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As we wait eagerly
Fall Fashion
Sawyer Dykman

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4 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 5

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6 • OCTOBER 2023

FROM OUR
CONSULTING EDITOR
October in the South is a magical time when nature dons its finest
attire, painting the landscape with hues of amber, scarlet, and gold.
As the sun mellows and we anxiously await the air to take on a
gentle crispness, we all look forward to the embrace of autumn.
October whispers of harvests and gatherings, of pumpkin
patches and corn mazes. Families come together to pick
sunflowers, apples, and carve jack-o’-lanterns, forging bonds
that stand strong against the test of time. In every field, in every
small-town square, there’s a sense of unity and shared purpose
that warms the heart.
This month, we pay tribute to those in our communities
who have overcome and those that are blazing trails. You’ll read
about the “grit” that young Sawyer Dykman exhibits, as well as
the Sibleys who had to learn a new rhythm after great loss.
We also feature the unique culinary heritage of the South
that lends itself to creative fall charcuterie boards that will sure
to be the hit of any tailgate or gathering—and fall fashions from
local boutique owners right here in our area.
As the days grow shorter and the nights become crisper, let
us revel in the beauty that surrounds us. October is a reminder
that change can be breathtaking, and that every season brings
its own gifts. May this month be a tapestry of moments that fill
your heart with joy and your soul with gratitude.
Wishing you an October filled with abundant Southern
warmth and wonder.
HOMETOWN STAFF
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 10
As We Wait Eagerly 14
Fall Fashion 21
Hometown Family 38
A Day in the Life 52
Kids Who Care 58
The Ongoing Story of Sawyer Dykman 62
The Time Coin 82
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Barbie Bassett
CONTENT MANAGER
Susan Wolgamott
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Melissa Kennon
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
...see you around town.
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine. 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 Rankin may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.
Hometown Rankin maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin is funded by advertising.
Hometown RANKIN • 7

8 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 9

Linda & Earnest Dixon
Camille Anding
“I fell in love with him the first
young to have a serious boyfriend.
Earnest remembers their first
Their first home was a trailer
time I was introduced to him,”
Since she was the baby in the family,
date. When he picked up Linda,
that Linda believes was another
Linda Dixon said, describing the
her daddy was over-protective,
she walked out the door with two
God-miracle. The salesman asked
day she met her future husband,
according to Linda’s thinking.
of her friends. The friends sat in
how much money they had for a
Earnest Dixon. A friend of Earnest’s,
Linda shared how the Lord
the back seat and watched the
down payment. They had none.
James Morris, was taking Earnest
confirmed that Earnest was the
movie with Linda and Earnest
Then he asked if anyone could
for a ride, and as they drove down
husband for her. “I know a lot of
who were seated in the front seat.
co-sign for them. “No,” was their
Shady Lane, there was Linda
people won’t believe this, but I had
That was probably her dad’s idea.
answer. Then the salesman did
Guyton, walking with a friend.
prayed for a husband that would
When marriage was brought up
some juggling on their ages and sold
The riders pulled over for
love me, go to church, and stick
to Linda’s parents, they voiced a
them the trailer that they moved
introductions, and life turned a
with me through the good and bad
loud, “NO!” The young couple put
onto his grandmother’s land.
wonderful new corner for Linda
times. When I met Earnest, I saw
their wedding off until Linda was
Regardless of what some might
and Earnest. There was just one
a halo around his head! It was
sixteen. Judge Justin Owen married
consider a rocky beginning to their
problem. Linda was fifteen, and
NOT my imagination. I knew
the two with the judge’s secretary
marriage, they will celebrate their
Earnest was seventeen. Linda’s
God was telling me my prayers
as the only witness present.
fiftieth anniversary on the fourth
parents told her that she was too
were answered in Earnest.”
10 • OCTOBER 2023

“Go to work,
get there on time
and come home
when work is over.”
of November this year. They are
she assisted families needing
Center, for surviving the disease.
Evangelism Ministry, and Bible
parents to a daughter, Latonya,
round-the-clock care for their
Earnest survived open heart
studies in their congregation. Her
and a son, Christon, that both
loved ones.
surgery successfully, thanks to a
devotion to God and her church
live in the area.
Earnest has worked for Mason
grandchild’s “diagnosis.” When
has also helped build strength into
Even though Linda dropped
& Overstreet Welding & Machine
listening to Earnest’s heart with a
her marriage as she continues to
out of school, she later enrolled at
Works for the last thirty-five years
real stethoscope that she had
stay committed to her husband
Hinds in Utica and earned her high
where he operates the tower cranes.
gotten as a gift, she told her family
and keeping her vows.
school diploma. When Earnest
Both Linda and Earnest have
that Earnest’s heartbeat didn’t
Earnest gave a brief tip of
began working with a trucking
been overcomers in health
sound like the others she had
what he believes would keep more
company that put him on the road
challenges. Linda is in remission
listened to.
marriages happy and together:
weeks at a time, Linda decided she
after being diagnosed with
True Vine Missionary Baptist
Go to work, get there on time and
needed to know how to protect
leukemia five years ago. She gives
Church has been an integral part
come home when work is over.
her young children. She graduated
credit to God and Dr. Carter
of the Dixon’s lives. Linda was
It’s worked for fifty years for
from ATA Academy with her
Milner, along with his team of
instrumental in beginning the
this couple.
taekwondo skills. In later years,
doctors at University Medical
Last Chance Ministry, the
Hometown RANKIN • 11

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Hometown RANKIN • 13

14 • OCTOBER 2023
For we know that the whole
creation has been groaning
together in the pains of childbirth
until now. And not only
the creation, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, groan inwardly as we
wait eagerly for adoption as
sons, the redemption of our
bodies. For in this hope we
were saved. Now hope that
is seen is not hope. For who
hopes for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we
do not see, we wait for it
with patience. Romans 8:22-25

The Sibley Family
As we wait eagerly
Sarah Rein
Aaron and Lizzy Sibley make a warm and
inviting couple. They welcome me into their
home easily and settle down on the couch–Lizzy
with her feet up and tucked underneath her
husband. Aaron is tall and broad-shouldered
with a full beard and easy smile. He stands in
stark contrast to his wife who is petitely built,
with long hair and a youthful face. She’s the
kind of person who, although in her thirties,
would look at home in a college dorm room.
The Sibleys moved to Brandon about a year
ago when First Baptist Church asked Aaron to
come and join their staff as youth minister.
If you were to meet them, you’d probably be
impressed by the energy and laughter they bring
to the room. And you’d never imagine the
heartache simmering just below the surface.
In 2019, the Sibleys moved to Vancleave,
Mississippi, where Aaron was eager to start
ministering to another congregation’s youth, and
Libby was commuting to Gulfport for work as
a senior auditor at Whitney Hancock Bank.
They brought with them their four-year-old
daughter Ava Grace, and two-year-old twins,
Aaron, Jr. (whom they call Chip), and Addie.
Their sibling crew got along well despite an
array of personalities.
They describe their eldest as driven and
intentional (typical first-born traits), yet silly.
Chip shared his big sister’s meticulous
tendencies while still being all-boy—fearless
and mischievous. And Addie was, at the time,
quite shy—the calm to her twin’s adventurous
streak—a kind, compassionate little girl.
The family had no idea COVID was just
around the corner and would complicate the
process of getting to know a new church and
hamper Aaron’s ability to host the kind of events
that endear a youth minister to his students.
But, as proved true for many of us, the difficulties
of the pandemic had a silver lining—lots of
family time.
Lizzy was suddenly working from home
and the burden of the daily commute lifted.
“We were only an hour away from Dauphin
Island so we spent tons of family time at the
beach,” Aaron recalls. “And the kids and I spent
every Friday at a park or hiking followed by lunch
at CiCi’s Pizza. It became a kind of tradition.
We made years’ worth of memories with our
family and, uncharacteristically, I took tons of
pictures. I look back at those now with so much
gratitude.”
Lizzy remembers it just as fondly. “2020 was
the best year of my life. It was our last full year
with Chip.” In May of 2021, Lizzy took their
three children to visit her family who lived six
hours away in Tennessee. She made the trip solo,
which wasn’t unusual given Aaron’s occupation.
Full-time church ministry means that weekends
are a difficult time to get away. Aaron had agreed
to preach at a Disciple Now weekend in Canton
on Saturday before returning to Vancleave for
Sunday services. On his way home that afternoon,
he saw that Lizzy was calling and he answered,
oblivious to what had just transpired.
At first, he struggled to understand what
Lizzy was screaming about. But then it became
clear. Frantic and in shock, Lizzy was telling him
the news no wife imagines herself saying to her
husband. Chip was gone. He had drowned
during a family pool party. Life had changed
in an instant.
Aaron made it home and immediately
called his boss to explain what had happened.
“All I could think was, I won’t be at work
tomorrow. Isn’t that silly? I must have sounded
frantic, which was a good thing because he came
over immediately. He and his wife prayed for
me, and he drove me to meet my family.”
Aaron and Lizzy and their girls left that
night to stay with another of Lizzy’s sisters in
Hernando. “I was in shock after it happened,”
Lizzy remembers foggily. “But that night it hit
me. This was my new reality. I no longer had my
sweet little boy who had brought me so much
joy. I was awake the whole night crying. We all
were. It was the worst night of my life.” Aaron
and Lizzy tried to process what had happened
while preparing for the unthinkable—the
funeral of one of their children. “Ever since I
became a mother, my greatest fear was losing a
child,” Lizzy shares, echoing a sentiment many
of us have felt. “I always thought, God, give me
anything but that.”
Lizzy shares a precious memory from a few
weeks before Chip’s accident. She and Aaron
had been tag-teaming bedtime prayers. “I
remember that night Chip said the sweetest
prayer and I put my head on his chest and
listened to his heartbeat and just thanked God
for his life. But I remember having the
premonition that he might not be with us for
long. When it entered my mind, I immediately
pushed it away as any mother would. I think,
in retrospect, God might have given me that
special moment with my son.”
Aaron, too, gratefully recalls special times he
spent with Chip shortly before his death. “I had
gotten into the habit of waking him up before
anyone else and sitting on the couch with him
in the early morning. We wouldn’t even really
talk—I’d just hold him.”
Hometown RANKIN • 15

They also see God’s mercy extended to
their families just before Chip’s time on earth
ended. The weekend before his death, Aaron’s
family had come into town and taken Chip on
a solo trip to the beach while Lizzy took the
girls to get haircuts. “That had never happened
before,” Lizzy shares. “They got one-on-one
time with him when they normally would have
been with all three kids.”
Just before Chip stepped into eternity, he
spent the day with Lizzy’s side of the family,
and she recalls his last day on earth as being
one of his best days - spent laughing and
playing with cousins.
But, even through the blessings, there was
so much to process. Aaron, whose father is a
minister, was well aware of how easily his job
could consume his family time and he wrestled
with his absence that weekend. “My guilt was
that if I’d said no to preaching - I could have
been with my family that weekend. Maybe I’d
have been sitting in a different spot and another
pair of eyes would have made a difference.”
Both Lizzy and Aaron struggled with guilt
afterwards - any parent would. But, through
counseling, they came to understand that their
feelings were wrong.
“We’ll probably battle that the rest of our
lives,” Aaron reflects. “Paul talks about a thorn
in his flesh—this is probably ours—always
looking back and saying what could have been
done differently.”
The next week was a blur of grief and
activity as they made arrangements and prepared
for the funeral, at which Aaron would preach.
But Lizzy knew she could not return to Chip’s
bedroom as he’d left it. She asked her niece,
Hannah, to pack up his room so she and Aaron
could go through Chip’s things when they felt
stronger. Their Vancleave church family came
to help with their home also—cleaning, doing
laundry and yard work, and leaving gifts and
notes. “I can’t emphasize enough how good our
church was to us. We had only been there about
a year when Chip passed, and they treated us like
we had grown up in that church our whole lives.”
Lizzy remembers another terrible moment
of the ordeal - walking into their home for the
first time after Chip’s death. He had passed
away on a Sunday evening, and when they
arrived at their house on Thursday, they were
struck by the immense silence. “Chip had such
a big personality that the house seemed
painfully quiet without him. I know people say
things like this and maybe have a tendency to
dramatize it but he truly was the center of the
room. The house seemed so quiet because he
was so loud. And when we walked into his bare
bedroom I just remember bursting into tears
and looking at Aaron and telling him that I
didn’t think I could bear life without my son.
At that moment I just didn’t think I had the
strength to keep going.”
“We had such a desire to minister to the
people who came to see us at the visitation and
funeral. And we had people just viewing us as
these pillars of strength, which was totally untrue.
It was a supernatural power from God that let
us get through those days,” Aaron recalls.
At this point one can sense a shift in the
conversation. In an act of will, Aaron and Lizzy
look up from these painful memories and focus
their sight further ahead. “For a long time,”
Lizzy says, “I looked for reasons this might have
happened. People would share how they’d been
touched or how someone might have been
brought to God through it. I wanted to know
the impact Chip’s death had made and that was
an unhealthy place to be in. I was trying to get
comfort from these other people so I could feel
better.” Aaron continues, “As we’ve matured in
our understanding, the Lord has given us
opportunities to use our story to benefit others
and I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful this
article is going to be written. I’ve been told by
people that God has ministered to them
through our story, and I’m grateful for that.
And if I could take all that good that has come
and throw it out and have my son back, I would.
But I can’t. Eventually we came to the truth
that God has numbered our days.” “And if we
believe the Lord gave Chip this number of days
on earth,” Lizzy added, “then there’s nothing
we can do about that. He was in control and
He saw this coming. He had his hand over the
moment Chip passed into heaven. He wasn’t
absent. I had to ground myself in that. Even if
I never know the reason - I have to trust Him.”
The Sibleys left Vancleave about a year
after their loss, a move, they emphasize, was a
surprise to even to them. They had planned to
be in Vancleave for a long time. But after their
loss, they both felt a pull to be closer to their
families. And despite asking God to remove
that desire so they could continue serving their
beloved church family, it persisted. They received
the wise counsel that if they had this persistent
desire, and God provided the means to fulfill it,
perhaps they should be willing to listen.
They began considering the move to Brandon
not long afterwards. “First Baptist Brandon has
already been so good to us. They didn’t live
through this loss with us but they have loved us
in it. We had a family who asked us to come
over and share about Chip with them so they
could know him a little. There were quite a few
people from the church who came over and we
showed videos of him and talked about him. And
the church has been good to give us time off to
mourn when we’ve needed to,” Aaron said.
Two years later, their girls, Ava Grace and
Addie, are continuing to process their own loss.
Aaron and Lizzy are so obviously proud of
them. “They have been gracious to us during
all this. At first, we were grieving so much we
probably weren’t the best parents. And they still
have days when we need to pick them up from
school because something has triggered them
and they are upset. But I feel like they handled
this way better than we did - they’ve grieved
well,” Aaron added.
Now the Sibleys are simply focused on doing
their best to live daily life as believers - as husband
and wife and parents and members of their
church. But their loss is never far from their
thoughts. Aaron preached Chip’s funeral from
Romans chapter 8, and he refers to it throughout
our conversation. There are a lot of verses in
that chapter that would seem hard to process
after what they lived through. So, I ask them
- what would they say to people who can’t look
at a tragedy like theirs and still believe in a
good God?
“Romans 8 says God causes all things to
work together for good for those who love
Him. Well that seems weird here. We wrestled
with the idea of God being good after Chip’s
16 • OCTOBER 2023

death. It wasn’t good that I lost my
son, but that doesn’t define who
God is. One of the key things
we did in counseling was
learn to lament biblically.
We honestly tell God
how we feel. Maybe we
are angry or sad or
confused about Him.
We had to be able to say
- God I don’t feel like You
are good right now but I’m
going to believe that You are
good. In the end, our faith is
not built on us. I’m not a believer
because of me. We really elevate
ourselves too highly. What is right? What is just?
What is fair? God, in His grace, has allowed us
to live. He was gracious to give us four years
with our son. Gracious to give us each other
and our girls and our church. If you look at one
moment, one situation - sure you could think
God is not good. But you can’t define God by
one moment and, even if you did, you’d still be
making it about you. And it’s not. It’s about
Him,” Aaron concluded.
A couple of months after Chip died, the
Sibleys’ church in Vancleave planted a
magnolia tree on the playground in his
memory. In the coming years, that tree will
shade and bloom over children who never
knew Chip - never met the Sibleys, and don’t
know their story. It will stand in tribute to a
vibrant, dimpled four-year-old boy who loved
dinosaurs and once played and laughed there.
How God chooses to use his story and why his
earthly life was short will remain a mystery.
But the Sibleys will leave that in God’s hands.
And they will laugh, love their girls, enjoy each
other, and teach the next generation about a
God who can be trusted in all things—even
with what matters to us most.
Hometown RANKIN • 17

18 • OCTOBER 2023
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Hometown RANKIN • 19

20 • OCTOBER 2022
Fall

fashion
Do you ever stand in front of your jam-packed closet, staring at more than enough
clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? We all do, and it’s ok. Sweater
weather is finally here, and we can finally say goodbye to the hot summer days
above 90 degrees, tank tops, and denim shorts–or at least almost!
With chillier temperatures and lower humidity comes the ability to take more
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Hometown RANKIN • 21

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26 • OCTOBER 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 27

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Hometown RANKIN • 29

30 • OCTOBER 2023

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Molly
BOMAR
Why did you decide to make Rankin
County your home?
I enjoyed the small town feel of my hometown
of Florence.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I was raised here in Rankin County. So, I have
lived in Florence for 26 years.
Tell us about your family.
My mom and dad had three girls and I am the
youngest. My older sisters are both married
with kids and also live in Rankin County. Most
of our family time these days is spent watching
my niece and nephews play soccer! The older
two play for the Rankin Soccer Club, so we are
always going from tournament to tournament!
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
My favorite memory of living in Rankin County
is definitely attending the different homecoming
and Christmas parades when I was little. I also
think fondly back on when I used to sing with
my show choir at our town’s Florence Day
events.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
Mama’s Kitchen in Richland, Jerry’s Catfish in
Florence, and El Cabrito in Florence.
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
The movie theater was always my favorite place
on the weekends! I also enjoy going shopping
in Dogwood!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare
time?
I like to hang out with my dog Bentley and
take him for pup cups or cuddle with him on
the couch while watching a show on Netflix or
reading a good book! I also like to travel with
my friends.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Visit all 50 states. (I have been to 15/50 so far!),
finish my master’s degree and clinical fellowship
so I can be Molly Bomar, M.S., CCC-SLP, and
own a Dalmatian!
Who is someone you admire and why?
I truly admire my Gramma Jewel. She has
always been such a strong woman of faith and a
great example of a loving/caring friend. I am so
very grateful to have had her in my life these
past 26 years to watch and learn from. To know
her is to love her. She truly lives up to her name
and has been a very cherished jewel in our family.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Ten years from now I want to be working as an
SLP in a rehabilitation facility. I would also like
to travel the world a little more by then.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
There are too many to choose from, honestly.
But one of my favorite childhood memories was
getting to go and audition for XFactor in New
Orleans with my best friend. It was such a fun
weekend of chasing dreams with people I loved.
I also got to meet so many talented people from
all over!
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
“How we walk with the broken speaks louder
than how we sit with the great.” - Bill Bennot
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
I love getting to see and learn about different
people and local businesses in the community.
It’s always fun to pick up a copy and see what
has been going on in the local schools and
different events that have gone on in the area.
Hometown RANKIN • 31

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32 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 33

34 • OCTOBER 2023
September 30

Hometown RANKIN • 35

Free Checking
Free Mobile Banking
Free Mobile Deposit
Auto & Personal Loans
Home Mortgage Loans
www.RivertrustFCU.com Phone: 601-664-2085
BUSINESS
INSURANCE
PROFESSIONALS
INSURANCE
Hope
Tyler
Brandy
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Business Owner
Insurance
General Liability
Insurance
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Property
Insurance
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Liability
Insurance
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Insurance
CONTACT US
PHONE: 601-651-3111
ONLINE: WWW.INSUREMS.COM/FLOWOOD-BRANCH/
SOCIAL: FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
WHY CHOOSE US
A local business that has served the Flowood-
Brandon area for many years.
Highly trained and knowledgable agents that add
a personal touch when dealing with your needs
We are a trusted company with excellent and
fast service
At The Insurance Center, we are committed to protecting
your privacy as a visitor to this Web site and as our customer.
To our visitors and to our customers, we offer this pledge:
The Insurance Center is the owner of the information, which
is collected on this Web site. We will not sell, disseminate,
disclose, trade, transmit, transfer, share, lease or rent any
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specifically authorized by you to receive your information
except as we have disclosed to you in this Privacy Policy.
www.insurems.com/flowood-branch/
36 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 37

38 • OCTOBER 2023

TheStrouds
Terry, 47 – I enjoy spending time with my family and going on
family vacations. I volunteer in the community coaching youth
baseball and basketball. I also serve as president of the Hartfield
booster club, the Hawk Club. We are a big sports family so we like
going to all kinds of sporting events especially for the LSU Tigers.
Ashley, 45 – I enjoy playing tennis and exercising. Spending time
with family is important to me. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and
watching my kids play sports.
Cooper, 19 – I am a sophomore at Mississippi College where I play
football. Growing up, I have enjoyed playing football, basketball, and
baseball. Hobbies include football, watching sports and UFC, playing
PlayStation, golf, and following LSU sports.
Jack, 16 – I am a junior at Hartfield Academy. In my younger years,
I played flag football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis. I enjoy
playing tennis and pickleball. I like to play the PlayStation and spend
time hanging out with my friends. I also enjoy traveling and watching
sports, especially LSU.
How did you meet and how long have you been married?
Ashley Terry and I met when I was 15 and he was 17 in the youth
group at FBC McComb. We became friends and started dating two
years later. We both went to Mississippi College in 1996. We married
in June 2000 and have been married for 23 years.
Hometown RANKIN • 39

When your children were younger, what was your
discipline philosophy?
We found that our boys are completely different and respond to
different forms of discipline. Our main goal was to teach respect:
respect for authority, respect for one another, and respect for themselves.
We wanted to teach our children that everything they do
should represent Jesus, and that we always want to be a good
example.
What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit
to your family?
We emphasize the importance of family. We want them to understand
that we are a unit, and we will always have one another’s backs.
It is important that our boys know they are always loved by God and
by their parents, no matter what. Our job is to provide a safe and
secure place where they can find comfort and restoration. Most of
all our desire is for our boys to grow in their relationship with Jesus
because He is where we find hope, strength, and comfort.
Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night?
We enjoy going on date nights together but don’t have a specific
night set aside. With Cooper in college and Jack now having his
license and spending his time with his friends, we have more alone
time these days. We also like to take time to get away for a couple’s
trip from time to time.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
Children are a blessing from God. Being a parent is one of the hardest
jobs, but watching our boys grow and mature into the men that God
has made them to be brings us joy. Both Cooper and Jack have good
heads on their shoulders and stand for what they believe in. They are
both kind and compassionate and loyal. Watching them shine for
Jesus brings us the most joy.
Who is the financial manager in your home?
Terry is a numbers guy, gifted with a math mind, and is good with
technology so he is the financial manager. Of course, we consult on
our finances and big purchases, and he lets me know if I am spending
too much!
What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food?
And who does the cooking?
We stay on the go, but I try to cook at home as much as possible.
I do most of the cooking, but Terry likes to grill when it is not 100
degrees outside. Our quick go-to meals would probably be jambalaya,
spaghetti, dirty rice, or sausage pasta. Jack prefers home-cooked
meals, so whatever he wants is usually what I cook. His favorite is
fried chicken strips, rice and gravy, and butterbeans. A true southerner
at heart!
How long has Flowood been your home?
We have lived in Flowood for two years but have lived in Rankin
County for 23 years - from Reservoir Brandon to Brandon “Proper”
to Flowood.
What are some of your favorite things about Rankin
County?
Terry and I grew up in a small community and wanted our children
to make some of the same memories growing up in a “small-town
atmosphere.” Even though Rankin has grown over the years, you still
get that small-town vibe. The people make all the difference.
Neighbors take care of one another, children have opportunities to
play in their neighborhoods and parks, the quality schools with
community support, and the safe environment are just a few of the
positive qualities of Rankin County. We have made wonderful
friends who have become more like family and that has made
Rankin County feel like home to us.
40 • OCTOBER 2023

How do you spend your summer breaks?
We usually try to plan a beach trip during the early summer before it
gets too hot and too busy. In early July, we try to find somewhere
cooler to escape. We have been out west to Yellowstone, Yosemite,
Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado,
and Banff National Park, Canada. Who knew that you could
experience snow and jacket-weather in July? God is an amazing
Creator, and we have been blessed to see some breathtaking scenery.
What accomplishments make you proud during your
time living in Rankin County?
We have experienced lots of life while living in Rankin County.
From buying our first home, to starting our first “adult” jobs, to
having children and raising them, finding a church family, serving
in volunteer capacities, our children playing on sports teams, and
meeting people and forming friendships for a lifetime, I would say
we have accomplished living and making memories to cherish.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
And what do you do for a living?
Terry I’ve been the regional VP of sales at NWN Carousel for the
past 16 years. NWN Carousel is a national information technology
solutions provider. The ability to positively impact our clients’
businesses motivates me each and every day to work hard. My team’s
commitment to their jobs drives me to be a leader they can depend on.
Ashley I am an RN and work PRN for a company called Healthy
Lives employed by St. Dominics Hospital. I enjoy serving others and
helping others live healthier lifestyles. After having children, I was
blessed to be able to stay at home with them. I have been a homemaker,
tutor, cheerleader, referee (BOY MOM!), PTO volunteer,
home room mom, and chauffeur. I wouldn’t trade those crazy days
for anything!
QUESTIONS FOR KIDS
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?
Cooper Going to watch our favorite teams play in sporting events.
We’ve gone to the Super Bowl, LSU National Championship in
football and baseball, and I’ve watched UFC with my dad and brother.
Jack I enjoy eating together as a family and watching our favorite
sports teams. My most favorite memory so far is watching the
Dodgers play in the World Series, and being at the National
Championship when LSU won.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Cooper Ichiban Hibachi is my favorite!
Jack Mom’s home cooking.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Cooper I watch mostly sports, but I like Impractical Jokers.
Jack I like to watch movies and sports. Break Point was a good tennis
documentary on Netflix.
Hometown RANKIN • 41

Traditional Irish & Scottish
music.dance.athletics & more!
Meet our newest physician
Dr. Elliott Browning.
32nd Annual
Oct 13 & 14, 2023
Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore
Brandon, MS
Volunteers Get in Free!
Dr. Browning’s primary
focuses will be:
• GLAUCOMA SURGERY AND
MANAGEMENT
• PREMIUM CATARACT SURGERY
• COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
Jackson Eye Associates is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Elliott Browning to our
Jackson office. Dr. Browning is returning to his hometown, Jackson, Mississippi, after
completing residency at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and fellowship
training in Jacksonville, Florida. His college career was at Auburn University followed
by medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Dr. Browning is
available for new patients and glaucoma referrals.
www.celticfestms.org
funding provided in part by grants from
JACKSON
601.353.2020
MADISON
601.853.2020
CLINTON
601.924.9750
JACKSONEYE.COM
©2023 Jackson Eye Associates
42 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 43

Rankin
Career
Women
September 26
THE VAULT VENUE
44 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 45

46 • OCTOBER 2023

MAIS 6A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2022 - 2023
Winning will always be our goal, but
it is not our purpose. Our purpose at
Jackson Prep is to help our student
athletes FIND THEIR WAY
academically, athletically,
artistically, and spiritually.
Will Crosby, Athletic Director
j a c k s o n p r e p . n e t
PreK-3 through Grade 12
Hometown RANKIN • 47

S’Mores Charcuterie Board
• Marshmallows (any and all sizes)
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Hershey Chocolate Snack Bars
• Graham crackers
• Sliced strawberries
• Peanut butter caramel sauce
• Teddy Grahams
• Fudge Striped cookies
(regular or mini size)
• Nutter Butter Bites
• Chocolate icing
(to spread on graham crackers)
• Marshmallow fluff
(to spread on graham crackers)
• Chocolate chips
• Pretzels
Place bowls or small containers
spaced apart of the board and
build around the containers
with items. Bowls are helpful
for dips and spreads but can
hold any item you wish.
Add items to the board in
groupings. Keep in mind
color to spread the color
around. You can make
the board any way you
like. Just have fun!
Chili Charcuterie Board
• Chili
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced red onion
• Diced jalapenos
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Pasta/Rice
• Fritos
• Cornbread
• Oyster crackers
Start by placing the chili in the
center of the board. Use a small cast
iron crock or any kind of bowl or
pot. Next surround the chili with
cornbread (cut into bite-sized
pieces). After that, arrange the bowls
around the chili and cornbread.
Place all ingredients minus the chips
and crackers in their own individual
bowls. Try to evenly disperse to
balance out color where you can.
Fill the remaining space between
the bowls and edges of the tray with
chips and crackers.
Easy Breakfast
Charcuterie Board
• Fruit (blueberries, strawberries,
raspberries, bananas)
• Meat (sausage, bacon,
boiled eggs)
• Granola
• Yogurt
• Breads (mini muffins, French
toast sticks, mini pancakes,
mini waffles)
Assemble your breakfast board
by starting with your anchors.
Your anchors are any bowls or large
decorative items you are using.
Space them evenly. Start placing
groups of elements around the
edges and anchors. Remember
nothing is permanent, and if you
place it and it looks funny, just
move it. Fill in all the gaps. That’s
what makes a charcuterie board
so stunning–is how full it is. Place
elements of different colors and
textures next to each other to give
variety and make it more beautiful.
48 • OCTOBER 2023

Fall Charcuterie Board
• Goat cheese, cheddar, brie,
smoked gouda, pepper jack,
colby jack
• Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni,
smoked sausage
• Graham crackers
• Lightly flavored crackers
• Sweet potato chips
• Salted pumpkin seeds
• Caramel corn
• Crisp toast
• Pecans
• Apples (cored and sliced)
• Seedless grapes
• Jam or honey
• Candy corn
• Mustard
• Dried fruit
• Caramel dip
If desired, cover your board with wax
paper. Begin by placing bowls (used
for caramel dip, mustard, honey or
jam) around the board. Next place
the meats on the board. Fold larger
salami and pepperoni in half and
spiral the prosciutto into rosettes. Add
the cheeses to the board. Slice the
Colby and pepper jack, then use the
fall cookie cutters to cut the cheese
slices into fun shapes. Next, add the
apple slices and grapes. Add the
crackers to the board, then fill in the
gaps with sweet potato chips, caramel
corn, candy corn, dried fruit,
pumpkin seeds, and nuts.
Pumpkin Charcuterie Board
• 3 triangle shaped cookie cutters
• 2 bunches black concord grapes
• 1½ cups blackberries
• ¼ medium cucumber thinly sliced
• 30 orange cheddar cheese crackers
• 1½ cups cheese crackers
• 2 cups sweet potato crisp
• 1 bag baby carrots
• 2 orange bell peppers
• 2 cups cheddar popcorn
• 1 bag mini cheese balls
• 2 cups pretzels
• 1 cup seeded sweet potato crackers
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 3 clementines, peeled and
segmented
• Ranch dressing
• Hummus
Place cookie cutters on the board for
the pumpkin’s eyes and nose. Shape
black grapes into a grin. Fill cookie
cutters with blackberries. Place the
cucumber slices at the top of the
board for the stem. Fan the cheese
slices down the middle. Line the
cheese crackers, sweet potato crisp,
carrots, bell pepper slices, popcorn,
cheese balls, pretzels, sweet potato
crackers, apricots, and clementine
segments out on both sides of the
cheese slices and around the black
foods until board is completely
covered. Carefully lift the cookie
cutters from the board, shaping the
blackberries back into triangle shapes,
if necessary. Serve bowls of ranch
dressing and hummus on the side
for dipping.
Pizza Lovers
Charcuterie Board
• 10 frozen mozzarella sticks
• 10 frozen pizza rolls
• 4 frozen garlic bread knots
• 20 frozen mini meatballs
• ½ cup pasta sauce, for dipping
• ½ cup pizza sauce, for dipping
• ½ cup ranch dressing, for dipping
• 2 Tbsp. shredded parmesan
• 2 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 recipe Margherita Pizza Dip
• 10 gourmet pepperoni slices
• ¾ cup pineapple chunks
• 8 baguette slices, cut and toasted
• 8 whole pepperoncinis
• ½ cup whole black olives
• 6 fresh basil leaves, for garnishing
Bake mozzarella sticks, pizza rolls, and
garlic knots according to directions.
Heat mini meatballs and toss with
pasta sauce. Keep these items in a low
oven until ready to serve. When ready
to assemble, put the pizza sauce and
ranch dressing in small serving bowls
and set next to each other. Put the
parmesan cheese and red pepper
flakes in mini serving bowls and set
next to each other. Transfer the mini
meatballs in the pasta sauce to a
serving bowl. Place margherita pizza
dip on the board. Fan pepperoni
along the edge and fill in with
pineapple chunks. Place baguette
slices near pizza dip and garlic knots
Place pizza rolls and mozzarella sticks
on the board. Fill in open spaces with
pepperoncinis and olives. Garnish
with basil leaves.
Margherita Pizza Dip
(for preceding pizza lovers board)
• 14 cherry tomatoes
• 1½ cups of shredded
mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Preheat oven to 400. Spray an 8 oz.
casserole dish with nonstick cooking
spray. In a small bowl, toss the cherry
tomato halves with 1 cup of shredded
cheese, salt, and basil. In the prepared
casserole dish, layer ¼ cup mozzarella
cheese in the bottom, followed by the
tomato and cheese mixture. Top with
the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella
cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until
cheese is bubbly and starting to
brown on top. Keep warm until
ready to serve.
Hometown RANKIN • 49

50 • OCTOBER 2023

Dr. Jason Cox
Dr. Daniel Atkins
Join us in welcoming Dr. Daniel Atkins
to Belle Meade Family Dental! Working
alongside Dr. Jason Cox, Dr. Atkins will
also provide the following treatments:
Root Canals
Same-Day Crowns
Cleanings and Exams
Cosmetic and Restorative Procedures
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
PHONE: (601) 919-8575 ONLINE: www.bellemeadefamilydental.com ADDRESS: 105 Belle Meade Point, Flowood, MS 39232
Hometown RANKIN • 51

A Day in
the Life
of an
Air Traffic
Controller
CAMILLE ANDING
52 • OCTOBER 2023

“Ladies ad gentlemen, we have
begun our descent. In preparation
for landing be certain your seat back
is straight up and your seat belt is
fastened.”
These are familiar words to airline
passengers, but most aren’t aware of the
technical work going on behind the scenes.
That specialty work is being done by the air
traffic controller who is constantly manning
the sky traffic via electronic equipment in the
radar room and the tower.
Just what is the job description for a
federal aviation air traffic controller like J. B.
Bowering from Brandon Mississippi who
mans his shifts each week? J.B. explains in
brief, “We keep planes from colliding.”
That’s a very concise explanation for an
extremely complicated and highly technical
skill in the world of aviation. It’s a thankless job,
but if there were no air traffic controllers, you
wouldn’t want to ever fly, according to J.B.
Long lists of steps requiring necessary
skills make the plane lift-offs, the in-flight
time, and the landings safe for passengers,
but involve intense concentration on the
part of the air traffic controllers. However,
J.B. seems to be at home in his hi-rise, tightly
secured workspace.
After graduating from Brandon High in
2001, he enrolled at Hinds Junior College but
quickly realized that college was not for him.
In 2002 he chose the Army for his next
chapter in life. A series of entry tests identified
his suggested areas of training, and ATC was
one of those areas.
After a year of basic training, J. B. was
schooled for four years in air traffic control,
spending his last year in Korea. His first civilian
position in his field was in Fort Myers, Florida,
for three and a half years. In 2010 he was
offered the opportunity to move back home
and work at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers
International Airport.
On a typical day, J.B. works hours on one
of the five shifts that the controllers follow.
After signing in, he gets a briefing on
pertinent items affecting his work-time and
the weather report. From there it’s manning
one of a line of radar monitors that identifies
air traffic within forty miles, surface to 10,000
feet from the airport. Part of his shift will be in
the tower where the runways are in full view.
No pilot will take off or land without
clearance from the air traffic controller. For
planes leaving Jackson, J.B. will give the
pilots their routes to their destination, their
altitude, and speed. Mississippi is the air
“highway” to Atlanta, the busiest airport in
the world, and the Jackson team of air traffic
controllers monitor and direct those flights
through Mississippi.
There are days that traffic is light at the
airport, and then there are busy, high-traffic
days. All require 100% attention to the skies
and runways. “Our job is to maintain a sense
of safety and control in our flight and landing
communications with pilots,” J.B. reports,
“and people who have panic in their voices
don’t make it in this job.”
Only required breaks in a nearby room
give the team of controllers talk and visiting
time. Phones can’t go into the radar room or
tower, and each controller (up to four) must
stay concentrated on their monitor and
screens.
The continual shift rotations are a way
of life for J.B. and his family. His wife, Nicole,
navigates their daughter and two sons’
school and sports’ schedules when he is on
duty, and he works around Nicole’s work
schedule as a labor and delivery nurse at
River Oaks hospital.
The next time you step into an aircraft
or ride past any airport, give some thought
to those trained and dedicated air traffic
controllers who, though unnoticed, are
essential for our flight safety from lift off
to landing.
Hometown RANKIN • 53

54 • OCTOBER 2023

Make a commitment to
yourself and schedule
your mammogram today.
Those 15 minutes may
save your life.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
MAMMOGRAM: A FEW
MINUTES FOR A LIFETIME
TAKE TIME TO SQUEEZE IT IN
FALL IN LOVE WITH
Life at The Blake
Embrace the changing of the seasons, visit us
today and learn why you’ll love living at The Blake
at Flowood. We can’t wait to welcome you home!
Call (601) 401-4906 to schedule a tour!
MISSISSIPPI’S PREMIER ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY
350 TOWN CENTER WAY | FLOWOOD, MS 39232 | BLAKEATFLOWOOD.COM
Hometown RANKIN • 55

56 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 57

58 • OCTOBER 2023

KIDS WHO CARE
Kynnedi Walker
Mistie Desper
GROWING UP IN TODAY’S
SOCIETY, YOUNG MEN AND
WOMEN ARE FACED WITH
GROWING CHALLENGES
TO FOLLOW THEIR HEARTS
AND TO HAVE THE COURAGE
TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
East Rankin Academy senior, Kynnedi
Walker, is unapologetically blazing a trail
that is empowering her peers to do the same.
“She is truly a light in what seems like a dark
world at times,” admitted mom, Lynn West-
Walker. “I am most proud of her always
staying true to who she is and not worrying
what others think of her. She does not fall
prey to the normal or to follow the crowd.”
As the youngest of five children, and the only
girl, her family describes her as having the
“heart of a warrior.”
Kynnedi enjoys serving her community
in many ways. Being involved in the Crown
Club since 8th grade is something she holds
dear to heart. It gave her the opportunity to
come out of her shell and helped her grow
into the young woman she is today.
Admitting that she was scared to pursue
leadership in the Crown Club, she leaned on
a like-minded friend who helped her take
that leap of faith. “Pushing myself into that
is something I will never regret. I want to
show people that it’s okay to care and express
yourself. ‘Being yourself ’ is my number one
slogan. I want to show girls that it is okay to
be funny and laugh loud while being out there
and supporting everyone else. I not only want
to show them to be themselves but to be
confident in their faith.”
One of the projects that the Crown Club
participates in is the clothes closet. As
president and a four year Volunteer Of The
Year award recipient, she leads the project
which gathers clothing for families in need
and Kynnedi often donates clothes of her very
own to the cause. She said, “Being able to be
there when a family comes and helping them
pick out clothes and assist them is one of the
greatest feelings. I will never forget the time
I helped a family of four girls and picked out
outfits with them and tried to help them
make the best out of their situation.”
Lynn added, “With those girls, I will never
forget how she cried as we left that family
because she wished she could have done more.
Kynnedi is the true definition of having a
servant’s heart. She freely gives her time to
help those in need without judgement or the
expectation of something in return.”
Kynnedi’s parents, Lynn West-Walker
and Christopher Dickerhoof, are faithful
servants in their own right at Oakdale Baptist
Church. There, Kynnedi helps in her parents’
4- and 5-year-old class, chaperones the
children’s group at the annual Lake Forest
Ranch Camp, and helps with the church’s
summer vacation Bible school program.
“She has never been afraid to share her faith
or what our family believes in. She has never
been ashamed of serving God and making
decisions that are morally right. Over the
years, I have watched her have to make hard
choices or decisions that cost her friendships
because she believed in doing what was right.
She is a leader and always tries to build others
up around her,” said Lynn.
After switching schools to ERA,
Kynnedi said that their faith-based learning
has been a major influence in her life, along
with the opportunity to meet amazing
friends. “I am now stronger than ever in my
faith which helps me do better in my lifestyle.
When doing community service projects,
I pray before the start each time, that we are
all there for the right reasons and we do it on
God’s terms. Surrounding myself with the
right people has shone greatly in my personality.
Knowing God’s healing hand is around
me allows me to work diligently and be able
to know right from wrong. I want to be able
to spread the word wherever I go and allow
people to see God’s many blessings.”
Along with other community service
projects such as lending her time at Rosie’s
Garden, the Mustard Seed, and The Blake,
she also serves on the student council, is a
member of the National Honors Society,
A/B Honor Roll, and is a member of the
show choir. Kynnedi plans to attend
Mississippi College to pursue a career in
nursing. “I have a love for kids and helping
them, so moving into the future, I would love
to be a pediatric nurse and then a doctor.”
Lynn concluded, “As her mother, I could
not be more proud of the person she has
become or the future she has in front of her.
Proverbs 31:20 says ‘She opens her hand to
the poor and reaches out her hand to the
needy’…to me, this is Kynnedi.”
Hometown RANKIN • 59

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIFT
A HAMMER TO HELP.
615 Stonewall Street | Jackson, MS
Tuesday - Saturday | 9:30AM - 5:00PM
769.209.5100 | www.habitatmca.org/restore
60 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 61

62 • OCTOBER 2023

Grit
The Ongoing Story of
Sawyer
Dykman
“Sawyer Dykman loves sports - like really
loves them.” It’s the first thing I mention to
my husband after interviewing Sawyer and
his family in early September. “Apparently
he and his dad watch baseball together and
he never misses a game if his favorite team
is playing.” “Let me guess,” my husband says
with a grin, “the Braves?” He grew up with
Sawyer’s dad, Matt, and felt confident this
was a love that had been passed from father
to son. He was right.
It seemed ironic to me that this energetic,
grinning boy loved sports so much but was
physically unable to participate. Not ironic
in the smirky, humorous way we typically use
it…but in a way that leaves you feeling
frustrated.
I recently read an article on the word grit,
and the author quoted the book Grit: The
Power of Passion and Perseverance by psychologist
Angela Duckworth. In it, she defines grit as
“the ability to persevere in pursuing a future
goal over a long period of time and not giving
up… It is having stamina. It’s sticking with
your future, day-in, day-out, not just for the
week, not just for the month, but for years
and working really hard to make that future
a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon,
not a sprint.” It’s a word we generally
associate with athletes. We think of someone
sweating in their football gear in
August - grinding away with the play-offs in
mind. We picture a gymnast, sore and
bruised, but still putting in hours at the gym
each week while they prepare for an upcoming
meet. And while you might not hear the word
grit and picture Sawyer—you’d be wrong.
In December of 2022, Sawyer began to
feel ill. His face was swollen and he became
easily winded. His father, Matt, rushed him
to the emergency room where Sawyer was
eventually diagnosed with TMA (thrombotic
microangiopathy) - an unusual but
serious complication that can affect kidney
transplant patients. Sawyer’s one functioning
kidney - donated by Matt twelve years
ago - was failing.
Sawyer was born with a condition called
Prune Belly Syndrome. This rare disease,
affecting 1 in 30,000-40,000 births, gets its
name from the wrinkled look of the infant’s
stomach resulting from weak or absent
abdominal wall muscles. There is a wide
range of complications that may arise from
the disease, and kidney failure is one of them.
Sawyer had required a transplant as an
infant. And, for twelve years, his kidney
worked well and his health was, for the most
part, great for someone with his condition.
Until this new storm brewed in December
of last year. From December through March,
Sawyer was in the hospital much of the time.
And, when he was home, he would sleep all
day. Tests revealed that Sawyer was in renal
failure and his medical team attacked the
TMA with a strong drug therapy. The hope
was to reverse the damage to the organ, keep
the kidney, and not have to resort to dialysis.
And the medicine did help, but not to the
extent doctors had hoped.
Hometown RANKIN • 63

During that same time, Ashley, who was
expecting their surprise fourth baby, developed
HELLP Syndrome and had to be
delivered early to preserve her own health.
That meant baby Vivi arrived a bit prematurely
and had a short NICU stay. “At one
point, Sawyer, Vivi, and I were all in the
hospital,” Ashely recounts. Their families
and their church family of First Baptist
Florence proved indispensable during that
time. “It honestly took us three months to
eat all the food,” Sawyer giggles.
Just after Vivi arrived, Sawyer and his
parents agreed with doctors that dialysis was
the best option, and he would need to be on
dialysis for six months before being listed for
a second kidney transplant. Last month, his
six-month waiting period ended and the
family is now gearing up for the process of
being relisted. But, for now, Matt drops
Sawyer off at 7am for dialysis three days a
week. Sawyer is finished before noon and, if
he feels like it, his mother, Ashley, drops him
off for a few hours of school at Florence
Middle where Sawyer is in seventh grade.
“My favorite part is socializing,” Sawyer is
quick to respond when asked what he enjoys
about school. He is all smiles, wiggling on his
couch while he answers questions and listens
to his parents talk about him. He elbows
Matt whenever he mentions sports - which
is a lot. “We bond over our love of them,”
Matt shares. “He’s a good kid - a normal one
- he still fights with his sisters sometimes.
And he’s the life of the party.” Ashley chimes
in. “Everywhere we go in town, people will
yell his name and wave. Some of the time
we’ll ask who it was and Sawyer has no idea.
He’s everyone’s best friend and is always
finding the positive.” She pauses. “Yes, there
are times when he’ll say I wish I could be
out there on the field, too. But he doesn’t
wallow in it. We’ve tried to teach him not to
complain and to think of others.” That
teaching seems to have been effective.
When asked how he is feeling about all
this precariousness with his health, Sawyer
tells me that he is okay with it but has been
praying for his future donor’s family and
health - that they would be all right after the
procedure.”
In the article I referenced regarding grit,
the author points out that the word itself
doesn’t show up in the Bible. However,
scripture is replete with examples of it.
Think of Noah building an enormous boat
nowhere near water while he was jeered at.
Or Abraham imperfectly waiting on God
to give him a child as he turned eighty, then
ninety, without the promised son having
arrived. Paul, in writing to the church at
Corinth, instructs them to “run in such a way
as to get the prize. Everyone who competes
in the games goes into strict training. They
do it to get a crown that will not last; but we
do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
64 • OCTOBER 2023

Sawyer Dykman is in training - as are all
Christians. Paul writes to Timothy to “train
yourself for godliness, for while bodily
training is of some value, godliness is of
value in every way, as it holds promise for the
present life and also for the life to come.”
Bodily fitness comes and goes. It is worth
pursuing, but it won’t last. At least, not in
these warped vessels we are walking around
in. Sawyer can’t play sports with his physical
body…the risk of injury would be too great.
So he goes to Florence Middle School ball
games to cheer on his friends, and he
watches football and baseball. He goes to
school and to church and enjoys his family.
And, all the while, he is growing in and
demonstrating the kind of gritty faith that
says, “I trust that God has me during this
difficult time. I believe He is in control.”
Join Hometown in praying for the Dykmans as they
begin the transplant process again. You can follow
Sawyer’s journey on Facebook (Sawyer Dykman
updates).
Hometown RANKIN • 65

66 • OCTOBER 2023

save the date
Presented by the Junior League of Jackson
For more information, please visit
MistletoeMarketplace.com or call 601.948.2357.
Hometown RANKIN • 67

Ryan Wade
A MODERN DAY CRUSADE
YOUTH RALLY
Sunday, October 1, 6pm
Pearl Pirate Auditorium
METRO MS GOTELL CRUSADE
Sunday, October 15 through
Wednesday, October 18
7pm nightly
Brandon Amphitheater
YOUTH NIGHT
Wednesday, October 18, 7pm
Brandon Amphitheater
Free Pizza & Car Giveaway
68 • OCTOBER 2023

An excitement is welling
up among people in the
metro area about the soon-coming
Metro Mississippi GO TELL AMERICA
Crusade with Rick Gage which will take
place at 7pm nightly on October 15-18
at the Brandon Amphitheater. Gage is
sometimes called “The Billy Graham of
Small Towns” as he preaches the same
message of Christian hope in smaller
venues across the nation and the world.
“Our purpose is to bring together all
Bible-believing churches to present the
Gospel message in a powerful way,”
says Gage of the metro event.
An evangelist from Georgia, Gage has
been conducting evangelistic events since
1986. At that time, Gage surrendered his
life to full-time evangelistic ministry after
coaching college football at Texas Tech
and Liberty University. Gage followed in
the footsteps of his late father Freddie
Gage, an evangelist who was credited
with leading over a million people to
Christ during his 50 years of ministry.
This October will not be the first time
Gage has led an evangelistic effort in
this area. In 2019, Gage led the Central
Mississippi GO TELL AMERICA Crusade
at Forest High School in Scott County.
Over 600 decisions for Christ were
recorded during that four-day campaign.
The spiritual impact is still being felt from
that effort. Since that time, work began to
bring a GO TELL AMERICA Crusade to
the metro area.
A recent survey revealed that eighty
percent of the metro-area is not connected
to a church. With churches on every corner
in our area, a large-scale event at a
neutral site is often an effective way to
share the life-changing message of Christ
with those who are more apt to come to
a place like the Brandon Amphitheater
than an unfamiliar church building.
A successful evangelistic outreach
involves hundreds of Christ followers from
local churches, businesses, and communities
working together to reach their area.
Conducted in cooperation with GO TELL
AMERICA Crusades, each crusade begins
with and is carried to completion by the
local church, Gage noted. “These churches
receive not only joyful benefits from
the crusade but also spiritual renewal for
many of their members,” Gage said.
Leadership is the key to a large-scale
effort like this. Chip Miskelly, a well-known
local businessman, is leading this campaign
along with hundreds of other volunteers.
Miskelly noted, “I was at Billy Graham’s
crusade in Jackson over forty years ago
and it changed my life. My heart is for the
youth and I’m excited to help bring this
experience to our area to impact thousands
with the life-changing message of
salvation in Jesus Christ.” According to
the North American Mission Board, more
than 57 million students in America are
lost and going to a Christless eternity. In
the past two decades, there has been a
42% decline in youth baptisms.
While the crusade will be an inter-generational
event each night, there is a large
youth focus. On the final night of the
crusade, October 18, students are invited
to come early at 6 p.m. for a special
emphasis called The Awakening. Free
pizza will be served along with entertainment
and giveaways. Noel Daniels of
Noel Daniels Motor Company has donated
a car to be given away to a student at the
end of the evening.
In addition to the crusade week at
the Brandon Amphitheater, the effort will
impact many in the metro region through
outreach efforts such as neighborhood
block parties. The crusade will also bring
a condensed version into the prison
system to share with thousands of
incarcerated men and women. A byproduct
of this effort is the unity of over one
hundred churches working side-by-side
for the common goal of sharing the good
news of Jesus with people in need of
hope.
The crusade will happen every night
at 7pm at the Brandon Amphitheater.
The event is free, and all are welcome to
attend. Believers are strongly encouraged
to invite their family, friends, and neighbors
who need to hear the message of change
that Jesus can bring in a person’s life.
Local churches provide personnel for the
months of preparation, the crusade days,
and the extensive follow-up with those
who make decisions. Area churches are
invited to participate in this crusade and
can volunteer at the event website:
www.metromsgotell.com. You can contact
the local team by email at GoTellMetro@
gmail.com. As the crusade nears, updates
will be posted on the Facebook page at
“Metro MS Go Tell Crusade.”
Hometown RANKIN • 69

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70 • OCTOBER 2023

© TrustCare Health. All rights reserved.
There’s a new kid
on the block.
TrustCare Kids is coming to Brandon.
Trusted care is now closer than ever. From urgent care to routine check-ups, our experienced team
takes the stress out of your visit in a kid-friendly clinic that will get them feeling better faster.
TrustCareHealth.com/Kids
Open late & weekends
Scan the code to be one of the first
to experience our new location.
Hometown RANKIN • 71

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
I grew up really involved in my church, doing community service and
mission trips. About two years after high school, a friend of mine joined
a volunteer fire department and I saw that as being a good way to
continue helping people. I developed a passion for the job and
eventually made a career out of it.
How long have you been with the Brandon Fire Department?
I started out as a volunteer firefighter for about seven years and made
the switch to full time a little over four years ago. I’ve been with the
Brandon Fire Department for two of those years.
Tell us about your family.
I have a large family, although most of my cousins, aunts, and uncles
live in other states. I’m very close with the ones that are here. I have an
older sister who is married and has four very active and talented sons.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
I generally don’t give specifics on this topic. However, any time a child
is involved in an emergency is harder to deal with.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I spend a lot of time with my family. I also enjoy learning new skills,
tinkering with gadgets, bowling, and of course binge-watching new
seasons of my favorite TV shows.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I don’t have a lot of specific things on my bucket list. One day, I would
like to visit at least one place on each continent.
Fireman
Jeffrey
ALLEN
BRANDON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Who is someone you admire and why?
Someone I admire is my older sister. She’s the kindest, most patient,
and compassionate person I know. She’s always been there for me
when I needed her and will go out of her way to help others.
72 • OCTOBER 2023

What advice would you give to a young person?
Take chances. If you want something, go for it. Don’t keep making
excuses for why you can’t and put it off until later. Life goes by faster
than you think. Before you know it, years will go by, and you’ll still be
wondering “what if.”
What is your favorite thing about Brandon?
One of the best things about Brandon is the community. There seems
to always be something going on in the city and the people always
show up and make it a success. And of course, all the support they
show for their fire and police departments.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
My family moved to Rankin County when I was a child and it’s been
home ever since. All the cities have grown significantly over the years.
It’s a safe place to live and has great schools.
Hometown RANKIN • 73

74 • OCTOBER 2023
Thanks
to all our
readers
and
advertisers.
We
appreciate
you!

Hometown RANKIN • 75

Would you rather...?
Izzy Cutrer
...enjoy a pumpkin spice or apple cider?
Apple Cider
Jeanette Elliott
...go to a farmer’s market or a fall festival?
Fall Festival
Lucy Quintero
...jump in a pile of leaves or go on a hayride?
Hayride
Suzan
...eat caramel apples or candy corn?
Caramel Apple
Ainsley Bethea
...get lost in a corn maze or spooked
in a haunted house?
Spooked in a Haunted House
Eli Dearman
... jump in a pile of leaves or go on a hayride?
Jump in a Big Pile of Leaves
(if I don’t have to pick them up again.)
Dondrika Malone
...go to a farmer’s market or a fall festival?
Fall Festival
Allison Carr
...eat caramel apples or candy corn?
Candy corn
76 • OCTOBER 2023

Lachristie Hathorn
...eat caramel apples or candy corn?
Caramel Apples
Jacob Cowart
...jump in a pile of leaves or go on a hayride?
Hayride
Katie McCormick
...go on a fall picnic or family bike ride?
Fall Picnic
Hannah Byrd
...go on a fall picnic or a family bike ride?
Family Bike Ride
Draven Thompson
...get lost in a corn maze or spooked
in a haunted house?
Get lost in a Corn Maze
Kate Bass
...go to a farmer’s market or fall festival?
Farmer’s Market
Jamie Elmo
...go on a fall picnic or a family bike ride?
Fall Picnic
Jennifer Green
...eat caramel apples or candy corn?
Candy Corn
Hometown RANKIN • 77

The CHALKBOARD
Pearl Public School District
Students at the Early Childhood Education Center are enjoying hands-on
learning experiences through engaging centers, such as the art center.
In celebration of National Teddy Bear Day, kindergarteners from Pearl
Lower Elementary had a fantastic time picnicking with their cuddly friends.
Some very talented Northside Elementary third graders
hit the right notes and sang their hearts out during music class
with Mrs. Lauren Hennes at the keyboard.
Fifth graders from Pearl Upper Elementary completed hands-on
experiments on solubility and density, carefully documenting their results.
Pearl Junior High School students in science class recently studied a unit
on the cell cycle. The students completed an activity using cookies
to represent the different stages of the cycle.
Mrs. Tiffany Givens recently shared her photography expertise with the yearbook
team at Pearl High School, imparting valuable tips and tricks to the students.
78 • OCTOBER 2023

East Rankin
Coaches and administrators of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools selected fifteen top ranked athletes
to feature as the 2023 Preseason All-MAIS Cross Country Team. The Lady Patriots were honored with four of the fifteen
athletes selected including: Leah Collipp, Audrey Mayatte, Emma Raines, and Emily Williams. Collipp, Mayatte and
Williams were also a part of the 2022 All MAIS team, this year joined by eighth grade honoree, Emma Raines.
Leah Collipp is a freshman (Class of 2027). She is the daughter of Dr. David and Susan Collipp of Brandon.
Leah’s current cross country personal records include a 19:30.90 5K and a 12:50.00 two mile.
Audrey Mayatte is a junior (Class of 2025). She is the daughter of Drs. Shaun and Claire Mayatte of Brandon.
Audrey’s current cross country personal records include a 20:06.10 5K and a 12:13.30 two mile.
Emma Raines is an eighth grader (Class of 2028). She is the daughter of Kelli and Michael Raines of Pelahatchie.
Emma’s current cross country personal records include a 20:08.20 5K and a 12:49.80 two mile.
Emily Williams is a sophomore (Class of 2026). She is the daughter of Johnathon and April Williams of Brandon.
Emily’s current cross country personal records include a 20:07.70 5K and a 12:36.00 two mile.
The quad of girls is an integral part of the number-one ranked varsity girls’ team in the state of Mississippi among
both public and private schools. The defending MAIS 5A state champions, the team is coached by Coach David Hopper.
PHOTO: Bruckner’s
Collipp • Mayatte • Williams • Raines
McLaurin With summer heat and grass stains, football season is upon us! Star Youth Association is off to a great start. On July 8th, Star Youth hosted a
community-wide cheer camp. Donations made by Magnolia Federal Credit Union put a smile on everyone’s face. Cheerleading requires several physical skills and strengths needed
to stunt, jump, or tumble. But there’s also great personal development that allows athletes to gain practical life skills. These skills include discipline, teamwork, and goal setting,
all while instilling confidence. Following camp, cheerleaders cooled off with a slip and slide. With incredible parent volunteers and coach/daughter duos, the Tigers are unstoppable.
“It takes a village,” speaks louder than words. Special thanks to the McLaurin Jr. High cheerleaders who graciously volunteered their time.
Hometown RANKIN • 79

The CHALKBOARD
Oakdale
We’re so excited for the 2023-2024 school year at Oakdale Elementary! It’s been a great start full of fun and new learning opportunities. We can’t wait to see what
the year brings! Our theme this year is “‘Seas’ the day.” “Seas (Seize) the Day” means doing the things one wants to do when there is the chance instead of waiting for
a later time. We want to make sure we are taking every opportunity possible to foster learning. Every moment we have with students is valuable and our teachers
recognize that. We are so thankful for all the hard work our teachers invest in their students to ensure every one of them reaches their full potential.
A huge thank you to our community and the Oakdale PTO for their fundraising and dedication to our school! Because of them we are able to celebrate our staff and
students through various events. This year we were able to welcome students with updates to our campus, such as wrapping in our rotunda and safety wrapping for our
doors, as well as fun ocean themed decorations. We are so appreciative for our PTO and community support! “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in
the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop” - Mother Teresa
80 • OCTOBER 2023

Jackson Prep
Jackson Prep annually celebrates National
Reading Day with its “One School, Many
Books” event. During the event, faculty
and students gather in small groups to
discuss a book they have all read over the
summer. Coordinated by Middle School
English Teacher Nancy Flowers, this year’s
seventh grade class took their summer
reading books and turned them into
children’s books to be read to students
in the Jackson Prep Lower School
L-R: 7th graders - Visual Arts Department Chair
Lisa Shive, Tag Smith, Jackson Graves, Sam
Henson, Brody Stewart, Hastings Boyd, Beau
Bufkin, Cooper Robichaux, and Baylor Berry.
Jackson Prep recently celebrated Homecoming
at Patriot Field against Evangelical Christian
School. Back L-R: Raney Hogan (Freshman),
Ann Magee Stradinger (Junior) , Ella Catherine
Kincaid (Junior), Meredith Hawkins (Junior),
Lela Beth Waterloo (Freshman)
Front L-R: Bea Birdsall (Sophomore),
Cameron Jacob (Senior), Avery Williams
(Senior), Tayla Wilson (Senior),
Delta Davidson (Senior), Knox Davidson
(Sophomore).
Hometown RANKIN • 81

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
Clothing fashion is fascinating!
What is “in” may linger for years or go “out” with the speed at which it came in. I’ve noted that
serious shoppers know fashion and know what items to avoid on the sales racks. Others, like me,
appreciate the sales racks and are drawn to them – more conscious of the money I spend than
what fashion may dictate.
When I was in the impressionable years of high school, I was much more aware of the latest
fashions and the peer pressure feeding it. I’m dating myself when I can remember the joy of
owning my first and only “sack dress.” The name certainly didn’t give the dress any enticement,
but that wasn’t the point with fashion. It was the latest fad, so my sensitive mother who understood
a young girl’s longing, ordered a sack dress from Montgomery Ward – the Amazon of the day.
It was a lime green print with a white collar. The only seams were down the sides and at the
shoulders. It was far removed from the usual pinched-in waists and full skirts of my other dresses.
Becoming? Hardly! I was wearing a lime green sack! But I was IN STYLE!
Years later I was in a Bible study with an older saint who attended every study with her well-worn
Bible and wearing her well-worn dresses. Her scant selections were always clean and free of
wrinkles, but style had nothing to do with her purchases at the thrift stores. A meager fixed
income dictated her wardrobe.
However, over the years I never thought about what was in her closet but what was in her heart.
Her love for God’s Word inspired me to love it more. Her radiant smile reflected her kind, gentle
heart, and her giant, embracing hugs for all in the class, showed me the love of Christ. She was one
of the most “fashionable” Christians I have ever known. She wore what God’s chosen ones put
on according to Colossians 3: “holy and compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness,
patience and forgiveness.” Hers was an enviable closet.
82 • OCTOBER 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 83