<strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Rankin</strong> READER SPOTLIGHT Kathy Deer Why did you decide to make <strong>Rankin</strong> County your home? I moved to Pearl 32-years ago with the intentions of it being temporary. I enrolled my daughter in first grade at Pearl, but still thinking that I would probably move to Clinton or Madison. In the meantime I became very involved in the Pearl Jaycees, a fun close-knit bunko group, and a wonderful local church. Within no time, my daughter was fully immersed in Girl Scouts, Sunday school, pee-wee cheerleading, softball, and dance. It quickly became home and in a few years I met the love of my life and we got married and joined our families. The rest is history. God worked every detail of it out for me. Tell us about your family. I am married to Kirby Deer who is an SAP manager at Ergon. Together we have three daughters: Jennifer, who is married to Ethan Mayeu and they have one beautiful daughter Cavie that we call “The Princess”; Kelsey, who is married to Justin Lancaster and they have one son, Shaw; and Emily, who is married to Brian McGairty and they have one son, Jon Davis who is almost three, and identical twin boys, Tatum and Tucker, who will be two in August. We are members of Crossgates United Methodist Church and we love sports, hunting and fishing and just spending time with our family. What is your favorite memory of living in <strong>Rankin</strong> County? Living here as long as I have I really struggle with naming just one memory a favorite. My mind is flooded with memories of family, friends and good times. Where are your 3 favorite places to eat in <strong>Rankin</strong> County? We have so many great restaurants in <strong>Rankin</strong> County that it would be hard to only pick three, so I will narrow it down to Pearl, and give you a few of my favorites: Moss Creek Fish House, Little Willie’s BBQ, Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, Darwell’s To Go, and Frisco Deli. What are some fun things to do in <strong>Rankin</strong> County on the weekends? Attend a Mississippi Braves baseball game, go to a movie at Tinseltown Theatre, play a round of golf at Patrick Farms Golf Club or, the best kept secret in town, the Pearl Municipal Golf Course. The city of Pearl has three city parks that have playground equipment, walking trails, pavilions, picnic tables and big gorgeous oak trees that shade the parks. We have a lot of family-friendly events in <strong>Rankin</strong> County such as festivals, car shows and concerts. Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. With five grandchildren that live close, spare time is not always available. They are my heart and doing things with them is what I treasure the most. Outside of family gatherings, sports is my passion—primarily football, basketball and baseball. We attend our grandson’s games and we also love high school and college level sports as well as minor and major league games. What are three things on your bucket list? When I think of a bucket list I think of places that would like to go, like Washington State, New York City, and Hawaii. But I would mainly like to watch our grandchildren grow up and be happy and well-adjusted adults. Who is someone you admire and why? I admire all of the people that work with shelters like the Center for Violence Prevention. Sandy Middleton and Paula Vaughn and their staff work tirelessly for those that need help the most. I personally could not deal with the violence and tragedy that they see on a daily basis. God has truly called them to their profession. Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I would like to be retired or semi-retired and working on my bucket list! What is your favorite childhood memory? My parents gave me the opportunity to do all kinds of things like Girl Scouts, piano lessons, art lessons, sports, summer camps, and other fun things. My favorite memory is just playing outside, riding my bike and climbing trees. If you could give us one encouraging quote, what would it be? “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 What is your favorite thing about <strong>Hometown</strong> Magazines? I’ve never seen a magazine that I will grab up as soon as they are delivered and read from cover to cover. It is always full of interesting articles and I love all of the pictures of events that are held in <strong>Rankin</strong> County. 110 • <strong>June</strong> <strong>2017</strong>
<strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Rankin</strong> • 111