be Janet.

“All you have to do is to be around her for any length of time and you can watch her do her undercover work—taking people who have no transportation of their own to various places, befriending those who need a friend and companion, and she is always encouraging.”

Mrs. Davis was presented a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce by Don Kelly, Chairman of the Board for the Bank of Monticello. She also received a commendation from the office of Congressman Jody Hice, presented by Carolyn Dallas.

Mrs. Davis’ employer for many years, the Bank of Monticello, was named business of the year.

“Two years ago the Chamber of Commerce started a new tradition by naming a Business of the Year. Our first two recipients Heartland Clinic of Chiropractic and Norton Industries were very excellent choices. They were both new businesses in this community and have contributed a great deal to this county.

“However, I think this year we should select a business that has been a cornerstone in this county for well over a hundred years. A business that has supported this county during the good economic times, as well as the bad economic times.

“In support of my nomination, I would like to give you a brief history of my nominee.

“On March 22, 1892, a citizens meeting was held at the Jasper County Courthouse in Monticello, Georgia to issue stock at $100 per share, to establish Bank of Monticello. The only bank in the county, the Bank of Monticello became a State Depository in 1894. In 1892, J.H. Kelly was elected Vice-President and Director. His great-grandson, Don B. Kelly, is the current Chairman of the Board, and his great-great grandson, Bruce Kelly, currently serves on the Board of Directors.

“The Bank of Monticello changed its name in 1909 to First National Bank of Monticello and was established with $50,000 capital. Bank of Monticello liquidated and sold its property, building, furniture and fixtures to First National Bank of Monticello for $3,435.50.

“J.H. Kelly, M.S. Benton and Taney 0. Benton were among the directors elected to the First National Bank board. In addition, E. Clyde Kelly, son of J. H. Kelly and Dan Gunn, grandfather of current board member W. Dan Roberts, also served as directors.

“In 1910, the bank purchased the “stone” building at the southeast corner of the square for $5,750. J. N. Walker was elected to the board in 1945. His grandson, Steven Walker Jordan, is the past president of the Bank and his great-grandson, Walker Jordan, is now the president of the Bank of Monticello.

“In 1963, First National Bank of Monticello purchased the Hutchinson lot on Greene Street and constructed a new banking facility. The exterior of the building was modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home.

“On February 10, 1964, the bank converted from a national bank to a state bank and changed its name to Bank of Monticello.

“In 1996, the Warren Building and the service station lot facing Washington Street were purchased for a new drive-in-facility. In addition, the building on Greene Street was renovated.

“Bank of Monticello continues to grow with dedicated employees and management. It is locally owned and operated and has kept the touch of a hometown bank. Bank of Monticello has continuously supported community events and projects which help to develop our community socially, economically and culturally.

“As you can see from this brief history of the bank, it has always been managed and controlled by Jasper County citizens and it continues that tradition today.”

The guest speaker for the meeting was Beth Eavenson, Region 5 Representative with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

In 2017, Monticello and Jasper County were chosen as a pilot community for a new DCA initiative. The DCA Community Design team came to our community to explore the range of technical expertise that they have to offer. For this pilot program, DCA asked communities to apply and identify an opportunity where DCA’s resources could help the community move in its chosen direction.

Mrs. Eavenson gave a presentation on the findings from the community assistance team’s visit to Monticello and Jasper County this past summer. During the evening the annual meeting attendees had the opportunity to participate by leaving comments on a “planning for our future card” offering goals, visions, ideas, thoughts and suggestions.

“We are proud of the partnership we have with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and appreciate Beth for speaking at our annual meeting,” said President Pam Mayer.