Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1479628
HEROES AMONG US PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ODOM Why are you driven to your work? I have been in the coroner's office for 30 years. Being coroner to me is like a ministry. I was called by God to do this job. I love helping people; that's the way I was raised. My children were raised the same way. Any time I can do anything for anybody, I will do it without hesitation. My mother taught me to love all people and to help people regardless of their skin color, gender, sexual preference or political party. I don't do things for recognition. I do things because it's God's will; it's in the Bible to help people. What could people do to make your job easier? For people to have a will or some type of funeral compensation, such as insurance or a paid-up pre-need. What makes you feel appreciated? Nothing. I don't do things for this community for recognition. I do it because it's God's will. What do you want more people to know about your work? I work with a lot of divisive families. What lessons have been a take- away from working through the COVID-19 pandemic? You must assume that every deceased person that you deal with is COVID-19 positive. When you wake up in the night, what do you think about? How blessed I am that I woke up. What makes you get out of bed in the morning? Knowing that I am going to help a person, a family or a funeral home. If I had more time, I would: Give seminars on the importance of having some insurance, burial plan and a will. And the importance of seeking togetherness during the loss of a loved one instead of divisiveness. LEON JONES Macon-Bibb County Chief Coroner