Tailored for a Lifetime 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Students’ minds develop uniquely. At Jackson Academy, we consider your child’s individual needs. From Preschool to Upper School, JA provides a faculty-to-student ratio that allows for nurturing and mentoring…because a teacher’s positive influence can last a lifetime! Visit JA online at jacksonacademy.org. 4908 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, MS 39211 | 601.362.9676 62 • <strong>April</strong>/<strong>May</strong> <strong>2016</strong>
<strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Rankin</strong> Reader SPOTLIGHT Lee Tucker Why did you decide to make <strong>Rankin</strong> County your home? I have lived in <strong>Rankin</strong> County for my entire life. I grew up in Pelahatchie within a small town environment that encouraged friendships, participation in every community and school event, and lasting relationships. After graduating from Mississippi College, I married and moved to Vicksburg. After four years away, we were presented with job opportunities that allowed us to move to Brandon. I began teaching in the <strong>Rankin</strong> County School District where I taught business subjects, as well as sponsored the yearbook, for the next thirty-four years. I loved teaching–and meeting young adults who I am now fortunate enough to count as friends. Tell us about your family. My family is fantastic. I am married to someone that I have known since I was a senior in high school, Dan Tucker. We have two marvelous children: Ross Tucker, and Lee Herrin. Ross (Suzanne) has three children: Drew, age 13; Bailey, age 10; and Lock, age 4. Our daughter, Lee Herrin (Will), has twin boys, Nobles and Tucker Herrin, age 2. What is your favorite memory of living in <strong>Rankin</strong> County? All of my favorite memories revolve around my teaching career. I had some fabulous administrators and my best friends were my peers. Sponsoring the yearbook put me in a unique position to have twenty wonderful students each year who became my “children.” I still treasure the relationships and friendships that I experienced during that special time of my life. What are some fun things to do in <strong>Rankin</strong> County on the weekends? Any activity for us on weekends usually revolves around family and friends. We have great friends that go with us to lots of the area restaurants. We try out new ones, and re-visit our favorites. Grandchildren also occupy our weekend activities. We love the baseball and soccer fields in Brandon and Flowood. Winner’s Circle Park is a great destination for the twins. I love shopping in Brandon and Flowood–there are so many great stores. Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. When I retired, I treated myself to a monogram machine–something that I had always wanted. I monogram and applique items for my grandchildren. Several years ago, a sweet, wonderful lady taught me and three friends how to play bridge. That is probably one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I have loved the world that has opened up to me and all of the wonderful people that I have gotten to know. Who is someone you admire and why? Years ago, when we first moved back to Brandon, I got to know one of the sweetest people. We became close friends as our sons were the same age. After forty years, we are still friends. I have watched her give to her family, her church, her community, and to her friends. I have never heard her say one derogatory thing about anyone or anything–a trait which cannot be claimed by many people. Bonny Tigrett still remains the person that I most admire–even after all these years. If you could give us one encouraging quote, what would it be? “It takes a village to raise a child.” While most people attribute this quote to Hillary Clinton, it is actually an old African quote; it has always resonated with me. I was raised by the “village” of Pelahatchie. My children were raised by the “village” of Brandon schools and teachers. Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I hope that I am doing exactly the same thing and enjoying my life as I am today. I’ve always believed that age is a state of mind–so years ago, I “froze” my age at 39. My older grandchildren ask each year near my birthday if I am going to move my age to “40” and I reply that I am considering getting older, but really like being “39.” What is your favorite childhood memory? I just loved growing up in Pelahatchie and the small-town cohesiveness that enveloped us all. We never locked our doors and friends were always welcome. My mom (Marjorie) was a great cook, and my father (Tite Ross) loved people–so our house was always full of friends. My maiden name growing up was Ross–and there were four other Ross families in the town for a total of fifteen Ross children. I was part of this group that participated in everything in the Pelahatchie schools, because there weren’t many students–so I was a member of the band, a cheerleader, a basketball player, and a track runner. At half-time of the football game, all of the cheerleaders went and picked up instruments and marched in the band half-time show! What is your favorite thing about <strong>Hometown</strong> Magazines? I love <strong>Hometown</strong> and never miss reading the <strong>Rankin</strong> or Brandon issues. Thank goodness for Tayha Dobbs and this wonderful gift that she has brought to us. I’ve learned so many things and “met” so many people through the articles. I’ve also visited many of the vendors who advertise because their goods and services are highlighted beautifully within these pages. Because I was a yearbook sponsor, I appreciate the quality of the photos, the advertisement structure, and the paper weight of these magazines. I understand the work that goes into creating something like this publication and making it a success. n <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Rankin</strong> • 63
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