June 09, 2005
Remembering MaryEllen
Cindy Sexton
Along with the rest of the community, I share in the deep loss we all feel today. Below are a few personal notes about my friendship with MaryEllen Locher.
We've known each other for nearly 20 years. The first time we met was covering the Kudzu Ball. We were both new to the community and felt we were kindred spirits. MaryEllen is the kind of person you get to know and like quickly. She is instantly warm and affectionate and through the years I have been blessed by our friendship.
We had a funny, simplistic way of dealing with the fact that we were friends and competitors. When ratings came out if Channel Nine was number one, we'd say it was because of her and if the tables were turrned we'd laugh and say the opposite. That way we could simply be happy for each other and not feel a sense of rivalry.
MaryEllen fought her battles against cancer with all her strength for the sake of her family. She persevered with grace and a sense of humor and never lost her deep faith in God. Even when she was in pain and having a difficult time, her voice had a lift to it. She somehow tried to comfort others and ease their concern about her.
MaryEllen has already touched many lives with her "Hats from the Heart" and "Children of Breast Cancer Foundation." She founded both organizations and carried on with their work even when her own strength waned. She used her life and battles to help others.
We have all lost a special friend and are all richer for having known her.
All of us at Channel 3 express our deep sympathy to MaryEllen's family and her family of co-workers at Channel 9. David and Alex, our prayers are with you.
Cindy Sexton | By Cindy Sexton | 04:01 PM
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Comments
This is what a blog for a news organization is for- personal insight. Thank you for sharing you personal thought regarding Mary Ellen. It means a lot.
Posted by: mrscrumley at June 9, 2005 05:13 PM
Great post.
Posted by: Ron at June 9, 2005 06:20 PM
I am sure that the entire Tennessee Valley is deeply saddened by the loss of Mary-Ellen.
We all will miss you...
Posted by: Nathan at June 9, 2005 10:55 PM
Mel made a difference in my life, I was but a kid watching her on TV in rural Jackson County, AL in the mid to late 80's. I also lived in Hixson, TN in my K year of school (just look back at the kid who won 52 weeks of Ice Cream from Golden Gallon Convenience stores--Good Lord, that was a lot of Ice Cream!)
I am now a communications major at Jacksonville State University concentrating in Journalism and fully intend to carry on what Mel started not only with children of cancer, but Children's Miracle Network and much more. God Bless and Much Love to you all!
Posted by: James Barcus at November 27, 2005 04:10 PM
