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FLOWOOD • BRANDON • PELAHATCHIE • PUCKETT • FLORENCE • RICHLAND • PEARL • STAR • PISGAH• RESERVOIR
V81
121
Renewed
Restored
REDEEMED
4 • JANUARY 2021
FROM OUR PUBLISHER
My mom
is a big fan
of Matthew
Henry,
a mastermind in the area of theology. He’s
one of the “old” writers dating back to the
1600s. She shares some of his quotes with
the family, and the following is one of her
favorites. Henry was reflecting on his wallet
being stolen and said, “(1) I am thankful that
I was never robbed before. (2) I am thankful
that although he took my wallet, he did not
take my life. (3) Although he took all I had, it
was not much. And (4), I am glad that it was
I who was robbed, not I who did the robbing.”
Now that is a perfect picture of a positive,
trusting attitude. I’ve tried to remind myself of
Henry’s phenomenal mindset about life’s
difficulties as I’ve reflected on 2020. What a
difficult year for so many with such upheaval
in so many areas of our nation and world.
With the closing of 2020, we can’t help
but be somewhat apprehensive about 2021.
Will our nation continue to be divided? Will
the Covid vaccine be effective? Will struggling
businesses survive?
There’s only one comforting answer to so
many unknowns. We don’t know, but God
does, and He’s in control!
HOMETOWN STAFF
IN THIS ISSUE
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya A. Dobbs
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
Brenda McCall
LAYOUT DESIGN
3dt
CFO
Kevin W. Dobbs
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
Reader Spotlight 7
The Way We Were 8
Hometown Family 16
Renewed Restored Redeemed 21
Where Are They Now? 39
Rankin's Red Carpet 41
Salute to First Responders 82
Mrs. Mississippi America 86
Chalkboard 92
Time Coin 98
...see you around town.
www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F / Brandon, MS 39042
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.
Hometown Rankin maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin is funded by advertising.
Hometown RANKIN • 5
6 • JANUARY 2021
READER
SPOTLIGHT
Vickie
CHAPMAN ________
Why did you decide to make Rankin County
your home?
My husband grew up in Richland, and after
getting married and having children we
decided to move back and make Richland our
home. We love the small town feel but still
being around everything.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
We have been married for 26 years and have
resided in Rankin County for 21 years.
Tell us about your family.
Donnie and I have five children, Kayla (24)
who graduated from Richland and is now
attending UCF; twins – Mallory & Mason
(16) who attend Richland High School, active
in cheer, softball, football, Mayors Youth
Council, and Rankin County Crown Club;
Carson (10) attends Richland Upper and loves
playing baseball and basketball; and Carly Kate
(7) attends Richland Elementary love to cheer
on her little Ranger team.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
I love living alongside all my friends who have
become family – my village! Right now, my
favorite memory would be after Rangers Friday
night lights, we go out as a group to have food
and fellowship with our friends/ family. I love
seeing all these kids grow up together and go
alongside our friends through life’s journeys.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
Tom’s Fried Pies (that is a little bias of course),
Genna Benna’s, and Corbin’s!
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
Bowling at Spinners, football games, having a
picnic or just hanging out with the kids
at Winner’s Circle Park.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
HA! Well not sure about spare time but I do
try to make a little time to do some of my
favorite things - grabbing a movie with the
kids, playing Bunco with my friends, trying out
recipes for new fried pies, and reading.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I would love to take an Alaskan Cruise, visit
the Grand Canyon, and have Guy Fieri with
Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives come visit Tom’s
Fried Pies in Richland and talk with my dad.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my dad the most! He has taught me
the value of family, how to worship, and how to
work hard and achieve goals. I treasure the
extra time I have with him now as we work
together daily.
Where do you see yourself ten years from
now?
In ten years I see myself still residing in Rankin
County, growing Tom’s Fried Pies into
additional locations and adding a food truck.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Cooking with my grandmother. She was so
sweet to always want to make my favorites, like
chicken and dumplings and banana pudding!
If you could give us one encouraging quote,
what would it be?
“When life gives you a hundred reasons to
break down and cry, SHOW life that you
have a million reasons to SMILE and
LAUGH! Stay Strong!”
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
Definitely the highlights of the local business
locations and people. I love being able to
open up the magazine and recognizing
faces and places!
Hometown RANKIN • 7
The way
WE were
Dianne & Ron Baer
Mistie Desper
A decision on a whim to
change colleges and attend the
University of Southern Mississippi
led Dianne Baer to her best
friend and future husband back
in 1978.
Dianne was a music major
and decided to transfer schools
to be with friends. It wasn’t long
before she met Ron, a young
baseball player from Iowa, and
they quickly became close.
Regarding the circumstances of
switching schools suddenly and
meeting Ron, Dianne said, “It
really was a God thing meeting
him.” Ron added, “She really is
my best friend.”
Those best friends grew closer
and closer over their junior year
and before long, the natural
progression led to a relationship.
Dianne lovingly recalls, “Ron,
being from the Midwest, became
southern very quickly.”
Just like the old saying, first
comes love then comes marriage,
Ron knew Dianne was the one.
After traveling home to Iowa
for the holidays, he returned late
one night to Brandon bearing
gifts for Christmas. Dianne,
assuming she had her gift all
figured out, didn’t open it right
away. Little did she know that it
wasn’t the metronome she’d
convinced herself she was
receiving. Inside the box, Ron
had tied an engagement ring
to a rose in hopes that his best
friend would say ‘yes.’
The couple married in August
1981 at First Baptist of Brandon.
Married and eager to begin their
life together, their careers, both
of them in education, soared.
Both Baers have impressive
and extensive teaching careers
throughout Rankin County and
Tupelo, Mississippi. Ron was
hired as the soccer coach at
Brandon and led them to the
championships many times.
Ron and his teams won the state
soccer championships in 1989,
1990, and 1995. He had a brief
coaching opportunity in Tupelo
and led them to the championships
in 1998 as well. After
coaching for Tupelo, Ron
returned as Brandon Middle
School principal until his
retirement from the education
sector.
Dianne’s education career
spans many years in the public
and private school system.
Teaching at Tupelo, McLaurin,
Brandon, Hartfield Academy,
8 • JANUARY 2021
“...what makes a
successful marriage
is making God and
church important
in your household.”
and Park Place Christian
Academy, she joked, “When we
returned from Tupelo, I went
back into my job at Brandon
Middle School but this time,
Ron was my boss.”
Teaching is a noble and
admirable profession that takes a
truly gifted person. Teachers
touch the lives of every student
they teach. Dianne emotionally
recounted, “I didn’t realize the
influence of teaching until I
didn’t have it any more [after
retirement].”
She added, “You make
connections and those kids
become your own, and you
know you are making a difference
and I really became a mom to
those kids.”
Although both Ron and
Dianne consider so many local
students their own, they do have
two sons together with one
granddaughter and another one
on the way.
Dianne is currently enjoying
her first year of retirement and
is looking to the future when
Ron fully retires. Once serving
as pianist for First Baptist
Brandon, Dianne laughingly
recounted, “Ron bought me a
baby grand piano, so my goal is
to start practicing again since
I can’t go anywhere right now
and I have time and I’m here
by myself.” Dianne is also eager
return to travel like they did in
the past for their sons’ sports
and to spend as much time as
possible with their grandchildren.
Ron is excited to travel in the
future and take Dianne on
adventures to places he has
experienced. He said, “I want to
take her out West and on an
Alaskan cruise. There are places
I have seen that she hasn’t and I
can’t wait to take her places like
Yellowstone and other places
where I grew up.”
The pair will celebrate their
40th anniversary in 2021. Ron
expressed, “The key to a long
marriage is definitely communication
and dependability. But
what makes a successful
marriage is making God and
church important in your
household.”
Both are looking forward
to family and adventures and
are excited at what the future
has is store. l
Hometown RANKIN • 9
10 • JANUARY 2021
Help us help
MISSISSIPPI KIDS.
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Hometown RANKIN • 11
Hometown
GOODNESS
12 • JANUARY 2021
_____________________________________________________
Chicken & Dumplings
Soup
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken
breast, cubed
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup sliced carrot
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1½ cups frozen peas
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley,
minced
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a
6-quart Dutch oven. Add chicken and
cook until browned on both sides.
Remove from pot and set aside. Add
carrot and onion and cook until just
tender, approximately 3 minutes.
Add garlic and stir until fragrant,
about 1 minute. Reduce heat to
medium-low, add butter and flour,
stirring constantly for 3 minutes to
prevent lumps from forming. Add
chicken and any accumulated juices
back to the pot and stir to coat in
the roux. Add chicken broth, cream,
thyme, and bay leaves and bring to
a simmer. Once the soup is at a
simmer, add the frozen peas, cover,
and cook for 15 minutes.
Dumplings
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1⅓ cups heavy cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine
flour, baking powder, salt, pepper,
and cream. Stir until well combined.
Using a large spoon, form dough
into small round 1-inch balls about
(about 15 dumplings). Making sure
they don’t touch, place dough balls
in the simmering soup, then add the
parsley and cover. Let the soup
simmer for 15 minutes, or until the
dumplings are cooked through.
_____________________________________________________
Potato Soup
• 5 slices bacon, diced
• 3 T butter
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups milk, warmed
• 1½ pounds Yukon gold
potatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
cheese
• 1½ cup plain Greek yogurt or
sour cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked
black pepper
Heat a large pot over mediumhigh
heat. Add diced bacon and
cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
Transfer bacon to a separate plate,
using a slotted spoon (if short on
time, dice the potatoes and onion
while the bacon cooks).
Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir
in garlic and sauté for an extra 1-2
minutes, until fragrant. Stir the flour
into the mixture and sauté for an
additional 1 minute to cook the
flour, stirring occasionally. Then
stir in the stock until combined,
followed by the milk and potatoes.
Continue cooking until mixture
just reaches a simmer, before it
begins to boil. Reduce heat to
medium-low, cover, and simmer for
10-15 minutes or until potatoes are
soft, being sure to stir the soup every
few minutes so that the bottom does
not burn (the smaller you dice your
potatoes, the faster your soup will
cook).
Once the potatoes are softened,
stir in the cheddar cheese and Greek
yogurt (or sour cream), salt, pepper
and cooked bacon bits. Season with
extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Recommended toppings:
thinly- sliced green onions or chives,
extra shredded cheese, extra bacon,
sour cream
Serve warm, garnished with
desired toppings. Refrigerate for
up to 3 days.
_____________________________________________________
Crockpot Chili
• 5 slices hardwood smoked bacon
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 small jalapeno peppers, seeds
removed and finely diced (optional)
• 2 15 oz. cans chili/pinto beans in
medium sauce
• 1 15 oz. can chili (pinto or kidney)
beans in mild sauce
• 2 28 oz. cans petite diced
tomatoes, undrained
• 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 2 pounds ground beef chuck
• 1 pound Italian sausage
Seasonings
• 4 T chili powder
• 1 T dried oregano
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. seasoned salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 T white sugar
• 1 T Worcestershire sauce
• 1 T minced garlic
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• Optional: fresh cilantro, sour
cream, shredded cheddar cheese
In a skillet over medium heat, cook
bacon until crisp. Remove onto a
paper towel lined plate and dab off
excess grease. Reserve bacon grease in
skillet. Remove stems and seeds from
red and green peppers finely chop.
Finely chop celery and onion. Chop
jalapeno pepper and remove seeds if
desired–leave them in for extra heat.
Add red pepper, green pepper,
celery, onion, and jalapeno pepper to
the skillet with the reserved bacon
grease. Sauté the veggies over
medium heat until tender. Transfer
to the crockpot. Add in the three cans
of chili beans (undrained and do not
rinse), petite diced tomatoes, and
tomato paste to the crockpot. In the
same skillet used to cook the bacon
and veggies, cook ground beef chuck
and Italian sausage over medium high
heat until no longer pink.
Drain off all the fat and add into
slow cooker. Add all seasonings to
crockpot. Crumble bacon (or chop)
into very small pieces and stir into
crockpot. OR reserve the bacon in
the fridge and add at the end. Stir
everything together. Cover and cook
on low for 6-8 hours. Taste and adjust
seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder,
etc.) Enjoy with fresh cilantro, sour
cream and cheddar cheese.
_____________________________________________________
Simple Vegetable Soup
• 3 medium russet potatoes
• 1 T olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 16 oz. bag frozen mixed
vegetables
• 1 15 oz. can corn
• 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 drops hot sauce (optional)
Stovetop Method
Finely dice half a large yellow onion.
Add olive oil to a large pot and sauté
onions for approximately 3 minutes.
Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into
bite-sized pieces. Add potatoes, frozen
vegetables, corn and remaining
ingredients to the pot and stir well to
combine. Turn heat to low, cover, and
simmer for 30 minutes, or until
vegetables are tender. Serve warm.
Slow Cooker Method
Dice onions and potatoes as listed
above. Add all ingredients into the
slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours
or high for 3-4 hours. Serve warm.
_____________________________________________________
Wonton Soup
• 50 - 60 wonton wrappers
• 7 oz. ground pork
• 7 oz. peeled prawns/shrimp,
chopped
• 1 T ginger, finely grated
• 2 shallots/green onions, finely
chopped
• 1 T light soy sauce
• 2 T Chinese cooking wine
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 T sesame oil
Place ingredients in a bowl. Use a
potato masher to mash until fairly
smooth, but not completely – small
chunks are good. Lay wontons on a
work surface. Use two teaspoons to
put the filling on the wontons. Brush
two edges with water. Fold to seal,
pressing out air. Brush water on one
corner and bring corners together,
pressing to seal. Place wrapped
wontons into a container with a lid as
you work, so they don’t dry out.
Broth (for 2 servings)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 piece of ginger, sliced (optional)
• 1½ T light soy sauce
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1½ T Chinese cooking wine
• ¼ - ½ tsp. sesame oil
Place ingredients in a saucepan over
high heat. Add white ends of scallions
/shallots if leftover from wonton
filling. Cover, bring to simmer then
reduce to medium high and simmer
for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a
large pot of water to boil. Cook
wontons four minutes or until they
float. Remove with slotted spoon into
serving bowls. Pick garlic and ginger
out of broth. If using vegetables, blanch
in the soup broth and place in serving
bowl. Prepare noodles according to
packet directions (if using noodles).
Place in serving bowl with cooked
wontons and blanched vegetables.
Toppings
• Shallots/scallions, finely chopped
• Bok choy, quartered
• 1½ oz. dried egg noodles per
person
Ladle broth into serving bowls and
enjoy!
_____________________________________________________
Lobster Bisque
• 3 T butter
• 1 cup white or yellow onions,
chopped
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 T tomato paste
• 3 T flour
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup white wine
• ¼ cup cognac or brandy (optional)
• 12 oz. (or more) chopped lobster
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ tsp.
dried thyme)
• ¼ tsp. cayenne
• ½ cup (or more) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot, melt butter over
medium-high heat. Add onions,
carrots, celery, garlic and tomato
paste, and sauté for 5 minutes, or until
onions are cooked and translucent.
Sprinkle mixture with flour, and stir to
evenly coat the veggies. Sauté for one
minute. Add seafood stock, white
wine, cognac (optional), lobster meat,
paprika, bay leaf, thyme and cayenne,
and stir to combine. Cook for 30
minutes over medium-low heat,
stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf
and sprig of thyme. Stir in heavy
cream, and season if needed with
extra salt and pepper. Puree soup
using an immersion blender, or
transfer in small batches into a
traditional blender and blend until
smooth.
Hometown RANKIN • 13
14 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 15
16 • JANUARY 2021
TheMartins
Tell us about your family.
Tony is the principal at Florence High School and Kelley is a
nurse practitioner for Florence Family Clinic. Our jobs keep us
busy, but we are blessed with a great family, friends, co-workers,
and community.
Kyle and Blake attend the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kyle is majoring in political science and hopes to go to law
school. Blake is majoring in construction engineering and plans
on returning to Florence when his education is completed.
He recently joined the Mississippi Air National Guard and will
be leaving for basic training in February.
Sam is a sophomore at Florence High and is a football
phenom in his parents’ eyes.
We are definitely a football family and competitive. We love
watching high school and college games together. The boys love
to fish, hunt, and ride four-wheelers. They all get along very
well, so they typically hang out with each other when the older
boys are home.
How did you meet, and how long have you
been married?
We met at Forest Hill High School. We were good friends
during high school. Tony taught me how to drive a standard in
the Forest Hill Youth Club parking lot and he denies it, but he
cheated off my paper to pass chemistry. We would run into each
other once he graduated, but no dating was involved until our
days at Southern Miss. I heard someone call my name when
I was walking across campus. It was Tony–and I was so glad
to see him! We picked that high school friendship right back
up and started dating shortly after. He was always easy to be
around and our relationship came so naturally. We have been
married 26 years. It has been a good marriage and has blessed
us in many ways.
Hometown RANKIN • 17
Do you allow time to be with
your spouse for a date night?
We don’t do date night too often. We are
definitely homebodies. When people say it
doesn’t take much to impress, that is us.
We do easy. We love having friends over
and throwing something on the grill,
which is manned by Tony and I love to
cook about anything from appetizers to
sides. Tony says my grandmother name
will be Cookie, because I always have
cookies available when guests are over.
What brings you the greatest joy
as a parent?
Many things bring you great joy when you
are a parent. It brings great joy for our
children to have good friends, do well in
school, be kind, be appreciative, be
respectful, be humble, show love, and
definitely having a relationship with our
Lord. Parents make many sacrifices for
their children and you pray those sacrifices
are appreciated.
Who is the financial manager
in your home?
We both are our financial managers. We
trust that each of us has the other’s best
interest at heart and would not jeopardize
our family.
When your children were younger,
what was your discipline
philosophy?
Our boys didn’t need a lot of discipline
when they were younger. They knew the
expectations and understood consequences
when rules were broken. They had a few
spankings with the principal’s paddle and
that typically lasted for years. We were
blessed with good boys that are growing
up into men, which is hard on their
mother.
What do you see in your role
as the greatest benefit to
your family?
Tony is a wonderful role model to these
boys. He shows them what it is to love a
wife. He supports and loves me so
unconditionally. We are all blessed that he
is the leader of our home and team. We
have always told the boys that were not
perfect parents and we make mistakes
daily, but when we do it was done with
love and concern for their wellbeing.
What’s a quick go to meal that
isn’t fast food? And who does
the cooking?
I guess our quick go to meal is something
cooked in the air fryer or on the grill.
Those are easy and quick and most of
the time delicious. We are not a picky
family when it comes to food. We’ll eat
about anything.
18 •• JANUARY 2021
How long has Florence
been your home?
We have lived in Florence for 23 years,
but it seems like forever. I can’t imagine
raising my children anywhere else but
here. We love this community.
What your favorite things
about Rankin County?
The best thing about Rankin County is
the people that choose to live in Rankin
County. Because of those people, we have
the best schools, churches, leaders, law
enforcement agencies, businesses, and
volunteers. We are always helping each
other and it’s a very generous community
when there is need. Our communities are
big enough to offer everything we need,
but small enough for the hometown
atmosphere we all enjoy.
How do you spend
summer breaks?
We love the beach. We typically take the
week of July 4th and head to Destin. We
all love our toes in the sand and seafood.
What accomplishments make
you proud during your time
living in Florence?
We’ve both tried to make this community
better with our jobs. Tony helps kids every
day try to maneuver through high school
and those challenges they may face at
school and home. He loves his job and his
school family.
Kelley prays her role as a town provider
helps patients feel better and that they know
she is always there for them. She also has a
wonderful work family that she loves. Both
jobs are very rewarding.
What drives you to have
the job you have?
We are both motivated by making
Florence the best it can be. We both
have a giving nature and love to give
more than receive. That is a service type
job that we feel is so vital in this world
today. We have been blessed to have the
jobs we do and have a chance to make
a difference every day.
What’s your favorite thing
to do as a family?
Kyle - Family meals, especially those
we have prepared together.
Blake - Sitting around the island just
talking to each other. We always say
what’s said at the island stays at the
island.
Sam - Playing any type game from
board games to competitive ring toss.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Kyle - El Cabrito
Blake - El Cabrito
Sam - El Cabrito
What’s your favorite TV show?
Kyle - The Office
Blake - The Office
Sam - The Office
Hometown RANKIN • 19
20 • JANUARY 2021
Renewed
Restored
REDEEMED
In a year filled
with tremendous challenges
and heartache, there have also
been stories of great triumph and
achievement. We’re all on our own personal
journeys–but celebrating the success of
others serves as motivation to many.
It is in that spirit that we present a
collection of stories we lovingly call
Renewed, Restored, Redeemed.
Happy New Year!
We wish you the very best
that 2021 has to offer.
Hometown RANKIN • 21
BEAUTY FROM THE ASHES
Melanie McMillan
When Taylor and Kevin McKay lost their
home to a fire right before the birth of their
first child, family, friends, and even strangers,
rallied around them to help. As they watched
their beloved home burn, they could not have
imagined the blessings that would follow. In
the midst of the tragedy, the McKays have
focused on the positives and are grateful for
the love of community.
Taylor and Kevin met as freshmen at Brandon
High School. The high school sweethearts
married in 2018 and began their life together.
Taylor, a nurse at St. Dominic’s, and Kevin,
who works at Eaton Aerospace, began building
a new home in 2019 and eagerly anticipated the
arrival of their first child. “As any new mom can
imagine, I was having the best time decorating
the nursery,” Taylor says. The McKays moved
into their new home in March of 2020 and
looked forward to their daughter’s arrival a
few months later.
At 6:30 on the morning of October 15th,
the McKays’ world changed dramatically. Kevin
had already left home for work, and Taylor awoke
to her dog barking and what sounded like water
running. She opened her bedroom door and saw
flames surrounding the door to the garage, which
was extremely close to her bedroom. Grabbing
her phone, she climbed out the window and
called 911. Kevin’s father was staying with them,
and she ran to his window to alert him and get
him out of the house. Their loyal pet who had
awakened Taylor with his barking never left her
side, standing as her protector.
The 911 operator was so kind and did his
best to calm and comfort Taylor while she waited
for help. The police arrived first, and as it was a
cold morning, Officer Dan Carter settled Taylor
in his car where it was warm. Firefighters arrived
and went to work quickly, but since there are no
fire hydrants in the neighborhood, water had to
be brought in. EMTs, firefighters, and police
officers made numerous trips inside the house
to rescue anything they could that seemed
sentimental or valuable. “I cannot thank them
enough for that,” says Taylor. “They saved many
family pictures and sentimental things that we
would never be able to replace. This was huge
to me that these people would go inside a
burning house grabbing things they could save
for my family. It truly meant so much to the
both of us. I hope they know how thankful
we are for them.”
Losing a home to fire is overwhelming,
with so many details to be worked through,
not the least of which is where you will live
until you can rebuild. Luckily, Taylor’s grandmother,
Jessica Lay, had enough room in her
home for Taylor and Kevin, and even an extra
room to use for a nursery. “We knew for the
immediate future we had a place to lay our
heads at night,” says Taylor, “and I’m so
thankful for this.”
22 • JANUARY 2021
“God is the light in all that burned rubble and darkness, leading us to a precious stone
that represents our promise to each other. He is a miracle worker.”
–Taylor McKay
Watching her beautiful new home burning,
Taylor was heartbroken to realize that she didn’t
have her wedding ring on, and knew it was in
the house. As a nurse, she’s not able to wear her
ring while working, and it was still in her work
bag from the day before. Taylor says, “I knew
the ring could be replaced but it just wouldn’t be
the same.” A kind firefighter stayed long after
the fire was out to help them look through the
debris for the ring but they were unable to find
it. Two days later, Taylor’s sisters, Lindsey and
Jordan, and a family friend came to the house
to help look for the ring. After searching for
about 30 minutes, they stumbled upon a pen
that Taylor recognized as one she had used at
work the day before the fire. Tears filled her
eyes because she knew then that they were
getting close to where the ring might be. The
search continued and within a few minutes
Jordan and Lindsey had found the ring under a
piece of burnt wood. “Somehow it wasn’t melted,”
Taylor says. “I figured if we found anything it
would just be the diamond but somehow God
allowed us to find the whole ring. I think this
was Him telling me it’s all going to be okay and
that we will make it through this.”
When the fire happened, Taylor and Kevin
were just one month away from their baby girl’s
arrival, or so they thought. On Friday, October
30th, Taylor had an appointment with her
doctor and, because of the pandemic, it was the
first time Kevin was able to go with her. They
excitedly watched their baby girl on the screen
during the ultrasound, but found out from the
doctor that due to some minor complications,
they would be welcoming her to the world in
just a few days. It was an exciting but stressful
time, as they were still reeling from the fire and
now needed to make preparations to bring their
daughter home. Taylor shares, “I was very
emotional about not having our house to bring
her home to, but so many family and friends
and even people we do not know sent us baby
clothing, diapers, and everything else we needed.”
On Tuesday, November 3, Sully Ruth made
her debut and brought such joy to her parents,
helping them heal from the pain of the fire.
As they were building their home, Taylor
and Kevin wrote Bible verses on the studs in
each room. Miraculously, one of the studs,
and the Bible verse written on it, were intact.
“Through all this God has continued to
shine through in what we felt was devastating.
He has truly shown us that for some reason this
was his plan, and that he is taking care of us,”
Taylor says. “Kevin and I are both so thankful
that we’re safe. We know the house can be
replaced. We will forever be grateful for all the
first responders, family, and friends that showed
up for us and helped us along this season in our
lives. We know without God and the help of
family, friends and the community of Brandon,
we could not have made it through this.”
Hometown RANKIN • 23
A
Waiting doesn’t fit well in the average human’s lifestyle,
but waiting combined with resoluteness can bring life-changing rewards.
Tony & Deidra Rosenberger are admirable examples of that truth.
Storybook
Beginning
Camille Anding
24 • JANUARY 2021
Their relationship began in June of 1994. Deidra had just graduated from high school in
Oxford, Ohio, and Tony had graduated one year earlier. One of Deidra’s friends was dating a friend
of Tony’s, so it was those friends that introduced Deidra and Tony. That meeting resulted in a
bond that they sealed with their wedding vows on April 22, 1995.
In 2013, a job offer for Tony, backed by a leap of faith, moved the Rosenbergers to Madison,
Mississippi. By this time the couple had all but given up hope on having children. Doctors were
stumped on why Deidra couldn’t become pregnant, so the couple turned to every option available
in infertility treatment. In 2016, precancerous cells dictated a complete hysterectomy for Deidra.
With that surgery, the couple knew all biological options were exhausted.
For years, the couple had considered adoption as a means to having children of their own.
Now it wasn’t just an option but their only path. Their first contact with an adoption agency in
2017 was disappointing due to the financial requirements exceeding their resources. Foster care
would be their next avenue with intentions to adopt.
Deidra and Tony completed foster classes and met the qualifications in the home study.
Next was to find a group of foster siblings that were eligible for adoption.
DHS knew the Rosenbergers’ desire to adopt siblings but couldn’t promise a quick answer.
It would be a waiting game. Meanwhile Tony began to pursue online listings of children for
adoption from out of state with TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) status. These listings are
known as Heart Galleries.
Tony located four children in Indiana that captured his attention. Deidra emailed DHS in
Indiana saying she and Tony were interested in the four. However a baby, recently added to the
four, was not yet up for adoption. The waiting was on again.
A month and a half later, the Rosenbergers were notified that all five children were now
adoption eligible and that the couple could come for an interview. Also, three other couples were
interviewing, wanting to adopt the five.
On October 12, 2017, DHS conducted the interview and asked lots of questions. The
Rosenbergers headed home, believing that the interview had gone well. An hour later, Deidra’s
phone rang. DHS was calling to see if they would like to meet the kids in Terre Haute, Indiana,
the very next day. It was an immediate U-turn for the excited couple.
Their first meeting was like a story out of a fairy tale. “It felt right from the very beginning,”
Deidra said. “There wasn’t an awkward moment. They took to us, and we took to them.
Everything just clicked.”
It was back to Mississippi on Saturday for the couple, and on Monday, they got a call from
DHS verifying their foremost desire. The five children could be adopted!
From October of 2017 to March of 2018, Deidra and Tony left their jobs every Thursday after
work to drive to Indiana to pick up the children. The five kids were living in three different foster
homes, each forty minutes apart. DHS required that visiting time be allowed for the transition
and adjustment of everyone involved. The visits began with two hour meetings and eventually
hotel stays until a foster parent of the twins arranged for them to stay in a duplex a local
Christian agency owned. “We lived for weekends,” the couple admitted.
The kids were brought home on March 3, 2018, and it was a wonderful new life for parents
and kids when the adoptions were completed on October 23, 2019. Even new names were in
order. The seven- year-old daughter chose her own name, Piper. The four-year-old twin boy and
girl were named Anthony and Quinn. The two-year-old became Stephen, and the one-year-old
was named David.
The Rosenbergers’ 1900-square-foot home with three bedrooms worked for a while, but in
November of 2019 the family moved to a bigger home and yard. Deidra left her position with
Mississippi Premier Plastic Surgery in December to stay home with the kids.
Today the children are active in school and sports and have adjusted beautifully. The biggest
hurdle for the parents was finding a routine to fit the kids’ needs. Anthony, one of the twins, had
medical issues - a heart defect, was nonverbal and had a feeding tube. With ongoing speech and
feeding therapy at Batson Children’s Hospital, removal of his feeding tube, and treatment by his
cardiologist, Anthony is now talking, running and playing with his siblings.
When thinking back over the years of waiting and longing for children of their own, the
Rosenbergers attest to how God’s plan always falls into place.
There are spring plans for soccer and cheer. Deidra added, “Piper wants to play softball for
the first time. We’re trying it all!” Some fairy tales really do come true.
Hometown RANKIN • 25
Taking
Heart
Lauren von Foregger
Gregg & Sidney Harper of Pearl are counting
their blessings as 2021 will mark six years since Gregg,
a member of the United States Congress from 2009-2019,
experienced a blockage in his major artery, a condition known
as “the widow maker.”
26 • JANUARY 2021
Gregg was at home one weekend in June
2015, mowing the lawn. He noticed that he
felt tired and winded. “Mowing the lawn was
something I did often, and I never felt winded
like that; we have a really small yard!” he recounts.
“I would sit and rest and then I’d be fine, so I’d
go back and start again, and a few minutes later,
I’d have to sit down again.”
Gregg decided to take the symptoms
seriously as his father had died of a massive heart
attack in 1993 at the age of 67. He was slated to
fly back to Washington D.C. the next day, where
he made an appointment with a physician. At
the appointment, Gregg had an EKG done and
all the results came back as normal.
“I just kept thinking I wanted to be sure,”
he said. “Even though everything was showing
up as normal, I wanted to do more testing.” He
scheduled a stress test for later in the week.
“I go in for the stress test and I’m in there
with the cardiologist and technician, and they
explain that the treadmill test will take about
20 minutes,” he remembers. “Well, a couple
minutes into it, I told the doctor I felt some
sharpness in my chest. He looks at the screen
and he tells the technician, ‘You can stop,
something major is wrong.’ Then he looks at
me and says ‘You are not leaving the hospital
today.’”
A heart cath revealed that Gregg was
suffering from a 95 percent blockage in his left
anterior descending artery. He was immediately
sent to have a stent placed in his heart.
“When they were prepping me for the stent,
all I could think about was my relationship with
Christ, and my family. My daughter was getting
married soon and I wanted to walk her down
the aisle. I prayed right then and there, ‘Lord,
please let me walk my baby girl down the aisle.’”
Gregg says he immediately felt better after
the successful stent placement.
“You feel a lot better when your blood’s
flowing right,” he says. “As soon as I was cleared,
I could tell the difference. I am so thankful for
the physicians that caught it. I probably should’ve
never gotten on that airplane, but I just will
always be thankful that it was discovered.”
Gregg says he encourages people to be their
own medical advocates when they feel something
is not right. “I encourage anyone with
family history or symptoms of any kind to
please go get yourself checked out.”
Gregg and Sidney Harper reside in Country
Place where they still live in the same home
that they purchased together in 1986. They
have two adult children, Livingston and Maggie,
one grandson, and another grandson on the
way. They are members of Crossgates Baptist
Church. Gregg, though now retired from
his congressional service, is a member of
Watkins & Eager where he does consulting
and lobbying work.
Gregg is serving as the American Heart
Association’s 2021 Heart Ball Chair.
“I know what it’s like to have a heart scare,
so the American Heart Association’s mission
is near and dear to me. I think what they do is
so important: creating awareness around
prevention and getting people the resources
they need to extend their lives.”
The Metro Jackson Heart Ball is a yearround
campaign that supports the life-saving
mission of the American Heart Association.
It is the largest source of revenue for the organization
in the state of Mississippi, contributing
nearly $7 million since its inception. The funds
raised support local research, community
programs, hospital education, CPR training,
and much more.
For event information, visit metrojacksonheartball.heart.org, or contact Jordan Walker, Heart Ball director,
at 601.321.1215 or jordan.walker@heart.org.
Hometown RANKIN • 27
Project HOPE
Mary Ann Kirby – Shower Power Director of Operations
Sleeping in a bed is something
we all take for granted.
But according to data that we’ve found, Jackson
has nearly 900 unsheltered citizens that make
tents, abandoned buildings, and bridge
over-passes their sleeping quarters.
In November of 2019, Shower Power MS
(a non-profit founded by Flowood resident and
Jackson native Teresa Renkenberger), began
offering weekly showers for the homeless
community in downtown Jackson. We have
served an estimated 300 unique visitors, roughly
a third of the entire homeless population, at a
rate of 60-70 per week. And the number is
growing.
In October of this year, Project Hope, an
extension of Shower Power, was born. Project
Hope serves to identify which of our unsheltered
visitors would be good candidates for
low-income housing–and then helps them
get there.
Lucious is one of the first to have been
entered into the program. He’d been coming to
Shower Power from the very beginning–since
November 2019, and is beloved. He’s 64 years
old, but the last 20+ years on the street have
been hard on him. He seems much older.
He’s originally from Memphis, Tennessee.
He came to Jackson over 20 years ago to bury
his daughter. She died from cancer. (His voice
cracked when I asked him about her.) After the
funeral, he just never left. I’m not entirely sure
what the circumstances were. Maybe he
couldn’t afford to leave. Or maybe he didn’t
want to leave her behind. It’s heartbreaking
either way. He’s lost track of time.
On October 2, Lucious came to Shower
Power and was frail. We were immediately
worried. He couldn’t focus and seemed off
balance, mentally and physically. He said his
medicine had been changed. These guys have
no one to help them manage things like their
prescriptions—assuming they can even get
them filled. He was definitely off. It felt
extremely vulnerable. Lucious is quiet, keeps
to himself, and is very soft-spoken. He’s no
match for the cold streets of Jackson.
28 • JANUARY 2021
He’d previously had a room that he rented
for $200 per month but was turned out after the
room suddenly became unavailable. He secured
a spot at a men’s emergency shelter–which is
where we left him on that day in October–but
not before taking him to see another low cost
apartment, one he categorically could not
afford.
But we could.
He was timid. I assumed he was overwhelmed.
He turned to one of our team members
and said, “I love it here.” It’s low income housing
but it’s well run and it feels safe.
Lucious knew he couldn’t afford it and had
tears in his eyes when he tried to convey that by
simply mouthing the words, “I can’t.” But
Lucious didn’t understand what was happening.
That’s where Project Hope comes in to play.
We signed a lease on it and promptly raised the
money to pay his rent for an entire year. And we
are absolutely confident that we’ll raise the
money to keep him there.
We took him back to the emergency shelter
and told him that the very next Friday he’d be
spending the night in his new home—which is
where he’s been ever since. And with the most
bewildered expression, he thanked us. He
whispered, “I don’t even know what to say. I
love y’all so much. I just don’t know what to say.”
$600 per month provides sustainable
housing for our friends and provides money for
groceries. We currently have three in the
program and, as of this publishing, have just
secured a fourth sponsorship. We take them to
the grocery store every couple of weeks—and in
so doing, they’ve become way more than
friends. They’re family. Through the generosity
of others, we’re able to change lives—and our
lives are changed, too.
We moved Lucious into his apartment that
following Friday and he slept for four days. But
the next time we saw him he was stronger, had a
twinkle in his eye, and was immensely grateful.
As are we.
“And the
King will reply,
‘Truly I tell
you, whatever
you did for the
least of these
brothers and
sisters of Mine,
you did for Me.’”
To learn more about Project Hope
and how to donate, visit showerpower.ms
Hometown RANKIN • 29
AWeight Loss
Journey
MISTIE DESPER
30 • JANUARY 2021
Running into an old friend would change Sharon Tipper , s life
in ways she could have never imagined by helping her shed
over 60 pounds and regain her health and happiness.
During a chance encounter at
the 2019 Mistletoe Marketplace,
Sharon ran into an old friend that
she simply did not recognize due
to her weight loss. She said, “I had
to do a double take because she
looked so different.” Admitting
her friend, Lynnette McNeil,
looked simply “incredible,” she
was compelled to find out exactly
what she had been doing.
At the time, Sharon had been
struggling with her own health and
weight issues. Having little energy
and a plummeting self esteem that
was causing her distress in daily
life, she revealed, “The Lord said to
me that this is not the life I called
you to live.” Adding to her distress,
her weight was causing shortness
of breath, body aches, and just
general unwellness.
Wanting to “hide from the
world,” Sharon was ready to make
a real change in her life. Her
husband, Carey, and daughter,
Ansley Morgan, were behind her
one hundred percent. She recalled,
“My husband is my biggest
supporter. When I talked to him
about it, he told me, ‘Do it for you
sweetheart.’” Overcome with
emotion remembering those who
have been her rocks during this
time, she lovingly spoke of each
person that has been instrumental
in her success.
She then contacted Lynnette
who became her health coach and
part of her support system. With
the support of her friends and
family and the guidance of
Lynnette, Sharon eagerly began her
journey on Memorial Day 2020.
Eating several small meals
during the day, avoiding junk food,
soft drinks, and aiming for 10,000
steps daily, it wasn’t long before
the weight started peeling away.
Daughter Ansley has been
Sharon’s biggest cheerleader always
expressing how proud she is of her
mom. These little constant words
of encouragement have helped her
push through the hard days and
trials she has faced along the way.
The love and support she has felt
has made a huge impact on her life.
As the weight melted away,
Sharon’s confidence and overall
happiness began to return. “My
family, friends, and work family
have been my biggest supporters
and always help me stay on track,”
she explained. Sharon’s co-workers
at Highland Endodontics in
Madison support and cheer her
on daily. Her friends also keep
her needs in mind when hosting
dinners or meetings at restaurants
so Sharon can stay on track with
her goals. This type of support is
vital to accomplishing such an
objective and her circle has risen
to the challenge to help ensure her
success. Sharon considers herself
fortunate to have so many people
behind her during her journey.
Her health coach has been a
constant encourager and support
system to keep her positive
throughout this journey as well.
Lynnette said, “I love seeing how
much more she is enjoying life now
because of all the effort she’s put
into creating new healthy habits
that will last her a lifetime.”
Regaining her health has been
Sharon’s main goal and motivation.
“My biggest victory through all of
this is resolving IBS health issues.
They have completely gone away,”
she admits.
Health coach Lynnette added,
“Sharon is a lady on fire for her
health and I’m so blessed and proud
to walk alongside her and so many
other people just like us who were
tired of not being able to have the
quality of life we longed for.”
Sharon isn’t done yet. Full
steam ahead and not looking back
to her former ways, she hopes to
lose an additional 20lbs. A journey
like this has its ups and downs as
well as setbacks. Sharon encourages,
“Believe in yourself. You are worth
the investment in yourself.” For
those wanting to begin a similar
journey, she suggests finding an
accountability partner. Sharon said,
“There will be hard days, you need
someone to encourage and keep
you positive.”
Sharon is taking her journey
one day at a time and enjoying her
new vigor for life and renewed
health. She said, “The Lord keeps
showing me that I can do all things
through Him.” She is excited to see
what the future holds.
Hometown RANKIN • 31
Picking Up
the
ieCes
Mistie Desper
P
32 • JANUARY 2021
The heart of a teacher not only serves but loves, shapes, and molds each student
as if they were their own child. Local teacher Caribeth Robinson took her love
and compassion one step further by opening her home in a time of need for one
child almost five years ago. That decision has changed her and her family’s life
as well as the life of young Jay Williams.
Caribeth, entering her 16th year of teaching
in the Canton School District, fondly recalls
being able to be involved in her students’ daily
lives over the years.
When 6-year-old Jay was in her second
grade class years ago, he and his family suffered
an unimaginable tragedy. Jay’s family was
victim to a violent crime that involved a gang
related shooting. This shooting riddled their
apartment with bullets and left his 9-year-old
brother shot ten times and severely wounded.
An angel was watching over the boys that night.
Jay walked away unharmed. His older brother
miraculously survived the brutal attack, as
well, but was in need of an extended hospital
stay and the full attention and care of their
mother. Jay was having trouble getting to
school every day. Heartbroken at what her
student was going through, Caribeth felt
called and led to offer a lending hand the
only way she knew how.
Caribeth approached her own family who
were all in favor of offering any help needed so
Jay could remain in school and maintain what
little normalcy he could. With her family on
board, she reached out to Jay’s mother offering
assistance until the woman was able to get her
other son’s health restored and regain her
ability to care for her children. Caribeth and
her family soon opened their home to Jay. She
said, “Jay has been an absolute blessing and a
gift to our family.”
In the following months, the opportunity
presented itself to become legal guardians of
Jay and they jumped without a second thought.
They had all quickly fallen in love with him and
he was already an integral part of their family.
Caribeth and her children, 17-year-old twins
Kate and Kyle Brasher and 15-year-old Kelli
Brasher, already considered Jay “theirs.” The
legal stuff was just a formality at that point.
Since then, Jay has thrived continuously
and the family has worked hard to ease his
transition and to make things as easy as possible
for him. Caribeth sought the help of her
African-American co-workers and friends
to learn the little things to make his life easier.
She remembered, “I took Jay to a regular barber
just not knowing. My principal at the time took
one look at him and asked me what I had done
to him. I just didn’t know.” Looking back and
finding a little humor, she admits there was a
slight learning curve.
Caribeth fondly recalled how her community
and friends have rallied around them and
treated Jay as their own. She said, “Everyone
has been so kind and welcoming.” Jay who
affectionately calls Caribeth “CB” added,
“I love them and I’m glad that they love me.”
Jay’s childhood experience has been
something no child should ever witness. His
resilience, determination, and sheer strength
is astonishing to all who know him.
Jay, now an 11-year-old fifth grader, is a
typical boy that loves sports. Caribeth gushed,
“He is a major baseball player, a true sweetheart,
and just a precious boy.”
Coach Joey Evans has had the opportunity
to coach Jay in baseball on several teams. He said,
“I’m a firm believer that coincidences are what
we often use as a means of explaining God’s
plan that we can’t yet fully understand or see,
and Jay entering my world was no coincidence.”
Admitting he knew early on that Jay was a kid
who had faced more than his share of adversity
he added, “The Jay we know today is not the
first to hang his head. In fact, he is the first to
lift his teammates up when they fall.”
Coach Jason Regan shared the same
sentiments. Both coaches rave about Jay’s
natural athletic talents and abilities. Coach
Regan added, “I watched Jay use the game of
baseball to help him learn how to deal with
adversity and become more mentally tough.”
Jay’s love of baseball is very clear. He said,
“I love having a big brother that always messes
with me and teaches me about baseball. I want
to be able to throw a fastball at 95mph soon.”
Jay extended kind words about his teammates
as well. Bonds like the ones with his family,
coaches, teammates, and teachers have helped
shape who he is today.
One of his favorite teachers, Shelly Gates,
bonded with him over sports. She lovingly
said, “Jay is one amazing kid. He never let his
circumstances define him. He came to school
every day with a smile on his face and a
willingness to work hard.” She admitted these
were the same characteristics of his older sister
Kelli and admirable qualities clearly being
taught at home. She added, “Jay chose to
overcome what was in the past and looks
forward to all that is in his very bright future.”
Of that very future, Jay confidently said,
“I’m going to pitch for the New York Yankees
one day.”
The outcome of a tragedy has grown into
an immense blessing for Caribeth, Jay, and
his siblings, Kate, Kyle, and Kelli. Caribeth
has been Jay’s legal guardian for five years now
and plans to finalize adoption in the future.
Right now, they are just enjoying a full life
with Jay. And Caribeth is relishing in all the
joys of raising her four children.
Hometown RANKIN • 33
RENEWED RESTORED REDEEMED
At the TOP of His Game
Susan Marquez
34 • JANUARY 2021
At six feet tall, Jeff Wall says he has always been a big guy.
“I’ve battled my weight my entire adult life,” he says. But at 58 years old, he
found himself weighing in at 242 pounds and knew he had to do something
to turn his health around. “I was clinically obese, and that was scary.”
Jeff knew what it was like to be at
the top of his game. “About 15 years
ago I was into power lifting. I felt so
good at 215 pounds, and even then,
I was carrying a lot more muscle, which
weighs more.”
Six months ago, Jeff and his wife,
Cynthia, hired a health coach and got
serious about losing weight. “What we
learned in the process is the things we
were eating were not right. Our coach
helped us with a structured nutrition
plan.” Eating six meals a day, Jeff never
got hungry. His eating was intentional
and planned for optimum weight loss.
He set a goal for himself to lose 27
pounds. “The first week, I lost 9.8 pounds.
I realized then that I needed to up my
goal!” Hoping to lose 50 pounds, Jeff
stuck with the plan and in five months,
he exceeded his goal, and he says he
did it simply by eating the proper foods.
Now Jeff weighs 179 pounds, down
63 pounds from his starting point. He
currently weighs the same amount he
weighed when he graduated from high
school. “People tell me all the time that
I’m getting too skinny, but for my height,
this is a healthy weight.” So healthy, in
fact, that when Jeff had a physical
recently to renew his life insurance, he
realized he was as healthy as he had
ever been in his life. “My body mass index
was healthy. The doctor ran a blood
panel and did an EKG, and all indicators
came back in the normal range. The
only reason I did not get the highest
rating from the insurance company is
because I had recently lost a significant
amount of weight. The insurance
company statistics show that 88% of
people regain their weight by the
second year. I’m determined to be in the
12% of people who keep the weight off!”
When he started his weight loss
journey, Jeff did not exercise. He had to
lose his goal weight before he could
start an exercise program. Now he rides
his Peloton bike three to four times
week, and he does Peloton yoga and
strength classes. “I don’t miss a day,” he
says. “Exercise is something I look
forward to. This is a whole new lifestyle
for me.”
Jeff and Cynthia are now health
coaches themselves, helping others to
achieve their desired weight. “Having a
doctor-developed nutrition plan makes
all the difference. This is not a temporary
thing. It is a long-term lifestyle change,
and having a coach keeps you accountable
to another person. But really, in the
end, you must be true to yourself. When
I hit my goal weight and realized how
good it feels to be healthy, I decided I
never want to go back to my old ways.”
Hometown RANKIN • 35
36 • JANUARY 2021
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BUSINESS
WITH PEOPLE AND
TECHNOLOGY THAT
WORK FOR YOU.
MEMBER FDIC | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
Hometown RANKIN • 37
38 • JANUARY 2021
??????????? WHERE ARE THEY NOW ???????????
Robin Sanders
MISTIE DESPER
Growing up in a small town is something
special that many do not get to experience. But
Robin Sanders was inspired at a young age to
pursue a career in education so she could give
back to the town she grew up loving so much.
The small, close knit community of
Pelahatchie has always been home to Robin. She
recalled many wonderful memories over the
years. Reminiscing about her former cheerleading
and basketball days, she said, “Coach Billy
Guy Gray was my basketball coach and he helped
to shape my attitude and determination. He
taught me to show up early and that you must put
in the work to be great.”
Robin’s very own teachers throughout school
made such an impact on her young life that she
decided to pursue education herself and give back
to her community. “I have many memories of
teachers who poured love into me over the years
and helped me to foster a love of learning and
helping others,” she said.
The love and dedication that the teacher
carries in her heart can be felt by every student
she teaches. Following in her own mother’s
footsteps to become an educator was an easy
decision. Robin fondly recalls her childhood
watching her mother, Brenda White, teach and
serve in their small community. Robin said, “She
dearly loved Pelahatchie and touched the lives of
many. I spent many afternoons at school with
the other teachers’ kids and learned at a young
age how to appreciate a loving work family.”
Earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary
education and a master’s in school psychometry
from Mississippi College, Robin soon fulfilled
her dream of being in the classroom with her
very own students. She humbly stated, “It is
amazing how, throughout your career, you meet
students, fellow teachers, and staff members who
make such an impact on your life.”
Now, with 22 years in education under
her belt and having earned the 2000-2001
Pelahatchie Elementary Teacher of the Year
award, Robin has helped to shape countless
students and has left a positive impact that has,
no doubt, changed lives. “One of the best feelings
is watching your students grow and go on to
make their own way in life,” Robin lovingly
recalled. “I have seen students time and time
again beat the odds and grow up to do great
things.”
Robin, her husband of 23 years, Shane, and
their daughters Reagan (18) and Payton (15) plan
to continue loving their small community of
Pelahatchie for many years to come as she serves
as principal of the elementary. She stays busy
with her two girls plus all of her bonus children
at the school but enjoys a good TV binge when
she can.
She proudly speaks of her town stating, “I
absolutely love a small town and the community
within it. I like that you can develop relationships
that are also your own community. Many of the
students I have today are the kids of childhood
friends and classmates, and I certainly don’t
mind having the occasional parent conference in
the aisles of the local grocery store.”
After teaching for 17 years at Pelahatchie
Elementary, she went on to serve families
through the Rankin County School District
before she was given the chance to return as
principal. Robin plans to continue serving her
community for the foreseeable future. She said,
“When the opportunity to come back home and
serve as principal became available, I knew it was
time to go home and work closely with my
community again. For now, my future goals in
education are to be a part of all Pelahatchie
Elementary successes to come! Go Chiefs!”
Hometown RANKIN • 39
Register Now!
hindscc.edu/ready
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies: EEOC Compliance: Sherry Franklin, Vice
President of Instruction/Career & Technical Education, Box 1003, Utica, MS 39175; Phone: 601.885.7002 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu. Title IX: Deandre House, Associate Vice President Student Services, Title
IX Coordinator, Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601.857.3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu.
40 • JANUARY 2021
BEST OF
THE BEST
Five years ago, the team at Hometown Publishing, publishers of Hometown Rankin Magazine,
embarked on creating a red carpet event that would celebrate the outstanding business community
in which we live and work. Rankin County’s Best of the Best Red Carpet Gala was born.
This year, nominations were accepted in sixty-eight categories, and online voting was used to determine
the winner in each category. Winners will be announced at the sold-out gala on January 14th.
Anyone in the top five of any category has clearly established themselves as a leader–
and for that we congratulate you!
We wish you continued success in 2021 and are honored to celebrate your achievements.
Hometown RANKIN • 41
BEST OF
THE BEST
Nominees
42 • JANUARY 2021
Dining
BEST ASIAN/SUSHI
Osaka Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
Ichiban Hibachi & Sushi Grill
Fuji Japanese & Sushi Grill
Asahi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
BEST BARBEQUE
Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, Brandon
Little Willie’s BBQ
Sonny’s BBQ
Boo’s Smokehouse BBQ
Smokehouse of Florence
BEST BURGER
Burgers & Blues
Laid Back Burger Shack
Mugshots Grill and Bar
Steak ‘n Shake
Taste of Detroit
BEST DELI
Chicken Salad Chick
Frisco Deli
McAlister’s Deli of Brandon
Newk’s Eatery of Flowood
Which Wich
BEST MEXICAN
El Cabrito Mexican Restaurant, Florence
El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant, Brandon
El Sombrero, Flowood
Fernando’s, Spillway
Papito’s Mexican Restaurant, Flowood
BEST PIZZA
Lost Pizza Co.
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Richland
Papa Johns, Florence
Pizza Hut, Richland
Soulshine Pizza Factory
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Boo’s Smokehouse BBQ
Longhorn Steakhouse
McClain Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse
Table 100
BEST DESSERT/BAKERY
GB Bakery
Primo’s Café
Sugar Magnolia Takery
SweeTee’s Treats & Design
The Yard Milkshake Bar
BEST BAR
Alumni House Sports Bar & Grill
BB’s Live
Buffalo Wild Wings
Table 100
The Gallows Bar at Genna Benna’s
BEST CATERER
4 Top Catering
Fresh Cut Catering & Floral
Georgia Blue
Sugar Magnolia Takery
The Hungry Goat
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Cups at Crossgates
Dunkin Donuts
GB Bakery
Mocha Mugs
Starbucks, Flowood
BEST BREAKFAST
Another Broken Egg
GB Bakery
Jo’s Diner
Primo’s Café
The Donut Shop, Florence
BEST LUNCH
Cross Country Grocery
Fannin Mart
Grant’s Kitchen and Grill
Mama’s Kitchen
Table 100
BEST DINNER
Amerigo Italian Restaurant
Cerami’s Italian Restaurant
Half Shell Oyster House
Jerry’s Fish House
Table 100
Health
& Wellness
BEST FAMILY DOCTOR
Dr. Carrie Nash,
Baptist Medical Group, Brandon
Dr. Todd Perkins, Merit Health, Flowood
Dr. Marc C. Hellrung, St. Dominic’s, Brandon
Dr. John Brooks, MEA Medical Clinic
Dr. James D. Polk,
Greenfield Family Healthcare
BEST FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC
Baptist Medical Clinic, Brandon
Florence Family Medical Clinic
Merit Health, Flowood
St. Dominic’s Family Medicine, Brandon
TrustCare, Brandon
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. Amanda H. Cook, The Children’s Clinic
Dr. Danny Mullins, The Children’s Clinic
Dr. Dennis W. Rowlen,
Rankin Children’s Group
Dr. Adam Adcock, The Children’s Clinic
Dr. W. Craig Flowers,
Rankin Children’s Group
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Blake Hobbs, Apex Physical Therapy
Mark Ware, The Strength Center
Physical Therapy
Spencer Shoemaker, Performance Therapy
Samantha Odom, Elite Physical Therapy
Brooks Fortenberry, Performance Therapy
BEST NURSE/
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Karen Seago, NP, Merit Health
Kelley Martin, NP,
Florence Family Medical Clinic
Candace Ashley, NP,
Florence Family Medical Clinic
Jennifer Pate,
Tri-County Pulmonary & Sleep Clinic
Donald Garrett, NP,
Greenfield Family Healthcare
Hometown RANKIN • 43
BEST SPECIALTY
MEDICAL CLINIC
Capital Ortho
East Lakeland OB/GYN Associates
Jackson Healthcare for Women
MS Sports Medicine and
Orthopaedic Center
New Path Counseling
BEST SPECIALTY
MEDICAL PHYSICIAN
Dr. Missy McMinn,
East Lakeland OB/GYN Associates
Dr. Chris Kneip, Capital Ortho
Dr. Donald Baker, Orthopedic Surgeon,
Merit Health Medical Group
Dr. Chad Hosemann, Capital Ortho
Dr. James Ramsey, MS Sports Medicine
BEST ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Castlewoods Place
Peach Tree Village Assisted Living
Plain View Assisted Living
The Blake at Flowood
Villa South Assisted Living
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Lynn Flower,
Fowler ProChiropractic & Wellness Center
Dr. Brad Kennedy,
Kennedy Chiropractic Clinic
Dr. Chad Brown, Brown Chiropractic Clinic
Dr. Joanie Winstead, Reservoir Chiropractic
Dr. Hailey Fortenberry,
Brandon Family Chiropractic
BEST DENTIST/ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Jason Cox, Belle Meade Family Dental
Dr. Shaun Mayatte, Mayatte Family Dentistry
Dr. Sara Langston, Dental Wellness
Dr. Wendy Lewis,
The Winning Smile Dental Group
Dr. Erin Green, Grants Ferry Family Dental
BEST OPTOMETRIST/
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr. Anna Taylor,
Taylor EyeCare Family Optometry
Dr. Anh Giang Edwards,
Professional Eyecare Associates
Dr. R.W. Pharr, Family Eye Care
Dr. Mark Allen, The Optical Shoppe
Dr. J. Minor Pace, 20/20 Vision Care
BEST FITNESS CENTER
Burn Boot Camp, Flowood
Fitness 1440, Richland
Focus Fit, Pearl
Squad 232, Flowood
The Club at Crossgates
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
Adrian Jones,
Trusting Hands Massage Therapy
Lacey Clark, The Wellness Spa
Rachel Garletts,
Well Being Massage Therapy
DeAngela Hall, The Peaceful Escape
Tonya Blough, Reservoir Chiropractic
Retail &
Professional
Services
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP
Bob Boyte Honda
Fowler Buick GMC
Gray-Daniels Ford
Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet
BEST FLORIST
A Yellow Rose
Chapman’s Florist
Green Floral
Simply Southern Celebrations
Willow Blu Florist,
Gifts and Custom Framing
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Ashley HomeStore & Outlet
D. Noblin Furniture
Miskelly Furniture
Ross Furniture
T & D Furniture
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Crossgates Jewelers
Crown Jewelers
DNS Diamonds
Jackson Jewelers
Mike Wright Jewelry
BEST GIFT SHOP
Apple Annie’s Gift Shop
Downtown Giftery
Mockingbird Marketplace
O! How Cute Boutique & Gifts
Vintiques
BEST MARKET/
PLANTS/PRODUCE
Cockrell’s Farmers Market
Doris Berry’s Farmers Market
Lakeland Yard & Garden
Rivers Greenhouse & Garden
The Landing Plant & Feed
BEST PHARMACY
Brandon Discount Drugs
Family Drug Mart
Kroger Pharmacy at Dogwood
Polk’s Drugs at Crossgates
Rhodes & Robby Rexall Drugs
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
BOUTIQUE
Itty Bitty Kid’s Boutique
Southern Raised
The Punky Rooster
Traditions
Willow & Grace
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING
BOUTIQUE
Flawless Boutique
Heart of the South
Sweet Peas Boutique
The Beach Look Boutique
The Punky Rooster
BEST HAIR SALON
Liv the Salon
Meraki Hair Studio
Salon 232
The Chop Shop Barber & Salon
Untamed Salon
BEST HAIR STYLIST
Harley Taylor, Liv the Salon
Jessica Hudson, Meraki Hair Studio
Noelle Covington, The Chop Shop
Jamie Windham, Shear Shack
Tamara Shows, Untamed Salon
44 • JANUARY 2021
BEST NAIL SALON
Elegant Nails
Guitar Nails and Spa
Infinity Nails
Polished Nail Bar
ZaZa Nails & Spa
BEST SPECIALTY
ADVERTISING
BMARKETED – Benavides, LLC
Global Screen Printing
Hallet Group Marketing
One Way Promotional
Pollchaps Screen Print & Embroidery
BEST FINANCIAL
INSTITUTION
BankPlus, Flowood
Community Bank, Brandon
PriorityOne Bank, Brandon
Renasant Bank, Flowood
Trustmark Bank, Castlewoods
BEST FINANCIAL LENDER
Melissa Usry, Community Bank Mortgage
Leslie Key, Iberia Mortgage
Kasey Finklea, Diversified Mortgage
Savana Skelton, Origin Bank
Shane Dubois, Community Bank
BEST LANDSCAPING
PROFESSIONAL
Ambiance Landscape
Plant It Earth
Scarlet Oak Lawn Care
Murphy’s Lawn & Landscape
LawnSouth
BEST REALTOR
Kim Griffin, The McCaughan Company
Trey Fontaine, Havard Real Estate
Layla Hutton, Three Rivers Real Estate
Victoria Prowant, Southern Real Estate
Suzie McDowell, Keller Williams
Professionals
BEST ACCOUNTANT
Jennifer Brown, Garrett & Garrett
Kimberly Foreman, CPA
Jason Witcher, Witcher CPA
Kristi Thompson, Barlow & Company
Tom Windham, Windham & Lacey
BEST ARCHITECT
Erin Zieren, JH&H Architects
Joshua Jefcoat, JH&H Architects
Jose´ Arellano, Pryor Morrow
Jeff Green, The Pickering Firm
Nat Whitten, The Pickering Firm
BEST ATTORNEY
Sharon Thibodeaux,
Patterson & Thibodeaux
Tameika Bennett, Bennett Law Office
Mel Coxwell, Law Office of Mel Coxwell
Jeff Arnold, Arnold & Associates
Shannon Elliott, Elliott Law Firm
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISER
Andrew Comans, Trustmark Bank
Chas Gualano, Trustmark Bank
Dywayne Watkins,
Raymond James Financial Services
Michael Humphreys,
Humphreys Consulting Group
Rob Osborne, Primerica
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Malcolm Houston, State Farm
Jordan Pitts, The Policy Center
Stephen Wallace, Insurance Associates
Andy Eaton, Andy Eaton Insurance Agency
Clancy Walker,
Insurance Protection Specialists
BEST HOME BUILDER
Burrell Properties
Deep South Custom Homes
Lyles Signature Homes
Mike Roberson Builders
S & S Builders
BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT
COMPANY
Byrd & Cook
Kitchen Kreations
Lakeside Moulding
Miller’s Custom Carpentry
Stephens Custom Renovations
BEST HOME INSPECTION
COMPANY
Chadwick Inspection Services
Clear View Property Inspection
Cornerstone Inspections
Keith Stewart Home Inspection
Magnolia Home Inspection
BEST HEATING & COOLING
COMPANY
The AC Doctors
AirCo - Heating & Air Conditioning Services
Pure Air Consultants
AKM Air Solutions
Southern Air Services
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Erica Burleson Photography
Haley Lowe Photography
Katelyn Anne Photography
Watson Photography
Sherri Derrick Photography
BEST AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
Barnett’s Body Shop
Darrell’s Auto Repair
Gleason Tire
The Service Station
The Tire Depot
BEST DRY CLEANER
Nu-Way Dry Cleaning
Express Cleaners
Safeway Cleaners & Laundry
Wells Cleaners
Kolb’s Cleaners
BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Scott Houston, Brandon Animal Hospital
Dr. Gina Blackwell, Oakdale Animal Hospital
Dr. Tammy Dye, Florence Animal Clinic
Dr. Rick Kirby,
Hometown Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Ben Zieren, Luckney Animal Hospital
BEST DAYCARE
Miss Mandy’s Christian Daycare
Kids Konnection Christian Learning Center
Circle of Friends Learning Center
Railroad Center Daycare
Kids Stop Daycare & Preschool
Hometown RANKIN • 45
Miscellaneous
BEST FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT
Black Axes Throwing Club
Fannin Lanes
McClain Safari Park
Spinners of Florence
Brandon Amphitheater
BEST PLACE TO WORK -
SMALL BUSINESS
Apex Physical Therapy
Fowler ProChiropractic & Wellness Center
Greenfield Family Healthcare
Humphreys Consulting Group
Performance Therapy
BEST PLACE TO WORK -
MEDIUM BUSINESS
Capitol Body Shop, Flowood
Infusion Plus
Precision Spine
The Face & Body Center
Zavation Medical Products, LLC
BEST PLACE TO WORK -
LARGE BUSINESS
Capital Ortho
Encompass Health
KLLM Transport
Mississippi Sports Medicine
and Orthopaedic Center
Rankin County School District
BEST NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue
Ever Reaching Community Outreach
Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County
Mustard Seed
The Baptist Children’s Village
46 • JANUARY 2021
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Hometown RANKIN • 55
Congratulations!
TO OUR OWN
SAMANTHA ODOM
FOR HER NOMINATION AS
TOP 5 PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
IN RANKIN COUNTY!
Ready to serve all of your physical therapy needs!
Visit us at MyElitePT.com to request an appointment.
THANK YOU,
RANKIN COUNTY!
For nominating Gray Daniels Ford
Best Car Dealership!
GrayDanielsFord.com
56 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 57
58 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 59
When Care at Home is Not Enough…
We’re Here For You!
Thank You for
Voting Us
TOP 5
st of th st
214 Spell Drive Richland, MS
601-664-1966
Committed to excellence in providing
compassionate and quality senior care
www.hickoryseniorliving.com
60 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 61
62 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 63
Proud to be nominated as a
Top 5 Best Family Medical Clinic
in Rankin’s Best of the Best
Thank you for letting us
serve in this community we love.
Stay safe & healthy.
trustcarehealth.com
64 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 65
Thank you for making our new
Flowood location a huge success!
theyardmilkshakebar.com
113 Dogwood Blvd Suite #34 Flowood, MS 39232
66 • JANUARY 2021
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Hometown RANKIN • 71
72 • JANUARY 2021
CONGRATULATIONS,
Savana!
Congratulations to Savana Skelton
for being nominated as a Top 5 Nominee in the Best Financial Lender category of the Red Carpet program.
NMLS# 1119600
Origin Bank NMLS# 455990
www.Origin.bank
Member FDIC
Hometown RANKIN • 73
74 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 75
76 • JANUARY 2021
Pearl MEA Primary Care Plus
is honored by the nomination
of our very own
Dr. John Brooks
for
Top 5 Best Doctors
in
Rankin’s Best of the Best.
Dr. Brooks is a member of MEA’s dedicated team of healthcare heroes who
are on the forefront of patient care in Central Mississippi.
A native of Rankin County, Dr. Brooks loves his community and sincerely
appreciates being nominated.
Brandon Byram Canton Clinton Flora Flowood Jackson Laurel
Madison Pearl Richland Ridgeland Tupelo Vicksburg Yazoo City
Hometown RANKIN • 77
Congratulations
to St. Dominic’s Family Medicine-Brandon
for being nominated as
RANKIN’S TOP 5 BEST OF THE BEST!
Marc Hellrung, MD Shara Beckwith, NP Emily Harbarger, NP Heather Kuriger, NP
St. Dominic’s Family Medicine-Brandon
1297 West Government Street
Brandon, MS 39042
601-200-4790
stdom.com
2820-SDM-HomeTownRankin-FP-Bestof.indd 1
78 • JANUARY 2021
12/10/20 11:33 AM
THANK YOU
FOR NOMINATING US!
SHANE’ DUBOIS
Best Banker
BEST
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
MELISSA USRY
Best Banker
NMLS#730127
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Staff
Hometown RANKIN • 79
80 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 81
SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
As a young adult in high school, a few buddies of mine and I
volunteered for the Langford Fire Department up until graduation.
My buddies went off and joined the Army, but I signed on at the
Reservoir Fire Department a year later and have been here ever
since. All my family was in the military, and I knew most of my
life that I wanted to serve my country. When things didn’t pan
out to join the Coast Guard, I decided to serve as a fireman.
How long have you been with the
Reservoir Fire Department?
I have been with Reservoir for 25+ years. I was recently promoted
to a battalion chief position and am honored to be a part.
Tell us about your family.
My wife Nicole and I have a blended family of four boys that
range from 14-19 years old. We are a Christian family and are
members of First Baptist of Fannin. In our spare time, we love
to grill out, go hunting, fishing, and watch/attend Mississippi
State football games.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced
in your job?
Encountering kids in need of help is always difficult, and
probably the toughest part about my job.
Battalion Chief
Michael
Robbins
RESERVOIR FIRE DEPARTMENT
What is the best/most rewarding part about your job?
The best part about my job is definitely helping people – it’s why
I began volunteering in the first place. I had no idea what I was
getting into when I first started the job, thinking it would be
mostly fighting fires, when in reality we do mostly medical calls
in the day to day. It definitely helps to have a background in
many different areas, and I’ve gone back and forth to the
Mississippi State Fire Academy many times over the years for
classes to be able to serve people like I do today.
82 • JANUARY 2021
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I enjoy spending my spare time in the outdoors, whether it be
fishing and hunting with the kids or working outside in the yard.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. I would like to tour each state and see the countryside. 2. Travel
the world with my wife and experience new things together. 3.
Maybe run for public office one day.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my wife in so many ways. She is able to hold our house
together without complaint, and run two full-time jobs seamlessly.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person,
what would it be?
Make smart decisions in life and treat one another with respect.
Help out where you can.
What is your favorite thing about the Reservoir?
The community here is one of the closest-knit group of people
I’ve ever seen. Neighbors helping neighbors is what I have noticed
in most of the community.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
Having grown up in Pelahatchie, I’ve lived in Rankin County
all my life. Rankin County has a family oriented feeling, and
I’m proud to have lived and grown up here.
PHOTOS: Jennifer Nicholson Photography
Hometown RANKIN • 83
84 • JANUARY 2021
I’ve worked as a coach, teacher,
and administrator both at Hartfield
and at other excellent schools. I’ve found
that Hartfield Academy is different.
The fulfillment I get from being a part
of God working through our faculty is
extremely rewarding. I truly feel like I’m
a part of a school community that is
making a difference in the lives of students,
both now, and for years to come.
-David Horner, Head of School
WINNER
FIND YOUR WHY
(601) 992-5333 hartfield.org
TURN YOUR HOPES OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
INTO A REALITY
MELISSA USRY
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
melissa.usry@communitybank.net
(0) 601.203.2222
(C) 601.906.1921
NMLS# 730127
Hometown RANKIN • 85
86 • JANUARY 2021
From
Hometown Girl
Mrs.
to
Mississippi
America
Erin Williams
Madison resident Whitney Gladden is a lot of things to a
lot of people. She’s a dedicated wife, loving mama, attorney,
registered therapy dog handler, community service advocate,
and a fitness instructor, to name just a few. In addition to all
of her existing roles, Whitney added a new platform to her
daily duties in 2020–Mrs. Mississippi America.
“It’s still so exciting for me to even talk about my current
title as Mrs. Mississippi America because honestly I’m not a
pageant person historically,” said Whitney. “I never competed
in pageants growing up, except for the one year I did Junior
Miss as a teen. The only thing I won that year was an award
for most ads sold!”
Although her entrance into, and success in, the pageant
world came as a surprise to Whitney initially, it’s a platform
she has truly come to enjoy.
“My husband Lee’s family followed friends in pageantry as
he was growing up, so it was familiar to him,” said Whitney.
“For 10 years, he always told me I would be good at pageants,
but I never really understood why until I got involved in it.
So I said no for a while before finally saying yes.”
Whitney’s first pageant in the “Mrs.” division was in 2017,
and Whitney has been fortunate to win multiple titles in that
time before achieving her current win as Mrs. Mississippi
America in 2020.
“I am a naturally competitive person, but I’ve always
focused more on competing against myself. I just work hard
to bring the best version of Whitney Gladden to the table,”
she said. “I love the discipline it takes to compete, to work to
further a cause you’re so passionate about, and how it can set
an example for my kids that you can accomplish whatever
you want in any stage of your life.”
Hometown RANKIN • 87
Although Whitney’s husband Lee is one of her biggest
supporters, he’d no doubt have to compete for the title of
“biggest fan” with their two children, Tucker and Macy,
whom Whitney says are two of “the absolute best things
I ever did in life.”
Tucker and Macy have also been integral to Whitney in
her pageant career because their heart and focus on community
service has inspired her platform, Kids for a Cause. “Kids
for a Cause was inspired by my two kids. It’s about getting
kids involved in meaningful service opportunities so that they
can give back to others in their community,” said Whitney.
“Can you imagine what would happen if we had an entire
generation of people who lived in a mentality of serving
others? It would change the whole world!”
Her children understand her platform firsthand. They
are the founders of a service organization themselves, The
Provision Project. The Provision Project aims to meet the
needs of homeless people in their community through gift
drives and fundraising projects. Tucker and Macy also enjoy
accompanying mom and their registered therapy dog,
Chicken Nugget, on community service projects to places
like Shower Power or The Grace House. In all that they do,
community service is rooted in the day-to-day lives of every
member of the Gladden family, right down to Chicken
Nugget himself!
“My kids have such genuine, service oriented hearts, and
it’s something God did in them, not us,” said Whitney.
“They inspire Lee and me both, really. They’re world changers,
and they prove that you don’t need a title to change the
world.”
Whitney went on to talk about her faith and the way
that it impacts each decision in her life. She spoke about how
there is no greater crown anyone could wear than the crown
that God puts on your head.
88 • JANUARY 2021
“This title is like a megaphone. When you
have a crown on your head, suddenly people
want to hear what you have to say,” said
Whitney. “It has put me in a bigger space to
share my ideals and my faith. I’m here to
glorify God and for others to see Jesus through
me, and through my family. And at the end of
the day, regardless of if I ever win another title,
I know who I am and I know who Jesus
thinks I am.”
Although Whitney is preparing to compete
in the national Mrs. America pageant, which
is currently set to take place in Las Vegas on
January 22-30, she stresses that you don’t need
a title to change the world.
“When I no longer have this title, and that
day will come, you can still find me spreading
the same message, said Whitney. “Right now,
I just have a bigger stage.” ●
Hometown RANKIN • 89
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junior_league_jumble
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90 • JANUARY 2021
Hometown RANKIN • 91
The CHALKBOARD
Brandon High
Brandon High School is proud to highlight
our two National Merit Finalists, seniors
Lindsey Patrick and Joseph Bailey. Through
their remarkable academic achievements,
extracurricular involvement, and leadership
qualities, both students truly embody what
it means to have the “Heart of a Bulldog.”
Undoubtedly, Lindsey and Joseph will leave
a mark of excellence on BHS.
Lindsey Patrick’s academic inclinations
are evidenced by her 36 ACT score, her
4.4 Grade Point Average, her numerous
1st place Math and Science Tournament
awards, and her participation on BHS’s
Academic Team. While maintaining this
stellar academic performance, Lindsey has
devoted upwards of five years swimming
competitively for Brandon High School and
Sunkist Swim Team, garnering a myriad of
awards and recognitions including many
state champion performances, being named
Most Valuable Swimmer and Swimmer of
the Year, and serving as captain of the girls’
varsity team.
Joseph Bailey has likewise achieved
academically as a member of the ACT 30+
Club and securing a spot on the All A Honor
Roll for four consecutive years. Additionally,
Joseph serves as a leader in various
extracurricular activities, both school and
community based–captain of the BHS tennis
team, lead member of the BHS media team,
president of the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, and president of Mayor’s Youth
Council.
As leaders in the classroom, among their
peers, and within the community at large,
we have no doubt that these students are
leaving Brandon High School as burgeoning
change-makers, guaranteed to meaningfully
impact the communities with which they
engage and doing so with intellect,
compassion, and humility.
92 • JANUARY 2021
Northshore
While this year may have started off a little bit differently, Northshore
Elementary has had a great year! Our students have embraced the use of
technology and use their new iPads and Chromebooks daily.
We found ways to stay involved with our Rankin County community.
For example, our younger students have had exciting educational visits from
the fire department and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office.
This year Northshore has added a STEM class, where students learn and
practice the engineering design process as well as learn basic coding skills.
In addition to academics, Northshore students have participated in a variety
of other schoolwide activities. To name a few, Northshore students celebrated
Go Gold Day to raise money and spread awareness of childhood cancer.
In addition, students celebrated both homecoming and Red Ribbon Week
by having dress-up days.
We know that the rest of the year will be just as exciting as the first semester!
Hometown RANKIN • 93
The CHALKBOARD
Pelahatchie High
Finding Joy
Leslie Hebert
Teaching is hard–so add a worldwide pandemic with
new classroom cleaning procedures, additional
expectations with technology, hybrid and/or online
classes, and you have a recipe for exhausted
teachers. However, teachers are resilient –
adaptable; we make adjustments and continue
moving forward with just about any new initiative
or procedure. How do we continue that pace?
Joy – finding joy in the midst of our circumstances.
We are intentional when it comes to seeking joy
because it, alone, has the ability to keep pushing
us forward.
Here, at Pelahatchie High School, most of our
teachers say they find joy in their families. Some,
however, elaborated a little more. See their
responses below:
Williams
Keyes
Our principal, Teague Burchfield, says he finds joy in
faith, family, and service.
Kelsey Williams, transportation supervisor and math
teacher, finds joy most in the Lord, but also in her
family, friends, and coworkers. However, most
of all, she finds joy in spending time with her new
baby niece.
Librarian Eles Renfroe finds joy being out in nature.
Assistant teacher, Kimberly Keyes, has found more
joy during the pandemic because she has had more
time with her family. They are cooking and eating
together more than ever before.
Coach Tip Nutt says baseball practice and his PS4
helps relieve stress and bring him joy.
Watson
White
Kimberly Watson, our Spanish teacher, finds her joy
in yoga, arts and crafts, and unplugging to balance
the calm and chaos.
Science teacher, Tammie Bright, finds joy in her
children and grandchildren.
Larry White, substitute teacher, finds joy in having
extra time to spend with his wife; they are talking
more and eating at the dinner table more.
Bookkeeper, Kristen Butcher, says cooking and
Netflix are bringing her joy during this time.
I, too, find joy in spending time with my family but
also in reading and writing. In this upcoming holiday
season, how will you find joy?
Hebert
Bright
94 • JANUARY 2021
Pearl Public School District
The Pearl Junior High Thespian Troupe 89177 and Pearl High
Thespian Troupe 4537 presented Descendants the Musical via
live stream. The community had the unique opportunity to
experience the musical from the comfort of their own home.
Pearl High School Key Club members served alongside Pearl Kiwanis Club members
to prepare and deliver meals to vehicles for the Pearl Kiwanis Club Annual Pancake
Supper. All the proceeds of the Pancake Supper go to civic and charitable projects
primarily in the Pearl community.
Hometown RANKIN • 95
The CHALKBOARD
Hartfield Academy
5th graders read “The Kid Who Became President”
in their unit about our nation’s government and election
process. They also had a former secret service member
and Hartfield mom to share a little bit about her
experience helping keep our nation’s leaders safe!
Wearing costumes inspired by the first Thanksgiving, Hartfield kindergarteners
spent the morning appreciating the meaning of this important American holiday
by making crafts, reading fun stories, and enjoying a sweet treat or two.
East campus students browsed the book fair in small groups
before the book fair officially opened to parent shoppers.
Creed Redditt, a K5 Hartfield student,
grins as he works on a Thanksgiving art project.
Second grade students are refining their
persuasive writing skills as their turkey friends
try to convince turkey-lovers to NOT eat them
for Thanksgiving.
Dr. Kim Simpson’s dual credit biology class used
the «Is Genesis History» series as inspiration for a
recent project exploring some of the world›s most
debated topics related to the creation account
laid out in the book of Genesis.
K3 made turkey donuts for Thanksgiving this year!
This kind of tactile activity allows students to think
creatively while working with their hands, resulting
in a yummy snack that is almost too cute to eat!
It was signing day for seniors Carson Turner,
who signed with the Jones College soccer
program, and Annelise Bell and Taylor Phillips,
who signed to the Copiah-Lincoln Community
College soccer program! We are confident that
these state champions have many more
accomplishments ahead, and we are thrilled
for what is to come for each of them.
.Congratulations to senior varsity volleyball player
Julia Dyess, who signed her national letter of intent!
This outside hitter and Hartfield Athletics standout
has committed to Ole Miss Volleyball, where she
will represent the Hawks well this fall.
96 • JANUARY 2021
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Hometown RANKIN • 97
TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
It was in my childhood that I first learned
it from my parents, “Say thank-you.”
The circumstances were usually for compliments
or gifts. Without really understanding the significance
of the brief “thank you,” I soon caught on, and as I
grew older, added an assortment of “you’re welcomes”
that the really polite people use to accompany a
compliment.
When I became a student of historical facts
somewhere around my fourth grade year, I learned
the details of a celebration – a holiday celebration
– that said a grateful “thank you.” As I watched Mother
add extra butter to the November stuffing and Daddy
layer the giant slabs of white meat from our turkey
onto a super-size tray, I could picture the Pilgrims and
Indians gathered around a long, food-laden table as
a thanksgiving prayer was offered.
Years later as I continued to broaden my education
into theology, I began a totally new study on thanksgiving.
God’s Word, which I declare to be totally inerrant,
states that we believers are to offer thanksgiving in
everything. What a bold declaration!
When I was younger that meant, “Thank you for
the sunshine, our food, my family, our pets, and all
the presents we get.” As I matured and studied God’s
Word and His faithfulness, I was able to enlarge my
thankfulness. IN everything, I was able to thank God
when the biscuits burned, when the transmission
began a “funny” clicking sound, when I lost my billfold
and then my keys, when prayers weren’t answered
the way I expected, when the moles treated my tulip
bulbs like appetizers, when unkind words were spoken
to me, when 2020 flipped our lifestyles upside down,
when worship services were moved to virtual meetings,
and when school schedules were placed on hold or
zoomed.
Obviously there’s no magic in chanting God’s
praises and thank yous, but it is a unique, blessed
response for believers. Why? With each thank you in
every difficult situation, I’m affirming my faith in God’s
sovereign control which empties a little more of me,
making room for more of my Peacemaker.
98 • JANUARY 2021
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Hometown RANKIN • 99
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