Simpson26web (1)

Simpson
Hometown
COUNTY
Magee
Mendenhall
Harrisville
Braxton
D’Lo

2 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 3

4 • MARCH 2026

INSIDE
Simpson County Red Carpet 12
City of Magee 24
Mississippi Army National Guard 30
From Carhop to Community Staple 34
City of Mendenhall 44
HOMETOWN STAFF
Pickleball & Prayer 50
Tour of Homes 51
Stephen’s of Mendenhall 54
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
Village of Braxton 64
History of Braxton 66
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Barbie Bassett
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Amy Forsyth
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Brenda McCall
Town of D’Lo 70
River Settlement to Lumber Boomtown 72
Town of Harrisville 76
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Susan Wolgamott
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
MARKETING
MANAGER
Emma Allen
Simpson County Schools 78
Cover photos: Brenda McCall
ADVERTISING
& CONTENT
Amanda Livingston
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
www.htmags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Simpson County may be reproduced without written
permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Simpson County is not responsible for
opinions expressed by its writers or editors. Hometown Simpson County maintains the unrestricted
right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher.
The production of Hometown Simpson County is funded by advertising.
Hometown SIMPSON • 5

6 • MARCH 2026

FIND A SPECIALIST
CLOSE TO HOME
Magee General Hospital Specialty Clinic offers our patients the chance to consult with
a specialist without driving long distances. Each month we invite providers from
partnering centers to our campus, and we're inviting you to take advantage of the
opportunity to receive the care you need with the convenience you deserve!
OUR SERVICES:
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
OB/GYN
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Sleep Center
Sports Medicine
Urology
Vascular Care
Wound Care
mghosp.org | 601-849-7318
300 Third Ave. SE, Magee, MS 39111
Hometown SIMPSON • 7

8 • MARCH 2026

RIBBON CUTTING
October 28
Hometown SIMPSON • 9

10 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 11

12 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 13

14 • MARCH 2026
JANUARY 29
NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY

Hometown SIMPSON • 15

16 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 17

Simpson County
Country club
184 Golf Course Road
Mendenhall, MS
601-847-2375
simpsoncocc@gmail.com
A semi-private golf club, known for its
challenging yet friendly 9-hole golf course
that opened in 1978. The course features
Bermuda grass fairways and greens, with
water hazards and tree-lined fairways, and is
open to the public for regular play and events.
Photo: Gaye Magee
18 • MARCH 2026

Simpson’s
BEST OF
THE BEST
TOP 3
Hometown SIMPSON • 19

Dining
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Shiver’s Creek Fish House
Bri’s Banging Burgers
Billy Lofton BBQ
BEST BURGER
Zip’s Cafe
Big Jim’s Grill & Meat Market
Becky’s Burgers
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Hanna B’z Too
Mendenhall Mercantile
La Crema Style and Grind
BEST FISH HOUSE
Eason’s Catfish House
Shiver’s Fish House
Berry’s Seafood
BEST LUNCH
Cattle Drive Grill & Waterin’ Hole
Newk’s Eatery
The Vault Eatery & Drinkery
BEST MEXICAN
Jose’s Restaurant & Grill
Fernando’s Fajita Factory
Salsas Mexican Restaurant
BEST SHAKES/
SMOOTIES/TEAS
Simpson Nutrition
BB’s Nutrition
Northbound Nutrition
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Big Jim’s Grill & Meat Market
Cattle Drive Grill & Waterin’ Hole
The Vault Eatery & Drinkery
Health
& Wellness
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Rusty Slover
Dr. Kim Smith
Dr. James Stuard
BEST ESTHETICIAN
Morgan Valadie
Molly Mayhugh
Adison Evans
BEST MEDICAL CLINIC
Simpson General Clinic
Hometown Health Care
Mississippi Medical Clinic
BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER
Kristina Woods
Shelly Leach
Chante Ferguson
BEST PHARMACY
Gene Polk’s Pharmacy
McGuffee Drug
Service Rexall Drugs
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY
David Holbrook
Josh Duckworth
Hal Herrington
BEST PHYSICIAN
Dr. Chip Holbrook
Dr. Frank Wade
Dr. Tommy Blackledge
Professionals
BEST ACCOUNTANT
Charles Prince
Judy Palmer
Terilynn Rankin
BEST ATTORNEY
Wesley Broadhead
Marc McMillian
Tracey Seghini
BEST COUNSELOR/
THERAPIST
Monica Webber
Emerson Diaz
Becky Johns
BEST FINANCIAL
INSTITUTION
People’s Bank
PriorityOne Bank
Trustmark Bank
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Chris Williams
Lacye Evans
Chuck Cooper
BEST REALTOR
Audarshia Flagg
Tiffany Kinslow / Phillip Peacock
Chris Curlee
BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Mark Cole
Dr. Todd Sullivan
Dr. Robin Williams
20 • MARCH 2026

Community
Retail
BEST AUTO BODY SHOP
Rankin Body Shop
Johnny’s Auto Works
Randy’s Body Shop
BEST BAND
Vintage 601
Dead End Circle
Mendenhall High School Band
BEST GYM
Totality Fitness
B Fit Gym
Anytime Fitness
BEST HAIR STYLIST/
BARBER
Sara Hayman
Brandi Powell
Paige Workman
BEST HEATING & COOLING
Higgin’s Heating & Cooling
AirSouth Cooling & Heating
Hux Air Conditioning
BEST HOME BUILDER
Kevin Creel
Andrew Sharp
Bryan Powell
BEST LARGE BUSINESS
Magee General Hospital
Simpson General Hospital
Boswell Regional Center
BEST MEDIUM BUSINESS
PriorityOne Bank
Vestra Revenue Cycle Management
Simpson Academy
BEST SMALL BUSINESS
Cadence Bank
Cole Tractor & Power Sports
Sullivan Enterprises
BEST NAIL TECHNICIAN
Amber Barr Graves
Megan Holifield
Kelsie Walker
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Events on Main
Mendenhall Medical Clinic
Bloom Medical Aesthetics
BEST NON-PROFIT
Simpson County Academy
Alumni Association
Center for Pregnancy Choices
Family Restoration Ministries
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Megan Millis
Abby Weeks
Shannon Long
BEST ROOFING COMPANY
Sharp’s Construction
Powell Construction
Stay Dry Roofing
BEST TANNING SALON
Magnolia Tan
Sassy Glass Designs
Coop D’Ville Tanning
BEST ANTIQUE THRIFT SHOP
Anita’s Antiques & Furniture
New Beginnings
The Old Hatchery Antiques & More
BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Champagne Taste
Stephens of Mendenhall
Mississippi Hippi
BEST FLORIST
Poppy Petal Florals & Gifts
City Florist & Gift Shop
Legacy Floral
BEST GIFT SHOP
Angela’s Garden, Gifts, Gourmet
Ballyhoo Boutique & Gifts
Mendenhall Mercantile
BEST NAIL SALON
The Look Salon and Body
Nails by Amber
Design Nails
BEST OUTDOOR
HOME/GARDEN
Angela’s Garden, Gifts, Gourmet
Simpson Outdoors
Hands Nursery
BEST SALON/BARBER
Head Hunters Salon & Anytime Tan
Magee Barber & Style
Grecian’s Hair Salon
BEST TIRE SHOP
Frazier’s Tire & Automotive Repair
Booth Discount Tire
49 Service Center
BEST WINE/PACKAGE STORE
Fun Time Liquor & Wine
Mendenhall Wine & Spirits
Sippz Liquor
Hometown SIMPSON • 21

People
you
trust.
Advice
that
works.
Checking • Savings • Loans
Wealth Management*
*Wealth Management products are:
Not FDIC Insured | Not Bank Guaranteed | Subject to Loss in Value
Not Bank Deposits | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency
22 • MARCH 2026

Happy
Semiquincentennial,
Y’all!
Join us for a celebration that’s as big and wonderful
as the word “Semiquincentennial,” itself. Mississippi’s
commemoration of our nation’s 250th birthday promises
a year filled with events, exhibits, programs, and more
celebrating our state’s contributions to America’s story
through culture, storytelling, the arts, and our shared
history. Get plugged in at America250.ms.
Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue, Tupelo
Hometown SIMPSON • 23

MAYOR MARK GRUBBS
As mayor of Magee, it is my privilege
to welcome everyone to our city!
Our core values are accountability, belonging, and commitment. Magee is a “Great
place to visit, a better place to live,” a small place with a big heart, a historic city with
a bright future, and a welcoming community for residents and businesses.
Here, you will find a strong sense of community in area events, organizations, and
churches. The Magee Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Magee host numerous
community events downtown to bring together families and friends for holidays
and special commemorations. Recently, we held our Veterans Day Parade and
Christmas decorating day downtown. We are preparing now for other fun holiday
events, including Mingle on Main and the Downtown Christmas Parade. At all
events, community members, volunteers, local organizations, and area churches
partner to provide meaningful opportunities for residents of all ages.
The city of Magee boasts a safe, secure environment with low crime rates. The
Magee police department and fire department work tirelessly to provide peace
of mind to residents and visitors. In conjunction with the Magee public works
department and parks and recreation department, they facilitate safe sporting
events, school events, city events, and organizational events that are open and
inviting to residents and visitors of all ages.
Download the
City of Magee App!
Our city offers a slower pace of life and attracts those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Many families enjoy living here and having relatives and friends visit to escape the
hustle and bustle of larger cities with more traffic. Surrounded by lovely green rural
areas, the city offers a sense of peace and well-being to all while being strategically
located between Hattiesburg and Jackson. Additionally, Magee is home to unique,
locally owned businesses and restaurants that attract people from all around.
I invite anyone searching for a quiet, small city with friendly folks and hometown
food and fun to visit Magee.
24 • MARCH 2026

Photo: Sue Honea
CITY HALL
123 Main Avenue North
601-849-3344
cityofmagee.ms.gov
MAYOR
Mark Grubbs
mgrubbs@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-849-3344
ALDERMAN WARD 1
Allyson Berch
Aberch@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-3355
ALDERMAN WARD 2
Lawana Thompson
lthompson@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-849-3031
ALDERMAN WARD 3
Suzie Bourn
sbourn@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-720-7480
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Julian Harper
jharper@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-307-9957
ALDERMAN AT LARGE
Sue Honea
shonea@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-310-6881
POLICE
124 1st Street NE
601-849-2366
CHIEF
Denis Borges
dborges@police.cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-849-2366
FIRE
301 Main Avenue N
601-849-5507
CHIEF
David Craft
dcraft@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-0793
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR
Tim Bray
tbray@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-2158
CITY CLERK
Jon Styron
jstyron@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-849-3344
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Evan Jones
zoning@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-0446
BUILDING OFFICIAL
David Craft
buildinginspector@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-503-3927
PARKS AND RECREATION
Jimmy Zila
jzila@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-2526
AIRPORT MANAGER
David Moore
airportmanager@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-3191
FACILITIES MANAGER
Cortez Chatman
cchatman@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-2122
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
John Hosey
jhosey@cityofmagee.ms.gov
601-382-4211
UTILITIES & SERVICES
Entergy
1-800-368-3749
Southern Pine Electric
1-800-644-7463
Spire Gas Company
601-849-3751
Water/Garbage
601-849-3344
New Hope Water
601-849-9511
Okatoma Water
601-849-5511
Highway 28 Water
601-849-4795
Smith Crossing Water
601-849-4631
AT&T Residential
1-800-288-2020
AT&T Business
1-888-423-2223
U.S. Postal Service
701 SW 3rd Street
800-275-8777
Hometown SIMPSON • 25

What is your favorite thing about living in Magee?
Brent Walker
People love small-town living for
the strong sense of community
where neighbors know and
support each other. I enjoy
being back in Magee where I’m
in close proximity to my family
and friends that I grew up with
and went to school with.
Kathy Dampeer-Pittman
Magee is truly home to me.
I’ve lived here all my life, and
that lifelong connection has
given me a deep sense of belonging.
Magee has a genuine spirit
of community, where people
support one another and look
out for each other. I enjoy being
involved in the community and
helping in any way I can, because
it feels meaningful to give back
to a place that has given me so
much. Having my family here
makes Magee even more special,
strengthening my ties to the
town and making it a place
I’m proud to call home.
Sue Honea
It’s the people. I’ve lived in
Magee my entire life and when
I think about this town, I don’t
just think about buildings or
streets. I see faces. Faces of
people who have loved me,
helped me, encouraged me, and
walked beside me through every
season of life. I see neighbors
who care, friends who show up,
and citizens who truly love their
community. Magee isn’t just
where I live, it’s who I am. And
it’s because of the people who
made this place, that it feels
like home.
26 • MARCH 2026

2026 EVENTS
Chamber Banquet
MARCH 26
Farmers Market
TBD
Crazy Day
OCTOBER 24
Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 3
Membership Breakfast
TBD
Hometown SIMPSON • 27

Magee
Christmas
Parade
DECEMBER 2
28 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 29

Mississippi Army
National Guard
in Magee is a
Vital Part of
the Community
SUSAN MARQUEZ
30 • MARCH 2026

Near the heart of Magee, the Mississippi
Army National Guard armory stands as a testament
to serving the community, the state, and
the country, with trained and dedicated men
and women who are ready when needed. The
155th Armored Brigade Combat Team is one
of two in the Army National Guard located in
Mississippi and Minnesota. There are thousands
of jobs tied to the 155th, along with 2,000
active-duty soldiers serving as federal technicians.
At the state level, Mississippi’s governor
reserves the ability to call up members of the
Mississippi National Guard in times of domestic
emergencies or need. The National Guard’s
state mission is perhaps the most visible and
well-known. Nearly everyone has seen or heard
of Guard units battling fires or helping communities
deal with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes,
and other emergencies. In times of civil unrest,
the citizens of a state can rest assured that the
Guard will be ready to respond.
Hometown SIMPSON • 31

32 • MARCH 2026
The unit in Magee is the distributor for Alpha Company, 106th, providing
all commodities to the 155th, including food, fuel, maintenance, and more. The
leadership of any unit is its driving force, and the 155th is fortunate to have
excellent leadership in Lieutenant Colonel Brad Hollingsworth, accompanied
by Lieutenant Samuel Toliver, Company Commander A, 106th; First Sergeant
Finesia Varnado; and Command Sergeant Major Lee Stringer.
Hollingworth serves as the surface maintenance manager for the Mississippi
National Guard and commander for the 106th Brigade Support Battalion.
He is responsible for maintaining equipment readiness to meet
short and long-range plans that are aligned with strategic
documents and guidance from both state and federal leadership.
The Tupelo native was commissioned as an Army
Engineer Corps officer through the ROTC program at
Mississippi State University. He has a master’s degree in
military history and another in American and British
history. In 2019, he received a master’s degree from
the School of Advanced Military Studies, and he is
currently enrolled in the Army War College.
“I tell soldiers in Magee how important they
are. They are with one of the most important
units on a battlefield. As citizen soldiers,
they have a dual role. In times of national
disasters, they supply the critical food and
water and other supplies, and they are

there when the governor calls. Their presence has a big impact on
Magee, including a direct impact on the area’s economy due to the
monthly drills. They stay in hotels and eat at local restaurants. In
doing so, they become a part of the community.”
Stringer is a Magee native who graduated from Magee High
School in 1996. After attending Co-Lin for two years, Stringer
supervised the move of the old Walmart to the new Super Center.
In 2000, when he was 21 years old, he was approached by a recruiter
and enlisted in the Army. He spent four years at Ft. Eustice, “then
9-11 happened.” He has been full-time with the Army National
Guard since 2004. “I’m the defense movement coordinator,”
Stringer explains. “All branches of the military come through our
offices, as well as MEMA and the state’s department of transportation.”
In that role, he oversees the Alpha Company 106th out
of Magee. “My job is to advise the battalion commander, and my
primary concern is the health and welfare of our soldiers.”
Stringer says he is partial to Magee. “I grew up there and went
to my junior-senior prom at the armory.” He lives in Rankin
County now, where he runs the non-profit he co-founded, 5th
Squad, an organization that benefits veterans and community
members. Toliver serves as company commander for Alpha
Company in Magee. He oversees the weekend and day-to-day
operations.
Toliver served in the Tennessee Guard, and when he received
his commission, he transferred to the Mississippi National Guard.
From Bolivar County in the Mississippi Delta, Toliver was raised
in Memphis and now lives in Southaven. He was in the ROTC
program at the University of Memphis in 2019. “I chose to go
with the Mississippi Army National Guard to honor his mother,
who served in the Mississippi National Guard. “She was a medic
in the Guard. Sadly, she passed when I was young.”
Toliver says the armory is important for Magee. “It brings
positivity to our community and shows young people that it is
possible to serve our state and country, even from a small town
like Magee.” An educator by trade, Toliver teaches ninth-grade
physical science, and he is a rugby coach.
Varnado grew up in Foxworth, where she graduated from
West Marion High School in 1995. “I grew up poor, but I didn’t
know it,” she says. “I had strong parents who taught me and my
siblings to be tough. My coaches in junior high and high school
were both in the Guard, and I joined right out of high school.
Halfway through training, I wanted to back out, but my parents
taught me that when I start something, I must finish it. Now I’m
proud of what I’ve accomplished.” Varnado now serves as the
senior enlisted advisor to the company commander.
She credits her success to hard work, dedication, and great
mentorship. “A lot of people have poured into me, and I try to do
the same for others.” As the senior leader on the enlisted side, she
says she is the left foot to Toliver’s right foot. Her duties include
running the supply unit, including logistics, transportation, and
ammunition, and ensuring the effective execution of the distribution
of commodities across many different changing battlefields.
Varnado lives in Hattiesburg, not far from Camp Shelby. She has a
son on active duty in Cairo, Egypt, and 16-year-old twins who are
high school juniors.
Hometown SIMPSON • 33

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT
From Carhop to
Community Staple
Gayle Magee
The Russell Family’s
Path to Restaurant
Success
Tracy Russell, Skip’s wife of 28 years and
partner in their restaurant business, says that at
least once a week he’d pose to someone in his family
or organization the thought, “Either you didn’t
know, or you didn’t care.” She says it’s one of the
tenets he lives by and that anyone spending time
around him will hear it or has heard it. One word
he doesn’t like to hear though is “assume.” He says,
“Assuming doesn’t turn out well for either person
involved, if you know what I mean.”
With the Russells, much like coasting downhill
on a bicycle, conversation took little effort. The two
of them have loved and worked together for so many
years they comfortably trigger ideas or memories
with one another. Skip, Tracy, and their son, Kyle,
are currently owners of several Newk’s restaurants
and have worked together in a variety of roles
throughout the years, often tag-teaming to keep
the wheels of family and business rolling. The
foundation for their business success was laid early
on when Skip began working as a carhop at the
Magee Sonic at age 15. After marrying, Tracy also
worked as a carhop for Sonic while they lived in
Hattiesburg and she finished college. A few years
later their family moved back to Magee and Tracy
managed the Sonic on Hwy 49 in Magee. Although
of the two of them Skip would be considered the
risk-taker, Tracy was the only one to actually carhop
on roller skates!
The two of them learned the restaurant business
from the ground up, starting in entry level positions,
moving up the chain of command to manager,
district manager, and owner. They learned the
inner workings of fast food service by doing, not
by observing. They say it is vital for anyone seriously
considering the restaurant business to start at an
entry level in order to fully know the many
challenges and responsibilities.
34 • MARCH 2026

“Either you didn’t know, or you didn’t care.”
Hard work is a highly valued commodity
for Skip and Tracy. Even though by the
time their own children were teenagers,
there wasn’t a real financial need for them
to hold jobs outside of school, both Kyle
and Sydney Kate started working in the
family’s Popeyes at age 15. “That’s the
Russell way. When you’re old enough to
work, you get a job,” Skip says. Both children
were active in sports and extracurricular
activities at school but they were also
required to be on the restaurant work
schedule. If a previously unscheduled
athletic practice came up when either was
scheduled to work, practice was missed
because work couldn’t be. The business
had to continue to run. Kyle graduated from
Southern Miss and currently oversees the
Newk’s in Magee and another in Louisiana
while Sydney Kate attends nursing school
at Southern Miss. Tracy says that she
considers it a great compliment when
someone says that her children are
respectful and hard working.
Another highly valued commodity in
the Russell home is accountability through
goal-setting. Tracy was quick to say that
over the last 30 years of life dating and being
married to Skip, he has written five personal
and five professional goals for each year. He
has goal-setting sessions at the end of each
year with his family and management teams
in the company. Skip says that writing them
down helps to motivate and bring selfaccountability
because he will ask for the
goals to be reviewed at various times during
the year for progress and helps his people
achieve their goals if a little assistance is
needed.
When asked if certain personality traits
were needed in order for someone to
achieve success in the restaurant business,
the immediate answer both gave was “Yes!
You have to be a people person at heart.”
Skip went so far as to say, “If you aren’t a
people person, you are going to fail in the
restaurant business.” He told of how he
often spends time working directly with
customers who are eating in the restaurants.
He gives drink refills, checks on orders,
and especially notices if customers leave
with a smile on their face. He says that
when working with the public, issues will
arise, but that he always wants to do as much
as possible to correct or accommodate them
so that they will leave smiling and come back
again. He also wants his staff to get along
with one another and with the customer.
Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and
Inf luence People sits on the corner of Skip’s
desk. It is a must read in his opinion and he
gives a copy to some of his managers that
may need a little extra convincing, encouraging
them to learn how to do just that.
Sometimes doing “that” may mean having
to gracefully teach a 16-year-old employee
the correct way to use a broom to sweep
because they’ve never been taught the task.
Skip firmly believes in “whatever it takes!”
The Russells are thankful to be where
they are at this point in life and say that the
Lord always provided for them at the right
time. One such time was when a business
failed. After working with Sonic for 15
years, they sold their holdings with the
company in order to start a new venture
with Back Yard Burgers. One lender in this
area was willing to work with them
towards this dream–Robbie Barnes with
PriorityOne Bank. They borrowed the
money, bought land, and built Back Yard
Burgers on Hwy 49 in Magee.
Despite long hours, hard work, and
personal sacrifice, Skip saw that the
business was not going to make it so he
quickly began looking for other options.
Having researched the Popeyes franchise,
he and Tracy believed it to be a better fit for
the location and for the area. The problem
would be convincing PriorityOne to loan
him more money on a failed project.
Skip took the keys to his building to a
meeting with Robbie. He humbly proposed
to Robbie the options of keeping the keys
and taking back the building, or believing
in Skip one more time and loaning an
additional amount to convert Back Yard
Burgers into a Popeyes. Robbie believed in
Skip and his vision and credited him for his
work ethic saying that he knew Skip would
pay back the loan, or die trying. Robbie
then asked Skip the question, “How much
life insurance do you have?”
The Russells went on to build an
additional 12 Popeyes across the state with
the assistance of PriorityOne Bank. Skip
and Robbie Barnes and PriorityOne Bank
still have a great banking and personal
relationship to this day.
Hometown SIMPSON • 35

Seersucker Derby Day has quickly become
one of Main Street Magee’s most anticipated
spring traditions, blending Southern style,
community spirit, and a meaningful cause.
Inspired by the Kentucky Derby and held
annually on the first Saturday in May, the
fundraising event brings together residents,
business owners, and supporters dressed in
classic seersucker, bold hats, and race-day flair
for an afternoon of celebration benefiting
downtown revitalization efforts. Guests enjoy
live music, appetizers, signature cocktails,
contests for best dressed and best hat, and live
viewing of the Kentucky Derby in a lively,
social setting.
Last year’s Seersucker Derby Day was
held at the Simpson County Country Club.
The evening featured live and silent auctions
with donated items ranging from home decor
and jewelry to travel experiences and an XL
Big Green Egg, helping raise funds to support
Main Street Magee’s pursuit of becoming a
designated community. Proceeds from the
event contribute to projects focused on
preservation, economic growth, and
revitalization in Magee.
In 2026, Seersucker Derby Day returns
to its intended home at the PriorityOne
Green Space in downtown Magee on Saturday,
May 2, offering an open-air backdrop for this
signature fundraiser.
The event will continue its tradition of
combining elegance and entertainment with
community impact, inviting attendees to
celebrate in style while supporting ongoing
efforts to strengthen and revitalize Magee’s
historic downtown district.
36 • MARCH 2026
Photos: Main Street Magee

Hometown SIMPSON • 37

Mardi Gras
on Main
Mardi Gras on Main has quickly become
one of Magee’s most beloved winter traditions,
transforming downtown into a celebration of
lights, music, and family fun. Hosted by Main
Street Magee, the multi-day event brings the
spirit of Mardi Gras to the heart of the city
with festive décor, local businesses, and crowds
lining Main Street to celebrate together. Last
year’s parade featured 45 entries and drew
enthusiastic spectators who filled the streets to
catch beads, candy, toys, and more while
enjoying floats and creative themes that lit up
the night.
In 2026, Mardi Gras on Main was set to
grow even bigger with the addition of a Parade
of Paws during the Mardi Gras Crawl on
Thursday night, inviting residents to dress up
their furry friends and join in the fun. The
Crawl featured local businesses, vendors, and
food trucks, creating a lively kickoff to the
weekend’s festivities. The celebration culminated
with the signature Mardi Gras Parade
on Saturday night when floats, walking
groups, clubs, riding groups, and bands roll
through downtown in a colorful finale that
blends tradition with hometown fun.
Community participation is at the heart
of the event, with opportunities ranging from
parade entries and shoebox float competitions
to themed merchandise and family-friendly
activities throughout the week. Parade attendees
have described Mardi Gras on Main as the most
fun event they’ve ever attended, praising the
energy, entertainment, and sense of togetherness
it brings to Magee. With expanding events
and growing participation, Mardi Gras on Main
continues to strengthen downtown pride while
offering a memorable experience for residents
and visitors, alike.
Photos: Main Street Magee
38 • MARCH 2026

Cornhole
&Coals
Downtown Magee comes alive in June
with the sights, sounds, and flavors of
Cornhole & Coals, an annual community
celebration hosted by Main Street Magee.
Held on 1st Street NW, this early-summer
event blends friendly competition with
hometown hospitality, bringing together
neighbors, families, and visitors for a full
day of fun in the heart of the city. From
9am to 2pm, attendees can enjoy a lively
atmosphere filled with games, music, and
the unmistakable aroma of barbecue
drifting through downtown.
At the heart of the event are two
crowd-favorite competitions: a cornhole
tournament open to both adults and kids,
and a BBQ cook-off featuring ribs and
wings. Local teams fire up the grills to
compete for bragging rights and prizes,
while cornhole players of all ages test their
skills in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Live music, a KidZone with activities like
face painting, and the nearby Downtown
Farmers Market round out the experience,
ensuring there’s something for everyone
to enjoy.
More than just a tournament or
cook-off, Cornhole & Coals reflects
Main Street Magee’s mission to foster
community connection and showcase the
vibrancy of downtown. By combining
local talent, friendly competition, and
small-town charm, the event has become
a signature summer tradition—one that
celebrates Magee’s people, its downtown,
and the simple joy of coming together.
Photos: Main Street Magee
Hometown SIMPSON • 39

Crazy Day
OCTOBER 25
The 2025 Crazy Day celebrated 50 years with 145 food
and craft vendors, a classic car show, a historic look at 100
years of Magee football, a real-time extrication from the
Magee Volunteer Fire Department, and Touch-a-Truck.
Live entertainment was provided by Classic Vibe.
40 • MARCH 2026
Photos: Magee Chamber of Commerce

Mingle
on Main
November 18
Photos: Magee Chamber of Commerce
Hometown SIMPSON • 41

42 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 43

MAYOR TODD BOOTH
First let me say what an honor it is
to be mayor of such a great city.
Our municipality is a community built on shared responsibility, respect, and a
commitment to improving quality of life for all who live and work here. We take
pride in our city’s history, diversity, and the strong sense of solidarity that unites
our residents.
Over the past few years, our board of aldermen and I have worked diligently to
strengthen public services, invest in infrastructure, and support local economic
development. We’ve made great strides to improve our economy, provide
environmental sustainability, as well as improve roads and maintain the safety
of our citizens and visitors. With the addition of the frontage
road along Highway 49, and now adding water and sewer to
that area, we are afforded the opportunity to allow more
businesses to come into our area.
In an upcoming project, we are super excited to start with
a roundabout for the Highway 49 and Highway 13 area.
With the addition of a new water tank, Mendenhall is able
to service more homes. Our goal remains clear as we’re
constantly adding to a municipality that is resilient, and
prepared for the future.
These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the engagement of our city
and state representatives, citizens, municipal employees, community organizations,
and local businesses. The partnerships, participation, ideas, and dedication are the
foundation of our success, and for that we’re grateful.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to being transparent and responsible with
the use of public resources and long-term planning that benefits current and
future generations. Together, we can continue to strengthen our municipality.
I have always maintained an “open door policy” and will continue to do so
as your voice matters!
44 • MARCH 2026

Mendenhall
Photo: City of Mendenhall
CITY HALL
172 West Maud Avenue
cityofmendenhall.com
MAYOR
Todd Booth
601-847-1212
ALDERMAN WARD 1
Judy Lee
ALDERMAN WARD 2
Robert Mangum
ALDERMAN WARD 3
Janna Miller
Police
601-847-2641
Fire
601-847-1511
UTILITIES & SERVICES
Entergy
1-800-368-3749
Spire Gas Company
601-849-3751
Bailey Cable
601-849-4201
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Arthur Walker
ALDERMAN AT LARGE
Vickie Everett
Hometown SIMPSON • 45

What is your favorite
thing about living in
Mendenhall?
Jennifer Green
Living in Mendenhall has
always felt like home to me.
As a small town, it offers a
close-knit Christian community
where faith, family, and
friendships run deep. It was a
wonderful place to grow up,
shaping my values and creating
lifelong memories and friends.
Mendenhall also allowed me
to build a meaningful career
in education, teaching at
Simpson Academy for the
past 19 years, in the very
community that helped raise
me. Now, it is especially
rewarding to watch my
children raise their families
here and to see my grandchildren
growing up in the same
supportive environment.
From everyday moments to
unforgettable high school
memories—like the excitement
of rival football games
against the Magee Trojans—
Mendenhall continues to
be a place rich in tradition,
pride, and a strong sense
of belonging.
Marcus Floyd
Most everyone knows
everyone and are good people.
Kristin Busby
I love the close-knit
community.
46 • MARCH 2026

2026 EVENTS
Chamber Banquet
LATE MARCH - EARLY APRIL - TBD
Mendenhall in May
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Mendenhall 250 Years
Celebration
TBD
Pumpkins in the Park
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Christmas Parade
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
Merry Mendenhall
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Hometown SIMPSON • 47

Mendenhall
in
in May
MAY 17
Photos courtesy of Mendenhal Chamber of Commerce
48 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 49

Pickleball & Prayer
A Growing Community of Faith & Fellowship
Pickleball & Prayer began in August 2025
with only a handful of core members, but it has
quickly grown into a thriving ministry of more
than 30 students and continues to expand.
Students from surrounding Simpson County
schools come together, representing different
ages, churches, and backgrounds, united by
fellowship, fun, and faith. What started as a
simple gathering has become a meaningful
place where young people can connect with
one another and with God.
During the colder months, students gather at
First Baptist Church Magee’s Family Life Center,
where games such as nine square, basketball,
and pickleball fill the gym with energy and
laughter. When the weather is warmer, the
group meets at the city courts, enjoying friendly
competition while listening to worship music
and spending time in fellowship. Pickleball and
Prayer has become especially impactful because
many students do not have a place to go on
Sunday nights. This ministry offers not only a
safe and welcoming environment to have fun,
but also a place to hear and share God’s Word.
Rose Peden, one of the founding members,
reflects on the ministry’s growth with gratitude
and faith. She shares that watching Pickleball
and Prayer grow and being a part of it has
strengthened her faith tremendously. “It shows
us that God is in every detail, and we truly do
give glory to Him,” Peden said. Pickleball and
Prayer continues to be a blessing, creating a
space where faith, fellowship, and friendship
come together, and where God’s presence is
evident in every game played and every
connection made.
“It shows us that God is in every detail, and we truly do give glory to Him.”
50 • MARCH 2026

Tour of
Homes
A Night of Christmas
Beauty & Giving
Photo: Jennifer Walker
One of the most anticipated holiday
traditions of the season is the Women’s
Business Club Tour of Homes, held each
year on the first Saturday evening of
December. This special event brings
women, couples, and friends together for
an unforgettable night filled with Christmas
charm, community spirit, and
heartfelt generosity.
Each year, three beautifully selected
homes are opened for touring, each one
thoughtfully decorated in festive Christmas
décor. From elegant trees and twinkling
lights to unique holiday touches, the
homes offer inspiration and a warm
glimpse into the magic of the season. It’s a
relaxed and joyful evening where guests
can stroll, admire, and truly soak in the
beauty of Christmas.
Refreshments are served at a local
business or community gathering space,
giving attendees time to visit, fellowship,
and enjoy one another’s company. The
event has become a favorite holiday
outing—perfect for friends or couples
looking to celebrate the season together.
Beyond the beauty and fun, the heart of
the Tour of Homes lies in its mission.
Each Women’s Business Club committee
member sells tickets, and all proceeds
go directly toward helping others. The
funds raised support families who are
unable to provide Christmas for their
children—this year alone, the event helped
support over 22 people. In addition,
money is donated for supplies to the local
Women’s Abuse Shelter, a cause that is
especially meaningful and close to the
hearts of the club’s members.
In 2025, the Women’s Business Club
added an exciting new layer to the event
called “Holiday Magic.” This expanded
experience included delicious food,
pictures with Santa, a silent auction, and a
large tent filled with fun activities for
children. The addition was a tremendous
success and played a key role in allowing
the club to help such a large number of
people this year.
The Women’s Business Club Tour
of Homes is more than an event—it’s a
celebration of community, compassion,
and the true spirit of Christmas. Don’t
miss this beautiful evening of holiday
décor, fellowship, and giving back.
Hometown SIMPSON • 51

Mendenhall
Chamber Banquet
March 20, 2025
National Guard Armory
52 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 53

54 • MARCH 2026

SUSAN MARQUEZ
Stephen’s of
Mendenhall
Christy Rotenberry went to her first retail market
in Memphis when she was only five years old.
“I loved everything about it,” she says. “I went
with my father, who owned a mercantile store
in Mendenhall. I remember a salesman gave
me fabric swatches that I treasured for years.”
The store was Stephens Mercantile Company –
now Stephens of Mendenhall. “My grandfather,
Lloyd Stephens Sr., started it in 1938,” explains
Christy. “About 70% of the merchandise was
groceries, and the other 30% was dry goods.”
Lloyd Sr. was one of seven brothers, five of
whom opened retail stores in South Mississippi.
“He and his brothers went to New York to buy
goods, and they started buying railroad cars of
groceries, splitting the items among themselves.
My grandfather ran it for ten years, eventually branching
out into clothing.”
Christy’s father, Lloyd Jr., bought the store when he
returned from the war. “He married my mother, Kathleen,
the next year, and the two of them ran the store for the next
67 years. They were such a wonderful team.”
Christy and her two sisters grew up working in the store.
When the youngest daughter was born in 1957, Lloyd Jr.
opened Lloyd’s Style Shop. “He said that because he had
three daughters, he opened it in self-defense.” The store sold
clothes, shoes, accessories, fabrics, linen, and more. “My sisters
and I often dressed alike. My dad always bought us matching
coats when he went to the Dallas market.”
Hometown SIMPSON • 55

“I really love what I do.
I love our customers, so I’m
exactly where I want to be.”
56 • MARCH 2026

After graduating from high school, Christy attended
Hinds Junior College before heading to Southern
Methodist University in Dallas, where she majored in
merchandising and marketing. “I thought about staying
in Dallas after graduating, but I came home to
Mendenhall. This store has always been my heart.”
Today, the store sells women’s and junior apparel,
as well as infant clothes up to size 24 months. “We also
sell jewelry and accessories, and we have been a Gold
Medallion Merle Norman cosmetics studio since 1970.”
Christy and her middle daughter – one of three – spent
twelve days in Merle Norman’s home office for training.
“My mother always felt that Merle Norman products
were very clean. Merle Norman was a chemist, and we
learned about all the ingredients and how they worked
together on the skin. It was really impressive.”
Just like Christy and her sisters, her three daughters
grew up working in the store. “Two of them worked
through college, but one studied pharmacy, so she
couldn’t work while she was in school.” The girls all
live in other places, with lives of their own, but Christy’s
younger sister moved back to Mendenhall five years
ago after living for several years in Lafayette. “She has
been helping me since she moved home.” The oldest of
the three girls passed away in 2022. “She used to handle
the gift section, but we let that go after she passed away.”
Lloyd Jr. knew what he was doing when he put each
girl in departments he knew they’d like. “I worked in
apparel because I always loved clothes,” says Christy.
“My oldest sister worked in gifts, and my younger sister
worked in shoes. We all worked in the area we loved.”
Quality has always been a hallmark at Stephens.
“I have a hard time buying anything online because I
want to feel the fabrics. COVID was a difficult time,
but as soon as they could, our salesmen wanted to come
visit us. We had some salesmen come to my parents’
home after they had surgery, or even after I had surgery.
Some of our salespeople have been calling on us for
over forty years.”
The same holds true with customers. “We’ve had generations
of people who have shopped here,” Christy says. “A customer
recently stated that her stepmother used to shop here. I laughed
and said, ‘Honey, your great-grandmother used to shop here!’”
The service provided to each customer and the relationships
that have been formed in the store have created a strong sense of
loyalty among those who shop at Stephens. “We have so many
repeat customers, most of whom live within a thirty-mile radius.”
While the store has a longstanding history in the community,
Stephens of Mendenhall has an eye toward the future. “We work
hard to stay up on current styles and brands,” says Christy. That’s
a lesson she learned from her parents early on.
“When we celebrated our 80th anniversary, we pulled out
some old mannequins we hadn’t used in a couple of decades
and dressed them in styles through the decades to decorate our
front windows,” recalls Christy. “When the county celebrated
its bicentennial year, we had a fashion show, pulling from my
mother’s fabulous wardrobe dating back to the 1940s up
through the 2000s.”
Christy’s passion for the store and for serving her community is
evident. “I really love what I do,” she says. “I love our customers,
so I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Hometown SIMPSON • 57

58 • MARCH 2026

Pumpkins
in the
PARK
October 11
Photos courtesy of Mendenhal Chamber of Commerce
Hometown SIMPSON • 59

merry
Mendenhall
DECEMBER 5
60 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 61

62 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 63

MAYOR MICHAEL ARINDER
As mayor of the Village of Braxton, it is my honor
to highlight our community and all those who hold
Braxton close to their hearts.
Our village is blessed with a vibrant history. Braxton was once among the fastest
growing rural areas in the state. On April 26, 1921, a devastating tornado struck
the village. This event resulted in catastrophic devastation to the town. On the
heels of this disaster came the Great Depression. Despite this major event, the
spirit of community and the willingness of the citizens to maintain perseverance
and dedication to each other has thrived.
Together with the Board of Aldermen, I express our
continued commitment to supporting Braxton’s critical
infrastructure and preserving the small-town values that
make this village unique. We are actively improving our
roads, utilities, and public spaces, ensuring that Braxton
remains a safe, welcoming, and attractive place for everyone.
We are enthusiastic about these improvements and believe
that they will result in an inviting environment for others
who wish to join our community.
Equally important is our devotion to upholding the community mindset that
has defined Braxton for generations. We believe in fostering a culture of service—
encouraging everyone to lend a hand, look out for their neighbors, and participate
in the ongoing growth and well-being of our village. By working together and
supporting one another, we can ensure that Braxton remains a beacon of
small-town spirit and pride.
I invite all members of our community and our friends to join us in this mission.
Whether through volunteering, attending town events, or simply reaching out to
a neighbor in need, every effort strengthens the bonds that make Braxton and
other small villages truly special.
64 • MARCH 2026

380 Palm Street
601-847-1879
townofbraxton@yahoo.com
MAYOR
Michael Arinder
601-591-3940
mayorofbraxton@gmail.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
Tate Yelverton
601-921-1560
yelvertontate@yahoo.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
James Graham
601-382-8646
James.Baltazar1029@gmail.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
Kristy McMillan
601-341-9868
mcmillankristy@yahoo.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
Tim Broome
601-832-5883
Tmbroom1@yahoo.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
Samantha Craft
601-624-6690
billing@trinityrehabms.com
FIRE CHIEF
Jason Busby
601-847-5544
WATER MAINTENANCE
Bo Ainsworth
601-927-8509
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Rick Robinson
601-952-9279
TOWN CLERK
Pam Coward
601-942-2975
ATTORNEY
Witt Fortenberry
601- 506-9511
WATER OPERATOR
Spencer Ford
601-842-1088
Hometown SIMPSON • 65

Our History
Origins & Early Development
The community that would become
Braxton began forming in the late 1800s
in Simpson County, a rural area of central
Mississippi named for territorial judge Josiah
Simpson. Simpson County was established
in 1824, and by the closing decades of the
19th century, settlement and local institutions
were expanding in its northern reaches.
Braxton itself grew up around the
medical practice of Dr. F. L. Standifer, a
local physician who had moved to the area
from nearby Cato. When a post office was
established in 1881, the community took
its name not from a regional landowner
or national figure but from Dr. Standifer’s
son, Ira Braxton Standifer, honoring a local
family deeply embedded in the town’s
early identity.
Growth at the
Turn of the Century
By the late 19th century, Braxton was
more than a crossroads settlement — it was a
place of ambition and community investment.
In 1889, residents founded the Braxton
Collegiate Institute, one of Mississippi’s early
high schools, offering advanced studies in
subjects like Greek, Latin, and physics at a
time when such curriculum was uncommon
in rural towns. Braxton’s focus on education
reflected a broader civic pride and commitment
to opportunity.
The coming of the Gulf and Ship Island
Railroad — an important line connecting
inland Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico —
helped link Braxton to regional markets and
stimulated commercial and medical services
in the town. By the 1900s, it had developed
into a medical and retail hub for its surrounding
rural communities.
Braxton was formally incorporated on
December 19, 1901, under a charter granted
by Governor A. H. Longino, solidifying its
status as a recognized municipal entity.
Disaster & Perseverance:
The 1921 Cyclone
Braxton’s early prosperity faced a dramatic
test on April 26, 1921, when a devastating
tornado — known locally as the Braxton
Cyclone — struck the community in the
mid-afternoon. The storm destroyed much
of the town’s business district, churches,
schoolhouse, railroad station, and many
homes. In a single moment, decades of
growth were undone.
The cyclone’s destruction was followed
by broader economic turmoil, including the
stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing
Great Depression. Like many small American
towns, Braxton endured these hardships
with resilience, rebuilding what it could and
preserving its community spirit.
66 • MARCH 2026

20th Century & Beyond
Throughout the 20th century, Braxton
remained a modest but stable village.
Historical records show population fluctuations
typical of rural towns in
Mississippi – from 268 residents in 1910 to
more modest numbers later in the century
– reflecting broader demographic shifts as
urbanization drew people away from small
towns.
The community maintained its ties to
education and local services. Today, Braxton
is served by the Simpson County School
District, continuing its longtime connection
to learning and local
institutions.
In recent years, efforts to preserve and
remember Braxton’s story have taken shape
through local heritage work. The Museum
Room at the Braxton Community Center
features exhibits on the town’s past –
including the cyclone and its early days
as a thriving rural center.
Modern Braxton
Though small in size — with a population
of around 179 by 2020 — Braxton remains
a recognized and active municipality within
the Jackson metropolitan area. It reflects
both the continuity and change characteristic
of many small Southern towns: rooted in
local history, shaped by economic and natural
challenges, and sustained by a strong sense of
community identity.
Photos: Pam Coward
Hometown SIMPSON • 67

68 • MARCH 2026

Simpson
Hometown
Magee
Mendenhall
Harrisville
Braxton
D’Lo
COUNTY
Hometown SIMPSON • 69

MAYOR JOHN HENRY BERRY
Welcome to Our Small Town!
I have lived in D’Lo most of my life. In fact, I live in the same house where I was
brought home from the hospital. I became mayor of D’Lo in 2009. My main goal
at that time was to have the truck stop restored in order to become part of our
community once again. This happened almost a year ago, with new owners, and
new buildings, thus providing much-needed income for our town. I would love to
revitalize Downtown D’Lo in the future. We do have Kountry Kitchen open now
on Main Street, but I would love to see D’Lo restored to its glory days.
70 • MARCH 2026

D’Lo
TOWN HALL
2158 Simpson Hwy 149
Office 601-847-1721
MAYOR
John Henry Berry
dlotownhall@bellsouth.net
ALDERMAN WARD 1
Pam Smith
Psmitty55@bellsouth.net
ALDERMAN WARD 2
Terry Hartwig
wighart60@gmail.com
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Ruth Griffin
dlotownhall@bellsouth.net
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Danny Bankston
Bankstonred48@gmail.com
ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE
James Morehead
jvmorehead@gmail.com
MAINTENANCE
Larry Fowler
dlotownhall@bellsouth.net
TOWN CLERK
Sue Cates
dlotownhall@bellsouth.net
Photos: Town of D’Lo
Hometown SIMPSON • 71

From River Settlement
to Lumber Boomtown
James Davis
Nestled along the banks of the Strong River in Simpson County, the small town of
D’Lo has a history far richer than its modest size suggests. Once one of the most vibrant
lumber towns in the state, D’Lo’s story reflects the broader economic booms and busts
that shaped rural Mississippi in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Early Settlement & Founding
Before the town existed, the area around
the Strong River was sparsely settled, valued
mainly for its access to water and timber.
In the late 1800s, settlers began establishing
homes and small businesses near the river,
drawn by fertile land and transportation
routes.
A post office named “Dlo” was established
on June 17, 1881, operating out of the home of
Mary Frances May, the wife of local landowner
R. W. May. As the settlement grew,
May formally platted the town on March 1,
1900, laying out streets and lots that marked
the beginning of D’Lo as a planned community.
The town was incorporated as a village
in 1901 and later recognized as a town in 1905.
The origin of the town’s unusual name
has long been debated. One popular
explanation traces it to a French phrase,
de l’eau non potable (“undrinkable water”),
possibly referencing the tannin-darkened
waters of the Strong River. Others suggest
the name evolved simply from postal naming
conventions. Regardless of its origin, “D’Lo”
became one of Mississippi’s most distinctive
names.
The Lumber Boom
D’Lo’s transformation came in 1916,
when the Finkbine Lumber Company built
a massive sawmill in town. The investment—
worth over a million dollars at the time—
turned D’Lo into a booming industrial
center almost overnight.
At its peak between 1916 and 1930,
D’Lo was one of the largest towns between
Jackson and Hattiesburg, with a population
estimated at around 5,000. It was a fully
developed company town, boasting schools,
churches, two YMCA buildings, a movie
theater, a hospital, a newspaper, professional
sports teams, and dozens of businesses.
The town became known as a modern and
well-organized lumber hub, attracting
workers and families from across the region.
Decline & Economic Shift
Like many timber towns, D’Lo’s
prosperity depended on a finite resource.
By the early 1930s, most of the surrounding
virgin timber had been harvested. The
Finkbine sawmill closed, and with it went
thousands of jobs. Families moved away in
search of work, and the town’s population
declined rapidly.
The construction of U.S. Highway 49
and the harvesting of second-growth timber
provided some economic relief, especially
during World War II, but D’Lo never
returned to its boomtown status. By the
1940s, the population had dropped to only
a few hundred residents.
72 • MARCH 2026

What is your
favorite thing about
living in D’Lo?
Sue Cates
We have such a close community,
everyone knows each other.
When someone needs help,
the community comes together.
World War II & National Attention
Despite its decline, D’Lo gained national
recognition during World War II. An
extraordinary 38 percent of the town’s male
population enlisted or were drafted into the
armed forces—one of the highest per-capita
service rates in the nation. In 1942, LIFE
magazine featured D’Lo in a photo essay
titled “D’Lo Men Have Gone Off to War,”
showing nearly empty streets and highlighting
the town’s sacrifice. A monument in
D’Lo today honors those who served.
Modern D’Lo
The town officially adopted the spelling
“D’Lo” in 1950, cementing its identity. In the
decades since, D’Lo has remained a small
rural community. While its population is
only a fraction of what it once was, reminders
of its history remain in local landmarks,
community pride, and preserved stories.
In recent years, D’Lo has drawn renewed
attention through tourism, outdoor recreation
along the Strong River, and media coverage
highlighting its efforts at revitalization.
Though no longer a lumber giant, D’Lo
stands as a testament to Mississippi’s industrial
heritage and the enduring spirit of smalltown
America.
James Davis
I can honestly say that I love the
solitude and the peace of mind
I’ve enjoyed since moving to D’Lo
in 1974. I attend church at the
D’Lo Methodist Church. I live
here in my current home for 47
years. My son grew up here and
still says it’s the very best place
to live. Would I ever consider
moving? Well, let’s just say that
my next move will be to the
D’Lo Cemetery!
Hometown SIMPSON • 73

74 • MARCH 2026
D’Lo Veterans Day Program
Downtown D’Lo / November 2025

Hometown SIMPSON • 75

76 • MARCH 2026

What is your favorite
thing about living in
Harrisville?
Stephanie Bowen
Growing up and raising my
sons here has been an absolute
blessing to my life. It’s a
quiet and small community
that embodies what it means
to serve one another. The
people of our community are
what truly makes it special.
I’m thankful to call it home.
BJ Tucker
My favorite is the peace of
mind and safety of living in a
quiet community, surrounded
by family and friends that
we know and love and not
having to worry about things
that come with living in a
larger city.
Hometown SIMPSON • 77

Schools
Simpson County
School District
111 Education Lane
Mendenhall, MS
Dr. Robert L. Sanders
Superintendent of Education
601-847-8000
info@simpson.k12.ms.us
Mendenhall Elementary
814 East Street
Mendenhall, MS
601-847-2261
mendelem.simpson.k12.ms.us
Magee Elementary
1035 Goodwater Road NW
Magee, MS
601-849-3601
simpson.k12.ms.us
Mendenhall Junior High
733 Dixie Avenue
Mendenhall, MS
601-847-2296
mendjr.simpson.k12.ms.us
Magee Middle
413 Choctaw Street E.
Magee, MS
601-849-3334
simpson.k12.ms.us
Mendenhall High
207 Circle Drive
Mendenhall, MS
601-847-2411
mendhs.simpson.k12.ms
Magee High School
501 East Choctaw Street
Magee, MS
601-949-2263
simpson.k12.ms.us
78 • MARCH 2026

Simpson Central
755 Simpson Hwy 29 W
Pinola, MS
601-847-2630
scs.simpson.k12.ms.us
Simpson County
Achievement Center
177 Simpson Hwy 149
Magee, MS
601-849-6135
ach.simpson.k12.ms.us
Copiah-Lincoln
Community College
Simpson County Center
151 Co-Lin Dr.
Mendenhall, MS 39114
601-849-5149
Simpson County
Technical Center
3415 Simpson Hwy 49
Mendenhall, MS
601-847-4000
tech.simpson.k12.ms.us
Simpson County Academy
124 Academy Circle
Mendenhall, MS
John Shows, Headmaster
Elementary 601-847-1394
Jr. High/High 601-847-1395
simpsonacademy.net
Hometown SIMPSON • 79

80 • MARCH 2026
Thank you for the
TOP 3 nomination in
Simpson County’s
Best of the Best for
Best Financial Institution

Hometown SIMPSOn • 81

82 • MARCH 2026

Hometown SIMPSON • 83