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READER
SPOTLIGHT
Kathy MANGUM ________
Why did you decide to make Rankin County
your home?
My family has lived in Star for many years. My
grandfather moved here from the Greenfield
community to open Mangum’s Store. When
my parents married, they made the decision to
build their life here running the rural grocery
store. Star is a tight-knit community where
everybody knows your name and you are always
surrounded by people who love and support you.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I have lived here all my life and love it. I attended
kindergarten through twelfth grade in the
Florence school system. It was the only school
in the area at that time. I attended Belhaven
University receiving a bachelor’s degree in
education and made the easy decision to teach in
the Rankin County School System. After a few
years, I continued my education at Mississippi
College to become a school counselor. Helping
students and watching them succeed made for
such a rewarding career. I am proud of all Rankin
County schools and proud to have served at
both Northwest Rankin and McLaurin.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Zac and I have a home on the farm
my parents bought when they first married. He
served in the U. S. Navy and is a currently a pilot
in corporate aviation. I now enjoy working for
the Mississippi Department of Education in the
counseling department. My mom lives just across
the road that now divides the farm. She is now
and has always been very involved in our local
community and civic organizations, and served
this community for 40 years as the postmaster.
I have one son, Cass Brister, a high school
baseball coach, a wonderful daughter-in-law
Katie, an orthodontic tech, and two of the most
amazing grandson’s on the planet, Reece and
Cason.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
My memories all center around growing up in
this small town, riding my bike down the middle
of the road, dragging my feet off the back of the
pick up truck, swimming in the lake, summertime
community softball, watching baseball
games, the Star Country Club, time spent in
youth activities at Wesleyanna United Methodist
Church (where I’m still a member), spending
time with friends and always finding ways to
have fun. These memories might seem small
but they are a significant part of who I am
today.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
My family loves to eat at Jerry’s Catfish and my
husband and I enjoy date nights at Table 100.
My new favorite is Bangkok Thai!
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
We enjoy time at our cabin on my husband’s
family farm. Cooking steak in the outdoor
fireplace, watching ducks on the lake, napping
in the hammock, and just taking it easy makes
for some pretty special times. And of course,
weekends are always fun when we have the
grandsons.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
In my spare time I love taking walks, working
in the yard, swimming, spending time with
friends, family gatherings, and traveling to just
about anywhere!
What are three things on your bucket list?
I love the adventure of travel and have been
able check a few bucket list places off. But those
remaining are New Zealand, Australia, South
Africa, Scotland, Greece, and the Scandinavian
countries. It is so exciting to visit new places–
but no matter where I go, I’m always glad to
come home. I would love own a vacation home
in the mountains and go on an African photo
safari!
Who is someone you admire and why?
I most admire my mama, Dora Jean Mangum
Whatley. She is strong, sweet, kind, thoughtful,
talented, smart, and a truly amazing person.
She gives of her time to her church, her family
and her community. I’ve always wanted to be
just like her! She is such a strong woman and
the greatest role model in my life. I can’t say
enough good things about her. She is everything
I aspire to be.
Where do you see yourself ten years from
now?
I’ll still live in Star in the same house but
occasionally visiting that vacation home in
the mountains, likely during the hot summer
months. I’ll still be taking a nice trip at least
once a year. As mentioned above, I have lots
of places to go. I’ll still be enjoying those sweet
grand boys and I’ll still love time spent with
my family and friends.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Gathering at my Mamaw’s house here in Star
with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was
always a big event with tables full of good
country food followed by watermelon and
homemade ice cream outside under the big
pecan tree.
If you could give us one encouraging quote,
what would it be?
“Home is where love resides, memories are
created, friends always belong, and laughter
never ends.”
What is your favorite thing about Hometown
Magazines?
I love Hometown Rankin Magazine! It’s both classy
and fun. It keeps me connected with people,
businesses and events happening in our
awesome county.
Hometown RANKIN • 13