AMERICUS — On Thursday evening, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) held its 20th Anniversary Awards Gala. The night was one filled with honor and recognition for the unsung heroes who make a difference in the lives of those who unselfishly care for others.

Annie Johnson, resident of Plains, was named the Georgia Family Caregiver of the Year. Living on the outskirts of Plains, Johnson has taken care of her grandson, Mark Johnson, for the past 46 years.

Mark was born cerebral palsy and is nonverbal and nonangulatory. At the age of six, Mark had to leave school because of his disability and Johnson stepped in as his primary caregiver.

“My grandson is mentally incompetent. He cannot walk or talk. I take good care of him ... doing the best I can,” said Johnson, adding that she works hard to make him feel comfortable, eliminating any complications or sickness he may endure.

But taking care of others is something Johnson has been doing all her life.

“I was surprised when they told me I won. I said, ‘not little o’ me.’ I have been doing this all my life,” she said.

For Johnson, being recognized as Caregiver of the Year is an honor and a blessing. “It’s a blessing from God and Mrs. President ... that’s what I call her,” she said referring to First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

“I feel so proud to be recognized for something that comes so first hand to me,” said Johnson.

Carter presented Johnson with the award with a smile and tears at the same time. Carter did not know that Johnson was chosen for the award until Wednesday.

“Annie is a wonderful person. I see her at least once a month. She is my hero and I love her so much,” said Carter with tears filling her eyes.

Also, among the many awards given out was the Leadership in Caregiving Award. This award recognizes those institutes who have been innovative and creative in partnering with leadership and community organizations to expand their program(s). The winner of the leadership award was presented to the REACH Intervention Project based in Alabama, receiving $20,000 to help with the continuance and growth of their program, one that focuses on mental health and aging.

The evening concluded with remarks recognizing Carter for her achievements and hard work she has put into developing programs for the mentally disabled and the older adults generation.

She was described by May Wykle, the first Pope Eminent Scholar, as a “multifaceted jewel that shines through ...

“Rosalynn is phenomenal. She is courageous and inspires all who encounter her. If you know Rosalynn, you have no choice but to respect her, admire her and want to be her. She is visionary, a great leader ... one who takes people where they never dreamed they would be.”

President Jimmy Carter described her as outstanding. “You know she is a loving woman with a passion to make a difference in another’s life. She works hard and I love her for all that she does,” said President Carter