Madison’s family focus pleases Paula Whitten
- Paula and Tommy Whitten, who have been married for 43 years, have lived in Madison since 1984. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Paula Whitten appreciates Madison’s focus on family.
The town offers “activities the entire family can enjoy … from concerts at the gazebo to parades and festivals,” she said. “Madison also realizes the importance of worship in today’s world and offers many different denominations.”
“Madison is noted for having the best schools — public, religious and private. It’s a community that promotes faith, family and friendships — all things that are truly important. Overall, people make Madison the friendly town it is,” Whitten said.
Compared to most Southern towns, Madison is multi-cultural. Whitten relishes meeting people from distant locales and learning about their lifestyles.
Born in Fayetteville, Tenn., Paula moved to Huntsville when she was eight years old. After graduating from Lee High School, she attended the University of North Alabama and earned a master’s degree in elementary education.
She taught for 12 years for the Lauderdale County School System and then taught 18 years in Madison City Schools, before retiring in 2005. “I presently teach at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in the Instructional Resource position,” Whitten said.
She and husband Tommy moved to Madison in 1984. “We really liked the small town full of cotton fields. I was commuting to Rogersville, Ala., where I taught second grade. We felt like Madison would be a nice place to settle down and raise our son.”
The Whittens have been married 43 years. Tommy works as District Technology Coordinator for Madison County Schools. Their son Thomas and wife Natalie live in Franklin, Tenn. with “their two precious girls, Kennedy, who is 5 years old and Audrey, 3.”
“We’re are empty nesters, except for one small mixed-breed dog named Major. He was a gift of sorts from Thomas, meaning we ‘inherited’ him. Major’s favorite place is on my lap,” Paula said.
Depending on her mood, Paula may want to listen to old country hymns, which are dear to her heart. “They bring back so many memories of going to church with my grandparents,” she said.
Fond of Mexican food, Paula ranks Salsarita’s as her top choice.
