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4 • MARCH 2022
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FROM OUR CONSULTING EDITOR
Is it just me or does it seem
like the years are flying by?
I’ve been in somewhat of a vortex, it seems, ever since March of 2020. Then
as I try to recall specific events, it’s hard to remember if it was 2020 or 2021.
And here we are now in February of 2022! In the words of the Grateful Dead,
what a long, strange trip it’s been. So, here’s to a wonderfully bright, and
ever-present new year!
We’re excited to introduce you to some of our friends and neighbors in this,
the first issue of 2022. Amanda Jones is a Clinton native through and through
and now she’s the director of communications and tourism for the City of
Clinton! In an era where so many of our young people seem to want to move
away, it’s always refreshing to have them stay and plant the roots for the next
generation. We’re so happy Amanda and her family have done just that.
And then there’s Jarred Couch. At only 22-years old, Jarred is an old soul
with a perspective on life that many of us much older than he could learn
from. He’s challenged himself both spiritually and physically and the results
of that has been complete life-change. But his perspective always remained
the same—that God loves each of us just as we are, and that’s really the only
thing that matters. Amen to that!
I hope you enjoy this issue of Hometown Clinton. We are so grateful to you,
our readers and advertisers, for allowing us to tell these stories. After all,
they’re YOUR stories. So, thank you.
– Mary Ann Kirby, Consulting Editor
ON THE COVER Amanda and Dustin Jones with their girls Addie and Anna Lois
HOMETOWN STAFF
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 8
Hometown Family 12
Matters of the Heart 18
Salute to First Responders 24
The Art of Communication 28
Kids Who Care 34
Life Choices 44
The Time Coin 50
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
Brenda McCall
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Kim Cochran
...see you around town.
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Tammy Haynes-Pecoul
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Lexie Ownby
....see you around town.
www.facebook.com/hometownclintonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Clinton be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Clinton is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.
Hometown Clinton maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Clinton is funded by advertising.
Hometown CLINTON • 5

6 • MARCH 2022

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Hometown CLINTON • 7

Angie & Bill Hardin
Bethany Cole
In the Office of Admissions
at Mississippi College, the staff
has a running joke: if a prospective
student comes to tour and visit the
campus, and they happen to be
from Mississippi, odds are Angie
Hardin (director of admissions
and enrollment operations) will
know someone from the visitor’s
hometown. How is the staff so
sure? Because Angie Hardin has
lived “all over Mississippi” during
her lifetime.
As the daughter of a pastor,
moving came with the territory.
Later in Angie’s life, she would
go on to become a pastor’s wife,
to Bill Hardin, and they would
continue to embark on the
transitional life that often
accompanies years spent in
ministry.
Bill Hardin, born in 1963, spent
his early years in Calhoun County
in Bruce, Miss. Angie Gregory,
who arrived the following year in
1964, was born in Georgia, then
later moved to North Carolina
while her father answered a call
to ministry and pastoring. Many
years later, when Angie was 14,
her family moved to Ponotoc,
Mississippi. Bill’s family also
made the same move, and their
worlds converged in the small
Mississippi town.
Reflecting on what initially
drew her to Bill, Angie smilingly
says, “He was the new guy in town
and everyone wanted to date him
–but I got him.” Bill’s family
began attending the church
where Angie’s father pastored,
and Angie’s outgoing personality
and beautiful smile proved
magnetic for Bill. The two began
dating, while also attending the
same high school and church
through their teen years.
Bill and Angie married on
March 9, 1985, at First Baptist
Poplarville, in Poplarville,
Mississippi, where Angie’s father
was pastoring at the time. In the
years following, the pair moved
throughout the state of Mississippi
and took on endeavors across the
southeast. “When we got married,
Bill was finishing up school at the
University of Mississippi while
I worked,” she said. After he
graduated, the couple moved to
south Mississippi, as Bill transitioned
to pastoring at Fords Creek
Baptist Church, in Poplarville,
while also finishing up his graduate
degree at New Orleans Baptist
Theology Seminary.
Following graduation, Bill
began his first full-time pastorate
at First Baptist Slayden in Lamar,
Mississippi. While at Slayden
Baptist, Bill furthered his
education and seminary studies
by obtaining his doctorate from
The Southern Baptist Seminary
in Louisville, Kentucky. The
Hardin’s remained at First
Baptist Slayden for five years,
before fulfilling a position in the
pastorate at First Baptist Ripley
in Ripley, Miss. From the
mid-1990’s to early 2000’s, he
served at First Baptist Picayune
in Picayune, Miss. During this
time, the pair also welcomed
two daughters (their first in
1988, their second in 1990).
After multiple years of a
fulfilling ministry career and
growing a young family, the
Hardin’s decided to settle in
central Mississippi. They moved
to Madison and Bill began to
work in education and also
became an interim pastor. While
8 • MARCH 2022

“There really
is nothing that
can compare
with becoming
a grandparent.”
Bill taught when they first
moved, he then served as the
principal at Clinton Junior High.
Angie began working as a
paralegal for Watkins and Eager
PLLC, then worked for the
Mississippi Baptist Foundation.
Starting in 2003, Angie began
to work towards her degrees at
Mississippi College. Over the
course of her time there, she
earned both a bachelor’s degree
in marketing and then a master’s
degree in higher education
administration.
In 2007, Angie began working
at MC. Occupying a variety of
roles, including office manager,
campus visit coordinator, and
director of transfer recruitment,
has allowed Angie to spend the
past 15 years investing in the lives
of students. Angie says that
investing in students was the
initial reason she came to work
at MC. “I love MC—what it
stands for, and the incredible
education students receive. But
mostly I love the way we get to
pour into the students’ lives.”
For his part, Bill feels similarly
about the opportunities he’s
been provided while working in
education. Bill says, “As we
transitioned from full time
ministry, I felt the Lord was
leading me to continue serving
churches, even in a part-time
capacity. Education has proven
to be a complementary vocation
and I feel very fulfilled working
with teachers and students.”
As March of this year
approaches, the couple looks
towards celebrating 37 years
of marriage.
When asked what advice they
would give to younger couples,
both Bill and Angie have parallel
thoughts on what makes a
marriage last. As Bill says, “The
most important thing anyone
married can do is to accept their
spouse for who they are and for
whom God has created them to be.
Individuals change over time.
Embrace the change and stay
true to your commitment to the
marriage relationship.”
Angie says that in counseling
younger women, she often
prompts them to look for stability
in a potential mate. “That is
what will last.”
Naturally, 37 years have
provided a few challenges along
the way. Angie notes the transition
both she and her children
experienced when their family
transitioned from one of full-time
ministry to differing roles and
vocations. However, the years
have also provided innumerable
highlights and accomplishments
—including the birth of two
grandchildren, a grandson and a
granddaughter. “Seeing our
daughters start families of their
own has been very rewarding,”
says Bill. And Angie echoes,
“There really is nothing that can
compare with becoming a
grandparent. It is the best.”
As for what the next season of
life will hold for the Hardin’s?
They anticipate more years spent
investing in their church, their
family, their students, and their
occupations in Clinton, a town
they have grown to cherish
during their days spent working
here. Given the extent of the
Hardin’s influence and legacy,
and their ongoing impact on the
people here, Clinton is undoubtedly
a more fortunate town for
their presence and investment.
Hometown CLINTON • 9

10 • MARCH 2022

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Kayla
FOWLER
__________
Why did you decide to make Clinton
your home?
I was born and raised here but we have stayed
because of our love for this community. So many
people we dearly love live here. The schools are
incredible, and we love our church family at
First Baptist Church Clinton.
How long have you lived in Clinton?
I have been lucky enough to live in Clinton my
entire life, 34 years!
Tell us about your family.
I’m married to Kevin Fowler. He’s originally
from West Point, Mississippi, but chose
Clinton as home after completing his degree
at Mississippi College. He now works for Hinds
Community College in Raymond. We have two
precious children; Mason Marie (7) who is in
second grade at Northside Elementary. She loves
to read, craft, and tumble. We also have a 2 ½
year old little boy, Abe. He’s pretty happy to be
outside, anytime, with a ball in his hand.
What is your favorite memory of living
in Clinton?
I have always loved the Christmas parade!
It feels like everyone who lives or has lived in
Clinton is there! When the fire truck pulls over
the hill at the Parkway, with the true Santa and
Mrs. Claus, it just feels like Christmas! Such a
fun time to catch up and kick off the holidays.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I remember when the city built Kid’s Town
Park and they had a few Saturdays where they
let kids come and help “build” the playground.
I remember thinking the park would be finished
that day and we would play before we left.
Little did I know it would take weeks to build.
I remember playing on the part of the park we
helped “build” and thinking how neat that was.
Where are your three favorite places
to eat in Clinton?
We’re in the drive thru at Chick-fil-A more than
I would like to admit. We also enjoy The Bank
by Pizza Shack and Picante’s.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Tap a maple tree in Vermont, cruise the
European coast, and meet Dolly Parton!
What are some fun things to do in
Clinton on the weekends?
My little ones thoroughly enjoy the many parks
in Clinton. We like to grab a pizza and head to
Lion’s Club Park for a fun picnic dinner. The
Nature Center’s mud kitchen and trails are a
must for families with children. We also enjoy
the various markets on the brick streets!
Share some things you enjoy doing
in your spare time.
Cooking and baking have always been
something I enjoy doing. We just recently
learned to make homemade cinnamon
rolls. Our Saturday mornings are forever
changed! I also enjoy crafting and reading.
Who is someone you admire and why?
A dear friend, Laura. She is wise and kind.
She’s gracious and gives such intentional
advice that seems to always be sealed with
encouragement.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
I hope to be right here in Clinton raising
teenagers!
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may
His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
may He show you His favor and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
When you read Hometown Magazines,
you’re reminded of just how many amazing
things are going on by people who live right
here in Clinton! Our community is full of such
intelligent, creative, and compassionate people.
Hometown CLINTON • 11

12 • MARCH 2022
Photos: Taylor Coleman Photography

The Livingstons
Tell us about your family.
Todd (34) enjoys reading, running, being out in nature, and
watching college football on Saturdays with the family.
Anna Lauren (28) enjoys quality time with friends and family,
running, watching football, and scouting out and planning our
next family vacation and adventures.
Daniel (3) enjoys watching construction sites, snacks, and making
new friends everywhere he goes.
How did you meet and how long have you been married?
We met in Lake Lure, North Carolina, at a school of Biblical
studies. It wasn’t love at first sight, but we bonded over our love
for college football and the mountains. In a few months, we will
celebrate seven years of marriage!
Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night?
We try to get away once a month to have quality time together.
Even if it is hard to get away for an evening, we value time together
throughout the week whether it’s a walk around MC or a lunch date.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
Daniel’s life is woven with God’s goodness and faithfulness
towards our family, and we never want to forget it. Witnessing
Daniel grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually,
is a great honor and joy. He is truly a walking miracle. Before
Daniel was in our arms we prayed specifically that he would be
joyful and have a special bond with his daddy. If you know him,
you can see that God answered these specific prayers! He exuberates
joy and is his daddy’s mini-me!
Who is the financial manager in your home?
Anna Lauren all the way! Todd doesn’t know any of our banking
information or really how much money he makes….
What is your discipline philosophy regarding your son?
Ultimately, we desire to shepherd and raise Daniel in a manner
where his life will be glorifying to Jesus. He constantly hears and
has to repeat, “Be respectful and obedient with the right heart
attitude.” We believe both actions and the heart matter!
Hometown CLINTON • 13

What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit
to your family?
Our family nickname is “Team TALL” and it encompasses how
we see our family. We are a team. Todd is the leader of our family
whether he’s leading us in what God has called us to next or sometimes
to just get out of the door on time. Anna Lauren seeks to be
intentional with whoever or whatever task is in front of her from
conversations to helping with Daniel’s countless hours of therapy
work.
What’s a quick go to meal that isn’t fast food?
And who does the cooking?
Breakfast for dinner is one of our family favorites. Anna Lauren does
most of the cooking, but Todd isn’t scared to get his hands dirty.
How long has Clinton been your home?
We have lived in Clinton since September of 2015.
What are some of your favorite things about Clinton?
We love going to Clinton High School football games, walking
around in Olde Town and Mississippi College (especially on a
Market Day), and Daniel loves playing at the parks around town.
Over the past seven years, we have loved building community
throughout the town.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Because of Todd’s schedule, our summers are a little hectic. We make
it a priority to get away as a family before or after summer. As a family,
we enjoy going to national parks or any vacation that allows us to be
together and outside. We are committed to investing in experiences
over material items.
What accomplishments make you proud during your
time living in Clinton?
Clinton is a special place that has been a part of shaping our family.
We have been blessed by friendships and a community that has
walked with us through some of our greatest joys and hardest days,
especially during the two-year process of bringing Daniel home.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
And what do you do for a living?
Todd is the student pastor at Pinelake Clinton and loves to be a part
of seeing lives transformed through the hope found in Jesus Christ
alone. Anna Lauren spent 5 years working with Mississippi College’s
physician assistant studies program and loved every day of connecting
with students. A year ago, she stepped back full time to be more
hands on with Daniel’s growth and development.
QUESTIONS FOR DANIEL
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?
Watch a football game together and play with my cars, trucks, trains,
and planes.
What ‘s your favorite restaurant?
Cracker Barrel, Chick-fil-A, and Mexican (just like every
southern-raised kid).
What’s your favorite TV show?
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
14 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 15

2022 METRO JACKSON
Women of IMPACT
The American Heart Association, Metro Jackson is proud to celebrate
the inaugural class of Woman of Impact, a complement to the
Metro Jackson Go Red for Women movement. Over the past few
months, AHA received nominations for a select group of local
women to be recognized for their passion and drive in building
stronger communities. The areas of impact were limitless –
from healthcare to philanthropy, from business to faith.
If they “lead with heart,” they were eligible for nomination.
Women of Impact are changemakers, dedicated to making a
lasting impact on the health of the Metro Jackson community;
women who lead by example, improving the well-being of those
around them. By joining the Go Red for Women movement as a
Woman of Impact, each honoree has assembled their own team
of volunteers, set a fundraising goal, and made a meaningful impact
on the health and wellbeing of the Metro Jackson community.
The 2022 Class has set a goal to raise a minimum of $50,000
for the Metro Jackson Go Red for Women movement! Their
fundraising campaigns kick off on “National Wear Red Day”
Friday, February 4th and will conclude on “World Heart Day”
Thursday, April 7th. The 2022 Woman of Impact nominees
will be featured at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, and all
ten women will be honored for their work to raise awareness
for women’s heart disease and fund scientific research and
educational programs right here in Mississippi.
Special thanks to our
Women of Impact sponsor,
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.
For more information on how you can get involved with the Metro Jackson American Heart Association,
please visit www.heart.org/en/affiliates/mississippi/Jackson.
For more information about the Go Red for Women Movement, email Katherine.Byrd@heart.org.
16 • MARCH 2022

Dr. Erica Bass
Mississippi Premier Plastic Surgery
Dr. Natasha Hardeman
Lakeland Premier Women’s Clinic
Dr. Terica Jackson
Baptist Premier
Jamie Kerr
Shippers Express, Inc.
Liza Looser
The Cirlot Agency
Maggie Wade
WLBT
Natalie Latham
Community Bank
Rashida Walker
W Real Estate, LLC
Sandra Dabit Strain
Madison the City Aldermanat-Large
and The Orchard
Tina Lakey
Retired and AHA Board Member
Hometown CLINTON • 17

18 • MARCH 2022

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Mistie Desper
Matters
of the Heart
Sims, the 6-month-old
“chunky monkey” baby
boy of Jonathan and
Kasey Blankenship is
living life to the fullest
after being diagnosed
with a congenital heart
defect shortly after birth.
Jonathan and Kasey met nearly eight years
before ever actually dating. Kasey said, “The
timing was just never right. We were friends in
different seasons of life.” Their chance finally
came in the summer of 2017.
Married August 2020, both knew that they
wanted to begin a family together. Kasey said,
“Family is very important to us, and we knew
we were ready.”
Their dream turned into a reality when they
discovered they would become parents. At the
gender reveal, Kasey admitted, “I just knew and
was determined that this baby was going to be a
girl.” However, their blessing was soon revealed
to be a bouncing baby boy. The pair were so
excited and could not wait to meet their son.
Hometown CLINTON • 19

The pregnancy was picture perfect until Kasey was
reaching the end. She developed high blood pressure.
Ultimately, she was induced three weeks early. Sims was
born as perfect as they had hoped and dreamed. Both
parents gushed at what a happy and easy-going baby
he was from the start.
During Sims’ 2-week check-up, his pediatrician,
Dr. Penny at Children’s Medical Group, heard a heart
murmur. Kasey added, “He had no symptoms at all,
and we were sent over for
an echocardiogram just
as a precaution because
Dr. Penny just didn’t like
what she heard.”
She added, “It was really
a blessing that she sent us
for tests. Otherwise, we
would have never known.”
Sims was diagnosed
with coarctation of the
aorta. This condition is
the narrowing of the large
blood vessel that leads to
the heart. Oftentimes,
there are no or very mild
symptoms causing this
condition to go undetected
into adulthood.
Sims was scheduled for
surgery in December 2021.
As young parents, barely
out of their honeymoon phase and full of excitement
and hope, knowing their sweet baby was about to
undergo surgery caused the couple to lean on each other
and their family as they faced many unknowns.
Jonathan said, “We really had to rely on each other.
We had so many family, friends, and work family that
sent us gift cards for food so we could stay at the
hospital.”
Kasey added, “We were both so independent before
getting married and this experience really made us have
to be there for each other. I would break down and get
scared and Jonathan would be my rock and hold it
together. Then he had his moment after everything
when I had already worried and put it behind me—
so we were strong when the other one needed it most.”
Their church family at First Ridgeland were also
a constant source of support for the couple by sending
care packages and praying for them.
Sims had a successful thoracotomy surgery at UAB
hospital in Birmingham. Kasey said, “They cut out a
narrow piece of the valve and fused it back together.
The entire staff at UAB was beyond phenomenal.”
Sims had a remarkable recovery showing his resilience
and determination at such a young age.
Kasey added, “His doctors are amazed at his
progress. This should be his only surgery.” The couple
praised their team of doctors and are forever grateful
to Dr. Penny, her nurse Robin Ellis, and cardiologist,
Dr. Braden.
Jonathan said, “Always remember that you can
take help from other people and utilize their expertise.
I had to put my pride aside and the desire as a father
to protect him and know that I couldn’t control
everything.”
Kasey added, “There were just so many fears of
the unknown. Most things I was scared of just didn’t
happen. A good support group helped me so much as
I read story after story of adults who had this same
condition as babies.”
Sims is such a happy little boy who is full of energy.
Kasey proudly said, “He has two bottom teeth, loves
Mickey Mouse, his playmat, and absolutely loves
daycare! He also likes to watch football,” Jonathan
added, “He will sit and is glued to the TV every time
football is on. It’s the funniest thing.”
The couple would love to expand their family one
day. For now, they are enjoying Sims as he reaches new
milestones each week and looking forward to the future.
20 • MARCH 2022

“We were both so independent before getting married and this
experience really made us have to be there for each other.”
Hometown CLINTON • 21

22 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 23

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
I became a police officer for the same reason I believe that most others
have—I’ve wanted to be police officer from a young age. I have always
enjoyed helping people in whatever way I could and the older I got the
more I felt a pull to go into law enforcement.
How long have you been with the Clinton Police Department?
I joined the Clinton Police Department roughly 11 years ago, first as a
reserve officer and, after a year or so, I made the transition into a
full-time officer.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to the most wonderful person I have ever had the
privilege to know, Stephanie Manor, and between us we have five
amazing children. Of them, three are in the U.S. Army, one is at
Hinds Community College, and the other is at Holmes currently
but is pledged to come to MC in the fall of this year.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
The toughest thing I have experienced in law enforcement honestly is
not necessarily something I enjoy talking about. But a close second to
that is mostly seeing people at their absolute worst.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
In my spare time I really enjoy woodworking, hanging out with my
wife, and watching our dogs play.
Officer
Seth
MANOR
CLINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
What are three things on your bucket list?
My bucket list is pretty short. I want to eventually take a trip to
Alaska (my wife not so much), ride in a helicopter, and by a long shot,
ride in a B-17.
Who is someone you admire and why?
That would be my father. My dad is the best man I have ever known,
second only (slightly) to my grandfather. My dad is the kindest and
hardest working person you will ever meet, and I don’t say that to be
gratuitous. Having five kids that weren’t always easy to parent and
almost always trying his patience, he still managed to instill in us to be
honest, hardworking, and family-oriented individuals. He is a person
Taylor Carter of Brookhaven that I can is only strive to be.
headed to the University of Southern
Mississippi for a degree in biology Rodric McClain got out of the car to take a photo
and an eventual career as a
of his best friend, Tia Denise Cook of Jackson.
dermatologist.
24 • MARCH 2022

If you could give one piece of advice
to a young person, what would it be?
The best advice that I think I could give
is to not sweat the small stuff. Nothing is
ever as bad as it seems in the moment.
So, step back, take a breath and don’t
overreact. Don’t make a bad decision that
could be avoided by just taking a minute
to think about it.
What is your favorite thing
about the city of Clinton?
My favorite thing about the city of
Clinton is that despite how much it has
changed and grown over the years that
I have been here, it is still the kind of city
where you will run into friends you’ve
known for many years every time you
leave the house to go to the store. It still
has the small-town atmosphere to it.
Hometown CLINTON • 25

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26 • MARCH 2022

Clinton Christian Academy Seniors Q&A
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom
would you want as a dinner guest, and why?
Laney Walters
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I would choose my grandma. She knows how to cook my
favorite foods and loves to talk with me about football.
Her meals taste better than most restaurants.
Ally Noone
I would want to have dinner with Elon Musk. I am not
particularly a big fan of his, but I would love to sit with
him and hear his ideas. It would be extremely interesting
to understand his thought process and the way his mind
works. He intrigues me.
Ryan Spears
I would choose Tiger Woods. Golf is my favorite sport
and I believe there would be a lot for us to talk about.
I would like to ask him many questions and thank him
for the way he changed the sport forever.
Connor Tatum
Tim Tebow. I would love to discuss sports with him.
I really admire him for his strong stance for Christian
values and his determination.
Natalie Toups
It would be AJ Andrews. She is a softball player who
played at my dream school, LSU. She has been a role
model of mine since I was about 13 years old. I look
up to her in so many ways. I would ask her how she
became the athlete she is today. She is a sensation
in the softball world!
Joe Thomas
The person I would like to go to dinner with is Tom
Holland. I would like to go with him because I would
like to know about being an actor and his experience.
It is impressive how well he hides his British accent.
He seems cool and I think we would laugh a lot and
have a good time.
Robin Neblett
I would choose Dolly Parton. I think she is such a great
role model. I would love to talk to her about all her
success in life. She has such a positive outlook in life,
and I know she would brighten my day.
9
10
11
12
13
Kaymen Wilson
I would love to have dinner with Drew Brees. I have
always been a fan of him and the Saints. I would like to
ask him why he chose to retire when he did and how it
felt to be the spotlight of every game. I would also tell
him how much I enjoyed watching him play and throw
game-winning touchdowns with barely any time left.
Cindi Shafer
I would love to have dinner with Johnny Depp. I enjoy
his acting skills and movies along with his quirky personality.
I would ask a lot of questions and of course get his
autograph!
Anne Maree Crechale
I would want to have dinner with Kyrie Irving. He is a
good basketball player. He plays point guard, which is
the position I play as well. I would love to get advice
from him.
AJ Johnson
I personally would like to go to dinner with Steph Curry.
I look up to him and hope to be a successful man like he
is. He is an amazing basketball player but also just a great
guy who gives a lot to his community. He is someone
I just really respect.
Audrey Bryson
Given the choice of anyone to have as a dinner guest,
I would choose Donald Trump. I would like to tell him how
much I appreciate all that he has done for our country.
I admire his brave attitude and I‘d like to also get some
tanning tips from him.
Jayy Whitehead
I would love to go to dinner with the actress that plays
Sarah Cameron on the show Outer Banks. I think she is
a great actress and really enjoyed her role on that show.
I would like to tell her that I think she is beautiful and
really talented.
Hometown CLINTON • 27

28 • MARCH 2022

The Art of
Susan Marquez
Communication
Amanda Jones is Clinton through and through. “My family moved here when
I was in the third grade, and there is nowhere I’d rather be,” she says.
Amanda is a graduate of Clinton High School, where she
was active in Attache’ as well as track, basketball, and volleyball.
Amanda attended Mississippi College, where she earned a
degree in communications. “My parents and my two sisters
also went to Mississippi College, so it’s a family tradition for us,”
Amanda says.
All that Amanda has done since graduating college has led
her to her new position as director of communication and
tourism for the City of Clinton. She comes to her new job from
St. Dominic Hospital, where she served as a senior marketing and
communication specialist since 2017. Prior to that, she served in
outreach and marketing for the Mississippi Department of
Wildlife Fisheries and Parks for over 12 years.
Hometown CLINTON • 29

It was during her time there that she began co-hosting
the Mississippi Outdoors television program which has
aired on Mississippi Public Broadcasting for thirty-three
seasons. “I began co-hosting with Melvin Tingle, who my
dad and I had watched on television for many years,” she
says. “My dad always said I could do that one day, and sure
enough, I am doing it.” Amanda was offered the co-hosting
position just a few months into her job at the department.
After Tingle passed away, Clinton resident Kevin Meachum
came on board as the co-host partner with Amanda. “I love
doing the show, because it allows me to go out and hunt
and fish and enjoy the outdoors. Mississippi has so much
to offer.”
Amanda began her position with the City of Clinton
the first part of November 2021. In her communications
role, she serves as the city’s public information officer,
and she manages marketing for the city. “I hit the ground
running,” she recalls. “On my second day, the city’s
narcotics unit, which was just started in October 2020,
had the largest drug bust they have had to date. I had to
rush to put together a press conference.”
Her director of tourism role requires her to oversee
the train depot and visitors center off the Natchez Trace.
“I have already identified and applied for several federal
grants to help kickstart our tourism efforts,” she says.
“Clinton is such a unique place and has so much to see
and do. I want others to know about us and to come visit.
My job is so fulfilling because I am able to do so much
good for my home city.”
A Clinton resident, Amanda is married to Dustin
Jones, a native of Greenwood. The couple has two
daughters, Addie (6) and Anna Lois (4). Addie is a
first-grader at Clinton Park Elementary where Amanda
serves as president of the PTO. Both girls are active in
city sports and recreations, including soccer and softball.
“They both love it,” says Amanda. “We have fun with it
too, but now I’m looking at things from the perspective
of how others are experiencing it, starting with the
registration forms. I’m always looking for ways to make
things more efficient.”
As a public relations professional, Amanda is a member
of the Public Relations of Mississippi’s Central Chapter.
The Jones family attend First Baptist Church in Clinton.
30 • MARCH 2022

Moving people forward
is what we do!
ACADEMICS | CAREER & TECHNICAL | NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH | ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
Discover YOUR pathway forward! | Visit hindscc.edu
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.
Upcoming Events
@FBCC
March
Renew 22
March 6 | 9:30 am & 6 pm
April
Palm Sunday: Night of Praise
April 10 | 6 pm
Join us!
SUNDAYS 9:30 AM
WEDNESDAYS 6 PM
Good Friday Service
April 15 | 6 pm
Easter Sunday
April 17 | 9:30 am
DR. GREG POUNCEY, SENIOR PASTOR
100 E. COLLEGE STREET | CLINTON, MS | 601.924.6705
FBCCLINTON.ORG E D Q
Hometown CLINTON • 31

Santa’s Heartburn Helpers
• 8 lbs. ground beef
• 8 cans diced tomatoes
• 8 cans red kidney beans
• 4 cans rotel tomatoes
• 4 pkgs. onion soup mix
• 4 pkgs. chili seasoning mix
• 4 large tomato juice
• 8 Tbsp. sugar
• 8 Tbsp. salt
• Pepper
Brown meat and drain. Drain half
beans/tomatoes only. Mix all
ingredients together,
and adjust seasonings after
simmering.
Serve with sour
cream, cilantro,
cheese and
jalapeños.
Sweet Potato Chili
• 3 sweet potatoes cut into
one-inch cubes
• 2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
• 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 box of beef broth
• ¾ cup diced yellow onion
• 2 packs chili seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. of sausage
Place everything in cooking pot
except meat. Cook on low/med
heat, stirring occasionally for 4 hrs.
Heat large skillet over medium heat
and stir in meats, cooking until
crumbly, evenly brown and no pink
(10-15 minutes). Drain grease and
add to chili pot. Enjoy with a can of
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls instead of
cornbread.
No Bean Chili
• 2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper,
finely chopped
• ½ large yellow onion,
finely chopped
• 30 oz. canned diced tomatoes,
fired-roasted
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• ½ cup jalapeno juice
• 1 cup oregano
• 1½ Tbsp. chili powder
• 1½ tsp. paprika
• 1½ tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 4 Tbsp. garlic, minced
Add ground beef to a large stock
pot. Use spatula to crumble the beef.
Add green pepper and onion.
Cook on medium high, stirring
occasionally, until beef is browned.
Drain grease. Add other ingredients
and stir. Cover and let simmer for
20-25 minutes. Add extra salt or
pepper to taste. Top with green
onions, avocado, cilantro, or onion.
32 • MARCH 2022

Coffee Chili
Vegetarian Chili
Red Chicken Chili
• 5 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cans black beans
• 2 cans chili hot beans
• 1 can corn
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cans tomato sauce
• 1 diced onion
• 1 box chicken broth
• ½ cup salsa
(we used On the Border)
• ½ cup white cheese dip
(we used Ponchos)
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• salt, pepper, garlic powder,
onion powder
Place chicken breast into Instapot
and cover with water. Season with
salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion
powder. Cook on high for 40
minutes. While chicken is cooking
mix all other ingredients together,
except the salsa and cheese dip. Cook
over medium heat. Once chicken is
done do a quick release and reserve
broth. Shred chicken with hand mixer.
Add ½ cup of reserved chicken broth,
salsa, and cheese. Dip to Instapot and
set for 10 minutes on high pressure.
When done do a quick release. Add
chicken mixture and the rest of
reserved broth and simmer one hour.
Serve with sour cream, cheese, green
onions, jalapenos. For a spicier chili,
add jalapeno juice.
Chili for a Crowd
• 8 onions (chopped or minced)
• 1 cup minced garlic
• ¼ cup salt
• ¼ cup black pepper
• ½ cup cayenne pepper
• ½ cup paprika
• 2 oz. jar of Chef Paul’s meat magic
• 1 cup cumin
• 1 cup oregano
• 3½ cups chili powder
• 8 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
(not rotel)
• 8 cans pinto beans (drained)
• 4 cans tomato sauce (29 oz. cans)
• 10 lbs. ground beef/venison
• 5 lbs. ground sausage
• chicken stock
Brown meat and drain grease.
Add back to pan with onions and
garlic until onions are translucent.
Add all seasonings, tomato sauce,
drained beans. Let cook for an hour
or more before serving. More beans
and chicken stock can be added
depending on consistency you
like. Yields 5-6 gallons.
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1½ Tbsp. Garlic minced
• 1 can pinto beans, 15 oz.
• 1 can kidney beans, 15 oz.
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 15 oz.
• 12 oz. beef stock
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp. ground pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
Heat a large pot over medium to
high heat with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil.
When the pan is heated, add diced
onions and garlic. Cook for about
one minute. Add the ground beef
and break it apart. Cook for about
8-10 minutes or until beef is fully
browned. Add beans, diced tomatoes,
tomato sauce, and tomato paste - stir.
Then add your spices along with beef
stock and your cup of coffee. Bring
chili to a boil and let simmer for
about 15 minutes.
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ½ tsp. salt, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1½ tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 large can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes,
undrained
• 2 15 oz. cans black beans,
rinsed and drained
• 1 15 oz. can pinto beans,
rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro,
plus more for garnishing
• 1 to 2 tsp. sherry vinegar, red wine
vinegar or lime juice, to taste
Warm olive oil in a large pot over
medium heat, until shimmering.
Add chopped onion, bell pepper,
carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Stir occasionally, until the vegetables
are tender and the onion is translucent,
about 7 to 10 minutes. Add
garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked
paprika and oregano. Stirring
constantly, cook about 1 minute.
Add the diced tomatoes, black beans,
pinto beans, vegetable broth and bay
leaf. Stir to combine and let the
mixture come to a simmer. Gently
simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30
minutes. Remove chili from the heat
and discard the bay leaf. For the best
texture and flavor, transfer 1½ cups
of the chili to a blender, making sure
to get some of the liquid portion, then
pour the blended mixture back into
the pot. Add the chopped cilantro,
stir to combine, and then mix in the
vinegar, to taste.
Hometown CLINTON • 33

34 • MARCH 2022

KIDS WHO CARE
Anna Ford KillebrewBethany Cole
LEARNING WHAT
MATTERS MOST
If you ask anyone from Clinton why they
love the town, they will often tell you, “It’s the
people.” People make a place what it is, defining
the strongest attributes of a community and
cultivating a culture that produces a spirit of
service.
Anna Ford Killebrew, age 8, and a third
grader at Northside Elementary, is a shining
example of that culture. Anna Ford, who was
born in Raymond and raised in Clinton, grew
up watching both her family and her hometown
set an ambitious philanthropic pace.
In the fall of last year, she began asking her
mother about needs in the world, particularly as
they relate to those who might not have a home.
“One day I asked my mom if there were people
who didn’t have homes, even kids,” says Anna.
“My mom told me that there were. I said I
wanted to help. My mom told me about
something called Socktober that a boy called
Kid President did several years ago. I thought it
was a good idea and wanted to do it too.”
Socktober, which began in 2011 and was
originally created by Brad Montague, was
birthed out of the realization that socks often
ranked as one of the most needed items in the
homeless community. Attempting to remedy
such a basic deficiency, Montague began to give
out socks to those in need in his area, filming
himself saying, “Happy Socktober!” as he went
through his city. In 2013, Montague teamed up
with Kid President in an effort to bring more
awareness to the event, which proved radically
effective. In recent years, people from all seven
continents have participated and hosted their
own sock drives.
Inspired by these worldwide efforts and
need in the local homeless population, Anna
Ford decided to begin asking friends and family
for donations. “We asked for a lot of donations
from friends and at church. We got sock
donations and snacks and money. We then used
the money to buy more socks and snacks.” Thus
a full-fledged endeavor to help the homeless was
set in motion, with Anna Ford eventually
collecting 231 pairs of socks from her community.
While the Socktober movement propelled
Anna Ford forward with a template for how to
serve, she also had a service-oriented example a
little closer to home, namely from her grandmother.
According to Anna Ford, her grandmother
has been one of the most influential
people in her life when it comes to learning how
best to give back. Her grandmother, Cee Cee,
volunteers with the food pantry at her church,
Alta Woods United Methodist Church, in
South Jackson. So, it was only fitting that Anna
Ford would follow in her steps, and Alta Woods
was the chosen location for the sock distribution.
Packing 77 bags that were stocked with three
pairs of socks and food, Anna Ford, along with
her sister Caroline (who attends Lovett
Elementary), and her grandmother, gave the
bags away on November 23, 2021.
According to Anna Ford, the most rewarding
aspect of the event was the process of putting
together the bags as an act of service, and also
the involvement of the Alta Woods church
community. As she says, “I got to see my
grandmother’s church help us bring the bags in
and they were all smiling.”
As anyone would expect, her parents were
massively proud of both their daughters’
determined attitudes in pursuing a way to make
the world a better place. Allison Killebrew,
Anna Ford’s mother, says, “Anna Ford has the
biggest heart of any person I know, adult or
child. She constantly stretches me to be a better
person. She has a good big sister who helps her.
Her dad and I couldn’t be more proud!”
Next year, Anna Ford plans to repeat
“Socktober” and hopes to collect even more
socks and snacks. During the year between, she
will continue to pursue her favorite hobbies,
which include dancing, deer hunting, and art.
She also participates in Accent at Northside
Elementary, a program designed to help children
excel in specific and unique ways.
When asked about what she would like to do
or be when she grows up, she says she isn’t quite
certain. However, it was her Accent class that
introduced her to criminology, which, so far, is
the lead contender for a possible career.
“I learned about criminologists in Accent
and that job sounds like fun,” she says. School
also offers everyday inspiration in the form
of the teachers she interacts with while there.
She mentions two local teachers who have
greatly impacted her. “Mrs. Ross, my dyslexia
teacher, and Mrs. Bryant, my second-grade
teacher, because I love them, and they helped
me learn to read.”
Such teachers, and families like the
Killebrews, are what continue to make Clinton
an exceptional place for Anna Ford to grow up
and learn. As she says succinctly, “It is a great
town!”
For more information on Socktober and
how its participants are meeting everyday needs,
visit: www.socktober.com
Hometown CLINTON • 35

SATURDAY, MAY 7
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Two Mississippi Museums
Free admission to The World of Marty Stuart
exhibit during the festival
MUSICAL LINEUP
North Mississippi Allstars• Mr. Sipp•Framing the Red
Chapel Hart •Chad Wesley Band •5th Child •Lil’ DJ
Jimbo Mathus• Cary Hudson•and more!
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Lead Pastor Rev. Dr. Ricky James
9AM & 11AM
SUNDAY SCHOOL
For All Ages 10AM
We Offer Online Worship Each Sunday
Visit Our Website & Facebook Page
Broadcast on SuperTalk Radio
97.3 FM Sundays at 11AM
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP
& FELLOWSHIP DINNER
CLASSES FOR ALL AGES
100 Mt. Salus Drive • 601-924-6671
firstmethodistclinton.org
36 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 37

38 • MARCH 2022
Mississippi Department of Archives & History
Introduces the Mississippi Makers Festival

On Saturday, May 7, the Mississippi Department
of Archives and History will host its first annual
Mississippi Makers Festival on the lawn of the
Museum of Mississippi History and the
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Mississippi Makers Festival celebrates the rich history
and artistic talent the state of Mississippi has offered and
continues to offer to the world. Mississippi is the “Birthplace
of America’s Music” and has produced musicians
such as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll; B.B. King,
the King of the Blues; opera diva Leontyne Price; and
Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. It is also
the home of world-renowned visual artists such as
George Ohr, Theora Hamblett, Richmond Barthé,
Walter Anderson, and William Dunlap.
Headlining artists for this year’s festival are Chapel
Hart, Framing the Red, Mr. Sipp and the North Mississippi
Allstars.
Chapel Hart, a country music vocal group from
Poplarville, consists of three women with big voices.
The group’s colorful and contagious energy has flourished
into a full live band experience that fills venues at
home and around the country. Chapel Hart has an
amazing ability to tug on your heartstrings with a tender
yet powerful ballad, then have you pumping your fist in
unison to the pulse of hard-hitting rock and roll. The band
accentuates the three vocalists, who embody the sweet
and southern sound of country with the soulful undertones
noting their gospel roots.
Framing the Red, is southern rock and roll band that is
taking the national music scene by storm. The band has
been together and touring for a little over seven years
and has the talent that would make any onlooker think
this was a seasoned band that has been touring for much
longer. The band delivers a show like none other,
grabbing its audiences and bringing everyone to their
feet with catchy riffs, great lyrics, and high impact live
stage shows that people will continue to talk about.
Mr. Sipp, a blues musician born in McComb, began
playing the guitar at the age of six and through hard work
and perseverance, has become a Delta blues force to be
reckoned with. Mr. Sipp is known for his amazing vocals,
songwriting ability, musicianship, and ability to produce
records and entertain fans with an upbeat, outlandish
show. He has over 125 recording credits and over fifty
national recordings with several Grammy-nominated
projects.
Hometown CLINTON • 39

The North Mississippi Allstars, a blues and southern
rock band from Hernando, was founded in 1996. The
band has been together for twenty-five years, produced
twelve albums, received four Grammy Award nominations,
and sold out shows everywhere. They draw a huge and
dedicated crowd that loves to jam!
Doors to the festival will open at 10am, and live music
will begin at 11am. The headliners will take the stage
starting at 5pm, and the North Mississippi Allstars will
close the festival at 10pm.
Along with the musical entertainment, some Mississippi
artisans who will also be represented in this year’s festival
are Karl Compton, Lee Washington, Jaime Ross, and
Tony Davenport.
Karl Compton is the owner of Dragonflight Pottery,
which is based out of Collinsville. He is a member of the
Craftmen’s Guild of Mississippi and prides himself on his
beautiful vases, bowls, mugs, and lanterns.
Lee Washington is also a member of the Craftmen’s
Guild of Mississippi and has been awarded three national
Veterans Creative Arts Awards. His craft is creating art
out of various types of nuts and bolts.
Jamie Ross, an artist based out of Ocean Springs,
plans to wow festival-goers with his live art demonstration.
Ross creates his art with a chainsaw. At Mississippi Makers
Festival he will be carving sculptures out of wood.
Also, in the category of artisans, we have Mississippi
native Tony Davenport. Davenport is from Vicksburg and
received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Jackson State
University. He has won numerous awards for his paintings
and designs based on Mississippi landmarks and music.
Davenport has been named Best Living Artist by the
Jackson Free Press and won many best of show awards
from various contests.
If musical entertainment and art aren’t enough to
pique your interest in the Mississippi Makers Festival,
maybe history will. The Two Mississippi Museums will be
open with free admission the day of the festival and will
be launching a new exhibit about Mississippi native,
Marty Stuart. The World of Marty Stuart will feature
hundreds of Marty’s collected musical artifacts and tell
the story of his life as a star musician.
We invite you to join us for live music, art, and food
made by the best makers in the nation. Mississippi Makers
Festival is a Mississippi made festival showcasing
Mississippi entertainers, artisans, and makers of
merchandise, food, and everything in between.
See you there!
40 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 41

We celebrate
100 years of life of
Mr. Joe “JD” Burchfield,
a proud Christian, American,
Army veteran, and family man.
Mr. Burchfield was born to James Homer and Ray Bell Burchfield on
January 31, 1922, in Attala County. After graduating from Ethel High
School in 1941, he attended Holmes Junior College. In November 1942,
Mr. Burchfield’s studies were interrupted by the United States Army
draft. In 1943, he fought in the Battle of Attu in U.S. Territory of Alaska.
In January and February 1944, he was deployed to the Marshall Islands
and fought in the Battle of Kwajalein. Later that same year, from October
to December, Mr. Burchfield was deployed to the Philippines where he
was wounded in the Battle of Leyte. This battle was the first and most
decisive operation in the American reconquest of the Philippines. In this
battle, 3,504 soldiers died in action and 12,000 were wounded.
Mr. Burchfield received treatment for his wounds in the South
Pacific followed by returning to the United States. In November 1945,
he was honorably discharged from the military and reunited with his
family in Attala County. He was awarded, in the name of the President
of the United States, the Purple Heart for his wartime injury in the
U.S. Army services.
Mr. Burchfield went on to enroll at Mississippi State College,
graduating in 1949. In 1950 he married Nettie James Myres, and settled
in Choctaw County, where they raised their three sons, Mike, Phil, and
Tim. He was an active deacon at his church, Ackerman Baptist Church.
He worked for the Farmers Home Administration for 35 years, retiring in
1981. After retiring he lived on his farm in Ackerman, Miss. He enjoyed
deer hunting, gardening, and traveling with his wife of 64 years.
Mr. Burchfield loves his family and worked hard to provide the
American dream for them. He believes that you must do all you can to live
for God. He lives by the Ten Commandments and his favorite Bible verse
is John 3:16. Eventually, in 2013, he moved to Clinton, and later made
Brookdale Senior Living his home. Today Mr. Burchfield continues to
remain active in community life at Brookdale Clinton.
42 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 43

44 • MARCH 2022

● ● ● ● ●
LifeChoices
Lauren von Foregger
Every morning,
Jarred Couch looks
at his face in the
mirror and reminds
himself that he is
good enough.
“I tell myself that I am good, I am loved.
That I am in a place where I don’t need to lose
any more weight, even though sometimes it’s
hard for me to accept that I am skinny enough.”
Jarred heads to the gym most mornings,
where he spends his early hours lifting weights
and participating in group classes. He says this
helps him feel his best, and he walks out of the
gym into the morning sunlight feeling
rejuvenated and alive.
When Jarred began attending Mississippi
College in Clinton in 2018, he weighed 412
pounds. Today, he weighs 248.
At 6’6”, the 22-year-old Clintonian is aware
of his large presence, but during the second
semester of his junior year, he got tired of living
life needing to order special clothes, worrying
about how he would fit into desks in his
classrooms, and generally feeling uncomfortable.
“I just woke up one day and decided to
commit to living differently,” he says. “It’s been
really hard. It takes a lot of discipline, but it’s
worth it. I feel so much better. I can take a pair
of my old jeans and stand with both legs in
one side now. It’s crazy!”
Jarred went from a 3-4 XL size shirt and a
size 64 jeans to a size medium shirt and a size
34 jeans. He lost the bulk of his weight in
about a six-month time span.
Jarred has been overweight his entire life
and can remember feeling like his relationship
with food was unhealthy. “When I first started
driving, I would sneak to Little Caesar’s and
buy and eat two pizzas before going home,” he
says. “I knew something wasn’t right, but I
couldn’t stop. I know now that I was using food
to cope with depression, unhealed childhood
trauma and the day-to-day struggles of life.”
Hometown CLINTON • 45

Now, Jarred deals with typical life obstacles
by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and
giving back to his community. Jarred is the
after school assistant director at Morrison
Heights Daycare, where the kids enrolled
lovingly call him “Uncle Jarred.” He is also
involved with the non-profit Shower Power,
an organization that provides food, water,
resources, and shower access to the homeless
population of the metro-Jackson area.
“It’s the most amazing thing, seeing
someone with such difficult life circumstances
choosing joy,” he says. “I look at my work with
Shower Power as helping to restore value to
people who may feel forgotten.”
Jarred is also a public relations major,
council president for MC clubs and tribes,
and works as a messenger for the MC
communications department. He plans to
graduate in December of 2022.
“My outlook on life is totally different
now,” he says. “I can’t wait to start a career,
get married and be a dad. I think about doing
those things with a healthy body and I feel
excited and hopeful.”
Jarred says he continues to lean on his
parents, friends, and girlfriend for support.
“I have the most amazing parents. They
have always supported me and encouraged
me. They’re thrilled with my new lifestyle
but their love for me has not changed. I know
they love me no matter what. Same with my
girlfriend - she is very supportive and
encouraging. I can’t wait for our amazing
future together.”
Jarred says the most important thing he’s
learned is that his body, whether big or small,
does not determine his value.
“If I could go back and tell my younger
self one thing, it would be, simply, ‘I love you,’”
he says. “I wish I had loved myself more then,
and I wish I had known that the people in my
life would not love me more based on my
body’s size. My jean size is not going to affect
the mark I leave in the Kingdom of God, nor
will it affect the mark I leave on this world.
God loves each of us just as we are, and that is
really the only thing that matters.”
46 • MARCH 2022

God loves each of us just
aswe are, and that is really
the only thing that matters.”
Hometown CLINTON • 47

The CHALKBOARD Clinton Schools
Clinton High
Students in Officer Al Kimbrell’s Law
and Public Safety classes at CHS were
visited by Clinton Arrow alum Justice
Court Judge Kenny Lewis. Judge Lewis
spoke to them about the court system
and the importance of community
involvement when it comes to
criminal justice.
Judge Kenny Lewis
Law and Public Safety teacher Officer Al Kimbrell
CHS Junior, Lily Brent
CHS Junior, Ja’Karrie Coleman
Sumner Hill
Mt. Salus
Sumner Hill’s Parent of the Year is
Shae Williams. She has served as our
PTO President. Mrs. Williams has a
passion to reward students for good
behavior and loves to support our
teachers. We are all so thankful for her
and the time she has given to our faculty,
staff, and student rewards.
Join us April 30, 2022 for the first annual Heart & Sole
5K Run/Walk Race on the historic brick streets of
Clinton, MS. Register today at www.mtsalus.org/5K
or scan to register.
48 • MARCH 2022

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
“Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but names will never hurt me.”
I don’t know who to credit for that “sage” observation, but that individual didn’t know what
he or she was thinking! Words definitely can hurt and leave scars that are engraved on hearts
and minds.
I’m to that laughable stage of forgetfulness. I’m grateful to still have breath, but it is a bit
frustrating to walk toward a room with intent to retrieve a particular item and forget what
that item is by the time I get to that spot. However, as poor as my memory may serve me now,
I can still recall those caustic words I heard years and years ago – words aimed at me in
sarcasm, jest or anger. I’m blessed that there aren’t many to recall, but the fact is undeniable.
Even though I’ve forgiven the perpetrators, I somehow still remember the pain those unkind,
thoughtless words inflicted.
So, I know from experience the power of words and continue to be fascinated with the power
of the spoken and written word. I have favorite authors who take me from my reading chair
in my neutral-colored den to an island paradise with its pristine water, gently swaying palm
trees and the smell of Panama Jack sunscreen. The author’s wordsmith talents take me where
he is – all with no mode of transportation other than words.
Recently I was caught up in a word concept I had never considered – a fast of words!
The idea sounded much easier than giving up gooey desserts and freshly baked breads.
Certainly I could handle this with much greater ease and, it would be less demanding than
giving up food. Yes, I would sign up for this challenge.
The terms weren’t complicated. In fact, they seemed elementary. I would refrain from using
any negative words and any grumbling or murmuring about anything including the weather
which would fall under that heading. Judgmental words were also off limits. If I couldn’t say
something positive, I would remain silent. If I knew information, but if it were unkind or
unnecessary (putting it under the judging category) I would keep lips closed. I was naïve of
the depth of the word fast challenge. It took being aware of EVERY word I spoke before
I realized how many careless, judgmental words flowed much too freely from my lips.
Be warned! A word fast isn’t for the weak of heart or tongue! We live in a society of verbal
slaughter with little thought for the injured or permanently damaged. I know – there are
plenty out there that don’t deserve praise but indictment for ungodly lifestyles and words.
However, God said He would deal with the ungodly. My occupation should be with what
comes out of my mouth. I confess – that’s a full-time job!
50 • MARCH 2022

Hometown CLINTON • 51

Wealth.
What does it mean to you?
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vision of prosperity is different from the next.
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or caring for aging parents. Whether you are
just embarking on your journey or starting to
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205 E. Main Street • Clinton, MS
For a free initial consultation,
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MASCAGNI WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. IS A REGISTERED
INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.