Hometown Clinton - Fall 2017

Volume 4, Issue 3 

AUG/Sept/oct 2017

indsey Creek 

wy. 80W 

A market leader for over four decades... 

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Clinton has great schools, great neighborhoods, 

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Tronnie Lacy 

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Laci Pittman 

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Jackie Barksdale 

Cell: (601) 918-2914 

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Charla Conlee, GRI 

Cell: (601) 954-4565 

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David Stevens II 

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Cindy Robertson 

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© 2016 CFA Properties, Inc. All trademarks shown are the property of their respective owners. Aug. ’16 • CB-122

PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya A. Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin W. Dobbs 

CONSULTING EDITOR 

Mary Ann Kirby 

“Tracy and I decided to look into a school with a smaller class size and 

a more personal approach to education. What we found at CCA was an 

amazing opportunity for our son to not only thrive academically, but also 

have the ability to excel in athletics. The life lessons he has learned from 

playing sports for the last three years at CCA will help him in every aspect 

of life. I would highly recommend CCA to any family!” 

-Tracy and Jimmy Thomas 

Call to schedule your tour today! 

601-910-5990 

101 W. Northside Drive, Clinton, MS 

You Maer 

to God! 

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

100 Mt. Salus Drive Clinton, Mississippi 39056 

601.924.6671 fumcclinton.org 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 

Dacia Durr Amis 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Camille Anding 

Elizabeth Bennett 


Johnny Lowe 

Abbie Walker 

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 

Othel Anding 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER 

Lea Anne Culp 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Todd Malone • Tall Guy Graphics 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

Alisha Floyd 

Brenda McCall 

ADVERTISING DESIGN 

Leah Mitchener 

• • • 

Teamwork! That will be the resounding theme on football 

fields over the coming days. The countdown is on for high 

school Friday nights, marching bands and rivalries, plus game 

days all across college campuses. 

This Hometown Clinton issue offers a kick-off of our own for the 

upcoming season on the gridiron. If you had been able to stand 

on our sidelines, you would have seen the incredible teamwork 

in preparing this issue. 

We’re honored to highlight one of Clinton’s assets—a 

volunteer and key resource to this growing city. Let Jehu 

Brabham’s story challenge you on how you might be a vital part 

of Clinton’s future. 

Check out every page to see lots of people you’ll recognize. 

Pay close attention to the colorful ads and to those businesses 

and supporters who help make Clinton the winning place it is to 

live and raise a family. 

And thank you, to everyone, for your continued support of 

Hometown Clinton Magazine! We’re excited to be a part of your 

wins, too. Have a great season! 

www.facebook.com/ 

Hometown-Clinton-Magazine 

For subscription information 

visit www.htmags.com 

Contact us at info@htmags.com 

601.706.4059 

26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F 

Brandon MS 39042 

• • • 

Hometown Clinton is published by 

Hometown Magazines. 

In this issue The Minister of Education 16 

The Tree Man 18 

Marching to the Top: CHS Band 24 

601.925.7900 

102 Clinton Pkwy 

TWENTY 

YEARS 

STRONG 

www.healthplexclinton.com 

All rights reserved. 

No portion of Hometown Clinton 

may be reproduced without written 

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The management of Hometown Clinton 

is not responsible for opinions expressed 

by its writers or editors. 

All communications sent to our 

editorial staff are subject to publication 

and the unrestricted right to be refused, 

or to be edited and/or editorially 

commented on. 

All advertisements are subject 

to approval by the publisher. 

The production of Hometown Clinton 

is funded by advertising. 

Letting Go As They Grow 28 

When the Rain Comes 34 

Jaret Holmes- A Hometown Star 40 

The Way We Were. 48 

4 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017 

Hometown Clinton • 5

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Passionate 

about Hinds Community College 

Jerry Agent 

A.A. Alexander 

Lola Allen 

Bobbie Anderson 

Lou Anne Askew 

Billie Banes 

Sharp Banks 

George Barnes 

Anna Cowden Bee 

Emma and T.T. Beemon 

Charles Bell 

Walter Bivins 

Peggy Brent 

Sue and Fred Brooks 

Gov. Phillip Bryant 

Bill Buckner 

Tom Burnham 

Robert Cannada 

Emma Grace and 

W.H. Cochran 

Bobby Cooper 

Rosia and Johnny Crisler 

Lamar Currie 

H.H. “Shine” Davis 

Katherine and A.L. Denton 

Bob Dunaway 

David Durham 

Beverly and Ben Fatherree 

Pat Flaherty 

Jane Flowers 

D.G. “Sonny” Fountain 

Howell Gage 

Walter Gibbes 

Albert Gore 

Durwood Graham 

Jackie Mangum Granberry 

F.M. Greaves 

Anne Hardy 

Jim El and Jobie Harris 

Colleen Hartfield 

Mike Hataway 

Linden Haynes 

Troy Henderson 

Mildred Herrin 

Dan Hogan 

Warren Hood 

Adam Jenkins 

Roger Jones 

Ted Kendall, III 

Dean Kirby 

Ann and Bob Laster 

Earl Leggett 

Dean Liles 

Bell Lindsey 

Joe Loviza 

Con Maloney 

Ray Marshall 

Lee Mayo 

W.M. McKenzie 

Cleon McKnight 

Joe Moss 

Bob Mullins 

Vashti Muse 

Mary Etta Naftel 

Clifford Nelson 

Carla Nicks 

Bill Oakes 

Donald Oakes 

J.B. Patrick 

Nell Ann Pickett 

Polly and Mike Rabalais 

Geneva and Leslie Reeves 

Joe Renfroe 

Irl Dean Rhodes 

Troy Ricks 

Virginia and Marvin Riggs 

Henry Riser 

Grady Sheffield 

Tom Shepherd 

O.H. Simmons 

Jim Smith 

Jimmy C. Smith 

Mary Ann Sones 

Lurline Stewart 

Wayne Stonecypher 

Dale Sullivan 

Larry Swales 

E.E. “Tad” Thrash 

Jack Treloar 

Michael Vinson 

Alice and Charles Walker 

Gary Walker 

René T. Warren 

Walter Washington 

Lynn Weathersby 

Tom Weathersby 

Gov. John Bell Williams 

Liles Williams 

R.E. “Ed” Woolley 

George Wynne 

David Yewell 

There is no doubt that there are hundreds of others who could have been on this list. With Hinds’ rich and distinguished history 

over the last 100 years, we realize that there are many more — much more than 100 — who have a passion for Hinds. 

We believe the story of 

Hinds Community College 

is best told through the lives of 

individuals who were passionate 

about serving the college and its 

students. These individuals were 

deeply committed to the mission 

of the college, and their influence 

lingers throughout 100 years of 

Hinds history. 

Please join us for a reception 

honoring these people 

Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 

6:30 p.m. 

Hogg Auditorium | Cain-Cochran Hall 

Raymond, MS 

SR-57644 JAN Hometown Clinton Ad-August.indd 1 


7/12/17 9:48 AM 


MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE 

2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME 

8/31 Clark Atlantaa Atlanta, GA 6:00 pm 

9/9 Southwest Baptist Bolivar, MO 6:00 pm 

9/16 West Alabama Livingston, AL 6:00 pm 

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Hinds Community College 



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Clinton High School 

CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL 



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10/27 Greenville Greenville, MS 7:00 pm 

11/3 Starkville Starkville, MS 7:00 pm 



Clinton Christian Academy 



8/18 Glenbrooka Minden, LA TBA 

8/25 Greenville Christian Greenville, MS 7:00 pm 

9/1 Brookhaven Academy HOME 7:00 pm 

9/8 Park Place Christian Pearl, MS 7:00 pm 

9/15 Manchester Academy Yazoo City, MS 7:30 pm 

9/22 Sylva Bay Academy Bay Springs, MS 7:00 pm 

9/29 Hillcrest Christian HOME 7:00 pm 

10/6 Amite School Center Liberty, MS 7:00 pm 

10/13 Wilkinson County Christian HOME 7:00 pm 

10/20 Centreville Academy HOME 7:00 pm 


A Minister of 

Education 


Clinton Public School District Assistant Superintendent 

of Education, Dr. Tim Martin, said about his seeking the 

position of superintendent,“I didn’t want to take the job 

because I was next in line. I wanted to take the job only 

if I thought I had something to bring to the table and take the 

district to a level beyond where it is now.” 

The decision-making board must have considered Dr. Martin’s 

twenty-seven years in education and his impact in his field of 

expertise to meet Clinton Public School’s high standards. On 

July 1, 2017, Dr. Martin became the official superintendent of 

education. 

It was an unusual path that led to this position. Tim Martin, 

as a high school graduate, left for Holmes College of the Bible in 

Greenville, South Carolina, to become a minister. Four years later 

he was an associate pastor and youth minister in a small church, 

realizing it was a full-time job with part-time pay. 

To supplement his pay, he began substitute teaching which led 

to a teacher assistant job. After four years in the ministry, the 

young pastor began wrestling with God. 

There were flaws in the ministry – three particular ones for Tim: 

1) Pastor’s kids are in a fishbowl and held to different standards. 

2) Pastors are on call 24/7. 

3) People that pastors help the most will often hurt them the most. 

Tim sensed God’s permission to turn his ministry toward 

education. Since the Bible college degree was not totally 

accredited in Mississippi, he enrolled at Mississippi College to 

earn a second B. S. degree over the next two and a half years. 

In 1990 he met and married Cindy Dodson and in 1995 

became the assistant principal at Chastain Elementary in Jackson. 

His resume now lists two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s, specialist 

and doctorate, plus principal positions in Jackson and Clinton. 

The years in education have helped Dr. Martin see God’s sense 

of humor because the same three downsides of ministry were 

waiting for him in his new field of education. Concerning the 

switch from religion to education, Martin says, “I’ve spent more 

time in ministry in education than I ever did in full-time ministry. 

In truth, education is my ministry.” 

His goal is to find the “called” teachers for the classroom, the 

ones who teach because they love kids. During his interviews as a 

junior high principal, he would try to talk the applicants out of the 

position – a test to see if their hearts were in the classroom. 

“A lot of great teachers will share how they’ve wanted to be 

teachers since their childhood,” citing his second daughter who 

asked Santa for a filing cabinet and overhead projector when she 

was a fourth grader. 

Martin sees his biggest challenge as being how to move forward 

with shrinking dollars from the state. Disciplinary problems 

aren’t high on the list because he expects their students to 

conform or stick out “like a sore thumb,” and that doesn’t take 

long. In keeping with his leadership values, he says,“I’m never 

going to apologize for high standards of behavior.” 

In his twenty-seven years, the biggest changes have revolved 

around the emphasis on state and federal testing. Morals and 

values have seen other changes. “Teachers now have to teach 

academics and behavior which makes teaching so much more 

complex.” He was quick to add that parents shouldn’t shoulder all 

the blame because the school actually has more time with the kids 

than the parents do. 

Martin applauds the Clinton school district for its parent 

participation and the ability for a PTO to raise twenty-five to 

thirty thousand dollars in a year’s fundraising. He frowns on any 

complaints about the long car lines delivering and picking up 

children because that translates to a direct correlation to parent 

involvement, and that’s always a positive thing. 

Home life for Dr. Martin is continued “education talk.” His 

wife, Cindy, is a multi-talented educator and recently retired. 

Their oldest child, Sara, is a newlywed enrolled in her first year of 

medical school at University Medical Center. The Martin’s middle 

child, Lindsey, fulfilled her childhood goal and teaches in Rankin 

County, and Hunter will begin his senior year this fall – in that 

proverbial fish bowl! 

The new superintendent has already 

challenged his staff with goals for Clinton 

Public Schools. Past statistics prove that 

the Clinton schools rank high in the state, 

but Martin asks,“Why not have high 

rankings in the southeast or in the nation?” 

And he always reminds his staff: “If you’re 

part of this school system, you’re about 

excellence.” 

The very visible Tim Martin is at 

home in and around the classroom. His 

philosophy is simple,“Hold onto what 

works; change what doesn’t.” He also 

believes in surrounding yourself with 

people smarter than you are. 

For the 5,200-plus students expected 

to be in the public school system this fall, 

Dr. Martin is confident that he and every 

staff member will be prepared and ready 

to excel in their “calling.” His love for the 

students and his ministry of educating 

them is obvious from his track record. 

With growing pride in the public schools 

of Clinton he says,“We don’t do everything 

perfectly, but we do a lot well.” zx 



The Tree 

Man 


That’s how a lot of the locals in Clinton know Jehu Brabham, 

and in a unique way, it’s descriptive of who he is. You might 

compare him to a strong, deeply rooted tree with multiple 

branches. 

It was after much prayer and because his parents had taught 

him to be involved in the place where he lived that convinced Jehu 

to run for alderman-at-large on the Clinton City Council in 1993. 

It was while he was in that office that he became known as “The 

Tree Man,” and thus began the “branches” of this innovative and 

community-loving alderman. 

One of the main goals that he wanted to see fulfilled as a public 

servant was the beautification of Clinton. With no funding in the 

budget to purchase trees for the entrances to the city, Jehu wrote 

grants to secure funding. 

The city was given a matching grant of thirty thousand dollars, 

but that meant the city would have to add their own thirty 

thousand amount. Jehu didn’t let that massive challenge slow 

his enthusiasm to help beautify Clinton. He convinced a nursery 

to draw up landscape plans and donate their time and expertise. 

Then he calculated that cost and began his matching tab. 

The fire department agreed to use an old fire truck to water 

the young plants and trees in order to keep them alive in the 

Mississippi summers. That amount, given as a donation, was 

figured and added to the tab. Those figures along with some local 

contributors made up the thirty thousand matching fund and 

paid for the thousand-plus trees that Jehu planted and helped 

plant around the city. 

“It’s been my goal to develop a unique, distinctive appearance 

for our community,” Jehu says. When the crepe myrtles begin 

blooming throughout the city, the tree man smiles, and all 

Clinton’s citizens and visitors enjoy Jehu’s dedicated work. 

Another branch on his tree would be the many votes he’s 

made in the city government in helping to make Clinton an 

outstanding city for the present and the future. Jehu’s investment 

of twenty-four years has been valuable in multiple ways. 

He’s served with integrity and never felt pressured when 

he voted alone on an issue before the council. “If it’s not right 

or good for the city, I’ve never voted for it,” he says with firm 

conviction. When his phone rang about questions concerning 

requests for help with issues such as overflowing ditches, Jehu 

said that he would always ask himself if it would be legal to use 

public funds for the fix. If not, the answer was no. 

Jehu smiled with fond recollections of friendships through 

his office and said, “I’ve never had a harsh word with any 

mayor, board member, official, or citizen.” While building those 

friendships, he worked and voted to see the multi-million 

dollar Clinton Parkway completed along with upgrades in the 

infrastructure of the city. 

Jehu Brabham 



“We’ve never had a boil water alert in my twenty-four years,” 

he said. He also spoke of personnel plans that raised salaries and 

scaled future promotions for city employees. The revitalization of 

the Old Town area was also instrumental in Clinton’s face lift. 

The tree man has spread large branches with his leadership and 

grandsons, Grant and Cole. Perhaps he can teach them his scoring 

tricks in basketball. As a senior basketball player at Mississippi 

College, he led the nation in scoring. And that was before the 

three-pointers! 

Maybe he can pass on his trait of discipline he cultivated during 

college. He never missed more than three days practicing his 

shooting skills in all four years of college. 

Perhaps he can pass on what his parents and grandparents 

taught him – to do those things for others that today’s generation 

expects the government to do. He should definitely share how 

they can find ways to give to others. As the Wednesday night cook 

at Parkway (another tree branch), he gathers any excess food and 

carries it to the city workers for their Thursday lunches. zx 

influence as administrator at Parkway Baptist Church. He works 

with budgeting, grounds, benevolence and missions. His office is 

brimming with African and other foreign artifacts that Jehu has 

collected in his mission trips as gifts from appreciative foreigners. 

This administrator oversees five African men who his church 

adopted while they were in school at Reformed Theological 

Seminary in Clinton. The church continues to support them 

and their work in Africa along with assisting their children with 

school expenses. 

The interstate located adjacent to Clinton brings a continuous 

flow of people seeking help. Jehu admits that God has given him 

a discerning spirit which he uses in extending aid to travelers who 

sometimes just need a friend to help rout loneliness. 

This year marks forty-seven years at Parkway for Jehu. His 

administrative assistant for twenty-four years, Shirley Dreding, 

has learned that Jehu’s calling has always been about people. 

“The maturity, wisdom, and discernment which he shows in his 

decisions are truly gifts of God,” she says. 

Jehu suggests that people stay active in service. Working 

with Habitat and ringing The Salvation Army bells are part of 

his heritage. “Jobs like that help keep you humble,” he says from 

experience. 

Now that Jehu has officially retired from public service with 

the city, he can spend more time with his wife, Cheryl, and enjoy 

C 

Psalm 1:3 seems an appropriate 

verse to characterize Jehu Brabham: 

“He is like a tree planted by streams 

of water that yields its fruit in its 

season, and its leaf does not wither. 

In all that he does, he prospers.” 

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. 

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because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. 

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MARCHING 

TO THE TOP: 

Clinton High 

School Band 

Abigail Walker 

Whether it’s playing in the stands, marching 

during halftime, or performing in a concert 

hall, the members of the Clinton High 

School Band pour their hearts into their 

music. But they are also putting Clinton on the map as a 

strong competitor among bands nationwide. 

The Clinton High School Band is made up of ninth 

through twelfth grade students who must audition for a 

spot, as well as try out for individual ranks within each 

section. Kevin Welborn, the director of bands for Clinton 

Public Schools, says that this year’s band will be the biggest 

yet, with 224 members. 

The band is active throughout the entire year. During the 

fall, the marching band plays at all Clinton home football 

games and most of the away games, supporting the team 

and rallying the community together. But fall is also the 

band’s competitive season, which means they often get 

home late from games on Friday nights and wake up early 

for competitions on Saturdays. 

The Clinton High School Marching Band is a perennial 

state finalist—the equivalent of going to the second round 

in football playoffs. Welborn says they also hold their own 

at some of the larger out-of-state competitions, placing 

among 30 to 45 schools. Last year, the marching band made 

the finals at the USBands Championships. Clinton High 

School has also hosted the state MHSAA band competition 

and will again this year. 

“We believe competition breeds success,” says Welborn. 

“My job is to make sure our students are exposed to as 

much as possible and grow from it.” 

In the spring, students take part in up to ten different 

ensembles. From concert bands and small chamber 

ensembles to indoor percussion groups and two winter 

guard groups, the band spends most of the second semester 

performing in concerts and attending state festivals. 

The Clinton bands have multiple state championships 

under their belts, but the concert bands are also making a 

name for Clinton on the national scale. In 2014, the indoor 

percussion group won the WGI World Championships in 

Dayton, Ohio—their first year to go to the competition. 

This past year, the indoor group made the finals at Worlds 

and the winter guard scored higher than they ever had in 

their classification at Regionals. 

“We are keeping our eyes looking forward,” Welborn says. 

“As long as we do our best and get better than the previous 

year, we are proud. We are definitely competitive, but it’s 

more about us being our best selves.” 

The band has marched in the Memorial Day Parade in 

Washington D.C. and the Magic Kingdom Parade at Walt 

Disney World. Annual spring trips like these give the 

Clinton band a chance to showcase their talent to the world 

and celebrate a successful year. 

“If we are going to ask these students to be their best,” 

says Welborn, “we have to make sure to do everything in 



our power to make them comfortable and confident in their 

environment.” 

He adds that just like a sports team, the band practices 

as much as they can to improve their game. They even 

sacrifice time during weekends and holiday breaks to 

perfect their craft. The band practices every Monday night 

during the summer, and members attend a camp two weeks 

before classes start. During the school year, they rehearse 

for hours at a time throughout the week. 

“Those that choose to play in the band know what’s 

at stake,” Welborn says. “We have to make sure we are 

working hard.” 

But they also focus on growing as a team, spending time 

together even when they aren’t practicing. Welborn says it’s 

also important that rehearsals feel unified and productive: 

“We make sure to have clearly defined goals and focus on 

achieving those goals. We are always looking forward to the 

next thing. As long as we are constantly learning and having 

fun, the program continues to grow and get stronger. It’s 

just a matter of trying to push it to the next level.” 

This is Welborn’s ninth year working with the Clinton 

band. He spent six years as director of percussion before 

becoming director of bands. He says he’s excited about this 

next season because of the rapid increase of members. In 

addition to the directors and staff that assist with rehearsals, 

the Clinton band booster club raised money to purchase 

more instruments and hire more adjuncts to help with 

the growth. 

Students can get introduced to the band program in 

sixth grade through the Lovett Beginner Band and then 

progress to the junior high level before auditioning for 

the high school band. Welborn says that band benefits 

students in their academic classes and also helps them to be 

more punctual and willing to work with others. “They are 

learning lessons they will take with them throughout the 

rest of their lives,” he says. 

“I love how much of a team we are and if someone is 

struggling with something, we have to work together to 

find a solution and get better,” says Jordan Dubra, who 

plays the clarinet. “I enjoyed when we all marched together 

in the Magic Kingdom Parade at Disney World. Not only 

because it was with my friends, but because it was my first 

time there and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other 

way.” 

Welborn adds that the Clinton community can help 

support their nationally-ranked band program by coming 

to competitions, aiding students through fundraisers, and 

simply offering encouraging words. 

“I am constantly learning from the students,” Welborn 

says. “We are seeing them go out and get jobs in the 

national music industry, expanding their own knowledge 

base with the skills they learned in the CHS band program. 

We try to provide them with what they need 

to grow.” zx 



Letting Go As They Grow 

It’s all happening so fast. Life, that is. 

They say, “Don’t blink. Your kids 

will be gone before you know it.” 

As crazy as it sounds, for a brief moment, 

I even considered skipping the tree 

altogether—but that would have been 

❀ ❀ ❀ 

As it turns out, parents aren’t the 

And they’re right. But it didn’t happen 

wrong—so I decided to put the easy 

only ones that struggle with letting go. 


gradually. It just happened one day. 

Like, on a Tuesday. And all of a sudden, 

stuff out first. I put the garland on the 

mantel. Put it out, plug it in. Can’t get 

Kids have to process it, too. There have 

been times when my son has tried to 

everything was just different. 

any easier than that. 

resist it and has struggled with the 

As I stood there in my mood, I stared 

changing dynamic. 

at that lifeless pre-lit garland draped 

At ten-years old he was getting a 

Last year around Thanksgiving, I was 

around the fireplace feeling downright 

bedroom makeover. He was excited with 

trying to gear myself up for decorating 

sorry for myself. My baby isn’t a baby 

the idea of a bigger bed, some cool 

for the holidays. Christmas was 

anymore and I’m not ready for what’s 

artwork, and a desk. His “little-boy” 

approaching and everything had been 

next. It’s gone too fast, I’ve made too 

room would soon be a thing of the past. 

down from the attic since Halloween, 

many mistakes, and I needed to re-capture 

All was well with the universe until we 

but I couldn’t muster the spirit to put it 

moments to which I didn’t pay close 

started removing things—things he’d 

out. Maybe it’s because it was 80-degrees 

enough attention. I wanted to stop the 

never remembered not having. Light 

outside. Maybe, because it was our first 

clock – if only for a moment – just to get 

sabers and action figures and various 

Christmas after tragedy had struck our 

my bearings. But no one can hold time in 

stuffed animals and matchbox cars were 

extended family back in the summer. 

their hands that way. (Cue the super- 

now boxed up in containers labeled, 

But down deep inside, I knew the real 

dramatic theme music and hand me a 

“Donate.” He looked at me at one point 

reason. It’s because my son, my only 

box of tissue, stat!) 

and cried out, “But these are my 

child, was getting older. And as ridiculous 

Then it hit me. Why not put all of 

memories! It’s a timeline of my whole 

as it sounds, I struggle with that. 

my son’s former “little-tree” ornaments 

life!” He was near tears. 

We pull the same boxes out of the attic 

in the garland? All of his little snowman 

God bless him. I love that kid so 

every year. The ones marked “fragile,” 

ornaments and Santa ornaments and 

much. He has no idea what I would give 

“living room,” “dining room,” and “mantel.” 

gumdrops and trains. So I sent my 

to stop time. I wish we could keep it all 

There’s one marked “Parker” that I 

husband up into the attic to retrieve a 

and never let it go. It took all I had 

haven’t brought down for eight or nine 

thickly dust-covered box that was about 

within me not to fall down in a heaping 

years. Long ago, he had his own little tree 

to find new life. Little did I know it 

mess and flail about in a show of 

in his room but we eventually stopped 

would give me new life, too. 

solidarity—but God knew I needed to 

using it. He had simply outgrown the 

I felt reinvigorated as I started 

be strong in that moment and, by His 

whole notion of it. I just boxed it up with 

hanging and tucking those long-hidden 

grace, I was. Of course the payoff of the 

everything else; the train sets, the picture 

treasures into the greenery. It brought 

new room was quick to come and my 

books and all the other collectibles that 

me joy and helped me re-connect with 

son was able to recover and move on 

I can’t bring myself to part with—and 

memories I realized I wasn’t ready to 

pretty swiftly. I guess that’s a guy-thing. 

stored it in the attic. 

permanently relegate to the attic. It 

But I’ve never forgotten it. Letting go is 

So Thanksgiving night, decorating 

helped me appreciate that everything 

for the birds. 

night, I simply didn’t have the juice. 

would be ok. Seasons change—both 

literally and figuratively. 

❀ ❀ ❀ 

28• 30 Aug/Sept/Oct • August 2017 2017 

Hometown Hometown Clinton Clinton • 27 • 29 

Hometown Rankin • 31

So this summer, the boy is fourteen. To say it’s 

been different is an understatement. When only a year 

or so ago he’d never dream of spending the night away 

from home, this year he tromped off to baseball camp 

for an entire week! The only thing he wanted to do 

when I picked him up was eat. We hit a local buffet 

and he had fried chicken, steak fries, pizza, and a 

pancake. It was at that time that he told me about his 

time away from home. It very much felt like a forecast 

of things to come. 

He now stays gone nearly every waking moment— 

and I miss him. No one ever said this would be easy. 

While I’m looking for ways to connect, he’s trying to 

disconnect—and that’s ok, too. He’s right on pace. 

It’s just all a part of it, right? But it literally happened 

overnight. 

He has more freedom than he’s ever had before. 

And I’ve had to learn to evolve. What made sense 

when he was four obviously doesn’t work when he’s 

fourteen. What worked an hour ago might not work 

an hour from now. This is a fast-moving train. 

I’m also trying to listen better—because when kids 

feel like they can talk to their parents, they feel safe 

and supported. Sounds reasonable. Lord help me. 

Please pass the parenting handbook . . . and the wine. 

They say the hardest part about growing up is 

letting go of what we’re used to and moving on with 

something we’re not. I’d say that pretty well sums up 

parenting, too. But, when it’s all said and done, your 

kids will become who you are. So be who you want 

them to be. After all, it takes a lot of courage to grow up. 

For all of us. 

❀ ❀ ❀ 

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30 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017 Hometown Rankin Clinton • 33 31

Sunday 

September 1o 

is 

Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences 

in life must be those of being a grandchild or 

being a grandparent. 

What’s your favorite thing about your grandparents? 

What’s your favorite thing about being a grandparent? 

My granddaddy tells great 

stories and my grandmother 

has the sweetest smile. 

Melanie Drake 

They would always set 

anything they had going on 

aside to spend time with us. 

Suzanne Cole 

Hearing their stories and how life was 

for them growing up. They both live out 

of the country so I don’t get to see them 

much. But they cook the best food! 

Gabriel Riveros 

You get to love on them, 

spoil them, and give them 

back to their parents. 

Emma Veal 

There’s so many things! The 

happiness you see in them in 

their activities is so fulfilling 

and watching them develop as 

they grow. Dolly Dawkins 

It’s GRAND! It’s a precious time 

where you can do whatever you 

want to do. It’s not that there aren’t 

rules, and there is responsibility, 

but we as grandparents aren’t the 

ones who have to take care of the 

details. We have fun! 

Cheryl Brabham 

They have such generosity 

toward the family. 

Will Osgood 

They’re still living! I love 

their stories and traditions 

that they’re passing on to us. 

Michael Jones 

We were always welcome at 

their house.. 

Alicia Dunn 

My favorite thing about being Pawpaw to six 

grandchildren is the inborn love we have for each 

other. I also like the fact that my three children 

understand me better now that they are making 

parenting decisions. Best of all, I have gotten to 

baptize my three oldest grandchildren and saw 

the youngest grandson dedicated to the Lord 

Sunday, July 30. 

Wayne VanHorn 

32 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017 Hometown Clinton • 33

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'If I knew ten years ago what I know now,’ is 

something we often tell ourselves. Some of that 

knowledge can only be gained through living it 

because when we hear it, it seems so ordinary 

and unnecessary that we can hardly give it our 

attention long enough to even hear it, much 

less take it to heart. Nevertheless, I’m going 

to share some things my life and my life with 

Parkinson’s has taught me. 

-Adele Hensley 

When 

the Rain 

Comes: 

Making Sense of Parkinson’s Through the Written Word 

by Johnny Lowe 

Adele Hensley lives in Clinton with her husband Frank 

and son, Clark. The above paragraph is from a blog Adele 

posted April 17, 2015. Ten years prior, at age 38, she was 

diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. 

From unabridged Merriam-Webster: 

Parkinson’s disease – a chronic 

progressive neurodegenerative 

disease chiefly of later life that is 

linked to decreased dopamine 

production in the substantia nigra, 

is of unknown cause, and is marked 

by tremor of resting muscles, rigidity, 

slowness of movement, impaired 

balance, and a shuffling gait. 

From parkinson.org (National Parkinson Foundation): 

When an individual is diagnosed with PD before the age of 

50, the disorder is called young-onset Parkinson’s disease. 

The disease affects people in different ways, as actor 

Michael J. Fox, who also has young-onset Parkinson’s, 

noted in his book, Always Looking Up. “One of the biggest 

revelations was, in spite of all our common travails, how 

different our experiences could be. Parkinson’s disease 

takes many forms—for some reason, everyone gets their 

own version. A drug therapy or surgery that works for one 

might not work for another. Our reactions—emotional, 

psychological, and physical—vary greatly, and this obviously 

affects our ability to cope,” says Fox. 

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is yet to be determined, and 

there is no known cure at present. The disease itself does not 

kill, as Adele noted on her blog, but “it dismantles almost 

every single one of a person’s abilities until independence 

becomes a distant memory.” 

At one point, Adele began thinking about how she could 

best explain to her son Clark, who was 3½ when she was 

diagnosed, what was happening to her. “No matter how 

dramatic the drugs or the treatment,” she said, “nothing that 

we have available now is ‘disease-modifying.’ This means 

that the existing treatments treat symptoms, but they cannot 

address the cause or the progression of anyone’s case of 

Parkinson’s disease.” 



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Obviously, a bit more complicated to explain than, 

“Mommy’s got a cold, and in a few days she’ll get well.” 

Adele’s wanting to explain Parkinson’s to her son morphed 

into a much larger endeavor when the Hensleys lived in 

Phoenix, Arizona. “I knew I wanted a story for Clark,” Adele 

said. “One day on a hike in the desert behind the house, I had 

a moment of insight in which I saw the entire story clearly.” 

This became the first children’s book, Monica, Mama, and the 

Ocotillo’s Leaves: A book for children who love someone with 

Parkinson’s disease or any chronic illness, published in 2013. 

In Monica, Mama, and the Ocotillo’s Leaves, Monica and 

her mother love to hike in the desert. One day they find an 

ocotillo plant, a desert scrub with thorny branches and tiny 

leaves. Monica’s mother tells her, “It grew those leaves fresh 

this week, after it rained…” 

That day would be the last time Monica and her mother 

would visit the desert for a while. That summer, Monica 

learns her mother has something called Parkinson’s disease 

and that she needs to take medicine “to help her body work 

much better.” 

Sometime later Monica and her mother return to the desert 

where they first saw the ocotillo plant, but Monica cries when 

she discovers it is all brown and dry, thinking it has died. Her 

mother explains that because it was so hot and dry during the 

summer, it had to drop its leaves to survive: 

“Monica, the ocotillo is just like your Mama. The plant’s 

alive in there, but it can’t always let its true face show. I’m alive 

and happy in here,” she pointed to her heart, “but my smile 

doesn’t always show. My voice doesn’t always sound happy, 

but when I have what I need, the right medicine, and a good 

walk, I sound, feel, and look a lot more like myself.” 

“I see, Mama,” said Monica. “And the ocotillo will look like 

itself when…?” Her voice trailed off in a question. 

“When the rain comes again,” said Mama. Two more titles 

followed: How Marty’s Mom Became a Cyborg, and Face It: 

Making Peace with Fear. Adele provided the artwork for 

Monica and Face It, while Marty’s Mom was illustrated by 

Brent Messmer. 

“Each book is the same in that each mother has Parkinson’s, 

and each child learns to cope,” Adele said. “Each story is 

different because each family has its own path to tread.” 

Fall 2016 saw the publication of a fourth book, Twelve Years 

and Counting: Reflections on Life with Early Onset Parkinson’s 

Disease, a collection of poems—this time aimed at both 

adults as well as children. Adele’s husband Frank, professor of 

biological sciences at Mississippi College, provided the book’s 

wonderful nature photographs. “I’m a self-taught amateur,” he 

said, “and I use some of my photos in my teaching.” 

Adele continues to write, and is presently working on 

another children’s book, this one all about manners. Though 

putting words to paper takes longer than it used to, she will 

not stop, because she has something to say. 

Punch through the static. zx 

Her books are available at amazon.com, 

barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com, 

and Pentimento Books in Clinton. 



What was the biggest adjustment you had to make from college 

football to the pros? 

I had to be quicker in everything I did. The guys were bigger, faster, and 

smarter in every area of the game. I had to become stronger both mentally 

and physically than I had been in college. There is always someone 

waiting to take your job, so you have to be diligent in everything you do 

and never stop growing as a player. If you ever get comfortable, you’re 

not there for long. 

What's one of your fondest memories of going to high school in 

Clinton? 

All the friends you make as you go through high school, whether on a 

team or just in class. Some are bonds you will have for the rest of your life. 

Additional memories include; the Clash of the Classes competition, Mr. 

Beasley’s class, Europe trip, pep rallies with shredded paper everywhere, 

and paint parties. 

As a pro football player, what did you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I loved playing golf. Whenever I joined a new team, I would look to see 

where the nearest golf course was so I could get out there with any free 

time I had. I also loved going sightseeing in each town I visited. I’m real 

big into history, so if it had a great story behind it, I wanted to see it. 

What or who was your greatest motivation to become a pro? 

My parents were my greatest motivators—not necessarily to become a 

pro football player, but to work hard at whatever I decided to do with my 

life. They encouraged me to strive for what I wanted—and that 

encouragement can go a long way. They also never let me settle for 

something when they knew I could do better regarding sports or school. 

What's your favorite food? 

Steak and baked potato. 

What are some negatives about being a professional athlete? 

It’s a business, so some of the fun and camaraderie that you had in college 

and high school goes away. You’re too worried about keeping your job 

every week. As they say in the business, NFL stands for “Not for Long.” 

You also miss a lot of holidays with family and often you are the 

entertainment on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Who are some coaches who had a positive impact in your life in 

high school and how? 

Jaret Holmes 

Hometown Star 

PROFESSIONAL KICKER/ NEW YORK GIANTS 

(A former Kicker for Clinton Arrows, University of Auburn) 

Hugh Christian had a big impact on me in high school. He was the soccer 

coach who pulled me off the soccer team to come kick for the football 

team. He also taught me the real meaning of being in shape. Never before 

had I run and worked out as I did under him. Many of my workouts from 

then on would have a core that came from him. Doug Hutton was another 

coach that taught me a lot about work ethic and the mental side of sports. 

What one football play stands out in your mind from high school? 

The first time I kicked the ball through the uprights on a kickoff. I had 

worked on that for months and finally one night it hit the crossbar and 

went through. 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

To visit the Holy Land, go on a cruise, and take the whole family to see an 

Iron Bowl. War Eagle! 





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CLINTON'S FINEST 

Michael Even 

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER 

Why did you decide to become a school 

resource officer? 

Being the oldest of ten siblings put me in a 

leadership role of sorts. Strong faith and good 

character is something my parents instilled in 

me at a young age. So, mentoring and 

teaching is something that has come naturally 

through my upbringing and hopefully have a 

positive effect on our young people. I also saw 

this position as an opportunity to “protect and 

serve” in a different capacity for our 

community. As a school resource officer, I am 

around the students on a daily basis. This gives 

me the chance to set a positive example for 

our city’s most impressionable minds—not 

only as a man but as a police officer—thus 

allowing me to give them encouragement and 

guidance in their day, as well as ensure they 

have a safe environment that is conducive for 

learning. 

How long have you been with the Clinton 

Police Department? 

I began working for the Clinton Police 

Department in April of 2009. 

Tell us about your family. 

I am a father of three amazing kids! My oldest, 

Micah, is a regional sales director for Vector 

Marketing in Monroe, Louisiana. My middle 

child, Erin, is enrolled in Hinds Community 

College where she is studying to be a nurse. 

My youngest, Lily, will be a senior at Clinton 

High School this year. All of my children have 

attended Clinton Public Schools from K-12. 

What is the toughest thing you have 

experienced in your job? 

Being helpless during a tragedy is probably 

the toughest. As a police officer in general, 

there are all sorts of calls that have us 

responding. It’s the powerlessness to undo 

the damage caused from automobile 

accidents, house fires, and other tragic 

events that come our way. Being unable 

to bring back a life or take away the hurt, 

fear and/or sadness in situations. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your 

spare time. 

Ah! So many things! Spending time with my 

kids, being in the USMC Reserves, hunting, 

fishing, competitive shooting, woodworking, 

CrossFit, volunteering at Camp Down Range 

and the Boy Scouts, when called upon. 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

1) Some adventure sports. Scuba diving, 

skydiving, hang gliding. 

2) Travel. I have been to several countries for 

mission work and for the military. I would like 

to travel more for pleasure. 

3) Explore the Amazon. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

My maternal grandfather, Phillip Boogearts. 

He was a colonel the Marine Corps and retired 

after serving in WWII and the Korean War. 

He also went to work for and retired with 

South Central Bell as an electrical engineer. 

I admire him for his devotion to family and his 

service to our country. Hard work, dedication, 

and positive attitude are just some of the 

attributes he instilled in his family. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

In my career, I would hope to continue my 

advancement through the ranks with the 

Clinton Police Department. I enjoy teaching 

and feel I could also excel as an instructor for 

the various qualifications our officers have to 

maintain on an ongoing basis for the 

department. 

If you could give one piece of advice to a 

young person, what would it be? 

Don’t judge a book by its cover. So many kids 

make snap judgments about their classmates, 

teachers and others before getting to know 

them. They make assumptions to fill in the 

gaps. There is more to a person than what they 

wear, how they talk, and what culture they 

come from. Stop rushing to judgment, listen to 

what others have say and think before you 

speak/act. 

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

Spending time with my second family in 

Mexico. As a missionary kid, I spent time living 

in a rural fishing village with a local pastor and 

his family. Dirt floors, bamboo walls and the 

smell of salt water in the air. I stayed there as 

often as possible and enjoyed my time hunting 

iguanas and fishing. 

What is the biggest mistake you think 

young people make today? 

Selling themselves short. Not reaching for the 

stars, so to speak. They don’t believe in 

themselves. Or understand they have the 

opportunity to be anything and everything 

they want to be in life, just by applying 

themselves. Some settle for mediocrity and let 

their dreams slip through their fingers instead 

of maximizing their potential. 

What is your favorite thing about the City of 

Clinton? 

I enjoy the small town feel and the diversity of 

the residents. I constantly run into people I 

know from school, work and church. Having 

Mississippi College here means meeting folks 

from around the country and even the globe.

NEW YEAR 

Hometown Clinton 

READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

T.J. McSparrin 

Why did you decide to make Clinton 

your home? 

My husband and I were looking for a place to raise 

our growing family. We both wanted a small-town 

atmosphere, but also to live close to the amenities 

of a larger city. We wanted our children to go to a 

public school so we searched throughout the metro 

area for the best school system and Clinton was at 

the top even 30 years ago. We found in Clinton a 

strong religious community, great educational 

resources and outstanding recreation and 

entertainment activities plus it was close to our 

families who lived in Raymond and South Jackson. 

How long have you lived in Clinton? 

We purchased 2 acres of land on McRaven Road 

when I was pregnant with our first child 30 years 

ago. We later built our house on one of the acres 

and moved here in 1991. My parents built their 

house on the second acre and moved next door in 

2001. 

Tell us about your family. 

My husband, Mike, and I have been married for 35 

years. We have 2 girls, Kellis and Cody, who both 

graduated from Clinton public schools. Kellis 

graduated from the University of Southern 

Mississippi with a B.F.A. in Dance and New York 

University receiving a masters in dance 

performance and choreography. She lives in New 

Orleans with her husband, Kirk Oldenburg, and is 

entering her third season with the Marigny Opera 

Ballet as a dancer and rehearsal director. Cody also 

graduated from Southern Miss with a B.S. in 

Nursing and is a registered nurse working in 

Ochsner’s Neuro ICU in NOLA. We go to 

NOLA a lot these days. 

What is your favorite memory of 

living in Clinton? 

That is a really hard question to answer. Both of 

our girls were singer/dancers in Attaché so there 

were many performances that continued to be 

exciting no matter how many times you saw them. 

There were the sports they were involved in and 

the many days spent at Traceway Park either 

playing fast-pitch softball or soccer. But if I had to 

pick one memory, it would be the 1995 Junior 

Auxiliary Eggstravaganza. I was the co-chair of the 

event that year so Mike and my parents brought 

the girls. It was held at the Lions Club Park back 

then and I can remember like it was yesterday 

releasing all the kids for the frenzy of egg hunting! 

That is the small town feel we were looking for 

when we found Clinton. 

Where are your 3 favorite places to 

eat in Clinton? 

Salsa’s – When my kids come home they always 

want to go to “Mexico” – that is what they have 

always called Salsa’s. Froghead Grill – love the food 

and the owner, Josh Welch, is such a great guy and 

supporter of our community. And Bonsai Japanese 

Steakhouse – Great sushi!! 

What are some fun things to do in 

Clinton on the weekends? 

We have great shops with a variety of collectables 

and clothes. We have Main Street events like 

Markets, Dinner & a Movie, car shows, and 

BBQ’s. Look at the activities at MC – plays, 

sporting events, etc. Then there is always Indian 

Lanes and Playtime Entertainment for family fun. 

And let us not forget Funtime Skateland that my 

children lived at when they were growing up. We 

have a great park system with playground 

equipment for the kids, walking trails, tennis 

courts (where my husband would like to live), 

Frisbee golf, and the list goes on and on. My 

favorite thing to do is sit on my front porch! 

Share some things you enjoy doing in 

your spare time. 

Spare time? What is that? When I do have time I 

like to cook and do all kinds of crafts – sewing, 

jewelry-making, stained glass, etc. I also perform 

with the Puppet Arts Theatre in a variety of shows. 

I have been a puppeteer with this company for at 

least 31 years and enjoy performing for children 

throughout the southeast. 

What are three things on your bucket 

list? 

Go to Europe with my husband, travel to national 

parks/treasures in the USA like the Grand 

Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, etc., and play with a 

grandchild or two. 

Who is someone you admire and 

why? 

I most admire my father. He passed away in 2010, 

but I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t reflect 

on something that he taught me. They say that 

God picks special men to be fathers to daughters. 

Daddy never hesitated to take me fishing or 

hunting or play girly things like dolls or hold tea 

parties. He taught me how a man should treat his 

wife which helped me to choose my wonderful 

husband. He taught me how important it was to 

be a caregiver as I watched him take care of his 

mother-in-law and wife during failing health. He 

was not only a wonderful father, but probably the 

best grandfather in the world doing all the same 

things with my girls he did with me. He never 

missed a performance, ballgame, or Friday night 

sleepover, if he could help it. He taught me that it 

wasn’t what you did with your children but that you 

DID things with your children—your presence 

was more important than the activity. He taught 

me how important a positive attitude was and 

staying active was imperative to staying young at 

heart! He taught me it was important to have faith 

in God and to have your family involved in church. 

He taught me to give back to others as I observed 

his work with different organizations. He didn’t 

just tell me what to do, but led by example. He was 

worthy of great admiration. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

I would like to be retired and checking off my 

bucket list with my husband. 

What is your favorite childhood 

memory? 

My grandparents lived on a farm in north 

Mississippi so my favorite memories are about 

activities at the farm – fishing with my dad, riding 

my pony, cutting the Christmas tree down and 

dragging it home behind my horse (I swear it was 

like a Hallmark card), going Christmas caroling in 

a horse and buggy (another Hallmark card), 

playing with the baby chicks, pigs, calves, etc. It was 

a special place. 

If you could give us one encouraging 

quote, what would it be? 

I don’t know how encouraging it is, but I have 

followed this quote in my work and personal life. 

“Plan your work and work you plan but always 

remember there is nothing constant but change.” I 

have been a planner all my life, but understanding 

there is always change and that it is important to 

stay flexible has kept me a little saner than my 

personality would allow otherwise. 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

I really like seeing “inside” a community— 

especially the one I chose as my home. 

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46 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017

The 

way 

we 

were 

Linda and Charles Pope 

Elizabeth Bennett 

The Popes enjoy sharing some funny stories and memories from their 

marriage. “The first meal I cooked for Charles was a disaster! The butter beans 

were too salty and the rice was undercooked and crunchy. Charles said the 

fried chicken was delicious and he ate the whole meal with a smile on his face,” 

said Linda. 

One time the Popes were fishing at Costas Lake in the middle of winter. 

Linda lost her balance in the boat and grabbed Charles for support and he was 

pushed into the icy water. “He was not a happy camper on the way home. 

Needless to say, that was the end of our fishing trips together,” said Linda. 

“It seems every time Charles had to travel out of state for work, one or 

both of the boys would get the stomach virus. Mike would be throwing up in 

bed and Matt would run down the hall saying he was ‘growing up’. That was his 

way of saying ‘throwing up’. It was lots of fun when your home has shag 

carpet!” said Linda. 

Charles and Linda have some advice for newlyweds. “If you are not active 

in a church, find one and get involved. Take time to learn what makes your 

partner happy. Take an interest in each other’s lives. Be willing to overlook 

some of the shortcomings and faults in each other. Be patient with each other 

and give each other some breathing room,” they said. The Popes emphasize 

that both verbal and non-verbal communication is important. 

Now, after all these years of marriage, the Popes both work together at 

First United Methodist Church in Clinton. “Never in our 43 years of marriage 

did we ever think we would be working together!” said Linda. Linda has been 

on staff at the church since 2007 and is coordinator of congregational care. 

Charles became the associate pastor at the church in 2016. “We both have a 

passion for ministry and spreading the love of Christ and now we can do it 

together,” said Linda. 

There are many things that attract Charles and Linda to each other today 

after all these years. Linda appreciates that Charles is a godly man and is 

always there when she needs him. “He is fair and honest in everything he does. 

I truly feel God put us together,” said Linda. Charles says that Linda is a source 

of spiritual strength. “To this day, every time she walks through a doorway, she 

still takes my breath away,” said Charles. 

Charles and Linda were invigorated by a trip to Israel and Jordan in 2016. 

“It was one of the greatest joys in our lives to go on that trip. We were on tour 

for almost two weeks. We walked where Jesus walked and saw holy sites that 

were beautiful beyond compare. We don’t read the Bible in the same way since 

that trip because we can truly visualize different areas mentioned in 

scripture,” said Linda. “It was amazing to visit and stand in places that we read 

about in the Bible. The scriptures came to life for us. We will never read 

scripture the same way again. We drank the water from Jacob’s Well, ate fish 

out of the Sea of Galilee, stood along the waters of the Jordan River where Jesus 

was baptized and stood atop Mt. Nebo where Moses looked over the promised 

land. It was awesome to remind ourselves that we walked, climbed hills and 

studied God’s word where Jesus had actually been. We had heard that 

Jerusalem was the ‘center of the world’. After hearing the Muslim Call to Prayer, 

watching the rabbis as they prayed on the street corners and hearing the bells 

of the Christian churches calling people to worship-all at the same time, we 

felt that perhaps this is why Jerusalem is regarded as the center of the world,” 

said Charles. 

“We feel blessed to have lived in Clinton since 1982. We moved here 

because of the excellent school system as Mike was starting school in the fall. 

Over the years, we have made good friends here and we have lost good friends 

here. Clinton is indeed our home and we love living in a small town 

atmosphere,” said Linda. 

Charles and Linda are proof that you can have a long, joyful marriage 

when putting Christ at the center of it all. They are thankful to call Clinton 

home after all these years! zx 

Linda and Charles Pope have had a long marriage filled with adventure, love, 

and faith. They were both born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and have 

known each other almost their entire lives. 

They met when Linda was only two or three years old. Charles was best 

friends with Linda’s brother, Manuel. They lived next door to each other for 

several years in the Broadmoor neighborhood in Jackson. When they first met, 

Linda wanted to play with Charles and Manuel, but they wanted nothing to do 

with Linda being the “little sister”. Charles has fond memories of Linda chasing 

the ice cream truck as a three-year-old. 

In high school, there was no romantic relationship between the two. They 

just passed each other in the hallways and said “hello”. Linda said, “To Charles, 

I was always Bueno’s kid sister. Charles played the drums in a rock band, The 

Cavaliers of Jackson, and Linda liked to watch from afar. 

After high school, Linda attended Hinds Community College for one year 

and majored in secretarial science. Charles attended Hinds Community 

College for one year and then transferred to the University of Southern 

Mississippi to major in political science. He quit school after his junior year to 

work full-time and be married. 

After Charles’ first marriage ended in Hattiesburg, he returned to Jackson to 

be closer to family. He called Linda’s parents’ house looking for Linda’s brother. 

That evening, Manuel was at work, but Linda was at home. Their friendship was 

rekindled and after several weeks, Charles asked Linda out on a date for dinner 

at Primos. That night began their relationship. 

The couple had fun together and shared common interests and their 

friendship gradually evolved into love. In July of 1973, while at a family 

gathering, Charles nervously popped the question. 

The Popes were married on December 21, 1973, at Wesley United Methodist 

Church in Jackson where Charles had been a member since childhood. It was a 

small wedding with only two attendants and a reception at the home of 

Charles’ parents. They enjoyed a honeymoon to the Gulf Coast in the summer 

of 1974. 

Charles and Linda have three children: Jenny, Mike and Matt. Jenny is 

Charles’ daughter from his first marriage. After Charles and Linda were 

married four years, their son Mike arrived on the scene in 1977. Their son Matt 

was born in 1982. Their days were centered around the children and activities 

such as church, work, soccer, basketball, band and voice competitions. “We 

were always on the go, always short of money, but always happy!” said Linda. 

The Popes are now proud grandparents of 18-year-old Jaron, nine-year-old 

Lucy and five-year-old James. Their daughter Jenny is a homemaker in Bay St. 

Louis. Their son Mike is the principal of Lovett Elementary School. Their son 

Matt is employed by Convention Display Services of Jackson. 

“Communication is the key to a happy and long-lasting marriage. In the 

beginning, we both had stressful jobs and always seemed to be on the go,” said 

Linda. Charles was in the commercial construction industry as an 

architectural hardware consultant for over 40 years. Linda worked in the 

medical field as a secretary for 40 years. After working for 32 years with the 

same clinic in Jackson, Linda joined the staff of First United Methodist Church 

Clinton in 2007. 

After retirement, Charles began his pastoral ministry as a lay speaker for the 

Methodist church for the West Jackson District. This led to a desire and call 

from God to do more. He has been a licensed local pastor for several years and 

joined the staff of First United Methodist Church Clinton in June 2016. 

“Through all the ups and downs of married life, we have always been able to 

talk through problems and issues that come up. Our lives have slowed down 

now that the children are grown, but we still have wonderful conversations and 

enjoy holding hands,” said Linda. 




The Time Coin 

Last times can be monumental times, 

and November 29, 1997 was a 

monumental last time for the 

Anding family. Our son, Eli, a senior 

football player at Ole Miss, would play his 

final college game – the infamous rival 

game between Ole Miss and State. 

It was a day of reflecting for me as 

I retraced the five years he had given to the game of football. God’s 

faithfulness had been evident in answer to so many prayers – in 

fulfilling so many desires, and in comforting a lot of disappointments. 

When Coach Billy Brewer offered Eli a Rebel scholarship, Eli said 

yes to a life-long dream of playing SEC football. That was one of those 

“jubilation” times, but there would be hard times ahead. 

We could only wait and watch when we saw Eli’s freshman dreams 

of quarterbacking vanish with the turnover in head coaches. His team 

would see three different head coaches over the next four years. 

The challenges were enormous, but hard times are proven teachers, 

and Eli learned much about perseverance, resilience, patience and 

determination. Some sympathetic fans told us that Eli’s versatility 

and athleticism in the sport would be his greatest disadvantage. 

By his junior year and his third position change, I began to understand. 

I continued to thank God that with each new 

coach and position, Eli only grew more 

determined. The injuries, time-consuming 

rehabs, grueling two-a-days, and adjustments 

to new coaches, never stifled his drive to be a 

team player and an ardent Rebel on and off 

the field. 

As a mother of a football player, I learned 

to watch the August weather patterns and to pray for cloudy, breezy 

breaks over the practice fields. I grieved when I saw him side-lined with 

spring practice injuries but rejoiced to find them all reparable. I 

thanked God for the enduring teammate friendships he made and the 

motivators among his gallery of coaches. 

On that last ballgame – the last college rival game with State, 

I entered the stadium with a grateful heart for everything that football 

had taught us and for surviving all the hard days. Would this be the last 

hard day or possibly a day of jubilation? I reminded the Lord what a 

win would mean for Eli – the nostalgia of it being his “last” game – 

as I prayed for all the teams’ safety. 

The final score that night: Ole Miss 15 – State 14. It was for Eli. n 

50 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017

Passionate attention… 

Determined results. 

Regardless of where you are in life — building a career, sending children to school, or considering retirement — 

a financial professional can help you prepare for and navigate the financial impact of life changes. 

Mascagni Wealth Management is an independent, financial planning firm that is large enough to help you 

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To discuss your needs and set up an appointment for a free consultation, please call 601-925-8099 

or visit www.mascagniwealth.com. 

205 E. Main Street • Clinton, MS 

SECURITIES BY LICENSED INDIVIDUALS OFFERED THROUGH INVESTACORP, INC. • A REGISTERED BROKER-DEALER • MEMBER FINRA, SIPC

Hometown Clinton - Fall 2017

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