What is your hometown, and how did you end up in the Jackson area?

My hometown is Memphis. I lived there until I moved to Jackson as a freshman at Lambuth College, but then I moved to South Alabama for 11 years, which I loved and started my teaching career there. When I moved here, Fred Standley, who was the School Superintendant at the time, said I just had to teach here. But, as fate would have it, First United Methodist Church asked me to come there as Minister of Programming, which I did, for 27 years. The day I retired from there, The Bank of Jackson called me and said you must come be our Vice President of Business Development. I wasn’t retired for very long! I’ve now been back in Jackson for 50 years.

What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?

I always wanted to be a teacher. Education was one of my two majors at Lambuth. That, and sociology. I taught for eleven years and loved it. But when I moved back, God moved me in the direction of the church.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

United Methodist Church as Conference Lay Leader, then as General Conference Leader. At United Way, I chair Women United, which is the group that has hosted the First Ladies Luncheon for twelve years. I chair the Kirkland Cancer Center Advisory Board and the Hospice Home. I hope we’ll be able to break ground this year. Through The Bank of Jackson, I lead the Coats for Kids. I love that.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

It’s the most beautiful city in that volunteerism is just part of Jackson. The nonprofits, our beautiful people who want to volunteer and give back, and the congeniality of people and the welcoming attitude of the Jackson residents.

Three words that best describe you.

Welcoming. Kind. Fiesty.

What is the last thing you Googled?

I Googled a house in St. George Island, Florida. When the First Ladies Luncheon is over, Bob and I are going away for a week.

Favorite place for dining and/or to go for entertainment and/or go for outdoor activities? OR Favorite thing to do in Jackson?

My favorite place for dining in Jackson right now is Central Creek. The service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is amazing. Chris Hutchens from HomeSoule decorated it. They sourced some of the decor from the creek behind the restaurant and it is absolutely beautiful. I also love going to the Amp.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Prayer (and cats!)

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I love it!