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“If we missed
church two or
three times in
a row, it showed
up in our home.”
backgrounds, the same values,
and they were both Catholics.
At ages thirty- four and thirty-six,
the two were mature and
had dated numerous people.
Marriage was a commitment
they were confident in making.
St. Peter’s in downtown
Jackson was the setting for
their wedding on October 28,
1995. “It was a huge wedding,”
Stacey said as she recalled the
grand celebration and reception
at the University Club.
The two are quick to share
that their marriage was God’s
will, and they also give Him
credit for giving them the perfect
child. After five years of marriage,
they were discussing the
possibility of adopting a Russian
child, but on Valentine’s Day of
2000, she heard the life-changing
word that she was pregnant.
“What were key elements in
your attractions to each other?” I
asked. Glenn didn’t wait to consider
his answer. “She wasn’t dependent,
wasn’t needy and never
complained – and of course she
was beautiful.” Stacey’s lap dog
was in a deep dog nap when she
said, “Glenn had a great work
ethic, was well-rounded, kind,
good to my family and really
cute – and I loved his voice. He
was the whole package.”
“What do you think makes a
marriage stick?” was a second
question. “Church!” Glenn answered
without hesitation as
Stacey nodded in agreement.
“If we missed church two or
three times in a row, it showed
up in our home.”
Stacey gave laughter as a
second “glue.” “We laugh all the
time,” she said. As for arguments,
Glenn said, “I usually
lost. I would take time to filter
through it while Stacey diluted
the argument with a shopping
trip.” The main disciplinarian?
Gabbi was quick to enter the
conversation with an answer she
knew from experience. “It was
Mama’s look – that’s all it usually
took.” She continued, “Both
parents were strict, but they
expected my best at all times.”
It was obvious that Gabbi has
honored their expectations.
From 1999 to 2010, Glenn
was a chief warrant officer in the
National Guard. From there he
began working with the Federal
Department of Commerce.
Retirement seemed enticing last
June when he made it official.
Then the pandemic instigated
another job offer as president of
Premier Guard USA, a surgical,
medical mask company in
Pelahatchie.
Stacey holds her own impressive
resume. She’s worked with
governors, mayors, and other
political officials in fundraising
and as a strategist. Even with
busy workloads she’s been an
active volunteer, serving as
immediate past president of the
Greater Jackson Art Council,
president of Jackson Symphony
League and a sustainer in the
Junior League of Jackson. Her
expertise as a fundraising
consultant still keeps her busy
with various projects.
The couple keeps an apartment
in Starkville so they can be
a part of Gabbi’s college life.
After she graduates, they plan to
begin checking off travels on
their bucket list. The likelihood
of laughter and contentment
accompanying them is a sure bet.
Hometown RANKIN • 7