Our South Fall 2021

There’s no place like

COLLINS | MAGEE | MENDENHALL | RICHLAND

Member FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

BUY • B U ILD • REFI

6 CONTRIBUTORS

7 OUR SOUTH LOCATIONS

If you’re ever looking for a spare copy,

you know where to find them!

ON THE COVER:

Fall in Our South is a riot of

color and beautiful decor,

with no shortage of locales

to enjoy the weather.

10 VIKING HONEY

Jimmy Giles raises cows and bees in the

idyllic hamlet of Monterey, Mississippi.

18 FLORA DEPOT

BEAUTIFICATION

Through a partnership with America in Bloom and

the Canadian National Railway, Donna Yowell aims

to beautify Flora’s historic train station.

24 THE BEATNIK

The Condreys pay homage to the Beatnik era in

this lushly modern yet nostalgic cluster of

cabins, perfect for a weekend getaway.

32 THE ROGERS FAMILY

Douglas Tanner Rogers is a third-generation

military legacy, having graduated from West Point.

34 THE MONTGOMERY HOUSE

This historical home is nestled in the heart of the

ever-busy Madison, Mississippi.

40 URBAN PARADISE

Behind a stately home in the historic

Belhaven neighborhood lies a secret garden.

49 MARGARET’S GROCERY

Preacher Dennis promised Margaret that if he

married her, he’d build her a castle – and that’s

exactly what he did.

53 THE ANCHOR THAT HOLDS

Ron and Karen Crowe have a passion for missions

and a sincere desire to share the love of Christ

with all they meet.

58 THE CAKE WITH

A STRANGE NAME

This refreshing, citrusy cake is delicious

any time of year.

61 CALLING IT LIKE

YOU SEE IT

Mike Harland brings us an insightful perspective

on seeing the good and positive in other people.

2 … OUR SOUTH

ALL THINGS SOUTHERN … 3

BUSINESS – 10

Viking Honey

PLACES – 24

The Beatnik

HISTORY – 34

Montgomery House

LOCALE – 40

Urban Paradise

RELIGION – 53

The Anchor Holds

FOOD – 58

The Cake with the Strange Name

4 … OUR SOUTH


Publisher

James Arrington Goff

Executive Editor

Analyn Arrington Goff

Systems Administrator

Anna Goff

Graphic Designer

Anna Griffing

Contributors

The writings of SHERYE GREEN reflect her journey of

faith and explore the heart’s inner landscapes. A former Miss

Mississippi, she has authored three books: Abandon Not

My Soul, Tending the Garden of My Heart: Reflections on

Cultivating a Life of Faith, and Surviving Hitler, Evading

Stalin: One Woman’s Remarkable Escape from Nazi

Germany. Over 130 of her articles, poems, and short stories

have been published in magazines, newspapers, and story

collections. Sherye and her husband, Mark, both graduates

of Mississippi State University, reside in Jackson.

Pick up your copy of Our South

at any of the following locations:

HATTIESBURG

Hattiesburg Clinic

Hattiesburg Visitor’s Center

Lake Terrace Convention Center

McKenzie’s on Main

Main Street Books

Forrest General Hospital

Advertising

Lillian Thomas

lillythomas@bellsouth.net

Contributors

Jacque Rogers

Jeannie Arrington Gooch

Sherye Green

Susan Marquez

Gwen Keys Hitt

Cille Litchfield

Nelda Mitchell

Barbara Hamilton

Carolyn Walker

Jill Deakle

Andrew Welch

Elizabeth Jonson

Circulation

oursouth@att.net

Our South is published four times a year by

Our South Publishing, LLC.

P.O. Box 1899

Collins, Mississippi 39428

Single copies of Our South are available at

fine stores throughout South Mississippi.

The cost for a one-year subscription is $25.

© Our South Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any

manner without written consent from the Publisher.

Our South cannot be held liable for any errors and omissions.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Jimmy Goff

2008 - 2014

SUSAN MARQUEZ has an inquiring mind, with a

strong curiosity about all things Southern -- from its

people and places to its culture, history and potential.

She’s been writing professionally since 2001, and splits

her time between homes in Madison, Mississippi and

New Orleans, Louisiana. She and her husband, Larry, are

empty-nesters, except for their two anxiety-ridden mixedbreed

rescue dogs.

MIKE HARLAND grew up in Corinth, Mississippi,

graduated from Delta State University and New Orleans

Baptist Theological Seminary, and has led churches in

worship leadership roles for most of his life. He is the

Associate Pastor of Worship at the First Baptist Church of

Jackson. Mike is also the author of two books; Seven Words

of Worship and Worship Essentials- Growing a Healthy

Worship Ministry Without Starting a War. He and his wife,

Teresa, have three grown children and four granddaughters.

CALEB PHILLIPS, originally of Enterprise, MS, attended

Russell Christian Academy and Jones College.He is currently

a visitor’s assistant at Mississippi Children’s Museum-

Meridian, and enjoys writing in his free time. This fall, he

will be attending the University of Mississippi where he will

pursue a degree in Art History.

JENNIFER BOSWELL is a Mississippi girl, proud to

be from the “Hospitality State”. She is a graduate of the

University of Southern Mississippi and has served as the

public relations director for a state agency for 17 years.

She is a self-proclaimed foodie and home cook. When not

in the kitchen, she enjoys writing, gardening and hiking.

She and her husband are the parents of two grown children.

They reside in Jones County with three entertaining and

demanding cats.

Forrest General Hospital

Cancer Center

Plastic Surgery of

Hattiesburg Clinic

Women’s Pavilion of

South Mississippi

The Healing Touch

Wells Fargo

McB’s

Newpointe Pharmacy

Hattiesburg/Okatoma KOA

Cheryl Cranford, Realtor

Delois Smith Real Estate Team

Bellevue Florist

Columbia Block and Brick

Anderson Carpet One

Anderson Rug Market

Accents

Jewelmasters

Randy Price

Talbots

Turkoyz

The Studio

Nebletts

Eden Spa

Blooms

Connections Clinic

Guess Gallery

The Oral & Maxillofacial

Surgery Center

COLLINS

C&C Drugs

Covington County Hospital

Covington County

Chamber of Commerce

The News-Commercial

Collins Antiques & More

JACKSON

Lemuria Books

Albriton’s Jewelry

SEMINARY

Cranford’s Drug Store

Sole Sisters

MOUNT OLIVE

Powell Drug Store

Mimi’s Restaurant

MAGEE

City Florist

BB’s Salon

Magee Chamber of Commerce

Insurance Associates

LAUREL

The Rusty Chandelier

The Laurel Leaf

The Mercantile

Flowertyme Florist

STAR

Heartwood

WAYNESBORO

Hutto’s Furniture & Gifts

LAB Discount Drugs

L&Co.

Due to closures in the face

of the current pandemic,

some of these places of

business may or may not be open.

Currently, Our South may not

be available at all distributors listed.

6 … OUR SOUTH


Stop Covid-19 in its

tracks by getting

vaccinated today.

Getting a Covid-19 vaccination is the best way to

combat the virus and protect people who may

be vulnerable to becoming extremely ill. CCH has

made getting a vaccine easy by opening a drive

thru vaccination site where people can receive

their vaccination quickly and effortlessly.

VACCINATION LOCATION

1207 South Fir Avenue

Collins, MS 39428

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday through Friday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Call 601-419-SHOT today to

reserve your appointment.

Recently named a Covid-19 Center of Excellence,

Covington County Hospital is here to protect you

and your family.

8 … OUR SOUTH


BUSINESS

Viking Honey

Viking Honey

BUSINESS

Story by Susan Marquez | Photos by Nick Barrett

10 … OUR SOUTH


BUSINESS

Viking Honey

Viking Honey

BUSINESS

Jimmy Giles truly lives

in the land that flows with

milk and honey. “I’d heard

that expression from the

Bible all my life,” he says.

“Now I live it.”

In the idyllic hamlet

of Monterey, Mississippi,

located near Florence,

Jimmy raises Jersey cows

and honeybees. “I first

got the cows because I

had heard the milk was

so good. Then I acquired

the hives.” Jimmy says

that bees and cows have

a strong connection,

both benefitting from

the grasses and plants

that grow in pastures.

Jimmy grew up in Clinton, spending much of his

childhood on his grandparents’ farm. After college, he

studied French at the Sorbonne in Paris, then went to

work for IBM on Madison Avenue in New York, before

moving to Germany to work for a successful businessman.

Jimmy moved back to Mississippi to take care of

his grandparents and he became intrigued with organic

food. “My grandfather retired from the United States Department

of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and moved

back to Mississippi with my grandmother to build a home

and start a vegetable farm. I learned so much from spending

time with him. I became intrigued and focused on

where our food comes from.”

When he decided to get into beekeeping, Jimmy did

a lot of research, and he spent time with other beekeepers.

“I bought my first bees in Wayne County, where my

father was born,” says Jimmy. “There was a man there

who was known as the best beekeeper in the state. I also

learned a lot from J.N. Russell in Bolton and John Pennington

in Pearl. And probably most important to my

12 … OUR SOUTH


BUSINESS

Viking Honey

development as a beekeeper was the relationship I had

with Vaugn Bryant, a well-known beekeeper from South

Dakota who winters his bees in south Mississippi.”

When Jimmy was ready to sell his honey, he developed

a brand that spoke to him on many levels. He calls it

Viking Honey, best honey in the world. His packaging,

always in glass bottles and hand-dipped in burgundy wax,

shows the pride Jimmy has in his product. “This isn’t honey

for mass consumption. This is honey that is 100% natural,

100% raw, unadulterated, unfiltered, and unpasteurized.

The best honey is honey that has not been tampered with.

You can’t change what the bees have so perfectly made.”

Jimmy says that Viking Honey is highly regarded for

its unique antibacterial, immunomodulatory and healing

properties which surpass Manuka honey.

Viking honey has a rich caramel color, but Jimmy says

the color is irrelevant. “I have had people tell me they

only like light colored honey or they prefer dark honey.

14 … OUR SOUTH


BUSINESS

Viking Honey

Viking Honey

BUSINESS

THIS ISN’T HONEY FOR MASS CONSUMPTION.

THIS IS HONEY THAT IS 100% NATURAL, 100% RAW,

UNADULTERATED, UNFILTERED, AND UNPASTEURIZED.

THE BEST HONEY IS HONEY THAT HAS NOT BEEN

TAMPERED WITH. YOU CAN’T CHANGE WHAT THE

BEES HAVE SO PERFECTLY MADE.

But the real test is in the taste, and that’s a function of

knowledge and values. When tasting wine, it’s important to

engage all the senses. The same holds true with honey.”

Jimmy is drawn to the Viking way of life. “I’ve had customers

tell me I look like a Viking, with my long, blonde

hair. I do have Viking origins. I also have friends who are

ex-military who love all things to do with Vikings on television.

The Vikings were excellent engineers and fighters,

and when you think about it, bees are excellent engineers as

well, and they will fight to defend their queen.”

Viking Honey can be purchased only at farmers

markets and online. “I won’t sell it wholesale, because

I don’t want to jump through the hoops necessary to do

that. I want to keep my product pure and do it the way I

feel is best.” You can find Jimmy selling Viking Honey at

the Mississippi Farmers Market on High Street, and at the

Brandon and Clinton Farmers Markets (check online for

market days and times). He also ships the honey domestically

and internationally. … OS

16 … OUR SOUTH


Flora Depot

aesthetic

Story by Susan Marquez

Donna Yowell loves plants and flowers. In her role

as executive director of the Mississippi Urban Forest

Council, Donna is determined to make her home state of

Mississippi as special as possible. She is a professional

flower grower by trade, and she works with organizations

around the state to provide glorious pops of color with

blooming plants.

Most recently, Yowell was involved in the beautification

of Flora’s historic train station through a partnership

with America in Bloom and the Canadian National Railway.

At a gathering at the Flora depot recently, Nathan

Thomas, who serves as president of the Friends of Flora

group, says that Flora has a history of agriculture. “It has

only recently turned into more of an urban area,” he says

of the small town which has seen unprecedented growth

in the past few years. While the growth is welcomed, the

Friends of Flora group took over the Flora Historical Society,

which is housed in the Depot, as a way to preserve

and honor the town’s history.

The historic depot is on the former Chicago-Ohio railroad

line. The site was donated to the town by W.P. Jones,

and the town was named after his wife, Flora Jones. The

town was incorporated in 1886, and the railroad helped

the area to thrive through the 1950s, when the automobile

took its place. “The railroad is still important for the

transport of goods and services,” says Thomas. “Flora is

a grown place, and we are doing well. Most of the businesses

here are essential and revenues are trending up.”

Marvan Miller and Laura Kunkle, representatives of

America in Bloom, traveled to Mississippi to oversee

nine projects the organization has spearheaded through

a grant by Canadian National Railroad. “We are excited

to have this opportunity to help transform communities

through the use of flowers, plants and trees,” Kunkle

says. “Our relationship with Canadian National began

in 2014. They realized that railroads can be disruptive

to communities, and they paid attention. They follow

what goes on in the communities where their tracks are

located, and they trusted us to administer a program to

add beauty to those communities.”

Miller serves as former president of America in

Bloom, and he currently serves on the organization’s

board of directors. “We are happy that Flora is part of

18 … OUR SOUTH ALL THINGS SOUTHERN … 19

aesthetic

Flora Depot

Flora Depot

AESTHETIC

our tour. It is one of nine in the state to receive a grant.

America in Bloom was started with the horticultural

industry and has been in existence for twenty years.

We exist to promote the benefits of plants ‘beyond the

pretty.’ That includes the environmental impact to help

with pollution and erosion control, as well as producing

oxygen; the economic impact of improving an area and

generating tourism dollars; and the human health and

well-being aspect, which was especially important during

the pandemic to help with psychological and sociological

well-being.” Miller also said the passive perspective of

plants brings people together and helps make them more

cheerful. “Plants are a powerful tool.”

The depot is on the National Register of Historic

Places. Yowell says that when working on the landscaping

for the project, plants that work well with the scale of the

building were chosen, including Little Gem magnolias.

“These types of activities are significant improvements to

any community. The social impact of green space, trees

and gardens can be particularly pronounced when public

spaces are transformed into places of beauty,” says Yowell.

“This partnership is a good example of how collaboration

between private, municipal and nonprofit can accomplish

improvements for all Mississippi communities.

The project also included adding additional species of

trees to the Flora city park so it can be designated an arboretum

and listed on the Mississippi Arboretum Trail. … OS

20 … OUR SOUTH


Welcome

Fall

22 … OUR SOUTH



24 … OUR SOUTH


The Beatnik

PLACES

The free-spirited attitude of the 1940s and 1950s

Beat Generation inspired poets and writers such as Jack

Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Beatniks were hip and cool,

and they had a sense of adventure—nomads, heading out

when they could for the open road.

Ted and Roxy Condrey have that same idealistic spark

which directs them in creating businesses that celebrate

their adopted home of Ocean Springs. The couple are

natives of Louisiana and met while in college at Louisiana

State University. They came to Ocean Springs for a

visit and now, over a decade later, they have planted deep

roots, opening three inns. Plans for more developments

are in their future.

The Condreys opened the two-room Inn at Ocean

Springs downtown, followed by The Roost, a boutique

property which opened in 2017. “We fell in love with

Porter Street,” says Roxy. “We learned about the street’s

history, and we fixated on that location. At one time,

Porter was dotted with hotels and motor courts, and that

was the inspiration for The Beatnik. We wanted to pay

homage to that era in a very modern way. The idea is to

unplug and do things you might not do at home.”

The Beatnik, which opened in August 2020, features

four modern, floating cabins complete with wet bars and

private, lush outdoor showers. (There is a shower inside

as well.) The interiors draw heavily from the surrounding


PLACES

The Beatnik

The Beatnik

PLACES

elements found within nature to create a comfortable and

elevated atmosphere. Roxy designed the interiors. “That’s

my favorite part,” she says. “The cabins have modern, yet

nostalgic, elements.” Each cabin is built on a pier slab to

give the feeling of floating. The four cabins are lined up,

looking out onto a modern plunge pool. The surrounding

grounds feature a native garden and a fire pit.

Madison resident Laurel Donahoo recently spent

a weekend at The Beatnik with her husband, Price, to

celebrate their twelfth wedding anniversary. “I saw it on

Instagram and loved the look of it,” says Laurel. “The

experience was great, totally contactless. They sent an

email and text on how to get there, then a number to call

when we arrived. We got the door code and then we were

on our own.” Laurel says that because all the cabins face

the pool, it’s a great place to make new friends. “The

cabins are so nice. There is a small kitchen with beautiful

tile, a super nice bathroom in the back, and a wonderful

private outdoor shower with an area for a hammock. We

had a relaxing weekend, and we were able to shop and

eat nearby, and hang out at the pool.”

The Beatnik compliments what was already there—a

lovely coastal town rich with artists, shops, good food, and

community spirit. “This project will tie in with the Ocean

Springs Collective, which we are working on now,” Roxy

says. “The area will include a bookstore, nano brewery,

gym and restaurant. It is about education and nature, and

we want to incorporate those influences. The Collective

will compliment the Porter Avenue corridor, as well as all

of Ocean Springs and the Gulf Coast communities. … OS

28 … OUR SOUTH



Rogers

PEOPLE

Story by Caleb Phillips

Collins celebrates a local family for their

recent achievements and contributions to

this community and country.

Douglas Tanner Rogers, a native of

Collins, graduated from the United States

Military Academy in West Point, New

York, on May 22, 2021. Tanner is

the son of Missy and Doug Rogers of

Collins. He is the second member of

his family to graduate from West Point,

and the third generation of the Rogers

family to serve in the military.

Tanner’s father, Doug, who also

graduated from West Point, is the Senior

Vice President of Peoples Bank in Collins

and owns Rogers Bar HR, the largest Charolais

Ranch east of the Mississippi River.

Graduating from West Point is not an

easy task. Before you are even accepted to go

there, you must be nominated by a congressman

or senator from your state. Tanner was

such an excellent pick for West Point that he

was nominated by three of Mississippi’s representatives:

Thad Cochran, Roger Wicker,

and Greg Harper.

After obtaining nominations and enduring

a rigorous interview process, Tanner’s

four years at West Point had only just begun.

The U.S. Military Academy combines the

stresses of a typical four-year university with

those of joining the Army: a combination so

tough that only about 20,000 have graduated

in over 215 years of the Academy’s

existence. In addition to a normal course

load, students are also responsible for

various leadership and administrative

jobs, must pass the Army fitness test

multiple times a year, and all without

the support of friends and family

back home.

When asked about his experience at West Point, Tanner’s

father, Doug, said, “Everybody thinks about quitting

at some point because it’s so tough. I saw so many people

try to quit because their parents or coach had talked them

into it, but it’s a decision you have to make for yourself,

and Tanner made that decision and did far better than I did

when I was up there.”

Tanner believes that growing up on a farm in rural

Mississippi helped him have a better time at West

Point. “It helped with my work ethic. I wasn’t the smartest

for sure, but I knew if I worked smart and knew where to

put my focus and effort, which is kind of what I learned

growing up, it would have been better, and I think it helped

me a lot.” Doug added, “Being from a small town gives

you practical experience. Working on a farm, Tanner drove

equipment and worked with people from all economic and

social backgrounds, and that’s what the Army is. When

you get into the Army, you have to work with all different

types of people.”

Doug also said, “The one thing that West Point teaches

you is getting stuff done. You know, making an impact in

anything you do. You don’t sit around and twiddle your

thumbs - you go do something every day. You want to be

the best you can be.” This attitude that Doug learned at West

Point has helped him to be successful in more than just his

military career. “When I started here at Peoples Bank, it was

a small branch, and we’ve grown it to probably the biggest

bank in Collins. And the ranch too, it was a medium sized

ranch, but now it’s one of the largest in the Southeast.”

Now that Tanner has graduated, his next steps will

include five years active duty, in which he will be stationed

at Fort Benning, Georgia, for Armor Officer Basic Course,

and then he will go to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he will be

assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, one of the oldest divisions

in the country. After that, Tanner will be on reserve

for 2-3 years.

Tanner has worked very hard to get to this point,

and his father sure is happy he has done so well at West

Point. Collins is so proud of the Rogers family for all they

have accomplished, and rightly so. … OS

Left: Tanner Rogers’ Family. From left: his mother Missy,

his sister Taylor Ann, Tanner, and his father Doug Rogers.

32 … OUR SOUTH


Story by Susan Marquez | Photos by Lucy Weber

34 … OUR SOUTH


history

Montgomery House

Montgomery House

history

Madison was once a sleepy hamlet located on Highway

51 between Jackson and Canton. Over the years,

it has become a popular place for families, and the city

has grown beyond all expectations. Yet, there is a serene

spot in the center of town, sometimes passed unnoticed,

that has historic significance which will be preserved for

years to come.

The Montgomery House, located on Madison’s

Main Street, was built in 1852. The one-story Gothic

Revival-style home was listed on the National Register

of Historic Places in 1984. “It’s called the Montgomery

House because the Montgomery family has lived in it

for generations,” says Miriam Ethridge, Madison’s code

enforcement officer. “We don’t think they built it, but

they purchased it after it was built, and someone in the

Montgomery family has always occupied it.” The last

occupant of the home, Faye Montgomery, was married to

the late Hugh Montgomery. “She recently moved out of

the home and went to Texas,” says Miriam.

As part of Mayor Mary Hawkins’ goals to preserve

and revitalize Madison’s historical district, the City purchased

the home. “It needs a lot of work,” says Miriam.

“Once construction around the home is complete, it will

get a new roof. It also needs to be painted outside, and

there is work to do on the inside.”

THE MONTGOMERY HOUSE

FEATURES A FRONT PORCH

WITH GINGERBREAD

DETAILING ON THE

PORCH’S COLUMNS. A

LARGE CENTRAL HALLWAY,

COMMON IN HOMES OF

THAT PERIOD, RUNS FROM

THE FRONT OF THE HOME

TO THE BACK. ROOMS ARE

LOCATED OFF THE CENTRAL

HALLWAY. THE HOME IS

SITUATED ON A BEAUTIFUL

PLOT OF LAND, SET BACK

FROM THE STREET.

36 … OUR SOUTH


history

Montgomery House

The home was designed by British-born architect

Frank Wills, who also designed the Chapel of the Cross

in Madison. Wills is associated with early Gothic Revival

churches in both Canada and the United States. He was

a participant in the Ecclesiological movement promoting

authentic medieval models as the ideal for Episcopalian

churches. He was the official architect of the New York

Ecclesiastical Society.

While most of the churches Wills designed were in

the New England states and in Canada, he also designed a

handful of churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee,

and Alabama. It was unusual for Wills to design homes,

so the Montgomery House is a rare piece of architectural

history as well.

The Montgomery House features a front porch with

gingerbread detailing on the porch’s columns. A large

central hallway, common in homes of that period, runs

from the front of the home to the back. Rooms are located

off the central hallway. The home is situated on a

beautiful plot of land, set back from the street. The City

has received a $25,000 matching grant administered by

American Bloom, funded by the Canadian-National Railroad,

due to the home’s proximity to the railroad tracks.

Plans are to create a botanical garden which will be open

for the public’s enjoyment.

“The walkways have already been laid, and next the

irrigation system will be installed,” says Miriam. “Soon

the beds will be laid out, and hopefully, we’ll be putting

in beds by the fall.” Miriam says that when the work is

completed on the gardens and the home repairs, it will be

an ideal place for small group functions, as well as garden

weddings and receptions. “We are hoping that folks

from out of town will want to come to Madison to tour

this fine example of an antebellum home.” … OS

38 … OUR SOUTH


locale

Urban Paradise

Urban Paradise

locale


On one of the major thoroughfares in Jackson, a secret

garden is tucked behind a stately home in the historic

Belhaven neighborhood. The home was built in the early

1900’s as a four-plex, with two apartments upstairs, and

two apartments downstairs. Over the years the home has

seen several structural changes, especially when the home

was owned by Lee and Francis Coker. Francis was a professor

at Millsaps, and Lee was an engineer who worked

in construction. They converted the lower two apartments

to one large unit and added a sunroom and decks on the

back. They also created some college student studio apartments

in the crawl space below the home. They added a

four-bay garage along the alley in the back which enclosed

the back of the lot, creating a courtyard.

In 2012, David Waugh, a retired minister, found the

home in an estate sale and decided he would become a

landlord in his next career. His wife, Jane, has had a lifelong

love of gardening, and she saw the potential in the

nondescript back yard. “When we got the house, there

was a wooden deck in deteriorating condition along the

back,” she recalls. “After the first few years in the house,

David and his son, John David, took up the deck and created

some ‘hard scaping’ to create separate seating areas.

The thought was that if residents wanted to be outdoors

at the same time, they’d have their own area to relax or

entertain.” Jane added the walking paths using concrete

pavers and pea gravel.

When Jane sold her business, Professional Staffing,

David started renovating a one-bedroom apartment

40 … OUR SOUTH


locale

Urban Paradise

Urban Paradise

locale

upstairs for them to use as a landing pad when they were

in Jackson. “We were planning on living in Belize part

time,” Jane explains. “We decided that the apartment

would be well-furnished with the furniture from the Eastover

house, which we sold in 2019.” They converted that

apartment to Airbnb use, and proceeded to ‘trick out’ the

460sf college student studio to use as their landing pad.

“Even though it is small, we loved it because it opened

directly onto the courtyard.” Because the apartment has a

low doorway that requires some people to duck in order

to enter, the Waughs call it the Hobbit Hole.

Leaving her manicured backyard in Eastover, Jane

had a big job ahead at the Belhaven home. “The original

backyard was very overgrown,” Jane says. “The azaleas

and other bushes were huge. There was a high hedge

along the side that was out of control. The loropetalums

were a hedge.” The first phase of taming the yard was to

chop back all the bushes and dig up the azalea hedge on

the garage sidewalk to open the space “I started pruning

the loropetalums the first year, but it took two years to get

them looking like trees.” An old fence covered in vines

covered a brick wall that belonged to the house next door.

With permission, the fence was removed so the brick

columns and wood wall could be enjoyed. “I put in a side

bed about five yeas ago, about the time the new patio was

done. Three years ago, we painted the porches, and we

recently added an overhang to the laundry room.”

Jane never had a master plan for the garden. “It just

happened in stages,” Jane says. “The ‘bones’ – the foundational

bushes – where already there. I added the side beds,

and last year put in a dry creek bed over a drainage area.

We also reworked front beds, limbed up overgrown trees

42 … OUR SOUTH



locale

Urban Paradise

Urban Paradise

locale

and increased the street appeal substantially.” Jane added

additional shrubbery for variety. “I put in a red maple tree

and ‘resurrected’ an old dogwood tree. The best thing that

happened in the last two to three years was the addition

of a large variety of hostas. I ran into a sale at Sam’s and

bought them out! There were many of the large leaf and

blue green variety in the collection that are hard to get

locally. With all that it took only some common bedding

plants for a little splash of color seasonally.”

The garden is accessed through a garden gate that

did not exist before the Waughs purchased the property.

The area outside the gate is referred to as the “Trashy

Garden,” as there are metal garbage cans planted with

tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Inside the gate, a breezeway

leading into the courtyard is decorated with attic art

and two 1950s metal lawn chairs, potted ferns, and shade

plants – an area they call “Tacky Lane.” And during the

pandemic, the courtyard was called “The COVID Courtyard.”

There are some unusual surprises in the courtyard,

including several mirrors leftover from renovation

projects. “John David framed them and hung them on the

fencing around the courtyard, making it a garden of mirrors,”

says Jane. The mirrors reflect the greenery of the

garden, making it seem even more lush. “It’s fun sitting

on the balcony or patio and catching a glimpse of other

people enjoying the space.”

Jane says the overall feel she wanted to create for the

space was whimsical. “I wanted it to be an inviting space

for one or many. Wherever you turn there is something

beckoning to be observed. And because the courtyard

is in a very busy part of town, I wanted the courtyard to

immediately provide a relaxing step into a more relaxed

space. It has always been a restful place for me.”

Growing for the seasons is fun for Jane, who says she

enjoys the “lushy, lushy feeling of being surrounded by all

shades of greens, leaf shapes, bushes, trees and vines.” … OS

46 … OUR SOUTH


Margaret’s Grocery

art


The love story between Margaret and H.D. “Preacher”

Dennis is one like no other. When Preacher met Margaret

at the small grocery store she ran in the King’s Community

outside of Vicksburg, he was smitten. He began to

court the widow, and he promised her that if she married

him, he’d build a castle to show how much he loved her.

Margaret married Preacher and Margaret’s Grocery, a once

non-descript cinderblock building gradually evolved into a

roadside attraction which has garnered the attention of The

Washington Post and National Geographic.

The grocery, which is no longer in business, is located

next to Cool Springs Church, where Margaret was a

faithful member for over 60 years. Her first husband,

Abby Rogers, was killed in a robbery gone bad at the

store. Margaret never had children of her own, but when

her sister died, she raised her two daughters in a trailer

home behind the grocery.

As a young man in search of a new life, Preacher

headed to Mississippi. He got off the train in Vicksburg

and was taken in by Herman “Dan” Dennis. Preacher

joined the army and served in World War II, getting

captured by the Nazis. He settled in Columbus, Georgia

where he married, had a daughter, and was ordained as

a minister. After a series of events, Preacher returned to

Mississippi in 1979 and met Margaret, and he took a real

shine to her. Margaret was crazy about Preacher, and the

couple got married.

Without plans or blueprints, Preacher began adding

on to the little store, building towers and arches and other

additions as he saw fit to fulfil his promise to Margaret.

He never had a permit, and was often cited by Vicksburg

city officials, but that didn’t stop Preacher. He painted the


art



art

building with bright colors and Bible verses. He said that

God created those colors, and it would make people stop

so he could share the Gospel with them.

A lot of people stopped at the brightly colored store

over the years, and those who made donations usually

got a cold Coca-Cola in a bottle or a silver dollar. One

person who stopped was Suzi Altman, a professional

photographer who had moved from New York to Mississippi

in 2001. “Not long after I moved here, I worked on

a film that was shot at the port of Vicksburg. Some folks

working on the film told me about Margaret’s Grocery, so

I had to go see it.”

As she drove up to the grocery, Suzi saw a sign that

said Jews and Gentiles Welcomed! Come one, Come all!

She was fascinated. A tall, slender Black man with blue

eyes, Mardi Gras beads and seersucker pants stepped out

to great her. “It was Preacher! He had something red on

his pants, and I thought at first that it was blood,” Suzi

recalls. “I realized later that it was paint. He was always

busy, painting and creating.”

Suzi was so intrigued, she went back the next day.

That’s when another aspect of the love story comes in to

play. Suzi got to know Margaret and Preacher and they

became close friends. “I learned so much from them,” she

says. “I truly loved them both.” Suzi was with Margaret

as she lay dying, and Margaret made her promise to take

care of Preacher after she was gone. Suzi spoke at Margaret’s

funeral, and she continued to check in on Preacher,

who died at the age of 96, but not before making Suzi

promise to take care of Margaret’s Grocery.

Before seeing the grocery, Suzi had never been

exposed to folk art. She was trained as a portrait photographer,

before moving into event photography. “I knew

nothing about folk art,” she says. But Suzi learned to appreciate

Preacher’s art and after he died, she established

the Mississippi Folk Art Foundation with a board of

directors comprised of people from Vicksburg and a few

members of Cool Springs Church, dedicated to preserving

Margaret’s Grocery.

Preacher had converted an old school bus into a chapel,

complete with a pulpit, and parked it behind the grocery.

Margaret’s favorite color was pink, and she helped decorate

it with as much pink as she could get away with. Preacher

repurposed just about anything, including tin pie plates,

stuffed animals, found objects, and old wood. He made a

menorah that was covered with silver dollars, and he often

preached about the Byzantine Empire. He built the tower as

a place for sinners in Jackson to come study the Word.

Today the grocery is closed, but visitors can still enjoy

viewing the outside of the building. The bus is being

stored offsite with fans to keep the items inside cool.

Over 80% of the artwork is stored in a climate-controlled

container. “Preserving Margaret’s Grocery is a passion

project for me,” Suzi says. “We want to preserve what

Preacher has created. It is a true testament to their love,

and an exceptional example of American folk art.” … OS

50 … OUR SOUTH


The Anchor

religion

Story by Sherye S. Green

Ron and Karen Crowe have experienced their fair

share of pain and suffering throughout the fifty-four years

of their marriage. God, however, has used the crucible of

hardship to fashion their hearts and develop within each a

passion for missions and a sincere desire to share the love

of Christ with all they meet.

This husband and wife grew up in Columbus, Mississippi,

although their families attended separate churches.

Both found faith in Christ at an early age.

Traveling evangelist Eddie Martin preached a crusade

at the Columbus City Auditorium. Ron and his family

were in attendance. During the four days of revival, Ron

felt the Holy Spirit begin to call him to accept Christ as

his Lord and Savior. It wasn’t until the final day of the

crusade when Martin preached during the morning service

at East End Baptist Church, that thirteen-year-old

Ron bowed the knee of his heart to Jesus.

Karen grew up attending First Baptist Columbus,

where she and her family were active

members. She gave her heart to Christ while

in elementary school. Caring Sunday School

teachers and participation in GAs, Bible Drill,

and summer sessions at Camp Garaway helped

develop Karen’s faith. Her father was chairman

of deacons the year he passed away due to

complications from leukemia.

Ron and Karen met while in high school. Ron

recalls, “When I was around fifteen years old, three

other friends and I stopped by a girl’s house one

night because one of my friends had to deliver something

to his sister, who was visiting in the house. The

girls were having a spend-the-night party.” All the boys

decided to go in for a visit, as “girls were in the house.”

Karen managed to capture Ron’s attention that night,

although neither met nor spoke to each other. Once back

in the car with his friends, Ron inquired about the girl he

noticed and found out her name was Karen Wilder.

Ron and Karen’s paths did not cross again until their

college days. Ron was enrolled at Mississippi State University

in nearby Starkville. At the same time, Karen was

a student at Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus,

more commonly known as The W. By the time

they reconnected, Karen “was dating another Columbus

boy,” one of Ron’s fraternity brothers.


RELIGION

The Anchor

The Anchor

religion

However, it wasn’t too long that Ron discovered that

Karen was no longer dating anyone and so decided to ask

her out. “Immediately,” he shares, “we seemed to have

a genuine like and respect for each other. In no time, it

seemed as though neither of us was interested in going

out with anyone else.”

The couple’s relationship only deepened as they

spent more time together. At the end of one date, Ron

told Karen that he believed they would eventually get

married. On New Year’s Eve of 1965, “we decided that

Above: Ron and Karen celebrate their 50th anniversary .

Right: Karen with her First Baptist Jackson Acteens.

I would ask her parents for their permission the next

night— January 1, 1966.” The couple prayed the news

would be well received.

“Although somewhat nervous, we were all set to talk to

Karen’s parents, but Alabama and Nebraska were playing

in the Sugar Bowl. As her parents were huge sports fans,

we had to patiently wait until half-time to bring up the subject

of our marriage.” Thankfully, the Wilders gave their

blessing to the engagement provided Karen completed her

college degree before walking down the aisle.

Karen graduated from college one semester early due

to taking correspondence courses besides her regular college

classes. Less than a month after asking for Karen’s

hand in marriage, Ron moved to Jackson to begin a new

job. He would come back to Columbus almost every

weekend to see Karen. A year later, the happy couple was

married on January 29, 1967.

From the earliest days of their marriage, God began to

call this couple to a deeper walk with Him. As their family

grew with the arrival of their two sons, the family continued

to mature in faith at various churches in the metro

Jackson area, of which Ron and Karen were members—

Pearson Road Baptist, Crossgates Baptist Church, and First

Baptist Brandon. Through various experiences, such as

serving as Sunday School teachers and participating

in mission trips, God planted seeds

of ministry that would later bloom.

The Crowes joined First Baptist Jackson

in October 2004, where they found a warm

and welcoming congregation. In their new

church home, they also found a body of

believers committed “to the task telling as

many as we can about the love of God in

Christ Jesus,” as former senior pastor Frank

Pollard was fond of saying. Soon, Ron and

Karen found purpose, as a couple, in helping

with a Sunday School class for engaged and

newly married couples. Individually, Ron

discovered a place of service as a deacon,

and Karen enjoyed many years spent discipling

young girls through the Girls in Action

(GA) program.

After successfully having fought off cancer from an

original diagnosis in 1987, Karen received the dreaded

news that her cancer had returned in 2007. Chemo

treatments began, but cancer reappeared for a third time

in 2013, as Stage 4. The doctor’s words were heartstopping,

“It cannot be cured.” An army of believers

offered up countless prayers on Karen’s behalf as another

chemotherapy protocol was activated. Karen stopped

all treatments in March 2017, and miraculously, she has

been cancer-free ever since.

During the reoccurrence of his wife’s cancer in 2013,

Ron had a revelation from the Lord that would set the

couple on a path of ministry neither could imagine. Ron

recalls one particular night after a grueling day of doctors’

visits, “I was upset and alone after retiring for the

night. I was praying to God, asking for Karen’s healing.

He told me to listen to the song “The Anchor Holds,”

which had always been a favorite. I played the song six

or seven times that night.”

A few years later, the Lord reminded Ron about the

song “The Anchor Holds.” Only this time, Ron says,

“The Holy Spirit let me know that the Lord wanted me

to write a devotional book, give it the same title as the

song, have it published, and give all profits from the

book to missions and evangelism projects. I was shocked.

After asking Karen and a very close friend to pray for the

Lord to ensure that my discernment of His message was

correct. The message remained the same, except that the

Lord told me He would inspire each topic and accompanying

scripture.”

54 … OUR SOUTH


religion

The Anchor

The Anchor

religion

beauty of nature and each other’s company, the Crowes

find refreshment and renewal while enjoying the solitude

of a quiet cabin hidden away in the woods.

Karen believes one of the reasons God has kept her

alive is to be able to “support and encourage Ron as he

wrote the book and established Our Anchor Ministries.

God is not through with me yet.”

This faithful couple has discovered one of the secrets

to a joy-filled life as described in 1 John 5:3, “Loving

God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that

isn’t hard at all.”

No matter what, Ron and Karen Crowe are committed

to walking in obedience to the Lord’s direction, trusting

He will guide them and bless the ministry they founded

in His name. The anchor of God’s love continues to hold

them secure amidst the storms of life.

For more information about this ministry, please contact

www.ouranchorministries.org. … OS

Right: Ron at work on his

devotional book in the

FBCJ library

Next Page, Top: Ron at FBCJ

Men’s Tuesday Luncheon

Next Page, Bottom: Karen and

the team on the Mhong WMU

Mission trip to Wisconsin

Ron obeyed and shortly after began the writing

process in September 2015, devoting three full days each

week to the book project. “The actual writing of each

devotional,” Ron says, “was a joyous spiritual experience

of working with God.” However, a series of significant

health issues arose in Ron’s life, interrupting his focus

and leaving him little energy for writing. A freak accident

resulted in a third-degree burn on his left ankle. A severely

pinched nerve in his neck affected his writing hand. A

sore tooth required a root canal. Auras affected his vision,

almost preventing his ability to see the printed page. In

the midst of these impediments, Ron worked as best he

could to complete the task to which God had called him.

Karen recalls, “Ron’s writing took about eighteen months

longer than anticipated” due to all the medical complications.

Nevertheless, The Anchor Holds, Ron’s collection

of two hundred devotions, was released in July 2019 by

Westbow Press.

Completing the book was only part of what God had

told Ron to do. As a further act of obedience, Ron and

Karen founded Our Anchor Ministries (OAM), a 501(c)(3)

charity, in late 2019. A Board of Trustees governs the organization.

“All the profits from sales of The Anchor Holds

go to OAM. Also,” Ron shares, “I have given to OAM the

intellectual property rights associated with the book.

“All the monies received by OAM go to funding or

assisting in funding missions and evangelism projects.

OAM expends money for its stated purposes through a

grant process. Organizations can request a grant for a

specified amount and purpose by submitting a request

containing the required information.” Unfortunately, the

COVID-19 pandemic struck about the time that OAM

would have received the first grant applications. “Thus

far,” Ron says, “we have had only informal inquiries

about obtaining a grant, but they all are not compatible

with the pandemic restrictions.”

During the challenging periods throughout these

past eight years, Ron and Karen have kept their batteries

recharged through frequent trips to the mountains of

Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Enjoying the

56 … OUR SOUTH


food

The Cake

The Cake

food

Story by Jennifer Boswell

Most people have a signature dish – something they

make really well, so much so that it’s the dish they are

often requested to make for special occasions, parties and

potlucks. Even people who may not be especially adept

in the kitchen have that one dish that they are known for

– usually because it’s delicious, although sometimes that

notion goes the other way (think holiday fruitcake), but

that’s another discussion entirely.

I can think of numerous family and friends who have

a go-to dish. Both of my grandmothers were good cooks.

One was known for her fried chicken and chocolate pie.

The other made tea cakes the whole family loved. My

mother-in-law, who didn’t count cooking among tasks

she enjoyed, made the best cornbread dressing I’ve ever

had. Everyone loved it. She was not raised in the south,

so I don’t know how she managed to perfect a traditional

southern dish, but she did.

Many years ago, a co-worker, who didn’t love cooking,

always brought a lemon pie to parties or luncheons

at work. It was cool and luscious and always wellreceived.

Another friend was known for her cheese ball

at work parties. It was simply called “Sin,” which was

fitting because it was sinfully delicious.

My daughter, who is a young but pretty experienced

cook, makes a double crust, triple berry pie that is summertime

perfection. And the men in my circle of family

and friends must not be left out either. Several of them

are good cooks and have signature dishes that range from

flavorful burgers and boiled peanuts to apricot nectar

58 … OUR SOUTH


FOOD

The Cake

Mike Harland

devotional

cake. Most everyone I know, who spends any length of

time in the kitchen, has a “best dish.”

My mother certainly had a signature recipe as well –

her well-loved dessert, Pea Picking Cake. Don’t let the

name fool you. There are no peas in the recipe. This cake

is a citrusy, springtime treat. Layers of vanilla cake, studded

with mandarin oranges, are held together and covered

with a creamy concoction containing whipped topping,

pudding and pineapple. That’s a far cry from peas.

I don’t know where the odd name of such a delicious

confection came from. A quick search of the internet

didn’t yield much information. My theory is that it was

a tasty dessert that was easy to get on the table when

the garden was flourishing and the peas needed picking.

Those are busy times for country people.

Whatever the reason for the name, it’s a great dish

and one I don’t hear about very often anymore. It would

be great for a spring supper, a summer picnic or anytime.

Even if the peas don’t need picking.

Frosting

20 can crushed pineapple with juice

1 large box (5.1 oz.) vanilla instant pudding

16 oz. carton whipped topping, thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8 inch round

cake pans with cooking spray (may also line with parchment

paper for easy removal of cake). Mix ingredients

for cake with mixer or by hand. Pour into prepared pans.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until desired doneness.

Cool layers completely before frosting.

Mix ingredients for frosting. Frost between layers and

on top and sides of cake. Store in refrigerator. … OS

Story by Mike Harland

PEA PICKING CAKE

Cake

1 box yellow cake mix

4 eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

11 oz. can mandarin oranges, undrained

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Do you know anyone like this?

They say the bluntest thing imaginable and follow it

with, “Can’t help it. I just call it like I see it!” Could it

be you are like that? Every once in a while, you’ll drop

a golden piece of perspective into a conversation and

quickly add your disclaimer, “Sorry about that. I just

have to call it the way I see it!” Some people actually

wear it as a badge, like being this way is something to

admire. And sometimes we do admire it. But other times,

we are left to pick up the pieces for the person victimized

by their brutal honesty.

Recently, I heard someone drop this admission into a

conversation to explain away a vicious remark they had

just made about someone. I didn’t know if what they said

was true or not – just that it was brutal. They quickly

added their disclaimer which of course, should have

made me feel better. But it didn’t. It never does.

I have another question.

60 … OUR SOUTH


devotional

Mike Harland

Have you noticed the people who “call it like they see

it” usually call out the worst in all of us? I mean, when is

the last time you heard someone shower praise on another

person and follow it with, “Sorry about that – just calling

it….”, and you know the rest.

I was thinking about this recently and had a startling

epiphany. Whenever someone “speaks their truth,” leaving

in their wake the destruction harsh words can wreak

and then add the admission they are just honest to a fault,

maybe they are right. Maybe they are just “calling it like

they see it.” But here comes the thought: maybe the real

problem isn’t what they are saying.

The real problem is what they are seeing.

When the Apostle Paul wrote the church at Philippi in

Philippians 4, he instructed their pastor to confront two

of the members of the church who apparently had the

tendency to “call it like they were seeing it.” It seems

Euodia and Syntyche had taken each other to task in a

way that created a full disagreement over an issue not

worth mentioning, and it was affecting the entire church.

Ever experienced anything like that? Unfortunately,

over my time as a pastor I have seen a variety of these

types of disputes and riffs. One church had members who

fought over which side of the platform the piano would

sit, and another with some who argued about whether or

not the choir would wear robes. People who otherwise

are civil and agreeable would “call it like they see it” and

would mercilessly take sides in a debate. It often gets

personal and even leads to out and out feuding.

Even worse, some individuals seem to believe it is

their solemn duty to pass along the worst stories about

others or find ways to openly criticize leadership or the

decisions of others. They can’t help it, they say. They just

have to call out what they see.

Brothers and sisters, it ought not be. The Apostle

continues in Philippians 4 with this instruction: “Let

your graciousness be known to everyone.” (CSB). In

other words, if you want to be known for something, how

about being known for how much grace you show to others

instead of how accurately you can destroy someone

else with your words?

He further instructs, “Don’t worry about anything, but

in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.” In other words,

instead of spending your energy trying to win an argument

or spread a critical narrative about someone, how

about spending it in prayer over the circumstance or for

the person? Paul adds that doing this will surround your

heart with peace. I’m afraid the one who doesn’t do this

promotes anything but peace.

One more tip Paul gives us for this: “Finally brothers

and sisters, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable

– if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything

praiseworthy – dwell on these things.”

Maybe if we could just see the good and the positive

and refuse to dwell on critique and the negative, we

might be able to change the way we look at life and at

others. Only then will it be safe to “call it like we see it.”

And instead of tearing down the people in our lives,

we can actually love in a way that makes the world a better

place to live for all of us. … OS

62 … OUR SOUTH


Our South Fall 2021

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