The O Foundation announced Ward 4 Alderman Shirley Estes as the 2014 Ole Brook VIP. She will be honored at the annual celebration in December for her contributions to the Brookhaven Community.

PHOTO BY KATIE WILLIAMSON / DAILY LEADER Alderwoman Shirley Estes

“We could not have picked a better, more honorable person for this years VIP banquet,” said O Foundation President Rose Powell.

She added it is not just her involvement with committees that makes her stand out but also her relationships that she has made with individual community members throughout Brookhaven.

Estes moved to Brookhaven in 1971 with her husband Don Estes and four children, Leah, Holly, Bryan and Jay. The couple established Estes Glass, and Shirley Estes quickly became involved with the community.

Estes’s children went through the Brookhaven public school system, and she was very involved with the Parent Teacher Association, serving as president for several years. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church and serves on several committees and as a Sunday School Teacher. She is a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary through which she won the Betty W. Robbins Volunteer of the Year in 2005. She has served in office for the Brookhaven Camellia Society, Brookhaven Lincoln County Master Gardeners, Willing Hearts Circle and the Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

Estes was elected as alderman in 2004 and is currently serving her third term. She is so well liked in the community that she won her last election even though she only put up one yard sign.

“She goes far beyond the call of duty of just being an alderwoman,” Powell said. “She helps people in all wards. She knows everybody, and everybody loves her. She is just amazing.”

Estes said she is honored to be this year’s VIP and is thankful to be part of the Brookhaven community.

Estes chose to donate money that is raised from the event to The United Way and The Mississippi Scholars Program because of the impact the two organizations make on the local community.

The celebration will be held Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Civic Center. Tickets are $25 per person.