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4 • MARCH 2024

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schools are
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Hometown RANKIN • 5

6 • MARCH 2024

FROM OUR PUBLISHER
Rankin County has had a plethora of events since our last publication.
We’ve enjoyed being a part of some of
those and attending as many as we
could. Enjoy pictures in this issue from
the City of Brandon’s Princess Ball,
Rankin Chamber and City of Brandon’s
Mardi Gras Parade & Krewe de Roux
Gumbo Festival, Flowood Chamber’s
Winter Gathering, Pearl Main Street’s
Masquerade, the Metropolitan Supper
Club dance, and more!
Hometown Magazines hosted the
two-night Rankin’s Best of the Best
Red Carpet Gala in the beautiful and
spacious Muse Center. It was back-toback
evenings of food, networking, and
awards. We at Hometown Magazines
express our sincerest thank-you to all
the participating businesses that strive,
daily, for excellence. We know that your
businesses promote a lifestyle that
focuses on the positive and makes for an
environment of hometown blessings.
Congratulations again to all the winners
and all those who are dedicated to
being a part of the Top 5 next year!
We’ll see you again on the red carpet
- January 29th and 30th.
We thank you, our readers, for your
constant encouragement and story
ideas. And a special thank you to our
advertisers who continue to make this
possible. Let’s continue to support local
businesses and be a blessing to others.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
HOMETOWN STAFF
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Barbie Bassett
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 10
Reader Spotlight 15
Hometown Family 18
Rankin’s Red Carpet 25
The Spot Downtown 46
Woman of Impact 52
The Blessing Box 58
The 5th Squad 66
...see you around town.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Amy Forsyth
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Melissa Kennon
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
CONTENT MANAGER
Susan Wolgamott
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
COPY EDITOR
Jodi Jackson
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 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 9

Sharon & Charlie Ross
Camille Anding
Connecticut was home to
Sharon Ray – the only home she
had ever known, so one can
imagine her dismay and teenage
anxiety when her parents decided
to move back to their native soil of
Mississippi. The parents’ homes
had been in Webster County, so
Sharon and her brother moved
with their parents to Eupora.
Sharon was a high school junior,
moving into a culture that she
recalls “being like moving to a
different planet.”
Church has always been a
positive meeting place, and in
Sharon’s case, it was that and much
more. The uprooting from her
friends and school was beginning
to turn into blessings she never
imagined. Charlie Ross, a senior at
Eupora High School, was in
attendance that Sunday and
spotted Sharon sitting on the back
row of the First Baptist Church.
Sharon recalls, “We caught each
other’s eye.”
Within three weeks after
moving, Charlie asked Sharon for a
date. She gladly accepted his
Saturday night invitation to go
bowling. However, her parents had
made family plans and told Sharon
she would have to break her date.
Sharon postponed telling Charlie,
hoping plans would change, and
she could still make the date. On
Friday before the Saturday date, she
shared her disappointment with
Charlie, but he believed it was just
an excuse to get out of the date.
When Charlie’s mom got word
that the Rays really were going out
of town, he asked Sharon out again.
They made this date to the bowling
alley in Starkville. Even though
Sharon out-bowled Charlie, a
relationship begun that was to lead
to marriage.
Charlie’s acceptance into the
Air Force Academy in Colorado
initiated some major adjustments
in the young couple’s romance.
Sharon did not date anyone her
senior year but anxiously awaited
Charlie’s visits back to Eupora.
After Sharon’s graduating high
school and enrolling at the W, the
couple decided to break up. Seeing
other people would be the test of
their love for each other.
The long distance did not
change; neither did their attraction
to each other. When Charlie got to
come home, he and Sharon would
renew their dating pattern. After
dating more than three more years,
Sharon flew to Colorado to attend
an Academy dance. She felt it was
time for a serious talk. Did they
love each other enough for a
marriage commitment? How long
did they plan to continue dating
until marriage would be the next
step? Their relationship was at a
crossroad.
The discussion was enough to
send them to Denver the next day
to purchase an engagement ring. It
was 1977. On June 2nd, 1979, the
Air Force Academy graduate
married his beautiful bride, and
together, they entered the unique
experiences of military life. Charlie
finished his pilot training in
Columbus and then got orders to
Minot Air Force Base in North
Dakota.
10 • MARCH 2024

“ Marriage isn’t
always easy; you
have to work at it.
Couples have to
learn to adapt.”
They were there five years,
experiencing the minus twenty- and
thirty-degree temperatures but also
the warmth of friendships among
the military families. After his seven
years with the Air Force, which
included the family living in Florida
and Massachusetts, it was time to
make future post-military plans.
The Academy offered him a
teaching position, or he could
continue his military flying, which
he loved. He had also been interested
in politics and law, so law school
was another option. Since the
flying choice would have meant
moving every two years, the couple
agreed that law school would be the
best choice for family life. So, it was
off to Harvard Law School for the
family and weekend flying trips for
Charlie to earn money for his
family’s livelihood.
After graduating from law
school, the family moved back to
Mississippi, and he joined the Wise
Carter law firm. Politics continued
to draw him, so he served as state
representative for one year and
senator for Rankin and Northeast
Jackson for ten years. Charlie said,
“Mississippi just isn’t a state, it’s
more like a club where you learn to
know so many people.”
Before and after the birth of
their third son, Sharon continued
to branch out into her own areas of
expertise, using her secretary
administration degree in various
employments. When all three of
their sons showed interest and
talent in soccer, she earned her
soccer coaching license, so she could
be a closer part of their athletic
lives. Soccer was also the reason she
began a transcription service from
their home, so she could travel
with their sons’ teams. Her last
employment was membership
services coordinator and event
planner for the Jackson Yacht
Club. She retired in 2019 and
loves singing with her two friends
in the trio they call JES. Horseback
riding continues to be another
favorite pastime.
The addition of their first
grandchild, Caroline, from their
middle son David and wife Katie,
has added the joys of grandparenting.
David and his wife live in
D.C., where he works as media
consultant at the Department of
Transportation. Their oldest son,
Andy, lives in Memphis and is a
curator of a blues museum. Steven,
the youngest, lives in Brooklyn,
New York, and is building a career
as a film editor.
Charlie and Sharon enjoy
being a part of the membership
at Lakeside Presbyterian Church
and continue to relish living life
together. “Marriage isn’t always
easy; you have to work at it,” is the
input from Charlie. Sharon adds,
“Couples have to learn to adapt.”
That is sound advice from a
successful attorney and experienced
planner.
Hometown RANKIN • 11

BEST DESSERT & BEST CHEF
Thank you for your votes!
R I D G E L A N D | F L O W O O D | F O N D R E N
12 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 13

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14 • MARCH 2024

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Penny
WHITE
Why did you decide to make Rankin County
your home?
Well, I married a Rankin County man, and he
took me home with him!
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I moved to Rankin County January 1, 1996,
when we married.
Tell us about your family.
My husband, John White, and I have three
amazing daughters. Our oldest and her husband
have four very energetic children, three of which
attend Discovery Christian School in Florence.
In 2017, my husband built his dream, Two Gun
Tactical, which is located in Flowood, and I
work for him as the office administrator.
What is your favorite memory of living
in Rankin County?
Having all my family close by. Our life started
out going to my in-laws home every Sunday
after church and having lunch together. My
precious mother-in-law has gone from us now,
but we still all get together at her table almost
every Sunday and have lunch with as many
family members that will show up that day.
Where are your three favorite places
to eat in Rankin County?
Lost Pizza in Richland is my favorite pizza.
Mi Cabrito is my favorite Mexican restaurant,
and the new Shivers Creek Catfish House
drive-thru in Star is now giving Jerry’s and
Barry’s a run for my fish cravings!
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
Well, of course I have to say shooting, shopping,
and socializing at Two Gun Tactical (Ha!).
Rankin County has some really nice movie
theaters, which my granddaughters love for me
to take them to. I also enjoy walking through
the shops at Dogwood in Flowood and cruising
the aisles of the flea markets in Florence and
Flowood.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I enjoy walking around shops and tackling
various projects around my home and yard –
thinking about what I need to change, sand,
repaint, or get rid of. My most recent interest
is baking breads and sweet rolls. I’m constantly
looking on Pinterest for new ideas, projects,
and recipes. I love to go on lunch dates with
John and friends when we can, and having my
grandchildren spend the occasional weekend
with us. Grandchildren are so much fun! I also
like feeding my chickens and collecting their eggs!
Tell us about your occupation.
I am the office administrator for Two Gun
Tactical. I am not an instructor nor am I
knowledgeable about guns or other merchandise,
so when I’m not downstairs socializing
with our customers, I hide upstairs doing
office work stuff!
What are three things on your bucket list?
I would love to go hiking/camping in the
mountains. I hope that our country will soon be
at peace again so I can travel to local and foreign
places that I haven’t seen yet. Last, but not least,
hang gliding; yes, I would love to hang glide!
Who is someone you admire and why?
As I ponder this question, I realize I have
met many people in my life that I admire.
My husband is the first person that comes to
mind then my mother, mother-in-law, and my
pastors. They have all helped me to grow, and
I have recently met several fabulous men and
women through my gym, The Rankin County
Republican Women organization, and the
Center for Pregnancy Choices. These men
and women haven’t always had it easy and that
has made them strong, compassionate, and
dedicated. They are powerful, and they love
their families. They are morally grounded and
tremendously passionate to stand for God’s
creations as well as our country’s principles.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Oh, it is exciting to think that I would be a
great grandmother!
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up in South Jackson, and many summers,
my mom would take me to spend a week with
my great aunt in Florence. Back then, that was
“going to the country.” She had a huge doll
collection. Her husband built her a doll house
in her back yard, and I would love it when she
would take me inside the doll house, so I could
see all the many very old dolls she collected.
Also, there was a train track beyond her back
yard, and I would put pennies on the track.
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
“Only God gives inward peace, and I depend
on Him.” –Psalms 62:5
Hometown RANKIN • 15

ms egg marketing board
16 • MARCH 2024

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REVIEWS
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, but it’s also one
of the most preventable. Fortunately, the rate of people diagnosed with colon
or rectal cancer continues to drop because more people are getting screened
earlier and changing their lifestyles to avoid health risks.
And even more good news: St. Dominic’s Comprehensive Cancer Program is
nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer for our high-quality and
comprehensive cancer care.
If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as being older, overweight,
tobacco or alcohol use or family history, talk to your primary care provider
about screening.
Early detection is the best protection.
stdom.com/colorectal
Hometown RANKIN • 17

18 • MARCH 2024

the
THomases
Tell us about your family.
Jason & Marthesia Thomas We’ve been married for
ten years. We are the parents of one smart, football loving,
and outgoing son Jalen Carter (7). I graduated from
from Florence High School and Marthesia from Pearl
High. We enjoy attending car shows, watching our son
play flag football, reading books, and attending FHS
athletic events.
How did you meet and how long have you
been married?
We met at a social gathering that I was hosting in the
summer of 2007.She was invited by a mutual friend. We
exchanged numbers and through extensive conversations
and spending quality time, we knew our friendship would
evolve into something more. Seventeen years later, we are
happily married with a seven-year-old son.
Do you allow time to be with your spouse
for a date night?
Date night is extremely important in a marriage; however,
our date nights usually consist of a plus one. It is extremely
important for us to exemplify a godly marriage in front
of our son because we truly value trying to model what a
healthy relationship should look like.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
The love and affection a child shows you is one of the
greatest joys as a parent. To be loved unconditionally
by someone so small and so dependent on you lets you
know that you are doing something right.
Who is the financial manager in your home?
We both assume the responsibility of managing the
household finances. This gives us both peace of mind
and allows us to share the weight of the financial
responsibilities.
Hometown RANKIN • 19

What is your discipline philosophy?
With our son being only 7 years old, we try our best to
always model desirable behavior around him. We focus
on being consistent when handling disciplinary affairs.
We always make sure to educate our child on any
disciplinary actions whether it is big or small.
What do you see in your role as the greatest
benefit to your family?
My role is to be a provider, protector, and God-fearing
leader of my family. It is my job to be the best example
of a man for my son. I try to accomplish that goal by
being fair, firm, and transparent when making family
decisions with my wife.
What’s a quick, go-to meal that isn’t fast food?
And who does the cooking?
Typically, Marthesia does all the cooking. Our quick,
go-to meal that isn’t fast food would be hot wings and
French fries.
How long has Florence been your home?
I grew up in Florence, but after graduating from high
school, I moved to attend college. My family and I just
recently moved back to Florence. It has always been a
part of my plan to move back to this town to raise my
child and be closer to family.
What are some of your favorite things about
Rankin County?
Some of our favorite things are the incredible school
district, family atmosphere, and safe environment.
My wife and I both grew up in small towns. We’re
blessed to be able to raise our son in the wonderful town
of Florence, where residents are familiar with each other.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Summer breaks are often spent catching up on home
projects. We also utilize the summertime to plan
family trips so that we can get away from the
day-to-day, busy tasks.
What accomplishments make you proud
during your time living in Rankin County?
I am very proud to have been able to work in two
schools within the Florence school zone, both of which
I’ve attended. Growing up in Florence, I was very
fortunate to have wonderful teachers and administrators,
one of which, Tony Martin, encouraged me to
pursue administration. Now that I am in an administration
role, I take pride in trying to have an impact on
my students’ lives.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
And what do you do for a living?
I am currently serving as an assistant principal at
Florence High School. My drive comes from wanting
to give back to youth in some manner. Teaching and
coaching allows me to fulfill that passion. Plus, I have
always had great respect for the teaching profession.
QUESTIONS FOR JALEN
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?
Watch sports on television or go fishing with my dad.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Buffalo Wild Wings.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I really do not have a favorite TV show. I do enjoy
watching YouTube videos of the 49ers football games.
20 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 21

22 • MARCH 2024

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR
AS THE
BEST OF
THE BEST!
Our Family Serving Your Family With Excellence
miskellys.com
Hometown RANKIN • 23

FOR SELECTING OUR CAPITAL ORTHO TEAM MEMBERS!
Bradley Kellum, MD
BEST ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Shelby King, PA-C
BEST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
MOVE BETTER. LIVE BETTER.
601.987.8200 | CapitalOrtho.com
24 • MARCH 2024

Seven years ago, the team at Hometown Publishing,
publishers of Hometown Rankin Magazine, embarked
on creating a red carpet event that would celebrate the
outstanding business community in which we live and work.
Rankin County’s Best of the Best Red Carpet Gala was born.
This year, nominations were accepted in 108 categories,
and online voting was used to determine the winner in
each category. Winners were announced at the sold-out
galas on January 24th and 25th.
Anyone in the top five of any category has clearly established
themselves as a leader–and for that we congratulate you!
Hometown RANKIN • 25

Health
& Wellness
AESTHETICIAN/ESTHETICIAN
Megan McLeod, The Face Bar WINNER
Stephanie Hodges, The Skin District
Jamie Watson, The Skin Studio
Kristen Bomar, High Society Aesthetics
Trista Boles, The Relaxation Nook
CARDIOLOGIST
Julia Thompson MD, Merit Health
Brett Bennett, MD, Jackson Heart
Donny Stokes, MD, Jackson Heart
Harper Stone, MD, Jackson Heart
Reid Cotten, MD
Jackson Heart Clinic WINNER
CHIROPRACTOR
Chad Brown, Brown Chiropractic
Chris Fowler, DC WINNER
Fowler ProChiropractic & Wellness Center
Haley Fortenberry, DC,
Brandon Family Chiropractic
Clayton Pitts, DC, Norville Chiropractic
Brad Kennedy, DC, Kennedy Chiropractic
COUNSELOR/THERAPIST
Lindsey Lemmon, LPC WINNER
mindFULL, P.A. Mental Health Clinic
Allison Fulgham, LPC
New Path Counseling
Hannah Beaver
Region 8 Mental Health Services
Josh Haycraft, LMFT, Thistleseed Counseling
Ashley Franklin, LPC, Live Beyond Existing
FAMILY DOCTOR
Allen Sheely, MD,Merit Health
Marc Hellrung, MD, St. Dominic Family Clinic
Carrie Nash, DO WINNER
Baptist Medical Group
Brannon Morris, MD, Morris Family Medicine
Scott Kelly, MD, Baptist Medical Clinic
FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC
Merit Health Medical Clinic
Flowood WINNER
Baptist Medical Group, Reservoir Clinic
On-Site Health
Greenfield Family Healthcare
Florence Family Clinic
FITNESS CENTER
Planet Fitness
Burn Boot Camp WINNER
Complete Fitness
The Barre
Flowood Fit Body
GENERAL SURGEON
James K Chandler, MD, Lakeland Surgical Clinic
Steven Patterson, MD WINNER
Lakeland Surgical Clinic
Jason Murphy, MD, Surgical Clinic Associates
Patrick Scanlon, MD, Lakeland Surgical Clinic
Reggie Martin, MD, St. Dominic
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Tiffany Melton WINNER
The Relaxation Nook
McKenzie Dragoo, Graceful Effects
Kerri Thomas, Elevated Wellness and Massage
Lacey Clark, The Wellness Spa
Kasi Sepulvado, The Wellness Spa
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Roxi Odom, PMHNP, LPC mindFULL
Amanda Sullivan, CFNP
Southern Women’s Health
Donald Garrett, FNP WINNER
Greenfield Family Healthcare
Karen Seago, CFNP, Merit Health
Ashley Shivers, FNP, Puckett Medical Clinic
NURSE
Emily Stingley, RN, Florence Elementary
Chelsea Papenburg, RN
Fresenius Medical Care
Lauren Ashworth, RN
AccentCare Home Health
Tammy Harvey
Baptist Medical Group, Reservoir Clinic
Brittany Harris, RN WINNER
Rankin Children’s Group
OBGYN
Missy McMinn, MD, East Lakeland OB/GYN
Chad Gnam, MD, Women’s Health Associates
Shea Moses, MD, Southern Women’s Health
Emily Johnson, MD WINNER
Jackson Healthcare for Women
Rhonda Sullivan Ford, MD
Lakeland Premier Women’s Clinic
OPTOMETRIST/
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Mark Allen, OD WINNER
The Optical Shoppe
Anna Taylor, OD, Taylor Eyecare
Tina Sorey, OD, Eye Care Professionals
Richard Pharr, MD
Family Eye Care Precision Optical
Anh Edwards, OD, Professional Eyecare
DENTIST
Dustin Pambianchi, DMD, Winning Smile
Sara Langston,DMD, Dental Wellness
Andrew Tran, DMD,Reservoir Dental
Jason Cox, DMD WINNER
Belle Meade Family Dental
Lee Herrin, DDS, Family Dental
NEUROSURGEON
Jack Moriarity, MD, New South NeuroSpine
Lynn Stringer, MD, New South NeuroSpine
John Davis, IV, MD WINNER
NewSouth NeuroSpine
Adam Lewis, MD
Matthew VanLandingham, MD
New South NeuroSpine
ORTHODONTIST
Richard Simpson, DMD WINNER
Simpson Orthodontics
Albert Tutor, DDS, Tutor Orthodontics
Dodd Brister, DDS, Brister Orthodontics
Chandra Minor, DMD, Smile Design Studio
Camille Sandifer, DMD, Sandifer Orthodontics
26 • MARCH 2024

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Donald Baker, MD, Merit Health Orthopedics
Michael Dulske, MD, Capital Ortho
James Moss, MD, Mississippi Sports Medicine
Bradley Kellum, MD WINNER
Capital Ortho
Kerk Mehrle, MD, , Mississippi Sports Medicine
PEDIATRICIAN
Joe Edwards, MD, Rankin Children’s Group
Adam Adcock, MD WINNER
The Children’s Clinic
Alisha Vaughn, MD, Rankin Children’s Group
Sam Denney, MD, The Children’s Clinic
JoAnn Story, MD, Children’s Medical Clinic
PHARMACIST
Tiffany Hutchins, Flowood Drug Company
Ryan Harper WINNER
Brandon Discount Drugs
Anna Claire Roberts, Olde Towne Drugs
Kenny Willoughby, Willoughby Pharmacy
Davis Wilson, Polk’s Discount Drugs
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Blake Hobbs, DPT, Apex Physical Therapy
Jonathan Josey, DPT
AccentCare Home Health
Kristen Shivers, DPT, Merit Health
Casie Peters, DPT WINNER
Performance Therapy
Alyssa Fuller Martin, DPT, ATC
Elite Physical Therapy
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Shelby King, PA-C, Capital Ortho WINNER
Gavin Nowell, PA-C, MEA Richland
Justin Schoop, PA-C
Mississippi Sports Medicine
Allison Durr, PA-C, Mississippi Sports Medicine
Jenn Ainsworth, PA-C
Mississippi Dermatology Associates
PLASTIC SURGEON
William North, MD
Kenneth Barraza, MD
Shelby Brantley, MD
Scott Runnels, MD WINNER
Jeptha Cole, MD
SPECIALTY
MEDICAL FACILITY
mindFULL, P.A.
Capital Ortho
Mississippi Sports Medicine WINNER
Central Nephrology Clinic
Southern Diabetes Care
UROLOGIST
John Baten, MD, Urogynocolgy Associates
Allen M. Haraway, MD, Mississippi Urology
Mark Runnels, MD WINNER
Mississippi Urology
Ramon Caballero, MD, Merit Health
Sujith Reddy, MD, Urology Specialist
Dining
ASIAN
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Ichiban WINNER
Fuji Japanese Sushi & Grill
Asahi Sushi & Sake
Sushi Village
BAKERY
Southern Sweetness
SweetTee’s Treats and Design
Sugar Magnolia Takery WINNER
That Special Touch
The Turquoise Chandelier
BAR
The Gallows WINNER
Shaggy’s on the Rez
Sunset Grill
Table 100
Burgers & Blues
BARBECUE
Kenova Smokehouse WINNER
Sonny’s BBQ
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Boo’s Smokehouse
Little Willie’s BBQ
BREAKFAST
A’ha Donuts & More
Another Broken Egg
Primos WINNER
Jo’s Diner
Donut Shop
BURGER
Foundation Burger
Cross Roads Store & Grill
Burgers & Blues
Mugshots WINNER
Taste of Detroit
CATERER
Fresh Cut Catering & Floral
Resa’s Place
Bless This Food WINNER
Georgia Blue
McClain Catering
CHEF
Danny Eslava, Eslava’s Grille
Jay Benson, Cerami’s Italian Restaurant
Bridget Williams, Amerigo WINNER
Jamie Patrick, Table 100
Kendall Adkins, Kenova Smokehouse
CHICKEN
Chick-fil-A WINNER
Mama’s Kitchen
Abner’s Famous Chicken
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Genna Benna’s
COFFEE SHOP
Mocha Mugs WINNER
Bougee Coffee Shop
Rollin’ Beans Coffee Co
Bonnie Sue’s
Cups
DELI
Frisco Deli WINNER
McAlister’s Deli
Newk’s Eatery
Jersey Mike’s
Firehouse Subs
DESSERT
Table 100
Crumbl Cookies
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Amerigo WINNER
Tom’s Fried Pies
Hometown RANKIN • 27

DINNER
Amerigo
Table 100 WINNER
Half Shell Oyster House
A’HA Crawfish Bistro
Cerami’s Italian Restaurant
LUNCH
Nonna’s Cafe
Mama’s Kitchen
Genna Benna’s
Grant’s Kitchen
Chicken Salad Chick WINNER
MEXICAN
El Cabrito Mexican Restaurant
Fernando’s Fajita Factory
El Sombrero
El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant & Grill WINNER
Papito’s Mexican Restaurant
PIZZA
Lost Pizza Co.
The Cleaners by Pizza Shack WINNER
Soulshine Pizza
The Pizza Shack, Pearl
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
SHAKES/SMOOTHIES/TEAS
471 Nutrition WINNER
Deep South Nutrition Café & Gifts
Shake and Sip
Rankin Nutrition & Hangout
The Florence Nutrition
STEAKHOUSE
McClain Resort WINNER
Outback Steakhouse
Longhorn Steakhouse
Table 100
Boo’s Smokehouse
Miscellaneous
BAND
Stephens Bro’s Music WINNER
The McGee’s
Sweet Tooth Jones
The Lonely Hearts
Storage 24
CHEER/DANCE STUDIO
Southern Athletics WINNER
Vibe Dance
Central Mississippi Dance
Studio Sole Dance
Rhonda Whitehead’s Studio
ENTERTAINMENT/ARTIST
Bradley Parker
The Detective Dinner Theatre
Stephens Bro’s Music
Angela Pittman, Krazy Karaoke WINNER
JenniB
EVENT VENUE
BellaWood Venue
McClain Lodge WINNER
The Ivy
West 40rty
Magnolia Lake Venue
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Spinners of Florence
McClain Resort Safari
Jellystone Park- Yogi on The Lake
Brandon Amphitheater WINNER
Mississippi Braves
PLACE TO WORK - SMALL
mindFULL P.A.
Three Rivers Real Estate
M W Electric
Local Real Estate
Rankin County Co-Op WINNER
PLACE TO WORK - MEDIUM
Mississippi HomeCare
Netlink Voice WINNER
MDB Health Services
Watkins Construction
Restoration 1
PLACE TO WORK - LARGE
Rankin County School District WINNER
Merit Health
USPFO-MS National Guard
Southern States Utility
Capital Ortho
NON-PROFIT
The Tower/Center for Violence Prevention
5th Squad WINNER
Baptist Children’s Village
Ever Reaching Community Outreach
Shannon’s Home of Hope
Skilled
Services
DJ
David Steele WINNER
Solid Steele Sounds Entertainment
Odie Bridges, DJBig O
Angela Pittman, Krazy Karaoke
Cody Hanna, DJ Too Tall
Mike Howington, Mike the Party Guy
DOG GROOMER
Chasity Wiysel, Barks and Bubbles
Wayne Culipher,Tino’s Pet Grooming
Haylee Cobb, Classy Canine
Trisha King WINNER
Doodles & Dineros/The Rustic Pup
Amy Lee, Posh Paws
ELECTRICIAN
Jeremy White, WhirlWind Electric LLC
Mike Windham, M W Electric LLC WINNER
Marty Cowden, Cowden Electric
Chase Campbell, Campbell Electric LLC
Richie Allen, B&A Electric LLC
HAIR STYLIST/BARBER
Olivia Johnson, Firefly The Salon
Jessica Hudson, Meraki Hair Studio
Jamie Windham, The Shear Shack
Whitney Smith, LaCru Salon
Susan Burell, The Social House WINNER
28 • MARCH 2024

MAKEUP ARTIST
Carly Temple, Artistry by Carly
Courtney Jamison, Makeup by C Courtney
Kayla Jones, Spray Tans by Kayla WINNER
Alexis Coker, Reservoir Tan & Salon
Morgan Wilmoth, Hair & Makeup by Morgan
NAIL SALON
Infinity Nails & Spa WINNER
Classic Nails
Radiant Nails
ZaZa Nails and Spa
Monaco Nails
PEST CONTROL
New South Pest Control
Central MS Termite & Pest Control
Family Termite and Enviornmental
Jefcoat Pest Control WINNER
Capital Pest Control
PLUMBER
Bert Wilmoth, Water Heater Pros
Patrick Ferguson, DrainGo Plumbing
Brooks Yates WINNER
Plumtech Plumbing & Drains
Chris Roeder, Roeders Plumbing Services
Ricky White, Complete Plumbing
and Maintenance Service LLC
SALON/BARBER SHOP
Firefly The Salon
Meraki Hair Studio
The Glossary Salon WINNER
Jane Thomas Salon
The Social House Salon
WEDDING PLANNER/
EVENT COORDINATOR
Lauren Messina, LGM Weddings
Emily Wooten WINNER
Sweet Southern Occasions
Elizabeth Johnson, Simply Splendid
Carrie Taylor, Perfectly Taylor’d Events
Kim Sharp, Kim Sharp Wedding Planner
Professionals
ACCOUNTANT
Kristi Thompson, CPA,
Barlow & Company PLLC
Zack Cooper, Tax Consultant WINNER
Southern Tax Solutions LLC
Kimberly Foreman, CPA, PC
Jennifer Brown, CPA, Garret & Garret PC
Josh Windham, EA, Windham & Lacey, PLLC
APARTMENT COMPLEX
Village at Crossgates
Ashford Place Apartment Homes
Highpointe Apartment Homes WINNER
Harrell Apartments
Laurel Park Apartments
ARCHITECT
Jose Arellano, AIA
Principal Architect, PryorMorrow PC
Taylor Stewart, CSI
JH&H Architects Planners & Interiors
Adam Haver
JH&H Architects Planners Interiors
Paul Bagley, AIA, LEED AP WINNER
JH&H Architects Planners Interiors
Michael Rose, AIA, Clay Design Build
ASSISTED LIVING
Villa South Assisted Living
Plain View Assisted Living
Chateau Pines Assisted Living
Cooperwood Senior Living
The Blake at Flowood WINNER
ATTORNEY
Jeffrey Arnold, Arnold Law Firm, LLC
Connie Smith, Connie Smith & Associates PLLC
Shannon Elliott, Elliott Law Firm WINNER
Tameika Bennett, Bennett Law
Mel Coxwell, Law Offices of Mel Coxwell
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
A&M Auto Mechanics
Dennis & McRee Auto Electric
Darrell’s Auto Electric & Complete Auto Repair
Gleason Tire & Service WINNER
Rick Furr Pro Diesel & Automotive
CLEANING SERVICE
Vivian’s Cleaning
Pace Cleaning WINNER
Dunn Right Cleaning
The Carpet Source
Heavenly Helpers
DAYCARE
Railroad Center Daycare WINNER
Miss Mandy’s Christian Daycare
Circle of Friends Learning Center
First Baptist Church Children’s Center
Lake Village Learning Center
DRYCLEANER
Safeway Cleaners & Laundry WINNER
Nu-Way Dry Cleaning
The Cleaners on Old Fannin
Martin’s Cleaners & Laundry
Express Cleaners
ENGINEER
Matthew Miller, P.E., P.S.
Benchmark Engineering & Surveying
Chas Smithers
Smithers Engineers & Consultants
Greg Bonds, P.E., LEED AP BD+C WINNER
Benchmark Engineering & Surveying
Drew King, CGI Engineering
William Dendinger, P.E., LEED AP BD+C
Smithers Engineers & Consultants
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
K&M Rental
Rankin Rental WINNER
Brandon Rentall
Mississippi Machinery
United Rentals
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Jesse Nanney, Renasant Bank
Tim Pickett, Community Bank
Robert Dienelt, Raymond James WINNER
Chas Gualano, Trustmark Bank
Neal Broome, Power Financial Group
FINANCIAL LENDER
Shane Dubois, Community Bank
Nick Whittington, Bank of Forest
Kris Williams, Renasant Bank
Rob Oates, PriorityOne Bank WINNER
Chasity Dearman
Rivertrust Federal Credit Union
Hometown RANKIN • 29

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
PriorityOne Bank
Community Bank WINNER
Cadence Bank
Origin Bank
Bank Plus
HEATING & COOLING
COMPANY
The A/C Doctors WINNER
AirTech Heating & Cooling
Southern Air Services
Pure Air Consultants
AKM Air Solutions
HOME BUILDER
Clark Builders
C&B Properties
Heart of the South Homes
Lyles Signature Homes WINNER
S&S Builders
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Pike Construction
Xtreme Home Enhancements WINNER
Squared Structures
Blueline Construction
JLS Rebuilders
HOME INSPECTION
Cornerstone Home Inspections
Pinpoint Home Inspections
Magnolia Inspections WINNER
Pilgrim Home Solutions
Chadwick Inspections
INSURANCE AGENT
Matt Dennis, Brandon, Allegiant Insurance
Don Bass, Richland, State Farm Insurance
Josh Manning, Alfa Insurance
Clancy Walker, Insurance Protection Specialist
Brandy Gordon WINNER
The Insurance Center
LANDSCAPING
PROFESSIONAL
Murtagh Outdoor Services
Ambiance Landscape WINNER
Southern Elegance Outdoor Living
Clean Cutz
Murphy’s Lawn & Landscape
MORTGAGE LENDER
Randall Harper, Planet Home Lending
Kasey Finklea
Diversified Mortgage Corporation
Sean Cornwel, Mississippi Mortgage
Jessica Allen, The First Bank
Savana Skelton, Origin Bank WINNER
NURSING HOME
Briar Hill Rest Home
Wisteria Gardens
Brandon Nursing & Rehab Center WINNER
Brandon Court Nursing
Community Place Nursing Home
PHOTOGRAPHER
Charlotte Stringer Photography WINNER
Katelyn Anne Photography
Debbie Steele Photography
Tristan Duplichain Photography
Watson Photography
POOL SERVICE
Pool Works WINNER
Pool Care Plus
Bobs Pool Service
P&P Pools
Clearwater Pools
REALTOR
Tabatha Johnson, Local Real Estate
Brandie Little WINNER
Three River’s Real Estate
Triston Cowan, Cowan Realty
Kim Edwards, Southern Homes
Shannon Warren, Weichert Realtors
ROOFING COMPANY
Complete Exteriors
Halo Roofing
Southern Roofing Specialties
Watkins Construction
Rankin County Customs WINNER
VETERINARIAN
David May, DVM, Animal Medical Hospital
Rick Kirby, DVM WINNER
Hometown Veterinary Hospital
Scott Houston, DVM, Brandon Animal Hospital
Todd Sullivan, DVM
Crossgates Veterinary Clinic
Staci Rhodes, DVM
Crooked Creek Animal Hospital
VETERINARY CLINIC
Crossgates Veterinary Clinic
Crooked Creek Animal Hospital
Oakdale Animal Hospital
Brandon Animal Hospital WINNER
Hometown Veterinary Hospital
VIDEOGRAPHER
Zach & Zach
Kaylan Rivera
Warren Brothers Media WINNER
Justin Fortune
Stephen Truhett
TRAVEL AGENT
Jennifer Burrell, Mickey’s Travel
Crystal Black, McGehee Cruise & Vacation
Jessica Allen, Magnolia Travel WINNER
Jennifer Muse, Muse Magical Travel
Mindi Phillips, Beloved Getaways
Retail
CAR DEALERSHIP
Bob Boyte Honda
Fowler Buick-GMC
Gray Daniel’s Toyota
Rogers-Dabbs
Noel Daniels Motor Company WINNER
CHILDREN’S
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Itty Bitty Kids
Vintique’s
Willow and Grace
The Punky Rooster WINNER
The Carousel
FLORIST
Willow Blu
Chapman’s Florist WINNER
Green Floral
Simply Southern Celebrations
The Flower Suite
FORMAL WEAR
Southern Glitz
Mia Bella WINNER
Tuxedo Junction
Southern Grace Formals
Renfroe’s Runway
30 • MARCH 2024

FURNITURE STORE
Miskelly Furniture WINNER
Ross Furniture
D. Noblin Furniture
Purposely Imperfect
T&D Furniture
GIFT SHOP
O! How Cute Gift Market
Apple Annie’s WINNER
Boudreaux’s
Heart of the South Apparel and Gift
Mockingbird Marketplace
GROCERY STORE
Ramey’s Marketplace
Kroger
Allen’s Super Value WINNER
ALDI
Fairway Foods
JEWELRY STORE
Jackson Jewelers
Crossgates Jewelers WINNER
Cara Reese Designs
Crown Jewelers
Courtyard Jewelers
MARKET/PLANTS/PRODUCE
River’s Greenhouse and Garden
Lakeland Yard & Garden Center WINNER
Doris Berry’s Farmers Market
The Landing
Cockrell’s Farmers Market
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIER
Woods Equipment
Van’s Sporting Goods
Revell Outdoor Power
Rankin Rental
Frederick’s Sales & Service WINNER
PARTY RENTAL
Great Southern Events WINNER
Event Pro’s
Ace Inflatables
FunVentures
Deep South Inflatables
PHARMACY
Brandon Discount Drugs
Flowood Drug Company
Polk’s Discount Drugs WINNER
Olde Towne Drugs
Rhodes & Robby Rexall Drug
SERVICE STATION
Pelahatchie Bay Trading Post WINNER
Shell, Greenfield Road
Circle K, Pearl
The Service Station
Eagle Post, Florence
SPECIALTY ADVERTISING
Charlotte’s Screen Printing
Lucid Ink Printing
The Decal Guys WINNER
Hallett Group Marketing
Pollchaps Custom Screen Printing
and Embroidery
TANNING SALON
Tassel Hair Shack
The Beach Look
Reservoir Tan & Salon WINNER
Palm Beach Tan
Sun Kissed Tanning Boutique
WINE/PACKAGE STORE
042 Wine & Spirits WINNER
Spillway Wine & Spirits
Causeway Wine & Spirits
Topper’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Greenfield Wine & Spirits
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
BOUTIQUE
Ballyhoo Boutique & Gifts
Highland Park by Material Girls
Flawless Boutique
The Beach Look Boutique WINNER
AllyOops Boutique
...see you next year!
Hometown RANKIN • 31

32 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 33

34 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 35

36 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 37

Our fully equipped survey crews and technicians
provide quality services across the Southeast.
Services
Hydrographic, Topographic & Geodetic Surveys • Mapping
Subsurface Utility Engineering • LiDAR (Mobile, Aerial, and
Terrestrial) • Boundary Surveys • ALTA/NSPS Land • Title Surveys
Photogrammetric Control • Construction Layout
Legal Descriptions • Plats • ROW Surveys
CAD Tech 3D Modeling Formats
Carlson • AutoCAD • Microstation • Geopak
Chris Pesnell | cdpesnell@maptech-survey.com
601.622.0768 | www.maptech-survey.com
38 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 39

Rankin County Young Professionals
Seeds have the ability to grow where they are planted, whether that is on purpose by a farmer or accidentally by
a bird or even the wind. People have the same ability as seeds. They can flourish where they are planted, dropped,
or have fallen. Although a lot of young adults dream of moving out of their hometown upon college graduation,
Rankin County has been blessed with many young professionals who have decided to plant their businesses or
trades here and grow within the community.
40 • MARCH 2024

By taking advantage of the opportunities they have in their lives, they have been able to establish their roots here.
These steps will help build a foundation to launch the next chapter in their lives and the community. With their skills
they will care for us, make us beautiful, comfort us, and give us hope for the future. These young professionals are
the future and upcoming business leaders and health providers who have chosen to make Rankin County a better
place and call it their home.
Hometown RANKIN • 41

Morgan Bailey
Employer
The Blake at Flowood
Alma Mater
Mississippi State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
My favorite thing about Rankin County is it has
the small town feel to it. You always see someone
you know no matter where you are and when the
good and bad of life hit there are always people
to rally around you.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
El Sombrero, The Cleaners, and OEC.
Hobbies
Working out at Burn Boot Camp, hanging out
with my friends and family, and shopping!
Faith Dillon
Employer
Rankin County School District
Alma Mater
Hinds Community College & William Carey
University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
The feeling of home it brings. I love being
surrounded by my loving family and supportive
friends. Rankin County has a little bit of
everything from my favorite stores and
boutiques to unique food choices.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Chick-fil-A in Brandon, Georgia Blue in
Flowood, and Mugshots in Pearl.
Hobbies
Painting, watching movies, and writing. I also
enjoy traveling to new places, and photography.
Sam Hawkins
Employer
Brandon City Government
Alma Mater
Mississippi State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
The people
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Burgers and Blues
Hobbies
Fly fishing and turkey hunting
Kaylynn Buskirk
Employer
Florence Elementary School
Alma Mater
The University of Mississippi
Favorite thing about Rankin County
How welcoming the people are. No matter
what you’re doing in your life or what stage
you’re in, the entire community gets behind
you to support and encourage you! Everyone
is super loving, encouraging, and friendly!
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Genna Benna
Hobbies
Traveling, reading, spending time with family.
Spencer Cole
Employer
Provident Medical Solutions
Alma Mater
Hinds Community College and University
of Mississippi
Favorite thing about Rankin County
The people. Rankin County has been home
my entire life and the people I’ve met and the
relations I’ve built are what make it special.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Soulshine and The Cleaners
Hobbies
Playing soccer at Flowood YMCA, volunteering
at Pinelike Church high school ministry, and
spending time with family and friends.
42 • MARCH 2024

Laine Marler
Employer
Brandon High School
Alma Mater
University of Mississippi
Favorite Thing About Rankin County
There is always something to do. Whether it’s
Friday night lights, baseball, basketball,
volleyball, soccer, tennis, or track, the crowd can
be found cheering their favorite team to victory.
The addition of the Brandon Amphitheater
offers various styles of music and has been a
great addition to our community. While all
these things provide something for everyone,
I love how Rankin County still provides the
hometown feel that makes it so special.
Favorite Place to Eat in Rankin County
Amerigo
Hobbies
Coaching Volleyball, Shopping (Dirt Cheap
binging), tennis, spending time at the beach.
Wyatt Adcock
Employer
Connector Specialists Inc.
601 Drones
Small Business Owner
Alma Mater
Mississippi State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
It’s home. I spent the last year getting to know
the great people of Rankin County while my
mother ran for political office. I’m glad I chose
to return here to start my career.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Rankin County has many great food places, but
my favorite is Table 100. It’s hard to beat the
consistency of great food and service.
Hobbies
In my free time, I enjoy surrounding myself in
nature through outdoor activities and hunting.
I’m also passionate about serving at The Way
Church and traveling the country as a sideline
technician for the Gridiron Radio Network.
Kate Gualano
Employer
Rankin County Chamber of Commerce
Alma Mater
Mississippi State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
I love the hospitality and the people. This
community is always willing to help, celebrate,
and lift each other up.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Mudbugs 042
Hobbies
I love to play golf and be surrounded by family
and friends.
Onsby Vinson
Employer
University of Mississippi Medical Center;
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
Alma Mater
Mississippi State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
I love the family feel. Growing up in Brandon,
I felt so connected to my community through
school, church and extracurricular activities.
I know I will always have a group of people
that will support and encourage me.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
The Cleaners
Hobbies
Playing tennis, reading, exercising, spending
time with family and friends.
Terrance Steele Sr.
Employer
Pearl Public School District
Alma Mater
East Central Community College
& Mississippi Valley State University
Favorite thing about Rankin County
There is a togetherness feeling about the
people in Rankin County. It is a great place
to live, raise a family and work.
Favorite place to eat in Rankin County
Seafood Grille & McAlister’s Deli
Hobbies
Gym, fishing, binge watching TV
Hometown RANKIN • 43

Welcome
Alfredo Figueroa, MD
CARDIOLOGY
1040 River Oaks Drive • Suite 100 • Flowood, MS 39232
601-203-6202 MyMeritDoctor.com
Now accepting new patients and existing patients
for follow up. No physician referral required.
MHMG Merit Health Medical Group Figueroa Ad 8x5.indd 1
2/26/24 1:42 PM
44 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 45

46 • MARCH 2024

In recent years,
downtown Brandon has
welcomed many new businesses,
making the district a popular destination
for dining and shopping. Just a stone’s throw
away from historic College Street, in a beautifully
restored 1930’s home, is The Spot Downtown, a
coffee and art shop that provides the perfect setting
to gather with friends or find the perfect gift. Offering
an assortment of coffee creations and other beverages, as
well as tasty treats like their homemade pound cakes, there
is something for everyone to enjoy. While The Spot Downtown
has all the charm of a cozy coffee shop, the employees are what
make it truly special.
The Spot Downtown opened in March of 2022 and is operated by
the Rankin County School District to house the Aspire program.
Aspire is a transition program which offers community-based
instruction and vocational skills training to high school students
with disabilities. The goal is to support future transition to
employment and adult living through hands-on activities
and meaningful, real-life experiences. Summer Lewis is the
Aspire program teacher and oversees the day-to-day
operations of the shop. “Through their work here,
students learn customer service, inventory processes,
cleaning, working through daily checklists, and
all the various skills needed to run the shop,”
Summer says. “Our goal is to see these
students go on to be competitively
employed as adults.”
Students in the
RCSD Strive program also
contribute to The Spot Downtown
as they create the beautiful art available
for purchase at the shop. Strive is the
district’s transition program for students with
disabilities who are ages 18-21. Like the Aspire
students, students in the Strive program gain functional
skills which will help them become gainfully
employed and enjoy independence as adults. Where the
Aspire students work in the coffee shop, Strive students get
hands-on work experience in local businesses who have
partnered with the program. “Community partnerships are
what make this program the success it is,” says Tricia Bennett,
Strive program teacher. “The businesses that allow us to bring
students in to learn real-world skills not only make it possible
for students to enter the workforce, but often these same
businesses hire our students.” The beautiful landscaping around
The Spot Downtown is made possible by the Brandon Garden
Club, one of the Aspire program’s biggest supporters. Garden
Club members spend countless hours with students, teaching
them valuable gardening and plant maintenance skills as
they work side-by-side. Students even have their own
greenhouse located just behind the coffee shop.
“Not only do they learn landscaping skills,” says
Summer, “but through their work with the
Brandon Garden Club, students develop an
understanding of the power of community
and giving to others.” To show their
appreciation, students host
an annual tea for
Hometown RANKIN • 47

Brandon Garden Club
members at The Spot, and they
also assist in setting up for the
Garden Club’s popular Tablescapes event.
There are many success stories of students who
have gone through the Aspire and Strive programs
and are now employed in the community. One student
has worked at Bob Boyte Honda for nearly fifteen
years, and others have gone on to work at Goodwill,
McAlister’s, Hometown Veterinary Hospital, and
Bouquets of Pearl, just to name a few. For Summer Lewis,
one of the most special experiences has been seeing one
of her students go on to work for the school district.
“Each year, all school district employees meet with a
benefits representative. As I was leaving the district office
after my meeting, this student was walking in to have
his meeting,” she says. “It was just really special to see
him go from a former student to now a co-worker.”
Because of the success of the Rankin County
School District’s Aspire and Strive programs,
which includes The Spot Downtown and
on-the-job training for students, school
districts from around the state are
coming to Rankin County to
learn more about implementing
similar programs.
“We don’t want to keep these ideas
to ourselves,” says Summer. “We want to
share what we’ve learned with districts, and
hope to see many other success stories across
Mississippi.” Special Education Coordinator
Annette Varner agrees and adds, “The RCSD transition
programs are the premier programs in the state
for successful transitioning of students. This is due to
the unwavering support of our superintendent and
the leadership team in the district, who are staunchly
committed to fulfilling the mission of the Aspire and
Strive programs.”
The Spot Downtown, located at 223 Tamberline Street
in Brandon, invites you to visit Monday-Friday,
from 8am-2pm, during the school year. You are also
invited to their first ever “Pound Cake Day” on
March 22nd. Stop by to purchase a homemade
pound cake and cup of coffee.
Follow The Spot Downtown
BThe Spot Downtown a Rankin County
School District Program
Vthespotdowntown_rcsd
48 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 49

50 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 51

2024 METRO JACKSON
Woman
of IMPACT
The American Heart Association, Metro Jackson, is proud to be
celebrating the Woman of Impact Class of 2024, 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.
Teresa Boutwell
GI Associates
Teresa Boutwell describes herself as a born
and raised Mississippi girl. She was born in
Jackson and has lived in Rankin County since
1976. She serves as the director of human
resources at GI Associates in Flowood.
She and husband Michael are parents to
three children – Lindsey Shearer, Kevin
Boutwell, and Kelly Coleman, and have six
beautiful grandchildren, ranging from two to
fifteen years old. Spending time with family is
what makes Teresa happy, “Nothing brings me
greater joy than having them all together and
just hanging out with them.” Working with the
American Heart Association to combat heart
disease is close to her heart. In 2008, she
suffered a heart issue which resulted in
quadruple bypass, “Just at the time I was about
to have my first grandchild! My daughter,
Lindsey suffered a heart attack in February
of 2023. I want to help educate women
across the state about heart disease and the
importance of taking care of our bodies.”
For more information about
Teresa’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/TeresaBoutwell
For more information on how you can get involved with the
Metro Jackson American Heart Association, please visit
new.event.gives/jxngored
For more information about the Go Red for Women Movement,
visit MetroJacksonGoRed.heart.org
52 • MARCH 2024

Amanda Keith
Blog, Red Lips and Vino Sips
Mobile-native Amanda Keith is a blogger (Red
Lips and Vino Sips) and shares all about wine,
food, and travel. She and her husband, Peter,
have been married for thirteen years. They
met in high school but did not date until after
college. Amanda says their two yorkies Gibbs
and Bosch “are my heart,” and she finds joy
in spending time with them plus friends and
family. She shared that, unfortunately, heart
disease touches the majority of families in
some way. Her first experience with heart
disease was with her maternal grandfather.
“He had a long battle with heart disease for
many years and underwent open heart surgery
when I was very young. In his later years,
congestive heart failure eventually took his life.”
The next time heart disease would change
Amanda’s family was the day her mother
underwent quadruple bypass surgery. “After
watching her recover from that amazing
surgery, I knew I had to do everything I could
to prevent others from suffering through such
an excruciating and scary experience. I want to
encourage others to take the best care of their
hearts as possible, get their checkups, and
encourage others to do the same!”
For more information about
Amanda’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/AmandaKeith
Mindi Kern
The Winning Smile Dental Group
Mindi Kern is the director of marketing for The
Winning Smile Dental Group, a multi-location
dental practice with five offices in the Metro
area. A Corinth native, her family has lived in
Madison for the last thirteen years. Husband
Joey is the chief risk officer for PriorityOne
Bank. They have two children, son Everett (11)
and daughter Mirren (8). The kids’ schedules
keep them busy with tournament baseball,
football, competitive cheer, and tennis. They
recently added a new puppy to the family
named Duffy. The Kerns are active members
at St. Joseph Catholic Church. All of this brings
them joy and Mindi adds, “So does being with
our extended family on vacation, reading a
good book in the bathtub, watching the
sunset at the lake, learning to push myself
and challenge myself through activities; most
recently, learning to play tennis with a fun
group of women!” She said that heart disease
does not directly impact her life currently, but
statistics show that it will eventually, “whether
me or a loved one.” Mindi went on to share,
“As a woman, I know how much we take care
of others in our lives and often don’t prioritize
our own health and put our well-being last.
When I learned that heart disease is the #1
killer of women, it was a harsh reality check
that my heart health doesn’t only affect me,
but my children and husband as well. Joining
the mission of heart health awareness helps
better our community and our loved ones.”
Carla Kirkland
The Kirkland Group
Carla Kirkland is the CEO of The Kirkland
Group, an educational consulting company.
She is a native of Carthage and was married
to the late Malcoln Kirkland Sr. for 36 years.
Joy for Carla is found in travel, dance, and
gospel music. She is mom to daughter, Alexia,
and son, the late Malcoln Kirkland Jr. Carla’s
eight-year-old grandson Collin Malik Stanton
calls her “Gigi.” The fight against heart disease
has become very personal for her. She says,
“On February 4, 2023, I lost my thirty-threeyear-old
son to heart disease. As a mom,
nothing makes one fight harder than something
that affects our children. We found out
about his diagnosis of an enlarged heart ten
years before, while he was playing college
basketball at Arkansas State University. At age
twenty-three, this was devastating to our family
and heart disease ended his basketball career
early and brought about a deep sadness that
he never seemed to overcome. I fight this
disease because it ends lives too early.”
For more information about
Carla’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/CarlaKirkland
For more information about
Mindi’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/MindiKern
Hometown RANKIN • 53

Dr. Catherine Lowe
Jackson Heart Clinic
Dr. Catherine Lowe is an interventional
cardiologist at Jackson Heart Clinic. She and
her husband met in medical school and have
been married for seven years. Catherine said,
“He makes me laugh daily!” They are parents to
two “wonderful little boys, ages one and three
years old, that keep us on our toes. We also
have two adorable pups that just add to the
fun.” When asked what brings her joy, she said
“Honestly, the dynamic of seeing my kids grow
and the honor of getting to be their mom
paralleled with getting to care for my patients
and forming connections that allow me to take
better care of them. I am glad to have stayed
in the state where I was born and raised and
provide care to those who need it most in our
state. Outside of home and work, I enjoy
water skiing, any activity outdoors, and a good
murder mystery.” What is Catherine’s why?
“I have joined the fight against heart disease
because I have seen too many women care
for others while missing the warning signs of
their own bodies. Heart disease is the number
one killer of women, and yet it is the most
overlooked. I want to provide awareness and
education so that if even one woman starts
taking preventative measures, then it will make
a difference.”
For more information about
Catherine’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/DrCatherineLowe
Dr. Ardarian Gilliam Pierre
University of Mississippi
Medical Center
Dr. Ardarian Gilliam Pierre grew up in Verona
and completed her undergraduate studies at
Mississippi University for Women with a degree
in microbiology. In 2012, she completed her
medical degree and returned to Jackson to
complete a residency in family medicine
followed by a fellowship in geriatrics and
gerontology at University of Mississippi
Medical Center. Because she has a passion
for education, she remained at UMMC as an
attending physician to train future physicians.
Dr. Pierre and her husband Dr. David C. Pierre
met in medical school. They enjoy serving in
the community with their beautiful children
- Arden, Avery, Dylan, and Aubry. In her free
time, she enjoys family time, playing the piano,
and traveling. She claims that her family “is the
best part of me! We are a nuclear family of six,
and we are adventurous. You can find us
anywhere between home watching movies,
to sporting events and traveling.” Day-to-day
connections with humankind are what bring
her immense joy. Ardarian joined the fight
against heart disease years ago before
embarking on her medical journey, saying
“A number of my family members suffered
from hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks.
I began seeing the need to educate people
about their health risks and the importance of
daily habits like eating appropriate foods and
exercise. As a physician, I often teach my
patients that prevention is key!”
Jennie Simmons
Simmons Erosion Control, Inc
Lake, Mississippi, native Jennie Simmons is the
president of Simmons Erosion Control, Inc.
She and husband Chris have been married for
over twenty-five years and have three daughters,
Katie Beth Simmons who is engaged to Bailey
McDill, Kariana Simmons, and Krissi Joe
Simmons. Jennie says, “Faith brings me great
joy, and I love learning about God through
His word. I love spending quality time with my
family. I am an avid reader. I love to volunteer
in the community, and at my daughter’s
school. I am a huge MSU Bulldog fan/alumnae,
and I love to attend Bulldog sporting events.”
Jennie has a family history of heart disease
through her father, her paternal grandfather,
and her maternal grandmother. She admits
that heart disease “isn’t something that a
person thinks about when they are younger.
However, as I grow older, I have begun to
realize that I should have been thinking about
it and taking proactive steps to make sure that
I remain healthy. Our younger generation
needs to become aware and remain vigilant,
especially if they have a family history of heart
disease.”
For more information about
Jennie’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/JennieSimmons
For more information about
Ardarian’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/DrArdarianPierre
54 • MARCH 2024

Cathy Lott Northington
Mississippi Economic Council, State Chamber of Commerce
Jackson native Cathy Lott Northington is the
COO for the Mississippi Economic Council,
State Chamber of Commerce. She is the
mother of three, Matt (Macie), Courtland, and
Jordan, and grandmother to Amelia. Cathy
said that, “Being a parent at such an early age
(21) helped me develop a profound work ethic
characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a
steadfast commitment to provide for someone
other than myself.” The joy of becoming a
grandparent to Amelia has further heightened
Cathy’s motivation, giving her a renewed
sense of purpose and responsibility. She said,
“My family’s unwavering support and inspiration
continue to fuel my dedication to serving
others.” What is Cathy’s why? “I am fighting
for heart health to unmask the myth of the
superwoman and advocate for a healthier,
heart-conscious approach to life. I am living
proof that our strength lies not in shouldering
unrealistic expectations but in taking charge
of our heart health — a far more enduring
and meaningful power. As women, we often
find ourselves juggling parenting, career, and
everyday life roles. I was no exception until a
pivotal moment changed everything.
Exhausted by a headache for almost three
days, I brushed off the warning signs, believing
I could power through. A good friend urged
me to check my blood pressure. Unaware of
what was considered high, I was shocked to
discover that my numbers were at stroke
levels. I quickly realized the importance of
knowing our numbers for heart health,
especially for black women. This realization
reshaped my perspective on what it means
to be a strong, capable woman. I now do my
best to urge any woman sharing my story,
especially those who might see me and
assume I’m a superwoman, to embrace the
true superpower of knowing their heart health
numbers. It’s a declaration of empowerment,
a commitment to prioritizing our well-being
over the unrealistic demands of modern life.”
For more information about
Cathy’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/CathyNorthington
Since 2004, the American Heart
Association’s signature women’s
initiative, Go Red for Women, has
addressed the awareness and clinical
care gaps of women’s greatest health
threat, cardiovascular disease.
At the Heart Association, we are
prepared to meet the evolving needs
of women now, and at every age,
every stage, and every season of their
lives as their trusted, relevant source
for credible, equitable health solutions.
The Woman of Impact is an inclusive
initiative to drive awareness and raise
funds for women’s heart health in our
community. Together, our Women of
Impact are a relentless force, using their
voices to advocate for women’s heart
health and raise awareness that
cardiovascular disease is the
number one killer of women.
For more information about the 2024
Jackson Women of Impact campaign
or to support one of our nominees
with a donation, use this QR code.
SAVE THE DATE
2024 Metro Jackson Go Red for Women Luncheon
Friday, June 7 / Jackson Convention Center
The event chair is Debra McGee, senior vice president for BankPlus.
The luncheon includes a health fair and a heart disease survivor fashion show.
For more information, email our Go Red Director Katherine Byrd at katherine.byrd@heart.org
or go to heart.org/jxngored
Hometown RANKIN • 55

CONGRATULATIONS
SAVANA!
Cheers to Savana Skelton for being
named Best Mortgage Lender in
Hometown Rankin’s Best of the Best.
MEMBER FDIC
Bank NMLS# 455990
Savana NMLS# 1119600
www.Origin.bank
56 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 57

SERVICE
STARTS
AT HOME
Sarah Rein
At the time Charles Dickens lived in Victorian
England, social inequality and poverty were
pervasive. It was a bleak time, and hope was hard to
come by. In addition to the novels for which Dickens
is famous, he also authored the novella Dr. Marigold
- the story of a peddler who adopts a deaf girl who
has been orphaned and creates a system of sign
language to teach her to read and communicate.
Besides telling a moving story, Dickens was making
a social commentary on how the less fortunate were
being treated in England at the time.
While the peddler in the tale certainly did not try
to right society’s wrongs on a large scale, what he
did made all the difference for his adopted daughter.
It changed the entire course of her life. Perhaps, the
best-known line from the novella is, “No one is useless
in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Scripture phrased it better, and earlier, when the
author of Hebrews wrote, “And let us watch out for
one another to provoke love and good works.”
(10:24) It is a teaching that Stacey Bennett and her
husband Thad grew up seeing in action. She grew
up in Clinton, while he was raised in Quitman, but
both came from devout Christian homes with
parents whose marriages have lasted over fifty years.
Service was part of their families’ legacies. “I always
remember that my maternal grandmother had such
a servant’s heart. She was feeding people when she
didn’t have enough for herself,” Stacey recalls.
When she and Thad married in 2006, they
decided to make Flowood home and became active
members at Pinelake. They welcomed their daughter
Breelynn in 2008, and both pursued rewarding
careers in education. Stacey has been teaching
kindergarten for nineteen years, sixteen of which
have been at Highland Bluff. Thad has been at
Northwest Rankin High for twenty-one years, and
Breeylnn has now joined her dad as a freshman at
the school where she plays tennis and is involved in
various clubs.
Stacey shares that they consider themselves a
low-key family. Thad enjoys hunting, and they all
love attending the baseball games her dad coaches.
The Bennetts also have family in the area and spend
lots of time together socializing. They also have
hobbies that might take you by surprise. Since
Breelynn was quite young, they have been
volunteering at assisted living homes on the
weekends. “I had her calling bingo and passing out
snacks when she was in elementary school,” Stacey
laughs, but Breelyn does not seem to mind. “I just
love being around that generation,” she shares.
“They are so wise and it’s interesting listening to
them and being around them.” Stacey works the
front desk at Cooperwood Senior Living every other
weekend. “It’s really just my way in so I can be with
the residents, but anyone can just call and come
socialize with them. They’re always willing to have
you.” As the Bennetts lived in and enjoyed the
Flowood community, they were on the lookout for
avenues of service. “I’ve always wanted to instill in
Breelynn that we are so blessed. I mean, we certainly
aren’t rich but we are comfortable and have what we
need. But so many don’t.”
One day, while scrolling Facebook, Stacey saw a
post about a “blessing box” at the Madison police
station and the idea stayed with her. “The concept
was just a small pantry where people could stop and
grab a couple of things they needed.” Stacey prayed
about it, and she and Breelynn found themselves
discussing whether Flowood could use something
similar. They didn’t discuss it for long. Stacey is the
take-action type, a characteristic she hopes to instill in
her daughter. “I always tell her that, if you feel led to
do something, just do it.” Breelynn adds, “You can’t
be worried about what people will say when there
are so many people in need.” So, they purchased a
plastic three-drawer box from Walmart and began to
think of potential locations for their blessing box.
They wanted a high-traffic area so people would feel
less conspicuous going in to get what they needed.
58 • MARCH 2024

When Stacey reached out to the branch manager
at Flowood’s G. Chastain Flynt Memorial Library, she
said that he never blinked an eye before agreeing.
“David has been wonderful to us these last five and a
half years. They’ve been nothing but supportive,”
Stacey recalls. When they placed the little box in the
library lobby in 2018, it was a simple step of
obedience. “I didn’t know how it would be received,”
Stacey said, “but it soon became clear God was
behind this.”
Almost from the beginning, Flowood’s Blessing
Box has needed very regular refilling. Stacey’s
co-workers at Highland Bluff were among the first to
donate food staples. Over time, they paid attention to
what items were most in demand, and they talked to
other relief organizations like the Pinelake Care
Center and Shower Power to see what they used the
most. Breeylnn notes, “It’s mainly food items that
people can make a meal out of without other
ingredients like soup, rice, or mac-n-cheese cups.”
As the need grew and more people wanted to
get involved, Stacey created a Facebook and
Instagram page for the Flowood Blessing Box and an
Amazon wish list so people could easily contribute.
People will also just regularly drop off canned goods
and hygiene products, and they have recently added
toilet paper and detergent to their list. Stacey was
elated. “The response has been unbelievable,” she
shares. “We probably get three or four Amazon
deliveries a day. It almost stays empty.” She has an
area in her home stacked with supplies that they
regularly replenish the box with. Soon the box was
overflowing with donations, and they had to add a
metal rack to accommodate the need.
Then in November of 2023, Miskelly Furniture
found out about their work and gladly donated a
large, beautiful cabinet with ample room for their
supplies. The Blessing Box Facebook page is now up
to 1,800 followers, and Stacey has had car decals
made to slowly continue spreading the word about
the resource. “We certainly don’t do it for the
followers, and it’s not a popularity thing,” Stacey
emphasizes. “There are much larger organizations
doing the same thing, but they do it on a completely
different scale. And they do so much good. But I also
want people to know that it doesn’t have to be
something big. It can be a twenty-dollar Walmart box
that’s just grown over the years. Anyone can walk in
faith and do something, but it’s not doing any good
to just talk about it.”
Their work seems to be having a ripple effect.
Already, Blessing Boxes have been added to libraries
in Brandon and Pearl. Stacey and Breelynn are
getting to experience, first-hand, how God is using
their obedience. “I get 15-20 messages a day on
Facebook from people who have used the box
and just want to say they are grateful. Just today,
I received a message from a lady who lost her job
and was trying to feed her two children that night.
She said that she’d been trying to find work for some
time and that when she got back on her feet, she
hoped to donate and help others who are in her
situation.” Breelynn also relates, “We’ve heard from
hospice nurses who see that their patients don’t have
enough food so they come and use the box to help
them out.” One of the best benefits for Stacey is
seeing the lessons their endeavor is teaching
Breelynn and others. “I want her and her friends to
know how blessed they are, but there are people you
might be sitting next to in class who don’t know
where their next meal is coming from,” she explains.
Breelynn echoes, “That’s one thing this has shown
me - you don’t know who is in need. It could be your
next-door neighbor or a person you’re in class with.”
And let us
watch out for
one another
to provoke
love and
good works.
Hebrews 10:24
Statistics estimate that around twenty percent
of the state’s population is what is termed “food
insecure.” In the child population, one in four are
affected. Stacey cannot help but think about that
when she looks around her kindergarten classroom.
Breeylnn agrees. “Some people may be nervous to
participate in helping at a young age, but my mom
has shown me that you can help people regardless.
It’s made me much more grateful for what I have,
and I’m so happy every time I see that people are
using the Blessing Box. It’s made my faith deeper
for sure,” she shares, “as I’ve watched God work,
and I’ve prayed for the people using the box.
You wouldn’t have guessed it, but that box brings
people a lot of light.”
To learn more about Flowood’s Blessing Box,
please follow their Facebook or Instagram pages
“Blessing Box Flowood.”
If you feel led to help, you can access the
Amazon wish list on their page or send them
a Facebook message or e-mail. Most of all,
please spread the word!
Hometown RANKIN • 59

SHOWING YOU OUR
GRATITUDE
At The Blake at Flowood, it’s all about community.
That’s why we want to show our gratitude to all of
the members of our community who voted and
recognized us as the Best Assisted Living in the
Flowood area. We thank you for your support and
we look forward to giving you another year of chefprepared
dining, exciting activities, 24-hour
nursing, and an atmosphere of warmth and
excellence! Schedule your personal tour today and
see what makes us the Best of the Best in Rankin!
CALL (601) 258-3944 TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR!
350 Town Center Way Flowood, MS 39232
blakeseniorliving.com/flowood
60 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 61

62 • MARCH 2024

KIDS WHO CARE
Aly Vancor
Mistie Desper
ALYSSA “ALY”
VANCOR,
NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH
SCHOOL JUNIOR, SPENDS
HER FREE TIME GIVING
BACK TO HER COMMUNITY
AIMING TO LIVE OUT HER
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OF
JOHN 15:12. “THIS IS MY
COMMANDMENT, THAT
YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER
AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.”
From an early age, Aly has shown a love
for giving to others in need. Parents
William and Jennifer revealed that she has
always been “a leader in class, in sports, and
an all-around great kid who wants no
recognition at all for efforts.” “I have an
older sister, and my parents have always been
involved with helping others, so it was
something I grew up seeing, and I have just
always wanted to help out.” Aly revealed that
her grandmother lives with her and her
family, so she has always been around older
people and has a deep love for them and the
wisdom they bestow. While in the ninth
grade, she began volunteering at Cooperwood
Senior Living in Flowood, where she
spends her time playing games, calling bingo
numbers, popping popcorn, and visiting
with the residents. It was not long before
Aly became close to several of those with
whom she was spending time. “I love
hearing all of their stories, and they get
invested in my life and what I have going on.
They are so deserving of conversation and
for someone to sit with them.”
Along with her passion for helping
others, she is dedicated to her academics,
sports, and church. Last year, she was the
recipient of the NWR Principal’s Award
and the Cougar Award for school spirit.
Aly is also in HOSA, part of the Health
Science Academy, and an active member
of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and
Key Club, among others. She has also been
awarded the Service Award twice for
volunteering more than fifty hours in her
community while maintaining a 4.0 grade
point average.
Beginning soccer at age three, she has
loved the sport for most of her life. “I love
the sport, but I love my teammates the most.
We really are a big family and when we are
out there on that field, it takes all the stress
of life away. We are also taught in soccer to
set an example for our peers. I am well
aware that others, especially those younger
than me, watch me, and I want to be the
best person I can be. I’m always thinking
about that.” In addition to assisting with
soccer camps at NWR, she is the starting
goalkeeper at her school along with playing
club soccer for Rush United.
Aly’s love of being involved and offering
herself and her time so selflessly allows her
to remain active at her home church of
Pinelake Baptist Church as well. “My faith
definitely helps me in my overall, everyday
life. At church, I enjoy helping with all the
camps whenever I can.” With such a full
and busy life serving others and enjoying
sports and academics, Aly still finds time
to babysit, dog sit, and offer dog walking
services for those in her community. “I just
love being around kids and being able to
babysit is so fun for me. I also am a huge
dog person.” It’s a natural fit for her.
As a junior, Aly is looking ahead to her
future. She knows she wants to do something
in the medical field and hopes to be
able to play soccer throughout her college
years. “William and I are so proud of Aly in
her awareness of the community around her
and that she is always looking for ways to
make everywhere a better place. She never
seeks to be recognized for anything she does,
and she serves with humility and is very
humble preferring not to be in the spotlight,”
concluded Jennifer.
Hometown RANKIN • 63

64 • MARCH 2024

R O B O A T E S
B E S T F I N A N C I A L L E N D E R
2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4
R A N K I N ’ S R E D C A R P E T
B E S T O F T H E B E S T
Hometown RANKIN • 65

66 • MARCH 2024

Veterans
Helping
Veterans
“And the truth is that
all veterans pay with their
lives. Some pay all
at once, while others pay
over a lifetime.” - JM STORM
Each year, Hometown Magazines is privileged
to honor local non-profits at their Best of the
Best Red Carpet event. After community voting,
this year’s Best Non-Profit winner was 5th
Squad, an organization whose mission is to assist
veterans across the state of Mississippi.
The idea for 5th Squad began in 2016 with
four members of the 184th Sustainment
Command. One of those men, 5th Squad
President and Co-Founder Lee Stringer, has
served in the Army for more than twenty-three
years and is currently a sergeants major with the
184th SC and defense movement coordinator
for the Mississippi National Guard. “The idea for
5th Squad developed one weekend at Camp
Shelby, after a situation where a fellow soldier
needed help with a utility bill,” says Stringer.
“Several of us pooled our money to pay the bill,
but it got us thinking that it would be great to
start an organization to provide assistance to
service members in need so they don’t have to
swallow their pride and ask friends for help.
We knew there were other organizations that
provide assistance to veterans, but often, the
help doesn’t arrive in time to meet immediate
needs. 5th Squad provided us with a way to not
only help service members like our friend, but
others across the state. It gives us the means to
help and gives veterans an organization to turn
to, since asking for help can be a difficult thing
for them to do.”
5th Squad became an official 501c3 in 2018
and has had tremendous support. They have
indeed been able to assist veterans in a timely
manner, just as they had hoped, without the red
tape that is sometimes unavoidable with other
organizations. Veterans connect with them in
many ways; some contact them directly, and
some are referred from Veterans Affairs or other
organizations that feel 5th Squad could better
serve the need at hand. “Once we receive a request
for assistance, we verify that the applicant is an
active service member, or a veteran who completed
his or her initial enlistment and was discharged
honorably,” says Stringer. “Upon verification,
we move forward with determining how we can
help with life-sustaining issues, such as money
for housing, groceries, or utilities.”
Through partnerships with other organizations
and the generous support of individuals, 5th
Squad has also been able to provide wheelchair
ramps, roofs, a van with wheelchair lift, and an
electric wheelchair, among other things. Last fall,
Keesler Federal Credit Union provided rolling
duffle bags with dental kits and other necessities
for over 650 homeless veterans. 5th Squad
distributed those bags to homeless and needy
veterans on the coast and in Jackson.
One of the biggest events of the year for 5th
Squad is Ruck for Rugrats. This communitywide
event gives 5th Squad and its supporters
the opportunity to provide patients at Children’s
of Mississippi with gifts and Christmas cheer.
Participants walk approximately four and a half
miles to the hospital, their rucksacks filled with
toys. “Soldiers understand being away from
home during the holidays, and while we don’t
compare our situation to theirs, we can
understand how these children may be feeling
being away from home during Christmas,” says
Stringer. “This event is truly a community effort.
The first year, we had approximately thirty
people walking, and $6,000 worth of toys
donated. Last year, we had 450 walkers and over
$120,000 in toy donations.”
As defense movement coordinator, Lee
Stringer coordinates deployments for service
members in Mississippi, so he is very familiar
with the long hours spent at the 172nd Airlift
Wing as they wait for flights taking them to
their assignment. “As these men and women
wait, they are often filled with nervousness and
anticipation, and 5th Squad is there to provide
snacks and drinks and just spend time with
them,” he says. ”This is just one more way we
support service members.”
Like any non-profit, 5th Squad relies on
donations and volunteers to achieve its mission.
Thankfully, they have been blessed by both, and
Stringer points out that there are many ways for
community members to help servicemen and
women and their families. “Bring the garbage
can in for the family of a deployed service member,
offer to cut their grass,” Stringer says. “Small
gestures can mean the world to these families,
and for those wanting to support 5th Squad
monetarily, a monthly donation of just $10 can
do so much to assist with immediate needs.”
As the organization continues to grow, those
involved have the same mindset they did in the
beginning stages of 5th Squad, which is to help
veterans however they can. “If we can provide
something,” Stringer says, “why wouldn’t we?”
For more information about the mission
of 5th Squad, visit www.5thsquad.com or
follow them on Facebook @5thsquadMS.
Hometown RANKIN • 67

68 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 69

Peaches & Cream
Pound Cake
• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 cups sugar
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups diced fresh peaches
Preheat oven to 325. In a large
bowl, cream butter and sugar until
light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add Greek yogurt, eggs and vanilla,
beating on low until combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in diced peaches. Pour into
a greased loaf pan and bake
until a toothpick inserted
into center comes out
with just a few
crumbs, 68 to
70 minutes.
70 • MARCH 2024
Easy Old Fashioned
Chocolate Pound Cake
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa
(or unsweetened cocoa)
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1½ cups softened butter
• 3 cups white granulated sugar
• 5 eggs
• 3 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup liquid coffee
• 1 cup buttermilk
Preheat oven to 325 and grease and
flour a 10-inch pan. Add flour, cocoa,
baking powder, and salt to a medium
bowl and mix. Add butter to a large
bowl, add sugar and mix well. Add
eggs, vanilla extract, and coffee to
the sugar mixture and combine.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients
and butter milk and mix until
combined. Pour cake mixture into
the bundt pan and bake for 60-70
minutes or until a cake tester comes
out clean. Allow the cake to cool for
about 20 minutes. Then, place the
cake stand on the cake pan and
gently flip it over. Frost the cake
and enjoy!
Twix Pound Cake
• 11 oz. soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 Sara Lee pound cake, defrosted
and kept in aluminum tin
• 2 cups chocolate chips
Keep the pound cake in its aluminum
loaf tin. Press against the tin so that
each of the four sides are flush with
the pound cake. (You want to create
a seal to prevent caramel from
leaking down sides.) In a medium
saucepan over low heat, melt
caramels. When beginning to melt,
add the heavy cream. Stir occasionally,
and cook until the caramels
melt completely. Immediately
remove from heat, and pour over
cake. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until
caramel hardens. When caramel is
set, cut around the aluminum pan
to reveal the cake. Remove the
caramel-topped pound cake from
the tin completely. Place a medium
glass bowl over a pot of barely
simmering water to create a doubleboiler.
Add chocolate, and heat until
melted through completely, stirring
occasionally. Turn off heat, and pour
melted chocolate over the pound
cake to cover completely. Let cool
until chocolate hardens.

Million Dollar Pound Cake
• 1 lb. unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 300. Grease a 10- inch
tube pan with vegetable shortening or
butter, getting every nook and cranny
covered. Sprinkle a light coating of
flour over the greased surface. Beat
butter at medium speed with an
electric mixer until creamy. The butter
will become light yellow; this is an
important step as the job of the mixer
is to incorporate air in the butter so
the cake will rise. It will take 1 to 7
minutes, depending on the power of
your mixer. Gradually add sugar,
beating at medium speed until light
and fluffy. Again, the time will vary,
and the butter will turn to a fluffy
white. Add eggs, one at a time, beating
just until yellow yolks disappear. Add
flour to creamed mixture alternately
with milk, beginning and ending with
flour. Beat at low speed until blended
after each addition. Batter should be
smooth and bits of flour should be
well incorporated; to rid batter of
lumps, stir gently with a rubber spatula.
Stir in extracts. Pour into a greased
and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake 1
hour and 40 minutes or until a long
wooden pick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack
10-15 minutes. Remove from pan,
and cool completely on a wire rack.
Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3¼ cups sugar, divided
• 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350. Line two 9x5
loaf pans with nonstick foil, spray
heavily with cooking spray. In a large
bowl, beat butter and sugar until light
and fluffy. Add yogurt, cream and
vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing
well after each egg. In a separate bowl,
mix flour and baking soda, add to wet
ingredients, and mix until combined.
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and
cinnamon. Pour ⅓ of batter into loaf
pans. Sprinkle half of cinnamon
sugar mixture into pan. Repeat with
remaining batter, then cinnamon
sugar, ending with batter. Bake 50
minutes or until edges brown and
toothpick comes out clean. If not
ready at 50 minutes, check every
5-10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Icing
• 2 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
Mix butter and cream cheese. Add
cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar
and mix. Pour over cooled loaves.
Allow to cool one hour before slicing
and serving.
Pecan Pound Cake
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 6 large eggs room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. table salt
• 1½ tsp. baking powder
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted,
spooned, and leveled
• 1 cup buttermilk, room
temperature
• 4 cups chopped, toasted pecans
Preheat oven to 325. In a small bowl
toss pecans with ¼ cup flour. Beat
butter on medium speed with a stand
or hand mixer. Gradually add in
granulated and brown sugar, and beat
until light and fluffy (3 to 5 minutes).
Add eggs in one at a time, beating
until just blended. Stir in vanilla.
In a medium bowl, stir together
baking powder, salt, and 3¾ cups
flour. Add this flour mixture to the
butter mixture, alternating with
buttermilk. Begin and end with flour
mixture until just combined. Do not
over mix. Gently stir pecans into
batter. Spray a 10-inch tube or 10 to
12 cup bundt pan with baking spray
or butter and flour pan. Pour batter
into the pan, and smooth the top with
spatula. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes or
until a toothpick comes out clean.
Check at about 45 minutes and if the
cake is browning too quickly, add foil
over the top and finish baking. Cool
in pan for 15 minutes, and then turn
onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2½ cups cooked, mashed sweet
potatoes
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour
a 10-inch tube pan. Beat cream cheese
and butter at medium speed with a
heavy-duty electric stand mixer until
creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating
until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at
a time, beating to combine between
each addition. Add sweet potatoes,
and beat well. Stir together flour,
baking powder, baking soda, salt, and
ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Gradually add flour mixture to butter
mixture, beating to combine. Stir in
vanilla. Spoon batter into a prepared
tube pan. Bake for 1 hour and 5 to
10 minutes or until a toothpick
comes out clean. Cool in pan on a
wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove
from pan to wire rack and cool
completely (about 1 hour).
Hometown RANKIN • 71

72 • MARCH 2024

THANK YOU
for voting us
BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
COMMUNITYBANK.NET | MEMBER FDIC
Hometown RANKIN • 73

SALUTE
to First Responders
What made you decide to work as a first responder?
A friend of mine and I began as volunteer firefighters with the
Reservoir Fire Department in 1996. I continued into the fire
service full-time and attended paramedic school. I eventually
ended up in the EMS world full-time.
How long have you been with the Pafford EMS?
I joined Pafford EMS in 2016. I worked alongside the Pafford
AirOne (Air Medical) program while I was with another
company for a few years before coming to Pafford.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife Lauri for twenty years.
We met at a local hospital emergency department where she
was a nurse. We have two sons, Reeves (19) and William (16).
Reeves is currently in school at USM. He is also a nationally
registered EMT and works regularly on the ambulance.
William is a tenth grader at Hartfield Academy.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced
in your job?
The toughest thing is experiencing a loss to a family. Unfortunately,
there is nothing in a textbook to prepare a first responder
for those situations. Maintaining your own composure and
comforting a family after a loss is quite challenging at times.
Director of Operations
Freddie
PARKER RN, NRP, CMTE
PAFFORD EMS
SPONSORED BY
74 • MARCH 2024

Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
Our family loves to travel, and we try to experience new
places all the time. Most recently, we went kayaking with
manatees in Crystal River, Florida. We also attend a
different major league baseball game every summer.
Most importantly, my wife and I have date night every
Friday night without fail.
What are three things on your bucket list?
My pilot’s license, seeing the northern lights, and an
around-the-world cruise voyage.
Who is someone you admire and why?
My dad. Growing up, I watched my dad work countless
hours taking care of his patients. He treated all of them
like his own family. I strive to do the same and lead others
to do that as well.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young
person, what would it be?
Follow your heart and live out your dreams. Don’t give
up on something you want to do. Always treat others
how you want to be treated.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
The consistent growth and the sense of community -
Rankin County is growing with all kinds of great businesses
and restaurants. It is exciting to watch it grow, and it is an
honor and privilege to be a small part of the team that
provides emergency care for all of the citizens and visitors
of Rankin County.
Hometown RANKIN • 75

76 • MARCH 2024
METROPOLITAN SUPPER CLUB
FEBRUARY 9 -THE VAULT VENUE

Hometown RANKIN • 77

78 • MARCH 2024

Celebrating
the launch of
Merit Health’s
Comprehensive
Heart & Vascular
Services
February 20
Merit Health
River Oaks
Hometown RANKIN • 79

80 • MARCH 2024
Heart Ball
February 17
Country Club of Jackson

Hometown RANKIN • 81

Help a child
While you shop.
Friends of Children’s Hospital Debit Card
The Friends Card cost $12 per year, 100% of which is donated to Friends.
BankPlus makes a donation to Friends each time the card is used.
Available via instant issue. Since inception, the Friends debt card has
raised over $4,000,000.
© Copyright 2023 BankPlus.
Member FDIC.
82 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 83

The Chamber of Flowood’s 2024
Winter
Gathering
& Top of the Community Awards
FEBRUARY 1
SHERATON FLOWOOD – THE REFUGE HOTEL
& CONFERENCE CENTER
84 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 85

86 • MARCH 2024

Registration
NOW OPEN
Inpatient mental health services for senior adults ages 65+
Psychiatric assessments may be necessary
if an individual has trouble with:
• Memory loss
• Mood disturbances
• Depression or anxiety
• Coping with losses and transitions
• Activities of daily living
• Substance use
We can help with no-cost assessments
available 24/7. Walk-ins are welcome and
most insurances accepted. Call us today
at 601-936-7886 to take the next step.
Learn more at brentwoodjackson.com.
3531 Lakeland Drive • Flowood, MS 39232
601-936-7886
Model representations of real patients are shown. Physicians are
on the medical staff of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare, but, with
limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not
employees or agents of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare. The facility
shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the
nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 232304-2988 11/23
Hometown RANKIN • 87

City of Brandon
Princess
Ball
February 2
Brandon
Municipal Complex
SPECIAL GUEST
Miss Teen Mississippi
Nataleigh Nix
88 • MARCH 2024

City of Brandon
Princess
Ball
February 3
Brandon
Municipal Complex
SPECIAL GUEST
Miss Volunteer America
Hannah Perrigin
Hometown RANKIN • 89

90 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 91

Service Is
Our Legacy
From our beginning in a one-room building in
Mississippi, to the well-diversified, global
organization we have grown to become, our mission
has always been to meet needs, support families
and serve customers. We proudly represent the
state we call home as we continue to expand our
footprint and live out this mission around the world.
Read our story at ergon.com.
Energy & Specialty Solutions
Pavement & Coating Resources
Integrated Services & Logistics
Exploration & Production
Thanks to all our
readers and advertisers.
We appreciate you!
92 • MARCH 2024

Mardi Gras
MOONLIT MAS QUERADE
FEBRUARY 3 - PEARL COMMUNITY CENTER
Hometown RANKIN • 93

Official Mississippi Women’s Club Luncheon Honoring
First Lady Elee Reeves
January 25 • The Country Club of Jackson
94 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 95

Krewe de Roux
parade & block party
February 17
Sponsored by Rankin County Chamber
and City of Brandon
February 9 / Downtown Brandon
Sponsored by Rankin County Chamber & City of Brandon
98 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 99

February 10
Sponsored by Rankin County Chamber & City of Brandon
100 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 101

The CHALKBOARD
Pearl Public School District
Capes, masks, and excitement filled the Pearl Early Childhood
Education Center as students and staff celebrated their
100th day of school with a Superhero Day.
Pearl Lower Elementary students and staff enjoyed singing, dancing,
and reading books with Pete the Cat and the staff from the Pearl branch
of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System.
Coach Calhoun brought a wave of energy to Northside Elementary with
Move to Learn, motivating both students and staff to get up and get moving.
Pearl Upper Elementary 5th-grade science teachers rolled into
a fun new unit, rolling on scooters and skates to share their
enthusiasm for teaching force and motion.
The Pearl Junior High School PTSO spread love on Valentine’s Day
with bundt cakes and coffee to show appreciation for the PJHS staff.
Members of the Pearl Pirate Band had the incredible
opportunity to perform alongside the United States Navy Band
during their concert hosted at Pearl High School.
102 • MARCH 2024

Steens Creek WE’VE BEEN ABSOLUTELY “SWAMPED” THIS YEAR
Steens Creek Elementary received a grant this year from the MS Department of Environmental Quality for Bayou Town Productions to perform an educational puppet show.
This sparked an idea for a day filled with theater, puppets, snacks, goodies, and more!
A “SPILLOVER” OF LIBRARY BOOKS
Mrs. Reddoch, our librarian, set up an
Outdoor Story Walk. This is an innovative way for
classes to enjoy reading and the outdoors simultaneously!
Starting at Station 1, page one of Some Smug Slug by
Pamela Edwards, teachers led their students on a walk
through the story and around our outdoor classroom,
ending at the last station and the end of the book.
“FROGLOADS” OF FANCY FOODS
Our cafe crew created amazingly delicious
desserts and more featuring our swampy theme.
Giggles were heard over the intercom when
students announced the silly menu: swamp soup
(veggie soup), marsh melts (grilled cheese),
tiny trees (broccoli), crunchy bog bites (baby carrots),
dirt pudding cups, and pond slime Jello.
AN “OVERFLOW” OF VOLUNTEERS
Along with PTO and community volunteers, we made it
a day full of swamp-themed adventures! MDEQ Mobile
Classroom performed “The River Town Story,” a puppet
show that teaches about water pollution. Students sang
along, created a “thunderstorm,” and received snacks
and coloring books from Rankin County Soil and Water
Conservation District all at no cost to our school!
”TOADS“ OF EXERCISE
Ms. Hosey, our P.E. coach, set up
“Swampstacle Courses’’ around the building.
Classes traveled through the Boggy Boogie
Freeze Dance in the Mud Marsh Music Room,
the Leaping Lily Pads in P.E.,
and Lizzie’s Library Lizard Crawl.
”MARSHLOADS OF MUSIC“
Ms. Clanton, our music teacher, directed
the second graders in their “Swamped” musical.
Students performed for the entire school
and their families.
Hometown RANKIN • 103

The CHALKBOARD
Highland Bluff
Highland Bluff Elementary hosted its first academic pep rally
this year to celebrate the hard work of our staff and students
on state subject area assessments. During the 2022-2023
school year, students were told about several ways they could
earn tickets for the 2023-2024 pep rally. The criteria for earning
tickets were attending each day of testing, showing growth,
or scoring proficient or advanced. The tickets would then be
drawn for a variety of prizes provided by sponsors.
The Northwest Rankin High School dance team kicked off the
event by performing and leading some cheers for the students.
The students were able to see the school’s academic rating
and then the administrators drew for prizes. Highland Bluff’s
PTO donated over $2,000 worth of prizes to celebrate our
students. 91% of the students who tested were able to earn
at least one ticket for a drawing. Every student who attempted
a state test received a Blow Pop. Additionally, the school was
able to give out over fifty prizes, which included gift cards,
board games, scooters, and even a drone.
The school hopes to continue the academic pep rally next year
and further expand how we recognize the incredible effort our
staff and students put in each day.
Brandon Middle
In 1829, Seminary Square in Brandon was
set aside and designated to be used for
“educational purposes.” Over the years,
spanning from 1829 to present, the school on
the hill has grown to become the foundation
and home of Brandon Middle School.
much to be proud of. They were awarded state
runner-up in their division. Our volleyball team
earned the title of 2023-2024 Little Six
Champions. Our show was named grand
champions of the Jackson Preparatory School
Master Competition.
With recent new construction, Brandon
Middle now consists of over 85 classrooms
including a state of the art library, performing
arts room, school news-media room, field
house, multi-purpose room, gymnasium, and
auditorium. Students are taking advantage
of the new opportunities the school’s growth
has provided for them.
Our students are well rounded individuals.
With numerous educational opportunities set
before them as they prepare for high school,
they are also involved in an abundance of
clubs and extracurricular activities.
In December the dance team won the state
championship for both Game Day and Hip
Hop. This title makes them three time double
state champions! BMS cheer team also has
From the Tuesday morning Trivia Team
competitions in the library, to food trucks at
the Big Event, the opportunities are endless
for students. Brandon Middle school leaders
desire to provide a safe educational learning
environment where students are able to excel
in academic, social and extracurricular
activities as they begin their journey
leading and learning in life.
104 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 105

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
There is a verse in Matthew that says, “When you enter into your closet and shut the
door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward
you openly.” I realize that the word “closet” could mean any secluded, private place, but it was
my closet that brought the conviction.
Recently, I was frustrated over the size of our bedroom closet and the way my clothes suffered
from suffocation with the crowded space. My closet housed more shoes than I really needed,
and the overhead shelves just gave room for more articles of clothing.
The solution was obvious. I could give a lot away and make a neat, welcoming closet.
Instead, I wished for a room-to-run-in closet that would hold four seasons of
clothing. A closet the size of a small bedroom would be perfect.
It was in the midst of my closet dreaming when I thought about the missionary
from Honduras. He told about the poor families in his home country, living happily
in single room dwellings with leaky roofs and outdoor water hoses for showers.
I did not recall his mentioning closets. Perhaps, it was because a single pair
of shoes and a couple of T-shirts do not require a room of their own.
It was a piercing conviction. I realized I could never refer to our closet as a
prayer closet until I made some changes. I would need to do some cleaning
out and giving away.
My own closet evaluation, I regret to say, is like a lot of other American closets.
Greed, excess, and hoardings are the culprits that infiltrate our closets. “Staying in style”
not only crowds our closets but can also drain our incomes.
God is not an outdated figure, galaxies away, and unconcerned with our lives. He desires to
wean us away from our self-centered lives. The world continually asks, “What’s in your wallet?”
I believe God asks, “What’s in your closet?”
106 • MARCH 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 107