Family Spotlight: Meet Lynne Bottoms & Laura Wilfong

Meet two sisters who treasure living just doors apart in Five Points. It is a unique experience and a blessing to share the stages of their families' growth together. 

Lynne  
“My husband, Benson, and I moved to Five Points after living on the North Shore of Boston for four years. That was twenty-seven years ago, and Five Points has been central to our lives since. We were drawn to its central location, deep University of Georgia roots, and what we affectionately call the “Mayberry RFD” lifestyle—walking to the post office, grocery store, and drugstore; having ice cream at Hodgson’s; visiting Memorial Park; and happily running into neighbors and friends along the way. Raising our children, Bo and Mary Hamilton, here was such a joy! Bo lives in Athens and works at Interstate Batteries as the Assistant Manager. Mary Hamilton lives in Atlanta and is associate brand manager with The Icebox Cool Stuff. 

Growing up in East Athens, Five Points always held a special charm to me when I passed through. Each street and home has its own personality, and even as a child, I thought it would be the perfect place to live and raise a family. Benson’s connection also runs deep. He grew up in Atlanta, attended UGA, and bought his first home in Five Points in 1983, long before we were married. That early decision cemented a lifelong relationship with the neighborhood. 

During my college years at UGA, Five Points was part of daily life—runs down Milledge Avenue, lunches at ADD Drug, and filling up at the old Five Points full-service gas station. Those routines laid the groundwork for a sense of belonging that has only grown stronger over time. 

Our journey with Prince Avenue Christian School began when our son, Bo, started PreK-4, back when the school was still located on Prince Avenue. In August 2009, I joined the school part-time as a paraprofessional in Pre-K. Working with talented teachers and welcoming families to Prince was both meaningful and formative. During those early years, I felt my gifts calling, and ministry began to align in powerful ways. 

Sixteen years later, I am still at Prince and continue to cherish supporting young families as they find their place in the community—much like we once did. After five years in Pre-K, I joined the Development Office, where I have now served for eleven years. My work includes fundraising, special events, alumni outreach, and other development initiatives. It continues to stretch me personally and fill my cup, and I am grateful to partner with so many delightful families. 

My path into development work unfolded naturally. While living in Boston, I worked in the Development Office at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and helped plan a special event honoring Dr. Billy Graham—an unforgettable experience. Benson and I also served for more than twenty years on the Greater Athens Young Life Board, hosting weekly gatherings and building relationships with students who have since become lifelong friends. Benson now serves as a hospice chaplain with Family Hospice, bringing compassion, calm, and comfort to families during difficult moments. 

Family traditions are central to our lives. Summer vacations with extended family have taken us to St. Simons, Sea Island, 30A, and most recently, Kiawah Island, where the slower pace allows for bike rides, walks, seafood, and time together. Christmas is especially dear to me when our street becomes a Winter Wonderland, and our family gathers to celebrate with food, laughter, and tradition. We also have a Goldendoodle named Hallie—though “Happy” might have been more fitting, given her constant joy and enthusiasm for life and people. 

Some of my favorite Five Points businesses are: TransFit, Appointments at Five, Earth Fare, Amelia’s, ADD Drug, Five & Ten for a special occasion, ZZ and Simone’s, Condor Chocolate for the best sweet treats, and Fleet Feet to keep us outfitted in the best workout and walking shoes—our neighborhood has it all! 

Benson and I love opening our home to friends and family, especially during football season. Hospitality has become a hallmark of our lives, and our house has earned the nickname “The Hub.” Living next door to my sister, Laura, and her family has been one of life’s greatest gifts. For us, Five Points isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s home, community, and lifelong friendship.” 

Laura 

“For our family, Five Points was never just a place to live—it was part of who we were long before we ever realized it. 

When we married thirty years ago and chose to live in Five Points, it felt less like a decision and more like coming home. It felt like a dream when we were able to purchase a home on the same street as my sister. Our girls are six weeks apart and were inseparable growing up. It felt like Mayberry, living day-to-day life with her. In all the years we’ve lived here, I am still captivated by the older architecture and the uniqueness of each home. Walkability sealed the deal. Life here happens on foot, face to face, and heart to heart. 

Athens has always been home. Bobby and I are both from here, and we met during my senior year at UGA through a mutual friend. UGA wasn’t just our college—it became an extension of daily life. With two children, McNeal and Gracie, the campus became our playground. We walked to events, spent afternoons at the Barrow Elementary playground, swam at Legion Pool, and during the summers, we would ride the UGA bus around town just for fun. 

Five Points is a community of people who became family to us. We raised our children together. My oldest daughter, McNeal, now 25, graduated from UGA and works in recruiting in Atlanta. Gracie, 21, is studying at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. At one point, our street had 38 children under 15 years old. You really did not have to organize "play dates." You could send your children outside, and there was always someone to play with. It was wonderful having kids from different schools all doing life together. Neighbors partnered in parenting, shared meals, and supported one another. Halloween meant hundreds of trick-or-treaters, and Christmas brought progressive parties filled with laughter and lights. We would watch the team buses roll in after big wins and stand with neighbors as horns blared through the Pinecrest area on game days. We would all spill into the street, cheers echoing, and the community alive in the best way. 

Professionally, I’m an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Upchurch. Real estate fits me because I genuinely enjoy helping people through one of the biggest transactions of their lives. Bobby owns his own service business and investment properties.  

We’re members of First Methodist, and Bobby has served on—and presided over—the UGA Golf Alumni Society. I enjoyed learning more about our community through Leadership Athens.  

Our favorite rituals are simple: weekly campus walks, dinners out during spring and Christmas, and family gatherings we intentionally prioritize. Thanksgiving is my favorite season—the shift in weather, the anticipation of Christmas, and the gathering of family. Some of my favorite Five Points businesses are: Independent Bakery, The Expat, Earth Fare, ADD Drugs, and Fleet Feet. 

We really enjoy traveling too. We went to Paris this past summer to visit our daughter studying abroad with UGA and to Banff this past December. We can’t wait to see more new places. 

Five Points is special because of the people, the friendships, and the shared life. It’s the feeling that you’re never doing this alone—and I truly can’t imagine it any other way.”