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JACKSON AIRPORT
LANDS
NEW LEADERSHIP
Top 40 Under 40
Moments
that Matter

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4 • JUNE / JULY 2024

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Hometown RANKIN • 5

6 • JUNE / JULY 2024

FROM OUR PUBLISHER
Rankin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
We have some of the best to offer when it comes to housing,
education, shopping, medical facilities, and churches. There is a large
population of young professionals who are helping make Rankin
County the place it is. We at Hometown Magazines are proud to
partner with PriorityOne Bank in recognizing the Top 40 Under 40
in this issue. Read about these professional leaders who are proud to
be making a difference in Rankin County. We congratulate them!
In honor of Father’s Day on June 16th, we took the opportunity
to share some short essays written by a few of our Rankin County
children about their fathers. Father’s Day is a holiday that celebrates
and honors fathers and their influence in our lives. You don’t only
have to honor your biological father on this holiday—you can
celebrate stepdads, granddads, uncles, adoptive fathers, and others
you consider father figures. Happy Father’s Day to all of you dads!
Summer is here again. I can remember the excitement I felt as a
child knowing there was no school for a few weeks. It was hot, but
my brother and I spent hours and hours exploring in the woods
around our home and playing baseball or basketball until we
couldn’t see at night. Whether it was going to the beach for a few
days, enjoying Vacation Bible School, or just being able to sleep a
little later and not have a schedule, summers were times that allowed
for special memories to be made.
We at Hometown Magazines hope you have a wonderful summer,
make lots of great memories, and enjoy each day the Lord has given you!
HOMETOWN STAFF
IN THIS ISSUE
...see you around town.
Reader Spotlight 11
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Barbie Bassett
Jackson Airport Lands New Leadership 14
Rankin County’s Top 40 Under 40 . . . . . . .20
Hometown Family 44
Leaders. Providers. Protectors. 52
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Amy Forsyth
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Melissa Kennon
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
CONTENT MANAGER
Susan Wolgamott
Moments That Matter 60
Ergon Celebrates 70 Years 72
Loyalty is Everything 80
MS Ag Museum Gardens 90
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
COPY EDITOR
Jodi Jackson
The Time Coin 106
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 • JUNE / JULY 2024

BE HEARD
IN YOUR
HEALTH
What’s on your mind matters in your care. And sometimes, it’s hard
to know the right questions to ask or a simple way to ask them. It’s
our job to make that conversation easier, to stay with you for longer,
to be there when you need us — to listen. That’s our priority and our
promise. So, tell us what concerns you. Tell us your story. The doctor
will hear you now. Learn more at stdom.com/listen.
Hometown RANKIN • 9

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Madison, MS
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10 • JUNE / JULY 2024

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Tara
SHIPP
Why did you decide to make Rankin County
your home?
I can not imagine living anywhere else. When I
moved away from Brandon for college and for my
first teaching job, I realized quickly that there was
no place like Rankin County. This town and the
people here are a major part of me being the person
that I am. When my husband and I started dating,
we realized that this was still our home and that this
would be the place that we would want to raise our
family someday. People always talk about wanting
out of the area they grow up in, but this town is in
my blood.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I have lived in Rankin County for 46 years, since I
was 4 years old. Amazingly, my husband moved to
Rankin County at the same age. We went to
Brandon schools together since first grade and
graduated high school together.
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Brian, and I have been married 22
years, and we have a 13 year old daughter named
Emily. We are members at Crossgates Baptist Church,
and my daughter attends Park Place Christian
Academy. My parents and my husband’s parents
still live in Brandon, and we see each other often.
Monthly dinners with all of our family together is
a tradition that we want our children to carry on.
We are a family of faith in God and love for people.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
I loved growing up in Brandon. Riding my bike with
friends all over the neighborhood, being a part of
the Brandon High show choir, getting married,
having my daughter, and working for Brandon
Elementary and Northwest Rankin Middle are all
very special memories to me. There is not just one
memory; it is all of my life wrapped up in this town!
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
Nonna’s Cafe in Pearl has the BEST hamburgers
and fries! They are only open for lunch during the
week, so I love summers and holidays so I can visit
them! Osaka and Amerigo are so yummy!
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
I enjoy walking around the shops at Dogwood.
During baseball season, we like to see the Braves
play. Brandon has really grown since I was a kid, and
there are many different activities and concerts that
come to the new amphitheater. The Rankin County
Multipurpose Pavilion has great horse shows and
most importantly our city’s tornado safe room.
Tell us about your occupation.
I have been a 7th grade science teacher at Northwest
Rankin Middle School for the last 10 years, and the
13 years prior to that, I was at Brandon Elementary
teaching 5th grade. I also taught on the Choctaw
Indian Reservation in Carthage for two and a half
years. I love teaching and can’t imagine doing
anything else. For the last 10 years, I’ve had the
honor of being the sponsor for Fellowship of
Christian Athletes at Northwest Rankin Middle
School. Every year is a fresh start with new students.
I love each and every one of the children I have
taught! I even get the pleasure of teaching with
former students. I run into former students and get
to hear about what’s going on in their lives. It always
brings a smile to my heart knowing that they
remember me, but most of all that they are doing
well and growing into the person that they are
meant to be.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
My favorite thing by far is spending time with my
family. Whether we are sitting around the house or
cleaning the house, being with them is my happy
place! Besides that, I love to read, sit outside around
flowers and plants, and learning new things like
memorizing Bible verses, knitting, or playing the
piano.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Italy, Israel, and Greece.
I would also like to skydive. I think it would be
awesome to skydive into the Blue Hole and scuba
there. My husband and I have been scuba diving
since 2009 and love being under the sea. So, I think
seeing and swimming with the blue whale would be
terrifyingly amazing!
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my parents, Mack and Clara Kilgore.
They are godly examples, and they are still happily
married after 58 years. They love God and people.
They have taught me mainly how to live for Christ
and to be faithful to His will. They also are a great
example of a faithful marriage. Learning how to
keep Christ at the center of your marriage while
navigating through the trials and tribulations has
been learned by example. They have always been
my biggest cheerleaders, supporters, and confidants.
My life is blessed for being raised by them.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself still doing what I love: Being with my
family, involved with my church, and teaching
children in some capacity. In all of those things,
I will follow where Christ leads.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
All of the kids that lived in the neighborhood would
ride bikes, play football, baseball, and hide-and-seek.
We would play in a ditch across the street from our
house and dig up crayfish. We knew we had to be
home when the streetlights came on, but I had a
light in front of our house so my brother and I
would stay out with the next-door neighbors and
play under the street light. In the early evening, the
sound of the ice cream truck had us all running for
our piggy banks. No matter how dangerous we now
know it to be, we would ride bikes behind the bug
truck.
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Hometown RANKIN • 11

12 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 13

14 • JUNE / JULY 2024

JACKSON AIRPORT
LANDS
NEW LEADERSHIP
Susan Marquez
Coming from the land of sunshine
and sandy beaches, Rosa Beckett
found her way to the Jackson area and
she could not be happier. As the new
chief executive officer, and the first
woman to lead the Jackson Municipal
Airport Authority (JMAA), Beckett
brings a wealth of experience and
strong ideas for growing and improving
the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers
International Airport. The position
brings Beckett full circle from a girl
growing up in Florida who loved to
watch planes take off and land. “Our
family didn’t have the means to fly, but
my dad would park outside the airport,
and we’d climb up on the car to watch
the planes. I still get a thrill watching
them. I suppose once you get jet fuel
in your blood, you never go back.”
Beckett attended the University of
Florida’s College of Journalism and
Communications. She earned an MBA
and a master’s in human resources
management from the University of
North Florida Coggin College of
Business. Beckett interned with the
New York Times and participated in
their minority training program.
“I worked at the Gainesville Sun and
went through every department of the
paper, from classifieds and retail sales,
to photography, editing, and printing.
I ended up as an advertising retail
executive, working with a variety of
retailers in the Gainesville area.”
Beckett says she always had to
work while in college, and when
looking to earn an advanced degree,
she had to find a college where she
could go to school part-time while
working full-time. “The University of
North Florida in Jacksonville offered a
master’s in human resources management
program, and Merrill-Lynch was
moving their office to Jacksonville, so I
got a job working in their new business
in the training and development area.
When I completed my degree, they put
me in operations.” Beckett has held
several financial services roles and
licenses, including ones with the
Securities Exchange Commission
and the State of Florida.
“When I was on maternity leave
with my second daughter, Merrill-
Lynch sold my division, and I was
out of a job.”
Hometown RANKIN • 15

At about that same time, Jacksonville
was splitting the airport and seaport from
one entity to two. “I applied to work with
the newly formed airport authority and
was hired in June 2001. I was involved
with setting up all new administrative
departments. “Within a few months, the
world changed with 9/11. “There was no
TSA when I started, so I watched that
evolution in the air transportation
industry. When I started at JAA, I quickly
learned all the things that go into running
an airport: from police, fire, facilities
management, engineering, accounting,
marketing, finance, operations, and
more. It’s like a small city.”
She has been a leader in the airport
world ever since. “It’s been a fantastic
ride,” says Beckett. “Airports have taken
me all over the world. I’ve had the
opportunity to be a featured panelist in
aviation on both the domestic and global
stage.” Her speaking engagements have
taken her to places like Hong Kong,
Guyana, Greece, Germany, England,
and France.
As an international airport professional
designated by ICAO-ACI and a certified
member of the American Association of
Airport Executives, Beckett has served
as the chief administrative officer at
Fraport USA and the chief administrative
officer for the Jacksonville Aviation
Authority. Fraport serves over 300 million
passengers a year, worldwide, at thirty
airports operating globally in ten countries
with $3.8 billion in revenues. Fraport
USA delivers an innovative concessions
program in the United States, delivering
unprecedented gross sales for its clients
exceeding $500M. The JAA is the
owner-operator of a diversified system of
airports in Northeast Florida, including
Jacksonville International, Cecil, Jacksonville
Executive at Craig, and Herlong
Recreational airports.
When the position for CEO of the
JMAA opened, an executive search firm
was employed to find someone to fill the
position. “I was included on their list, and
after looking at the Jackson airport, I
realized there is a lot of opportunity here.
I feel that I can participate in that and
leave a positive mark.” Beckett spoke
about things like diversifying revenue
streams and improving facilities. “The
airport is celebrating sixty years, and
that’s both a blessing and a curse. The
buildings and infrastructure are old, so
my initial focus is on stabilizing the
facilities and equipment that help us
operate. We are the front door to central
Mississippi. Families and business
people pass through this airport daily.
We also have people coming to enjoy
the cultural aspects of the area. I was
surprised when I moved here to learn
about the International Ballet Competition
that takes place here. We want to
make the airport reflect the region.”
Beckett says she was also unfamiliar with
the amount of medical facilities located in
central Mississippi, as well as the number
of higher learning institutions. “People
have a perception of this area that I’d
like to help change. I have found this
area to have no shortage of amazing
food, great shopping, and a huge
commodity – Southern hospitality.”
Seeing an opportunity for development,
Beckett says she would like to take
advantage of the land around the airport.
“The airport owns a lot of property. We
have a lot of opportunities when you talk
about the mix of business here. There
is so much we can do to create new
revenue streams. I’m hoping that we
can eventually build a new terminal.”
Beckett explains that the Jackson
airport is considered a small hub by the
FAA. “Right now we are performing
137% higher than other small hubs. We
are performing better now than we were
pre-Covid. With exciting developments
like the Amazon data centers and Top
Golf coming to the area, it’s only going to
get better. All ships rise with the tide, and
I’m excited to be here during this time.”
Beckett says she is big on community
engagement, and she has already gotten
involved with the Greater Jackson
Alliance. “I’m on the board, working on
economic development.” She is also
hoping to sit on the board of the Girl
Scouts of Greater Mississippi. “I’m excited
to participate in Leadership Mississippi
and get to know all areas of the state over
the next several months.”
When she has free time, Beckett says
she enjoys listening to live music. “I’m a
big music person, and I have discovered
some great live music venues in the area.”
She also joined a local church. “It reminds
me of the church of my childhood.”
Beckett has two daughters, Summer
Rose (24) and Jasmine Skyy (23).
16 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 17

Addiction treatment for adults
Inpatient and outpatient treatment
components can include:
• Medical, mental health and behavioral health assessments
• One to two individual therapy sessions per week
• Group therapy including 12-step principles and journaling
• Family therapy sessions as needed
• Ongoing psychiatric medication management
• Alcoholics Anonymous ® and Narcotics Anonymous ® meetings
• Develop relapse prevention coping skills
• Healthy relationship building
• Improve mental and physical wellness
• 24/7 access, call to learn more
Call 601-936-7886 to schedule a
confidential, no-cost assessment.
Walk-ins are welcome and most
insurances are accepted.
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.
240334-0517 3/24
18 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 19

BEST OF THE BEST
top
UNDER
Rankin’s Best of the Best Top 40 Under 40 recognizes the very best young professionals
that Rankin County has to offer. They are industry disruptors and innovators of all types.
They are the best in their fields and will be instrumental in leading us through the new
wave of technology and ways of doing business.
Criteria for consideration required that candidates must be under the
age of 40 at the time of selection and work in Rankin County. Nominations
were solicited from the public–with the top 40 being selected by committee.
Winners will be celebrated with an awards luncheon on July 23rd.
20 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 21

Kendall Adkins
Laurin Bailey
Sara Beasley, P.E.
Kenova Smokehouse,
Foundation Burger
Kendall is the owner and executive chef of
Kenova Smokehouse and Foundation Burger.
His accomplishments and skills run the gamut.
In addition to earning a degree in business
administration from the University of Missouri,
collecting fragrances, and excelling at Scattergories,
Kendall is also a self-proclaimed “pretty
okay guitar player.”
For Kendall, the biggest challenge he had to
overcome in his professional career was also
very personal: alcoholism. “I basically just had
to hit rock bottom and almost lose my family.
From there, the decision to quit forever became
pretty easy.”
Now, his greatest career achievement is
being seen as a legitimate chef by those who
helped shape him into who he is today.
Kendall has realized he only gets to do life
once and that failing doing something he loves
is better than being successful at something
“safe,” which has helped him make better
decisions in life.
Pearl Public School District
Laurin has served as the principal at Pearl
Lower Elementary and will continue to serve
Pearl Public School District as an assistant
superintendent beginning July 1.
Laurin cherishes how her journey in
education has unfolded. From her early days
as a classroom teacher, to her current role as a
principal, to her soon-to-be role as an assistant
superintendent, each step has been driven by a
commitment to excellence and a dedication to
serving students and educators alike.
She says balancing life as a professional,
wife, and mother has been her greatest
challenge; however, her love for teaching and
learning has fueled her, especially while earning
her doctoral degree and meeting the demands
of work and home.
This achievement is not just about personal
growth. It is about leading by example and
showing others that they can chase their
dreams no matter what challenges they face.
Laurin says the best piece of advice she has
ever received is simple, yet profound, “You
make a difference – whether it’s positive or
negative is up to you.” This quote serves as her
constant reminder of the impact she has on
others through her actions and choices.
Whether it is sharing a smile, offering a kind
gesture, or just being there for someone, it all
matters.
Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality
Sara is an environmental engineer and the
stormwater branch manager in the environmental
compliance and enforcement division of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
She serves on the MDEQ fundraising committee
as well as the buildings and grounds committee
at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church.
“I am most proud of earning my licensure as
a professional engineer. This was a culmination
of all my hard work in college and the first years
of my career as I gained experience and
technical knowledge. It is also a reflection of
support from my mentors. I was in my first
trimester of pregnancy when I passed the
Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, so
that achievement felt a little extra hard-earned.”
The biggest challenge Sara has overcome
in her professional career is navigating a major
career change. She says while the new position
has been challenging, it has allowed her to grow
as an engineer.
“The best piece of business advice I have
received is to make decisions that you would be
happy to have published on the front page of the
newspaper. If a choice or action is not something
that you would be proud of or comfortable
to see broadcasted to your hometown, then that
likely is not the right decision. A component of
my job duties is to safeguard the health, safety,
and welfare of the public, so that advice is a
good reminder that my actions impact others,
and their well-being is paramount.”
22 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Gus Brand
Michael Brewer
Tatum Brown
Community Bank
Gus is the executive vice president and
community wealth management program
manager at Community Bank. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in business administration
from Mississippi College and his MBA from the
Owen Graduate School of Management at
Vanderbilt University. He is a member of the
Mississippi College Alumni Board and serves on
the advisory board for the Mississippi College
School of Business.
“In January, I received an opportunity to lead
CWM. I am a banker by trade, so wealth
management is a new challenge. Stepping into
this new role, I leaned on the team I had and
relied on first principles thinking.”
The best piece of business advice Gus has
received is: “Work when you’re at work,” and
adds: “It’s easier than ever to be distracted by
everything happening around us. Focus on the
real tasks at hand, and you’ll accomplish what
you need to in the time allotted.”
Gus is most proud of seeing the people
he helped train and coach really succeed.
“It’s fun when you can pass along your
knowledge to someone and see them grow.”
Pearl Public School District
Michael is the principal of Pearl High School
and values the lessons he learned as a
classroom teacher, which has greatly influenced
his approach to leadership.
“I continually reflect on the challenges teachers
encounter, from managing stress to investing
time in planning lessons and minimizing
classroom disruptions. Additionally, I prioritize
providing the necessary support and resources
from the administration to ensure our teachers
thrive. This perspective informs every decision
I make, promoting a culture of empathy,
understanding, and support within our school
community.”
In partnership with the PTSO, Michael, along
with other Pearl High administrators, has
provided everything from therapy animals and
a traveling coffee cart, to a staff scavenger
hunt and a pancake breakfast to foster a caring
atmosphere and promote connection. Plans to
offer personal finance and self-defense classes
for staff are also in the works.
“These initiatives aim to make sure our
school is a place where our teachers have what
they need to focus on doing their best for our
students. When our teachers feel supported
and valued, they are better able to meet the
needs of our students, which leads to improved
academic achievements and a more comprehensive
education experience for everyone.”
Michael takes great pride in the accomplishments
of Pearl High School. He says the robust
backing from parents and the community serves
as a driving force and continuously inspires
students to strive for excellence in all endeavors.
“Together, we have cultivated an environment
where success is not just a goal but a
celebrated tradition.”
Kimberly D. Foreman CPA
Tatum is an accountant at Kimberly D.
Foreman CPA in Florence. She says one of her
greatest accomplishments is working and
learning under Kimberly herself, who has been
nominated as one of Rankin County’s top five
accountants for several years. Tatum is currently
facing her biggest professional challenge,
studying for her CPA licensure, which she is
confident she will successfully overcome soon.
When asked what the best piece of advice is
she has ever received, Tatum mentioned
practical advice from a peer: “My coworker
Martha Neely has taught me to document as
much as possible in case a situation needs
clarity in the future.”
Outside of work and studying, Tatum enjoys
spending time with her husband Jake and their
newborn son Cooper and attending services
and programs at First Baptist Church of Florence.
Hometown RANKIN • 23

Amanda Burke
Jana Comer
Triston Cowan
Burke Dental Group
Amanda is a general dentist and owner of
Burke Dental Group. She enjoys spending time
with her kids at ballparks, cheering on the Ole
Miss Rebels, completing puzzles, and listening
to the latest crime podcast. Amanda names
owning her own dental practice in her hometown
as her proudest professional accomplishment.
“Having the ability to serve the community
that raised me has been the biggest blessing of
my career.”
Amanda says the biggest challenge she has
faced in her career as a young dentist with a
family has been finding a balance between her
work responsibilities and spending quality time
with her family. Building a successful practice
requires long hours and dedication, which can
sometimes take away from family commitments.
“It has been a learning process to manage
my time effectively to ensure both my professional
and family lives thrive.”
The best pieces of business advice Amanda
have been given are to focus on building
relationships with patients by providing excellent
people-centered care, and to provide an
uplifting, joy-filled environment for her team to
thrive.
“Treating others this way has helped to build
a successful practice and an awesome team!”
Rankin County School District
Jana is currently serving as an ELA curriculum
specialist and the secondary R.I.S.E. Institute
coordinator for Rankin County School District.
As of July 1, she will move into the role of
Assistant Principal at Pisgah High School. She is
a member of the Association for Supervision
and Curriculum Development, the Pi Chapter of
Delta Kappa Gamma, Mississippi Professional
Educators, National Council of Teachers of
English, and the University of Mississippi Alumni
Association.
Jana has earned several awards, but she
names witnessing her former students become
successful, productive adults who continue to
pour into those around them as her proudest
career achievement. The biggest challenge she
has overcome in her professional career is fear
of failure.
“It took me several years to come to the
realization that as human beings, we are not
always going to be perfect or get it right. So, it
has been vital for me to embrace vulnerability
and allow myself grace, while learning from my
failures and using them to continue growing
both personally and professionally.”
The best pieces of business advice Jana has
ever received, she also considers life advice:
“Take care of your people, and they will take
care of your business,” and “Find the who that
can help you with the how.”
Cowan Realty Group
Triston is the owner and broker of Cowan
Realty Group and was named one of the top
five realtors for the 2023-2024 Rankin’s Best of
the Best awards, which he says is the proudest
moment in his career thus far. Family is very
important to Triston, and he enjoys watching
sports with his wife and son, hunting, and selling
real estate.
The best piece of business advice Triston has
received came from his grandfather: “Never let
anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” He
lives by these words daily, and they encourage
him to keep going even when things are tough.
Triston started working in real estate right
before interest rates skyrocketed. This was a
very discouraging time for him as a newer agent
because the market slowed down tremendously.
He decided he would overcome this obstacle
by continuing to market with great intention and
hold as many open houses as he could to meet
as many people as possible.
“In real estate, everyone knows a realtor, and
it is very easy to get discouraged. I try to go
above and beyond for every client to show
them that I am not just another agent. I am a
life-long friend who will be there for questions
or advice any time.”
24 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Jarrad Craine
Alexis Davis
Rachel Edwards
City of Brandon and Jackson
Municipal Airport Authority
Jarrad is the custodial services manager at
the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and
serves as an alderman for the City of Brandon.
He enjoys “all things Brandon” including his
memberships of the Brandon High School
BClub and Greater New Friendship Baptist
Church. He is also the committee chair for
Brandon’s annual Fun in the Sun event and a
board member of the Devoted Dreamers
Foundation.
“Striving for success as a manager and
elected official at such a young age has been
one of my greatest challenges. Showing my
peers, coworkers, and constituents of the
community that I am trustworthy and driven
comes with its challenges, but I feel confident
in my abilities.”
Jarrad names performing his duties as the
alderman of the ward in which he grew up as his
proudest professional achievement.
“I proudly represent the people within my
community who helped shape me into the
leader and man I am today.”
When asked to share the best piece of
business advice he has ever received, Jarrad
notes the importance of hard work and these
inspiring words from Proverbs 18:16: “Your gift will
make room for you.”
ALD Photography, ALD Custom Co.
Alexis is the owner of ALD Photography
and ALD Custom Co. She enjoys photography,
fishing, hunting, raising her three boys, and
serving her community.
While owning and operating two businesses,
Alexis is also a stay-at-home mom, which she
says does pose as a tremendous challenge.
She believes in putting her family first, but she
has learned to ask for help when she needs it.
Alexis’s proudest career achievements
include being nominated for Rankin’s Best of the
Best in her first year of working, and sending out
over 1,000 galleries in three years.
“I opened my studio in February of 2023 in
downtown and haven’t looked back!”
The best business advice Alexis has ever
received is: “Your network is your net worth.”
She is humbled by the way her business has
grown, and she values all the relationships she
has made over the past few years.
“I have been blessed by the love and support
Rankin County has shown me!”
TrustCare Kids
Rachel is a registered nurse at TrustCare Kids
in Brandon. Her hobbies include traveling with
her husband and their Australian Shepherd,
baking cakes and other desserts, photography,
planning small events for her friends and family,
and working on a travel blog she hopes to
publish soon.
Rachel volunteers at Pinelake Church on
Sunday mornings with a program called
Sonrays, which serves families with children
who have learning and behavioral challenges.
She and other trained volunteers work with and
minister to these students so their parents can
attend church services without worry.
The biggest career challenge Rachel faced
was in the beginning of her nursing career
working in pediatric hematology oncology.
“Learning the ropes of that specialty was
mentally and physically challenging. I persevered
through support from my husband and
family believing that was the right place for me
at that time.”
Rachel and her husband, who is also a nurse,
are very proud of the three years they spent
traveling nursing. They lived and worked in
seven different states across the country during
that time.
The best piece of advice I received regarding
nursing was to not be afraid to speak up about
what I believe is right or wrong. Patient and
self-advocacy is very important me and can
improve outcomes.
Hometown RANKIN • 25

Chris Elliott
Ty Faulkner
Joshua Furby
Radiant Security LLC
Chris is the owner of Radiant Security LLC,
a worship leader, husband, and father to his five
children. He is a member of the Leaders in
Technology group under the Mississippi Security
Association and the Pearl, Rankin, and Madison
chambers of commerce.
Establishing his company and seeing it
succeed makes Chris proud, but he did not do
it alone.
“The biggest challenge I have faced was
starting a company with zero dollars. Radiant
Security was started by putting my faith in God
and trusting in HIS direction.”
The best piece of business advice Chris has
ever been given is “There is no substitution for
hard work.”
“A good friend of mine gave me this advice
when I was starting Radiant Security, and it has
been the motivation behind this company.”
FC&E Engineering LLC
Ty is a civil and environmental engineer at
FC&E Engineering LLC. He enjoys woodworking
and design, golfing, hunting, exercising, and is
a member of the American Society of Civil
Engineers.
“The biggest challenge that I have had to
overcome is working for my father’s business
and striving to carve my own path in such a
professional environment. Finding my niche in a
workplace surrounded by so many knowledgeable
and experienced engineers was quite
intimidating. Eventually, I was able to find my
stride and confidence in my abilities as an
engineer by actively listening, questioning,
learning, and applying the knowledge I gained
under the apprenticeship of our talented
engineers.”
One career achievement that is particularly
significant to Ty was one of the first levee projects
he worked on for the company. He was given
the unique opportunity to be involved throughout
the entire process of a multi-million-dollar dam
project in New Mexico.
“There is nothing more rewarding as an
engineer than to help design, permit, and
perform project oversight for an enormous
structure that I was able to watch come to life
right in front of me.”
The best piece of business advice Ty has
ever received, especially as it applies to
engineering, is the quote: “Strive for perfection
in everything you do. Take the best that exists
and make it better. When it does not exist,
design it.”
Beacon Building Products
Joshua is a sales representative for Beacon
Building Products and the head soccer coach
for the boys’ and girls’ Pisgah High School
soccer teams. He is also a coach for the
International Futbol Club of Mississippi. Josh
enjoys teaching, coaching, cooking, traveling,
and problem-solving.
One of his proudest career moments was
winning the girls’ soccer state championship
while coaching at Brandon High School.
The best piece of business advice Josh has
ever received is: “If you aren’t happy with your
job, you will never have the ability to achieve
your full potential.” These words gave Joshua
the courage to get out of his comfort zone and
begin a career with limits only he can set.
“The biggest challenge I have overcome is
gaining the confidence to step away from my
previous job. I overcame this challenge by
confiding in my closest friends and family.
They reassured me that I had the ability to
succeed in whatever I put my mind to.”
26 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Jonathan Henderson
Mandy Jordan
Wes Lee
Crossgates Baptist Church
Jonathan is the worship pastor at Crossgates
Baptist Church. He loves to read, exercise, sing,
write songs, and play various instruments.
“I also love to cook, bake, and spend time
with my family, which usually involves eating!”
The biggest challenge Jonathan has overcome
is the pressure of perfectionism. For the longest
time, he could be so overly critical of himself that
it would destroy how he viewed his work. “The
Lord finally broke me of that mindset, reminding
me that He alone is perfect. My job is to offer my
best and pursue excellence, not perfection.”
Along with getting to fully step into the job he
dreamt about and was called to as a teen, the
career achievement that makes Jonathan most
proud is the privilege of writing and recording
his own music. He hopes to write and record
more with his incredible team soon.
One piece of advice I was told early on in my
career that has always stuck with me is to never
“shoot from the hip.” Never rely or fall back on
talent or education just to get by. Always
prepare, always be teachable, always strive to
be better, and always lean on the Lord for
everything.
Meraki Hair Studio
Mandy is a cosmetologist and the owner of
Meraki Hair Studio. She is a member of the
Rankin Chamber of Commerce and sings on the
worship team at Word of Life Church, where she
is currently working on The Mended Project.
This initiative will send salon capes to be used
in a hair school that serves women who have
experienced sex-trafficking and other types of
abuse.
“As a wife, busy mom, and business owner,
my biggest challenge is making time to continue
my education in the salon industry. The beauty
industry changes daily, and I have always made
it a priority to never stop learning and growing.”
Mandy’s biggest career achievement is
owning a business in the same place where she
raises her family.
“I truly love the people of Rankin County.
We have been nominated as one of the top five
salons in Rankin County for years now, and I am
so thankful for the support I have here! This is
truly a great place to call home, and the people
here play a huge role in that.
The best piece of business advice Mandy
has ever received is: “Hustle and heart will set
you apart.”
“When you have hustle and heart it changes
your whole perspective. I am thankful for the
relationship with Christ who gives me a heart for
His people and a mindset to do ALL things with
excellence!”
Southern Pine Electric
Wes is a district manager at Southern Pine
Electric and is a member of the Rankin County
Rotary Club, Society for Human Resource
Management, and Southern Area Instructors
Association.
“Beginning my career, I was the first ever
safety instructor who was not an electrical
lineman. Going into a room with lineman and
telling them how to be safe while never actually
doing the job myself was very difficult. I never
hid the fact I was not a lineman. Instead, I chose
to show that I cared and was there to help them.
I was not there to tell them what to do or to
quote the OSHA manual. I was there to help
them go home to those who love them.”
Wes is proud to be Southern Pine’s youngest
district manager, but he also recalls a moment
from 2018 when the company reached one
million man-hours without a lost time incident.
This was an initiative Wes guided himself and is
one of his proudest career achievements to date.
“My dad always told me, ‘No one will care
how much you know until they know much you
care.’ Some situations call for you to be steadfast
and unwavering, but most of the time, you can
find common ground with most anybody.”
Hometown RANKIN • 27

Paige Liljedahl
Amanda Matson
Wyche Monette
Complete Exteriors
Paige is the leader of the supplement
department of Complete Exteriors. The job she
performs is challenging, highly specialized, and
requires excellent negotiating skills.
“Learning how to navigate negotiating with
insurance companies and the proper terms for
the construction industry have helped me excel
in exceeding customers’ expectations.”
In 2023, Paige won the Wesley White Heart
of a Servant Award, which was voted on by her
peers. Mr. Wesley passed away in 2023 and
was an amazing employee who would go out of
his way for anyone. Paige misses him dearly,
and this award is very special to her.
“When I worked for L’Oreal, a man named
Sam Villa told us to “slow down to speed up.”
Take your time to do things the right and
complete way. Ten years later, I remember his
advice and utilize it daily. When feeling
overwhelmed, it helps put everything into
perspective.”
Blue Water Architectural Products
Amanda is a certified public accountant.
She served as the chief operating officer and
assistant director of Mississippi State Hospital for
10 years. She currently serves as chief operations
officer for Blue Water Architectural Products.
She is a member of the Healthcare Financial
Management Association, Friends of Mississippi
State Hospital, Antioch Baptist Church, and the
vice president of the Puckett Elementary PTO
board.
“A growth opportunity I have encountered in
my professional career is developing expectation
management. To overcome this challenge,
I have been intentional about developing my
listening and communication skills, so I can be
sure my expectations are aligned with the
person or team I am working with.”
Amanda was inspired by her previous
executive director, who once challenged the
leadership team to never settle for good when
greatness is within reach. That challenge has
echoed in Amanda’s mind during her time as
COO. She says she is reminded that, no matter
how well operations are going, there are always
processes that can be improved to take them
from good to great.
“When I think back over the decade I served
Mississippi State Hospital, I am most proud of my
growth from a manager to a manager leader.
The heart of any organization is its people, and
I strive daily to ensure the decisions I make and
advocate for represent the greatest good for the
greatest number of people, including our staff
and the people we serve.”
Bowie Law Firm
Wyche is an attorney at Bowie Law Firm.
He received his education from the Mississippi
College School of Law. Wyche is also an
attorney for the Criminal Appeals Law Center
and enjoys cooking in his spare time.
“It took me many tries to pass the Mississippi
Board Certified Bar Examination. During this
time, I relied heavily on my family, friends, and
my beautiful fiancé. They stood by my side, and
they are the reason I was able to overcome this
challenge.”
Wyche’s proudest career achievement is
representing a client for parole, and the best
business advice he has ever received is: “First
center yourself in what you love, and the rest will
fall into place.”
28 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Katie Nelson
DJ Odom
Betsy Redfern Pennington
Rankin County School District
Katie is an assistant principal at McLaurin High
School. She is a member of multiple professional
organizations and is currently pursuing a
doctoral degree in educational administration
through the University of Southern Mississippi.
“The most significant challenge I have
experienced in my professional career is
balancing my role as a mother of three with the
demands of providing the support my students
need at school. I work hard to establish clear
boundaries between work and home while
also leaning on my support systems. I believe
my commitment to my students and my job is
setting a positive example for my own children
and is teaching them about passion,
commitment, and hard work.
“The career achievement that makes me
most proud is receiving a grant through the
National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness
Council that awarded my school a $100,000
fitness center on our campus. As the primary
applicant, I completed an extensive application
that included essays, demographics, recommendation
letters, and community support. In
addition, I put together a team of students that
worked diligently to create a video for the
application that informed the selection committee
of why our school needed and deserved the
fitness center. Being a part of something that
will ultimately support our students in becoming
healthy adults makes me proud.
“Dr. Sue Townsend, former RCSD superintendent,
coined a question during her time in
RCSD: ‘Are we doing what’s right for kids?’
She challenged us to ask ourselves this
question in every situation, every decision,
every day; it changed my entire mindset as an
educator. Now I know that if my decisions are
made in the best interest of my students, I can
handle whatever else comes my way.”
Darrell’s Auto Electric
& Darrell’s Wrecker Service
DJ is the owner and operator of Darrell’s
Auto Electric and Darrell’s Wrecker Service.
He is a graduate of Brandon High School a
member of the National Automotive Task Force,
the International Association of Automotive
Locksmiths, and is a master mason member
of Tyrion Lodge.
“The career achievements that make me
most proud are earning my Master ASE
certification along with being voted Rankin’s
Best Automotive Repair Facility in 2022.”
Following his father’s retirement, DJ experienced
a change in his role in the business:
moving from employee to employer. This change
has been his most difficult career challenge as
many of his coworkers are older than he. DJ
says he strives to maintain an atmosphere of
mutual respect, so no one feels uncomfortable
and continues to work hard each day.
“Surround yourself with good people and
good things will follow,” is one piece of business
advice DJ holds dear. He values employer/
employee relationships, positive attitudes, and
enjoyable working environments and believes
they all result in quality work and customer
satisfaction.
Mississippi Department of Education,
Office of Child Nutrition
Betsy is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and
works for the office of child nutrition at the
Mississippi Department of Education. She is
passionate about health, a member of the
Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
and spends her free time providing dance
training for various programs in the area.
“The hardest challenge in my career has
been people underestimating my abilities due
to my age. I have overcome that challenge by
demonstrating professionalism, hard work, and
dedication to my job.”
Betsy experienced a time of transition that
resulted in her wanting to switch from clinical
dietetics to a more community-based position,
which led her to her current role. The position
required three to five years of work experience
in the field; she applied having only one year of
experience and got the job. Betsy is very proud
of this accomplishment and the work she has
done over the past year and a half.
“I have been able to assist with improving
processes in the office and have proven that
experience is not always the best metric for
measuring success.
“Find a job that brings you joy! You have
skillsets and knowledge that can be applied to
a variety of roles. Enjoying your job and leaving
work happy at the end of the day is important.”
Hometown RANKIN • 29

Sasha Pitts
Emma Powell
Brian Rhodes
Community Bank of Mississippi
Sasha is a corporate trainer for Community
Bank. She is a member of Flowood Baptist
Church and the Northshore Elementary PTO.
In her spare time, Sasha enjoys baking with her
kids and taking them to their school activities.
“I faced a major challenge when I relocated
from Lucedale to Flowood. It was a significant
transition for me. Although I transferred to the
same bank, I had to undergo training to regain
my previous positions. However, this move
proved to beneficial for me as it helped me
grow in my career and eventually advance to
the position of corporate trainer.”
Sasha is most proud of her promotion to
corporate trainer because she never saw
herself in a position that required public
speaking. She used to have a fear of speaking
in front of others, but now, she enjoys helping
others learn their positions within the bank.
“The best piece of business advice I ever
received is to never hesitate to ask for help.
Whenever you ask a question, there is a chance
you can gain better insight into a situation or
learn a more efficient way to complete tasks.
Learning from one another is the biggest part of
working as a team.”
Oak View Group at Trustmark Park
Emma is the premium services manager with
the Oak View Group at Trustmark Park. She
also owns Avery Farms in Flora, Styled AF with
Emma Powell, and Powell’s Woodworking and
Custom Decals. She earned bachelor’s degrees
in communication, psychology, and health
promotion from Mississippi State University.
Emma also attended the International Embryo
Transfer School and is a certified embryo
transfer technician and a bovine artificial
insemination technician.
“In 2015, I moved to Gove County, Kansas,
where I started my career as a youth development
4-H agent. I was asked to develop the
nonexistent youth program. Not knowing the
background of the county and its residents, I
quickly used resources given to me, along with
my vast knowledge and background, to turn the
program into what it is today with 100% of their
local school members enrolled in the county
4-H program. The 4-H program showed such
attendance and achievements that I soon
became the Golden Prairie District 4-H youth
development agent, where I grew membership
and activities over three counties in Northwest
Kansas. These programs are still thriving today.
“The best piece of business advice I have
received is: ‘Don’t run away from the first sign
of unhappiness.’ Today, and in my past careers,
I have been challenged in sales, marketing,
communication, and working relationships.
I have learned throughout my childhood and
adult life that not all people and career moves
are the best. However, I have never let a bad
instance turn me away from reaching goals and
developing life-changing and educating events
for all.”
Mississippi State Senate,
5R Farms, LLC
Brian is a senator for Mississippi District 36
and the owner of 5R Farms, LLC. He is a member
of various organizations, from agriculture to
education, and enjoys men’s Bible study and
sports of all kinds.
Brian says his biggest professional challenge
was keeping his farm operating, running a
campaign, and maintaining family time simultaneously.
He says he could not have done it
without the additional employees he hired on
during the campaign and the support of his
family, and is very proud of how they worked
together to make it all happen.
“Securing the republican nomination for State
Senate in District 36 is what has made me the
proudest. I am currently wrapping up my first
session as your new state senator, and it truly
has been an honor to serve the people of this
district. I believe the most rewarding part of it
has been being able to help people in ways I
never thought I would.”
The best piece of business advice Brian has
ever received is: “Make sure you keep your
priorities in order.” He goes on to say: “I believe
that whenever you have your priorities in the
right order, and you work hard, everything else
falls into place in His timing.”
30 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Colby Roberts
Michaela Roberson
Kenny Prechtl
Family Dental
Colby Roberts is a dentist with Family Dental
in Pearl. He is a member of the Mississippi
Dental Association, American Dental Association,
and the Academy of General Dentistry. In his
spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, attending
sporting events, and vacationing with family.
The biggest professional challenge Colby
has experienced was navigating dental school
after spending three years working as a
registered nurse in the UMMC surgical ICU.
“Balancing school and life at home with a wife
and children was certainly no easy feat.”
Colby is most proud of serving patients,
seeing them gain confidence in their smiles,
and knowing he was a part of helping them
smile again.
The words “Never be afraid to fail” have
motivated Colby over the years and guided him
through his major career change. He proudly
continues to use this advice in his practice.
Boudreaux’s,
Roberson Construction, LLC
Michaela is a co-owner of Boudreaux’s and is
the director of operations for Roberson
Construction. She is a member of the Pearl
Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis of Pearl,
National Women in Roofing, and the National
Association of Women in Construction.
Michaela is a member of Pinelake Church
and leads a weekly small group in her home for
young married couples. She says this is her
favorite hobby and that growing closer to Christ
while helping others do the same is a lot of fun.
“Transitioning from teaching to owning my
own business was a major challenge. Learning
business operations and adapting to uncertainty
was tough. I overcame it by seeking education,
staying adaptable, and leaning on a supportive
network. Now, I thrive in entrepreneurship,
embracing change, and seeing challenges as
growth opportunities.
“This past year, I was named Ambassador of
the Year for the Pearl Chamber. Being a small
business owner, I recognized the importance of
community involvement and wanted to offer
support to others in the community as much as
possible. I loved being an ambassador and was
honored to be elected to serve on the chamber
board this year.”
Michaela says she has learned to prioritize
what is important. By taking time to rest,
recharge, and focus on putting God and family
first, she has been able to approach challenges
with clarity and resilience. This has led to better
decision making and overall success in
business.
Elite Auto Glass
Kenny is the owner of Elite Auto Glass in
Pearl. In his spare time, he enjoys all things
outdoors, especially hunting.
Kenny says his biggest challenge has been
deciding when to take the next big step for
his business. Constantly taking those steps
has shown him the consistent growth Elite
experiences each day. He is most proud of
this growth and how fast it happened in a short
amount of time.
“Never stop thinking about how to always
satisfy your customers. Always strive to make
bigger moves.”
Hometown RANKIN • 31

Whitney Sephton
Mallory Shows
Anna Katherine Surholt
Rollin’ Beans Coffee Company
Whitney is the owner of Rollin’ Beans Coffee
Company, hospitality chair and executive board
member at Northwest Rankin Elementary, and
a small group leader for the 56 program at
Pinelake Church. She enjoys traveling with her
family and watching her kids play softball,
soccer, and baseball.
The biggest challenge Whitney has had to
overcome is learning how to balance being a
mom, wife, and business owner. She says there
are truly no days off as a business owner, and
she could not do it without thorough planning,
organization, and her amazing team.
“In high school, I dreamed of owning a coffee
shop. It is so rewarding to see this dream come
to life daily, being on this side, and seeing the
hard work continue to pay off.
“The best piece of advice that I have
received is to focus on your customers and
their experience. Our mission is to love people
and serve coffee!”
Cooper’s Country Meat Packers
Mallory is the chief financial officer and food
scientist at Cooper’s Country Meat Packers.
She is a member of the American Association
of Meat Processors, the Rotary Club of South
Rankin County, and the Rankin County Chi
Omega Alumni Association.
The biggest professional challenge Mallory
has overcome is trying to find her place within
her father’s company and work to prove herself.
She overcame this obstacle by utilizing her work
ethic and always being available when she was
needed.
“I absolutely love getting to represent my
family’s business in a leadership role. I am so
proud and thankful to give back to a company
that has continuously blessed me and my family.
“My dad, Henry Cooper, CEO of Country
Meat Packers, has always said, ‘You don’t earn
respect by starting off at the top. You earn
respect by starting off at the bottom and earning
your place at the top.’ This statement has not
only been proven true in my life but makes me
a better employee for this company.”
CoStar Group:
Apartments.com, Homes.com
Anna Katherine is a sales associate for the
Apartments.com and Homes.com under the
CoStar Group. She is a member of the Mississippi
Apartment Association and enjoys tennis, art,
graphic design, singing, dancing, and hunting.
“Being a young female in the industry of real
estate, I have overcome challenges presented
when others may only see my age versus my
experience and knowledge. The Lord provides
the doors, and it is our job to use the keys to
open them. Age does not define someone’s
ability to succeed.”
Anna Katherine is most proud of being
names one of six “Top Rookies” in 2023 for the
CoStar Group, which she achieved in her first
year, out of hundreds of representatives.
Additionally, each one of her clients rated her
ten out of ten for service and support as their
Apartments.com representative.
“I work hard to provide the highest quality
service and support possible for our Mississippi
multi-family communities. Growth requires
discomfort. If you are always comfortable, you
are not growing. I aspire to become the best
version of myself every day – always learning,
always growing. This makes the overcoming
easier and easier.”
32 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Erin Tate
Holly Thomson
Mallory Vandevender
thebarrE in Brandon
Erin is the owner of thebarrE of Brandon and
Gluckstadt. She is a personal trainer and an
accomplished lightweight strongwoman
competitor, who won her weight class at
Mississippi’s Strongest Man in 2021 and 2022.
She is a wife and mother to two beautiful
children. Erin understands the importance of
supporting local businesses and enjoys forming
relationships and finding community with other
small business owners.
One of the toughest challenges Erin has
encountered is owning and operating a gym
while weathering the chaos of COVID-19 and
navigating the restrictions placed on fitness
facilities during that time. She was determined
to continue delivering a service that positively
impacted the wellness of individuals in the
community.
“Running a small business can be daunting;
however, staying true to your values and
believing in the positive impact you are making
attracts like-minded individuals. Maintaining a
positive mindset during the darkest times is not
always easy, but it is essential for survival.”
Erin takes immense pride in what she and
her team have built through thebarrE. She
values the community they have cultivated and
the dedication her business has to its clients’
well-being.
“The best business advice I can offer is to
never give up. Even on the darkest days when
nothing seems to be going right, stay positive
and strong. Remember, one bad day does not
define you or your business. Keep pushing
forward, and keep grinding. In the end,
resilience and a positive mindset are key to
survival and success.”
Merit Health Hospitals
Holly is a senior clinical recruiter for Merit
Health. She enjoys singing, reading, painting,
graphic design, playing softball and pickleball,
and spending time with family and friends.
She serves as the PTO president at Oakdale
Elementary and is a member of Pinelake Church.
Holly finds her biggest challenge in the
workplace to be finding work-life balance. Her
role as a recruiter includes lots of travel and
cultivating working relationships. Long hours of
work have required her to set careful boundaries
when it comes to her family time. She is
blessed to be a part of a company that provides
resources and establishes policies that allow her
to fully disconnect during non-working hours.
This balance has not only enhanced her
productivity and overall well-being but has
enabled her to be more present for her family,
which matters most.
With the many challenges of her work tasks,
she is most proud of being able to acclimate
quickly and find success through determination,
hard work, and wit. She has increased new hires
in the nursing profession by growing Merits
Health’s nursing externship program and
developing a new graduate residency for
college graduates. She has also partnered
with Hinds Community College to assist in
developing future nurses in Rankin County.
“The best piece of professional advice I have
received is to remember that I have value. My
value can be measured through characteristics
such as my persistence, kindness, wisdom,
drive, fairness, open-mindedness, creativity,
and humor.”
Merit Health Medical Group,
Lakeland
Mallory is a family nurse practitioner at Merit
Health Medical Group Lakeland. She graduated
from the University of South Alabama with a
Master of Science in Nursing. Mallory enjoys
spending time with family and friends, serving
in the children’s ministry at Country Woods
Baptist Church, and is a member of the
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
and the Walter Leake Chapter of Daughters
of the American Revolution.
“The biggest challenge in my career has been
finding a balance between my professional
career and my role of being a wife and mother
of two. Some days, it seems as though there are
not enough hours in the day, but I have learned
to take each day as it comes, give it all to God,
and strive to be the best I can be for my patients
and for my family at home.”
Mallory’s greatest achievement was in nurse
practitioner school. She knew she wanted a
career in primary care, so she prayed God
would open a door for her, and He certainly did.
She began her dream job right away and is
honored to serve the community by providing
quality patient care.
“The best advice I have ever been given is
to always treat others the way you would want
to be treated. This has not only impacted my
personal life but also within the healthcare
setting. I strive daily to provide compassionate
care to every patient as God has called me
to do.”
Hometown RANKIN • 33

Maggie Warren
Jamie Watson
Kimberly Welgos
Southern Sweetness
Maggie is the owner of Southern Sweetness
bakery in downtown Brandon. She is a member
of Rankin Career Women and enjoys being
outdoors fishing, hunting, riding her horse, or
throwing a ball with her dogs in her free time.
One of her biggest challenges to overcome
in her career was building up enough courage to
open a storefront after being a cottage baker for
about five years. Maggie says the only way she
knew to overcome this challenge was to pray.
Her greatest career achievement was when
her shop was named one of Rankin County’s
top five bakeries after only being opened for
nine months.
“At times, things can seem very overwhelming.
You just have to go with it and keep pushing
forward.”
The Skin Studio
Jamie is an esthetician and owner of The
Skin Studio. She graduated from Northwest
Rankin High School and Magnolia College of
Cosmetology. She is a member of Crossgates
Baptist Church, and in her free time, she enjoys
anything that allows her to be creative such as
painting, decorating and design, and flower
gardening.
“My biggest challenge was believing in
myself. After being a stay-at-home mom for ten
years, I was used to encouraging and championing
my kids. When I decided to open The
Skin Studio, I had to re-learn how to champion
myself.”
Jamie was honored to be chosen as one
of the top five estheticians in Rankin County in
2022, and again in 2023, just mere months after
opening her business. She says her greatest
advice is: “Just be yourself.”
“In any field or occupation, there is temptation
to compare yourself and your achievements to
others. What I have learned is that God created
us all with a purpose for a purpose. I just hope to
be myself and use my gifts and talents to love
and serve others well.”
Copper Sculptures, Inc
Kimberly is the national sales manager and
lead design consultant at Copper Sculptures Inc.
She graduated from Holmes Community College
with an AAS in construction engineering
technology and Mississippi College with a
bachelor’s in interior design in 2013. Kimberly
enjoys traveling, photography, water sports, live
music, and spending time cheering for her kids
on the ball fields.
Kimberly is on the advisory board committee
for Holmes Community College Engineering
and Technical Program and is also a member
of Pinelake Church.
She finds the biggest challenge in her career
is leading a small business into the new age of
marketing without supplying to big box stores
and E-commerce. She learned that to be
successful, she must focus on quality not
quantity. Her keen “cater to the customer”
type of sales approach, in-house design, and
technical support has allowed her to get directly
in front of their targeted, high-end clientele.
Kimberly’s greatest achievements are the
challenges she faced with big projects at the
Four Seasons in the Bahamas, a remodel to add
a winter garden in McClean, Virginia, for a new
retiree of Wall Street, and her current project of
a $50 million historical estate in Alberta, Canada,
for the owner of a Formula One racing team.
Her best advice is: “Never find yourself to be
the smartest person in the room, as that leads
you nowhere to grow”.
34 • JUNE / JULY 2024
top 40 under 40

Taylor Willoughby
Vibe Dance Studio
Taylor is the owner of Vibe Dance Company.
She is a graduate of Brandon High School and
Mississippi State University. In her spare time,
she enjoys dancing, cooking, baking, and
spending time with family, especially her
daughter.
Taylor coaches six teams in total that
compete across the Southeast. In addition to
Vibe, she also works with teams at Hartfield
Academy and Florence High School.
Taylor’s hardest challenge in her profession
is the worry of not providing the best for her
dancers. Competition is based on an opinion,
and while she must help them connect with
judges as well as spectators for the highest
points, she also wants to build her students’
confidence throughout dance and throughout
their lives.
Taylor’s greatest achievement is being a part
of sixteen state championship wins as well as
high achievement awards for her studio. She
has been involved at Hartfield for almost three
years and has won six championships. While at
Florence High School, she has been successful
at helping her squad win both pom and hip-hop
awards this past year. In the one year Vibe
Dance Company has been opened, they house
over forty competitive dancers, received Studio
Impact with an award of $750 for having second
overall highest scores in a weekend, and were
nominated for Rankin’s Best of the Best.
Special thanks goes to
PriorityOne Bank
for sponsoring this event.
And congratulations to all the winners!
Hometown Rankin Magazine
looks forward to telling your stories
as your stars continue to shine.
BEST OF THE BEST
top
UNDER
Hometown RANKIN • 35

36 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 37

Circle
of RED
The American Heart Association’s
signature initiative, Go Red for Women ® ,
is a comprehensive platform designed to
increase women’s heart health awareness
and serve as a catalyst for change to
improve the lives of women globally.
While the majority of cardiac events can
be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the
leading cause of death in women, claiming
the lives of one in three women.
For 20 years, Go Red for Women has
encouraged awareness. The movement
harnesses the energy, passion, and power
of women to band together and collectively
wipe out heart disease. It challenges
them to know their risk for heart disease
and take action to reduce their personal
risk. It also gives them tools they need
to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red
for Women movement is nationally
sponsored by CVS Health, with additional
support from national cause supporters.
For more information,
please visit GoRedforWomen.org
38 • JUNE / JULY 2024
Circle of Red is a society
of passionate individuals
who are in the fight against
heart disease and stroke
in women to win.
This year, in honor of the
100th birthday of the
American Heart Association,
our goal is to have 100
Circle of Red members.
The “Power of 100” is the
name of this initiative and
we invite you to be a part
of this group.
In communities throughout
the United States, Circle
of Red members use their
influence, generosity, and
passion to help increase
awareness of cardiovascular
disease – the leading cause
of death in women – and
to inspire women to take
charge of their health.
Circle of Red members are
leaders in their communities
and families. For many
members, the fight against
heart disease is personal.
As some of our greatest
champions of the Go Red
for Women movement,
our Circle of Red members
not only help save lives,
but they are the heart of
our mission.
Why Join Circle of Red?
As a member, you are a
champion for women’s
health. Members enjoy:
• Special social events and
VIP experiences both
locally and nationally,
with a national holiday
experience in December
• Exclusive mission updates
• Recognition as a
Circle of Red member
• Membership in a
meaningful community
of women
Join us and become a part
of an exceptional group of
women.
For more information
on joining, please contact
Go Red for Women Director
Katherine Byrd at
Katherine.Byrd@heart.org
or call 601-321-1211.

Abby Brann
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
Alissa Hebert-Wallace
Veterans Health Administration
Allison Muirhead
Allison Muirhead Photography
Amanda Fontaine
Mississippi Association of Broadcasters
Amanda Keith
Blog, Red Lips and Vino Sips
Ann Barnes
Prime Care Nursing
Anne Cross
Netlink Voice
Dr. Ardarian Pierre
UMMC
Betsy Latham
Betsy Latham Fine Art
Brenda Barron
Professional Staffing Group
Brian Johnson
FBB Insurance
Carla Kirkland
The Kirkland Group
Carolyn Boteler
TempStaff
Dr. Carolyn Erwin
Dr. Catherine Lowe
Jackson Heart Clinic
Cindee Herlocker
Edward Jones
Cindy Carraway
Carraway Construction
Connie Siggers-Parker
Comcast
Crystal Moore
Dr. Danón Garrido
Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates
Dr. Debbie Minor
UMMC
Debra McGee
BankPlus
Dr. Dotie Jackson
MS Premier Plastic Surgery.
Elee Reeves
First Lady of Mississippi
Emily Speed
Speed Commercial Real Estate
Dr. Erica Bass
MS Premier Plastic Surgery
Gail Manton
Gail Manton Florals & Special Events
Holly Lange
Holly Lange MS
Jamie Higdon
TempStaff
Hometown RANKIN • 39

Jamie Woods-Dull
AllPro Clean
Jan Collins
Madison County Business League & Foundation
Dr. Janet Harris
UMMC Professor Emeritus
Janie Jarvis
The Bridal Path
Dr. Jeanne Calcote
University of Mississippi School of Nursing
Jeannie Robinson
EMC Insurance Companies
Jennie Simmons
Simmons Erosion Control
Jennifer Boydston Johnson
Roberts, Bridges & Boydston
Jennifer Hall
Baker Donelson
Dr. Jerrick Rose
LaCour Kitchen and Bar
Jimmy Blackwood
Johnson & Johnson
Dr. Joyce Wade-Hamme
Tri-County Pulmonary Sleep
Dr. Julia Thompson
Merit Health Heart
Karen Roberts
ProTel, Inc
Kathy Smith
City of Flowood, Alderman Ward 2
Dr. Kellan Ashley
UMMC
Kim Stonecypher
Stonecypher Consulting, LLC
LaDonna Northington
UMMC
Lance Davis
FORVIS
Laura Moore
Baptist Primary Care
Laura Smith
Trustmark
Laurie Cutrer
TempStaff
LeAnne Brewer
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
Libby Sims
Professional Staffing Group
Lin Bobbit
Liz Torricelli
Children's Advocacy Center of MS
Lori Sanders
BankPlus
Maggie Clark
Maggie Clark Media Services
Mallory Hemphill
NewSouth NeuroSpine
Melody Prisock
Mike Fink, Inc dba Cock of the Walk Restaurants
Meshelle Rawls
Foundation for the Mid South
Dr. Michael Maples
MS Baptist Medical Center
40 • JUNE / JULY 2024 NOT PICTURED: Carol Lowe, Dr. Elizabeth Chastain, Jason Calhoun, Patty Zipp

Michael Parnell
United Healthcare
Mike Barkett
Mindi Kern
The Winning Smile
Missy McMullan
Misty Gaskamp
Dolly Chic' Boutique
Natalie Latham
Community Bank
Dr. Natasha Hardeman
Lakeland Premier Women's Clinic
Pam McGee
Compliance Advice & Training Solutions
Pam Ware
First Commercial Bank
Patty Clark Peder Johnson Rachel Geimer
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance
Rebecca Haas
Talking With Toddlers, Ltd
Rebecca Martin
Prudential
Dr. Rebekah Moulder
St. Dominic's Family Medicine
Rhonda Moore
Moore's Pharmacy
Robbie Barnes
PriorityOne Bank
Rochelle Thompson
American Lung Association
Samantha Lofton
Barnett's Body Shop
Dr. Sandra McCearley
Jackson Heart Clinic
Sandy Stonecypher
Shannon Warnock
MS Department of Child Protection Services
Sharon Jernigan
CABI Clothing
Sheila Morrison
Morrison Weldingl, LLC
Sheramie Shore
New York Southern Style
Tammy Phillips
Community Bank
Teresa Boutwell
GI Associates
Dr. Teri Dyess
St. Dominic Hospital
Dr. Terica Jackson
Baptist Premier
Tina Clay
State Farm Insurance Agent
Tina Lakey
Dr. Vonda Reeves
GI Associates
Whitney Allen
Mississippi Sports Medicine
Dr. Yolanda McElroy
M3A Architecture, PLLC
Zanette Sexton
New York Life Insurance Company.
Hometown RANKIN • 41

42 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Metro Area Events
Hometown RANKIN • 43

44 • JUNE / JULY 2024

The Jeromes
Tell us about your family.
Wayne - director of internal audit for MS Department of Health
Lindsay - OBGYN
James 6 - loves to play baseball
Emery almost 4 - loves art and playing school
How did you meet, and how long have you been married?
Wayne and I met in Sunday school in 6th grade. We went to Canton
Academy together and started dating in 11th grade.
Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night?
We try to have a scheduled date night at least every two weeks -
it usually revolves around going somewhere to watch some kind of
Mississippi State sporting event.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
Watching my kids be kind to other people and watching them do
the things they love.
Who is the financial manager in your home?
As an accountant, Wayne is definitely the financial manager!
He tries to have budget meetings…I listen sometimes.
What is your discipline philosophy?
We talk a lot about decision making, good vs. bad, and how those
decisions affect what happens to us. We talk about consequences of
making bad decisions and benefits of making good decisions. And
honestly, we just pray for God to give us grace and protection in the
raising of our children, and that He leads them to shine for Him.
What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit
to your family?
Like most moms, I’m the keeper of the things - the schedule,
activities, who needs lunch today, where your shoes are - I keep
the day-to-day train rolling.
What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food?
My children love chicken pot pie and I have a pretty quick/easy
throw together recipe.
Hometown RANKIN • 45

How long has Rankin County been your home?
We’ve lived in Rankin County since we got married in 2011.
What are your favorite things about Rankin County?
We love the people - all of the activities in Rankin County in
which we participate have allowed us to meet so many good
natured, hospitable, and kind people. We also love all of the
opportunities, activities ,and restaurants that are close to home.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Our kids usually participate in the summer program at their
school. They will also both be involved in sports this summer
(James playing baseball, Emery doing gymnastics). We also
always make time to take a couple of trips to the beach!
What accomplishments make you proud during
your time living in Rankin County?
Wayne and I teach 5th/6th grade Sunday school at Pinelake
and have loved getting to know those kids and learn about
Jesus together.
What drives you to have the job that you have,
and what do you do for a living?
I’m an OBGYN, and shepherding women through multiple
different stages of their lives is my passion.
QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?
James Play baseball
Emery Go to Disney World
What your favorite restaurant?
James Mexican
Emery Fireman (hibachi)
What’s your favorite TV show?
James Mississippi State baseball games
Emery Bluey
46 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Get Peace of Mind
When your Mom’s care becomes complex,
care at home may just not be enough. Plainview
Richland offers quality care at an affordable rate!
We’re Here for You!
• Medication Assistance
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Plainview Richland
214 Spell Dr.
Richland, MS 39218
601.202.4811
Hometown RANKIN • 47

48 • JUNE / JULY 2024

FAITH,
HOPE &
TIME-
TRAVEL
Leigh Ramsey
“Inspiration is an interesting and sometimes fickle thing. It can come from just about
anywhere.” Stephenia H. McGee, an author of stories of faith, hope, and healing, is a mom of
two rambunctious boys, and is a writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. She recently released
her 20th published book,The River Queen, October 2023. Her novel “The Cedar Key” was a
2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner.
Mrs. McGee’s love of books and writing began at a very early age. “I was the little girl who
took a paper grocery sack to the library, filled it as full as I could get it, and then had them all
read by the time my mother took me back two weeks later.” She continued, “I crafted a
children’s story from my first grade spelling list, regaling my parents and any classmate who
would listen with a swashbuckling tale from the perspective of a pig traveling to America on
the Mayflower. So, you could say that I have always had a story in my veins.”
Stephania shared how her stories became a career. “I used to tell my husband all kinds of
story elements and scenes while we were driving. One day he stopped at a gas station and
bought me a notebook. He told me I should start writing all these ideas down. That notebook
eventually became my first novel. I graduated with a degree from MSU in animal science, but
instead of going to vet school, I felt God leading in a different direction. A lot of study and
learning the craft later, and I was eventually able to make writing my full time profession.”
Stephania’s main genre is historical fiction, though she also writes time-travel and smalltown
contemporary. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Daughters
of the American Revolution, she loves all things books and history.
All her books are set in the south. Her historical stories all take place between the early
1800s and the late 1920s. “I do a lot of research,” Stephania commented, “I once read the
entire set of trial records from the Lincoln assassination just
to make sure I had the facts and timelines right for a series
I was writing. I’ve worked with historical societies and local
history archives from all over the nation. Even with all of
the prep work I do before beginning a novel, it never fails
that I have to stop in the middle of writing a scene to
Google something random. Just today I had to Google
what flashlights looked like in 1924.” Mrs. McGee shared
how she wants to stay true to the place and time period
represented in her books. “I want to create a realistic world
that makes the reader feel like they are living the story.”
“I’ve had scenes inspired by snippets of overheard
conversations, characters brought to life by a photograph,
and entire books arise from people or events I find during
my research. In His Eyes was inspired by a dream, and
The Whistle Walk came about from scrawled handwriting
I saw on the wall of a Civil War era house.” She also shared
that her characters often get to learn something that God is teaching her in her own life.
Stephania’s next project is a continuation of her River Romance series that began with
The River Queen. Book two, Moonlight on the Mississippi, is set to release this spring. This is a
series of books set on the Mississippi in the 1920s. You can find out more about Stephania
McGee and her books by visiting www.StepheniaMcGee.com
Hometown RANKIN • 49

Welcome to JEA reimagined. One convenient, easy-to-access location where all your eye care needs are met.
Board-certified specialists with cutting-edge knowledge and a wealth of experience to deliver the special
attention and treatment you have in mind. Schedule your appointment and find out for yourself.
1026 Baptist Circle, Suite 100, Madison, MS • 601.353.2020
50 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 51

Leaders, Providers, Protectors
Leaders, Providers, Protectors
There are many words to describe fathers, the roles they play, and the ways they support and love
their families. The sight of children spending quality time with their fathers moves the soul in a
special way. These letters from sons and daughters to their fathers exemplify the impact these
often-unsung heroes have on the little lives they touch, day in and day out.
52 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 53

54 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 55

Death by Chocolate
• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup high-quality
unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 tsp. salt
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3-1/2 cup fudge sauce for swirling
• 1 cup chocolate chunks, chopped,
for swirling
Place a 9x5 inch loaf pan in the
freezer to chill. Whisk sweetened
condensed milk, vanilla, cocoa,
and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a
separate chilled mixing bowl, beat
whipping cream on medium-high
until stiff peaks form. Gently fold
into condensed milk mixture. The
chocolate color will be lighter after
adding whipped cream, but don’t
worry, it will have lots of chocolate
flavor. Pour half the mixture into the
prepared pan. Spoon half the
chocolate fudge sauce over the top.
Sprinkle half the chocolate chunks
over the top. Using a butter knife or
metal skewer, swirl the fudge sauce
and chocolate chunks into the ice
cream mixture. Repeat with the
second half of the ice cream mixture,
fudge sauce, and chocolate chunks.
If desired, sprinkle additional
chocolate chunks on the top layer.
Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze
at least six hours or overnight.
Peppermint
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• 1 drop of red food coloring
(optional)
• ¼ cup crushed peppermints
(about 8 mini candy canes)
plus more for sprinkling
In a medium saucepan over
medium heat, cook cream, milk,
granulated sugar, and salt, stirring
often until it starts to simmer at the
edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from
heat. In a medium bowl, whisk egg
yolks until smooth. While whisking,
ladle in about 1 cup hot milk. Pour
mixture into saucepan. Reduce heat
to medium-low and cook, stirring
constantly, until thick enough to
coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 4
times. Pour through a fine-mesh
sieve into a large bowl. Stir in
peppermint extract. Add a small
drop of food coloring, if using, and
whisk until combined. Add more
if needed. Churn in an ice cream
machine according to instructions.
Once thick, add peppermints
while machine is running. Serve
immediately or, for a harder texture,
scrape into a loaf pan or baking pan.
Sprinkle with peppermints, tightly
cover, and freeze at least 4 hours or
up to one week.
Homemade Vanilla
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tub of cool whip
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
• ½-gallon milk
(depends of freezer size)
Mix first five ingredients until
smooth. Empty into ice cream
maker container. Add milk to the
fill line on container. Make as
directed on ice cream maker.
Watermelon
• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in a blender
and blend until smooth. Pour into
a loaf pan and freeze for three hours.
Remove mixture from loaf pan and
blend again. Pour back into loaf pan
and freeze for another hour.
Serve and enjoy.
56 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Peach-Blueberry
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled
and chopped
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 5 large egg yolks
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Cook blueberries, ¼ cup sugar, and
lemon juice in a medium-size,
heavy-bottomed saucepan over
medium-high, stirring occasionally,
until berries begin to burst and liquid
begins to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool for
30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Cover
and chill until completely cool, at
least 1 hour or until ready to use
(up to 1 week).
Process chopped peaches in a food
processor until almost smooth
(applesauce consistency), leaving a
few chunky bits, about 30 seconds,
set aside. Stir together heavy cream,
whole milk, corn syrup, salt, and
remaining ½ cup sugar in a medium
saucepan, and cook over medium
heat, stirring occasionally, just until
mixture begins to simmer (bubbles
begin to form around the outside
edge of pan), 5 to 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks
and vanilla in a large bowl. While
whisking yolk mixture constantly,
carefully ladle about 1 cup of hot
cream mixture into yolk mixture;
continue whisking until cream
mixture is fully incorporated.
Carefully whisk in remaining hot
cream mixture. Pour custard mixture
back into saucepan, and cook over
medium-high heat, whisking
constantly, until mixture begins to
thicken and coats the back of a spoon,
6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat,
and let cool for 10 minutes.
Stir pureed peaches into custard.
Pour mixture into a gallon Ziplock
bag. Seal and place in an ice bath. Let
stand until mixture is completely
cool, about 30 minutes. Pour mixture
into a 1½ quart electric ice cream
maker, and proceed according to
manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer
to an airtight, freezer safe container;
freeze until slightly firm, about 30
minutes. Dollop blueberry mixture
over ice cream, and swirl with a
spoon. Cover and freeze until firm,
at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
Strawberry
• 1 pint of strawberries (blended)
• 2 cans Eagle Brand sweetened
condensed milk
• 1 small box of strawberry Jell-O
• Milk to line on freezer
In a large bowl, mix first three
ingredients until smooth. Pour into
ice cream machine container. Add
milk to fill line on container. Freeze
according to manufacturer’s
directions.
Red Velvet
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• Red food coloring
• 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups crumbled store-bought
or homemade red velvet cake
In a large bowl, whisk first six
ingredients. Slowly add food coloring
until desired color is reached (keep in
mind that color will lighten after ice
cream is churned). Refrigerate until
well chilled, at least one hour or up to
three days. Meanwhile, freeze bowl of
ice cream maker according to
manufacturer’s instructions. In a
medium bowl, using an electric mixer
on medium-high speed, beat cream
cheese and powdered sugar until
smooth.
Stir chilled ice cream base and add
to ice cream maker. Churn according
to manufacturer’s instruction until
base is creamy and smooth and the
consistency of soft serve.
Spread about 1/3 of ice cream in a 9x4
loaf pan. Dollop 1/3 of cream cheese
frosting over and gently swirl into ice
cream. Sprinkle with 1/3 of red velvet
cake. Repeat to make two more layers.
Tightly cover in plastic wrap and
freeze until solid, at least six hours.
Keto
• 2 (15oz.) cans coconut milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup Swerve confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt
Chill coconut milk in the fridge at
least three hours, ideally overnight.
Make whipped coconut: Spoon
coconut cream into a large bowl,
leaving liquid in can, and use a hand
mixer to beat coconut cream until
very creamy. Set aside.
Whipped Cream
In a separate large bowl using a hand
mixer (or in a bowl of a stand mixer),
beat heavy cream until soft peaks
form. Beat in sweetener and vanilla.
Fold whipped coconut into whipped
cream, then transfer mixture into a
loaf pan. Freeze until solid, about
five hours.
Hometown RANKIN • 57

58 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 59

Moments
Sarah Rein
that Matter
Katie McCormick’s Story
I don’t remember
Life before she came into the picture
Brought the beauty I was missin’ with her
Showed me colors I ain’t never seen...
On a Friday morning, the day before
her daughter’s eighteenth birthday,
Teresa McCormick was driving on
auto-pilot, lost in her thoughts as she
headed to work.
Earlier that week, her daughter Katie had begun her
senior year of high school - a time that would overwhelm
any parent but felt particularly poignant since Katie is a
young woman facing various disabilities.
60 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 61

Katie was born with intractable epilepsy
which has led to some right-sided weakness
and learning challenges. Teresa had watched
her persevere through a myriad of health
challenges and surgeries. So that morning,
she was already experiencing the typical
mom-of-a-senior emotions. “I felt like we
were on a cliff looking out into the future
when you’re eighteen and special needs,”
Teresa recalls. Through the swirling fog of
thoughts, came the lyrics to “The Painter,”
the lead single from country singer Cody
Johnson’s new album. “The words just
grabbed me,” shares Teresa, “and I started
actually listening to what he was singing.
It all reminded me of Katie and the tears
just began flowing.”
She took chances
With every wall I built, she saw a canvas
I thank God every day for how He made her
My life was black and white but she’s the painter.
“I had this movie going through my head
through the years of her life. I could see past
experiences when we’d been at the hospital
or had a health issue she trudged through.
And other moments when we would sit in
the sunroom, and she’d paint rainbows. It
was so moving, and it felt like a nudge from
God, reminding me that everything was
going to be okay.”
In what she describes as an uncharacteristic
moment, Teresa sent a message to the
station, US 96.3, to thank the morning
DJ’s, Nate and Traci, whose show she
listened to daily. “I just wanted to tell them
how much it meant that they played that
song at that moment. I explained about
Katie and why the song’s lyrics meant so
much.” Unbeknownst to Teresa, when
Traci got her message, she shared it with
her contacts at Warner Music Nashville -
musician Cody Johnson’s record company.
“A week or two later, I got a call from Traci
- I was starstruck getting to speak with her
- and she told me about sharing our story.
Apparently, Warner Music was asking for
my contact information, and Traci wanted to
know if that was all right,” Teresa remembers.
“I honestly didn’t think anything was going
to come of it.”
Then, in September, Teresa was working
on a Saturday morning when she saw an
unfamiliar number with a Nashville area
code flash on her phone’s screen. When she
answered, she was speaking with Chris Lacy,
the co-chair and co-president of Warner
Music Nashville. After speaking with her for
about an hour, she asked if she could see
some of Katie’s art.
62 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Katie had begun painting at Brandon
Elementary School after her special education
assistant, Debby Francis, decided that the
children in their group would enjoy more
than just coloring. “That crew of kids was
particularly sweet,” Debby remembers. “I was
always looking for additional activities to do
with them because I quickly realized they
were capable of learning so much more.
With some of the children we used painting
as therapy, for some it was to help them calm
down, and for others it was a reward for their
hard work. With Katie, it was a bit of all
three!” Debby eventually developed a close
relationship with Katie and her mom, and
they have continued painting together over
the years. When Debby had time, she would
stay after school to give Katie additional time
to paint and, after Katie moved on from her
class, she would still spend occasional
afternoons with her while Teresa ran errands.
Painting was something that became
important to Katie - it was part of what made
Teresa connect with the song and part of the
story she had shared with Warner Music.
Teresa sent the record company several
images of Katie’s art. “The next thing I
knew, they were asking to meet with us
because they wanted to use one of Katie’s
pieces, but they weren’t sure exactly what
they would do with it at that point.” She and
Debby also sent letters to the Warner
Group explaining their connection and why
the song was so meaningful to them. The
women simply wanted to document this
special moment and let the Warner group
hear their story.
In an excerpt from Teresa’s letter, she
wrote, “While this song is written about a
man’s love for his wife and how she colors his
world, it allows everyone who hears it to
drift away in thought to that person who
adds beauty and color to their own life.
Be that a child, a parent, spouse, or friend.
This is what country music is all about.”
Then in November, the company asked
to meet with them to discuss using AI to
generate a video based on one of Katie’s
pieces - so she could “walk through” her
own painting. That collaboration resulted
in a special music video for “The Painter,” a
bright, airy visual experience accompanying
the heartfelt lyrics that had so moved Teresa
that August morning. It was imagery that
originated from the sacrificial love between
a teacher and her student. “Katie is special,”
muses Debby, “but honestly - all these
children are.” It’s something both Debby
and Teresa have taken from this experience.
“I just really think that there
are a lot of kids in our area
who have talents that we as
parents and the community
should support and encourage.
You never know what God is
sending you towards and we
need to be open and listen,”
Teresa emphasizes. “We also wanted to
make sure to highlight what a great school
district we have. I think people know this,
but we wanted to just draw more attention
to all the support she’s received from every
teacher whose room she has been in.”
Debby had actually never painted before
the decision to try it as a therapy in her
special education classroom. But when she
realized it was a healthy and successful outlet
for her kids, she had stalwart support from
her principal and PTO. The students were
eventually asked to run their own booth at
Brandon Elementary’s Santa Market where
they sold their own artwork, interacted with
customers, and counted change. The school
set up an account for their proceeds and
donations, eventually funding the purchase
of all their supplies (which Debby and the
lead teacher had been footing the bill for
previously) and allowing the students to go
on special field trips.
In April, two days before the McCormick’s
story would be released by his team,
Katie got to meet Cody Johnson and his
youngest daughter. They were invited to be
his special guests at a concert in Memphis.
It was the culmination of a journey that has
Hometown RANKIN • 63

deeply touched Katie and Teresa. “The
Johnsons and everyone at Warner were so
kind. We learned that Cody and his wife
Brandy actually help with a teacher’s charity
to fill school supply lists, so this felt like an
extra special connection. Warner and Cody
did not have to do what they did but they
chose to highlight a person’s different take
on their amazing song.” And while Katie
loved the experience, she was not thrilled
with the volume or with staying up far past
her typical 9pm bedtime. She seems less
puffed up about her art being featured on a
music video that has been viewed over fifty
thousand times than most of us would.
When she watched it, she simply smiled and
said, “Yep! That’s my picture!”
Later in April, Teresa, Katie, and Debby
were treated to another kindness by the
US 96.3 crew. They were invited to Rockin’
the Rez to meet one of the co-writers of
“The Painter,” Ryan Larkins, and watch
him perform. DJ Traci Lee, who had been
the first to be touched by Katie’s story,
beautifully explained the connection to the
crowd before Ryan sang “The Painter” in
Katie’s honor. The incredible experiences
these three women have had will be
memories they treasure. But the memories
will have come from the even better gift of
their friendship and the precious connection
between a teacher and her student. And
they’ll continue, as Debby says, “Making our
days have purpose and our minutes matter.”
64 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 65

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66 • JUNE / JULY 2024

DATE
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68 • JUNE / JULY 2024
Brandon
Mayor’s Prayer
Breakfast
MAY 2 • BRANDON CITY HALL

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70 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Registration
NOW OPEN
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Mississippi-Based Ergon Inc.
Celebrates 70 Years in Business
SUSAN MARQUEZ
Based in Flowood, Mississippi, Ergon’s corporate umbrella continues to be family-owned and
operated as it celebrates its 70th year in business. The company serves industries essential to global
manufacturing and infrastructure by delivering innovative products and service solutions to customers
in more than 90 countries worldwide.
It’s a story that began in 1954 with Lampton Oil Company, founded by Leslie Lampton, Sr. Truly
epitomizing the “Greatest Generation,” Lampton served our country in two wars and returned home
to build a company that would grow steadily and strategically into a well-diversified global operation.
Lampton was a man of honor and integrity who put his family, his faith, and his employees above
all else.
Lampton started the company with a few thousand dollars, two employees in a one-room
building, and a used truck that delivered fuels to local construction companies and crude oil drilling
sites. It wasn’t long before the company began trucking fruit to market and started a barge
transportation business.
72 • JUNE / JULY 2024

In 1977 Ergon began construction of a fuel refinery in Vicksburg.
The refinery opened the door for the asphalt business, followed by
entry into specialty products, expanding with the addition of
another refinery in West Virginia in 1997.
Today Ergon has over 3500 employees located around the
world offering a wide variety of products and services. The company
has four distinct business segments to address different needs.
The Energy & Specialty Solutions business segment includes the
world’s leading manufacturer of specialty products to improve the
performance of products people use around the world every day.
The Pavement & Coating Resources companies offers asphalt
solutions that extend the life of roadways around the world. Road
construction and maintenance products are distributed throughout
North America, as well as roofing and industrial commercial
applications.
Moving and storing products is just as important as processing
them. That’s where Ergon’s Integrated Services & Logistics business
segment comes in, with companies essential to the manufacturing
supply chain. In addition to handling logistics of purchasing and
transporting crude oil products to domestic and international
markets, companies within the segment also provide mid-river
supplies on the Mississippi River and deliver propane to homes and
businesses throughout the Mid-South. Ergon’s exploration and
production companies have been involved in exploration and
development for over fifty years.
It’s easy to see that Ergon has established an impressive global
presence through a wide variety of businesses. While the company’s
horizons have expanded over the past 70 years, its mission has
always remained the same–to meet needs, support families, and
serve customers.
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of such an amazing
business family that has been dedicated to providing high-value
solutions and exceptional services for the past 70 years,” says
Kris Patrick, president and CEO of Ergon Inc. “We look forward
to innovating news ways to ensure we are the world’s preferred
partner for progress for the next 70 years.”
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74 • JUNE / JULY 2024
Ergon
70th Anniversary Celebration
MAY 1 • CORPORATE OFFICES

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Big City Convenience.
Small Town Life.
Home of the MS Braves
For your next trip or your next home, come to Rankin County. Something for everyone!
Rankinfirst.com | 601.825.5335 | P.O. Box 129 Brandon, MS 39043
76 • JUNE / JULY 2024

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T H E
F I N E S T
I N F I T N E S S
1 0 0 P R O F E S S I O N A L D R
B R A N D O N , M S 3 9 0 4 2
6 0 1 . 5 9 1 . 2 5 8 2
www.completefitnessms.com
Congratulations
TOP
UNDER 40
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Loyalty
is Everything
Leigh Ramsey
80 • JUNE / JULY 2024

“It makes you feel good to know someone has enough confidence
in your lure to use it, and it makes you feel good hearing people use
“Life has been
good, and God
has provided
all of this.”
your lures and win.” Bobby Walley first turned his hobby of fishing into a career in 1994.
ML Hooks of Vicksburg was selling his fishing lure business called Mr. Hootie. Upon hearing this,
Mr. Walley, who was a financial auditor, knew he wanted to purchase the business and immediately
brought Mr. Hooks a cashier’s check to finalize the purchase. ML told him not to tell the secrets
of making the fishing lures. “ML is an integral part of what I do. He taught me everything I know.”
Bobby owned that business for ten years. In 2005, he sold the business and focused on his
career in financial auditing. That business no longer exists, but in 2015, after retiring, he picked the
business back up, naming it Hi-Performance Lures. He commented on how it is fun to make and
sell the lures, he likes having something to do, and he loves getting to meet people through this
business. He also considers himself very fortunate that his
hobby brings in an income.
In late 2014, Bobby Walley began gathering the materials
for his new business. He knew he wanted to take the
information and attention to small details he had learned
when he last owned a fishing lure business and incorporate
those standards, while also making a few changes. He
traveled to south Mississippi to see the man who pours lead
for his lures to learn how to use powder coating in place
of paint. He can powder coat about 500 lures in two-anda-half
hours. Powder coating is more durable and does not
chip the way paint does.
He added a ball bearing swivel and a bigger hook, and he
orders the blade directly from the national manufacturer.
He uses stick-on eyes instead of painted ones. He gets the
skirts from a business in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also
added a double-bladed buzz bait. It comes in black, white,
and chartreuse. Custom designs are also an option he offers.
The design seems to be quite a success: “Some people have
won a lot of money fishing my lures,” he added.
Bobby let people know he was back in the fishing lure
business through word of mouth. He is very loyal to “mom
and pop” businesses and refuses to sell to big box stores.
“I will not go into competition with the people that have
helped me. I will not sell to two stores in the same market.
You’ve got to remember no one has to carry my product. Loyalty is everything.”
He has product in sporting goods stores in Mississippi and Louisiana and often can be found
at trade shows. He also has a website: hi-performancelures.com. Though they are not on the
website yet, one thing he has recently started offering is crappie jigs. This new product idea came
from his son, and it has been a blessing. Bobby Walley is passionate about his work and full of
gratitude for his success. Holding up an example of his product, he summed it all up, “Life has
been good, and God has provided all of this.”
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Whether you’re starting your
college journey or returning
to advance your career,
we’ve saved a seat just for
you. Hinds is the perfect
place to learn, grow and
succeed. Enroll today and
make your mark at Hinds
Community College. Your
future is waiting.
VISIT
hindscc.edu
OR CALL
1-800-HINDSCC
JACKSON | NAHC | RANKIN | RAYMOND | UTICA | VICKSBURG
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable
Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational
programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our
communities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies:
EEOC Compliance: Office of Campus Culture and Diversity, PO Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3569 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu
Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu.
Service Is Our Legacy
From our beginning in a one-room building in Jackson,
Mississippi, to a well-diversified organization with
locations around the world, Ergon remains committed
to Doing Right for our employees, our customers and
our communities. Learn more at ergon.com.
82 • JUNE / JULY 2024

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
Hometown RANKIN • 83

SALUTE
to First Responders
What made you decide to work as a first responder?
I’ve always wanted to serve my community, so I decided to become
a first responder. Since day one of EMT school I knew this was the
career for me and I’ve been loving it ever since.
How long have you been with Pafford EMS?
I have been with Pafford EMS for over seven years. I started as an
EMT right out of school. A couple of years later, I became an advanced
EMT and now I work as a paramedic.
Tell us about your family?
I live in Brandon with my husband, Brad. We have two daughters.
Emily will start ninth grade at Brandon High School in the fall and
Clara will be in sixth grade at Brandon Middle School. We also have
a black Poodle named Lilly.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
The toughest part of the job is responding to calls involving sick
children.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I really enjoy relaxing on the beach, cooking, and shopping with
my daughters.
Paramedic
Eva
MATYUS-BAILEY
PAFFORD EMS
What are three things on your bucket list?
I’m fortunate enough to have checked off most places on my bucket
list because of my husband’s military career, but Spain is still on my
list and revisiting Italy where both of our daughters were born would
be great.
SPONSORED BY
84 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my parents the most. They always worked hard and
made sure my brother and I had a good and safe life growing up.
What advice would you give to a young person?
Don’t expect things to be handed to you. You have to work hard,
be respectful to your peers, and always do your best.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
I’ve lived in Rankin County for over eight years, and I really like it!
The schools and people are great, and the crawfish at Mudbugs
are amazing.
Hometown RANKIN • 85

86 • JUNE / JULY 2024
Pearl Mayor’s
Prayer Breakfast
May 5 • Pearl Community Center

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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.
88 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 89

Ag Museum Gardens
Beautiful
Again!
What would you do if you
were suddenly responsible
for highly visible gardens
and all the plants were
dead or dying?
Charla Jordan,
Public Relations Chairman
Brandon Garden Club, Inc.
90 • JUNE / JULY 2024

This was the situation facing Theresa Love in 2023 when she was appointed executive director of the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry
Museum by Andy Gipson, commissioner of agriculture and commerce. She had worked for the Ag Museum for over 25 years, and her vision
was “wow factor” gardens that would encourage more visitors and more income from rental of its facilities.
Brandon Garden Club, Inc. and Richland-Florence Garden Club, both based in Rankin County, came to the rescue. This was
a logical partnership, since Jim Buck Ross, the commissioner responsible for the creation of the Ag Museum, his successor
Lester Spell, and Andy Gipson, current commissioner of agriculture, are all from Rankin County. The gardens renovation
project was completed on May 17, 2024. This was just in time for the meeting of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi,
Natchez Trace District, hosted at the Ag Museum on May 22, 2024, by BGC.
BGC members Sheila Everett, 2nd vice president/projects chairman, and Brenda Brooks,
landscape designer, were instrumental in the creation of the landscape plan and fundraising.
The landscape plan for the formal gardens and Small Town included over 1,500 shrubs,
trees, bulbs, annuals, and perennials that were planted by garden club members with
the help of labor provided by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Hometown RANKIN • 91

Over the months of the restoration project, the initial partnership among the Ag Museum, Keep
Mississippi Beautiful, Brandon Garden Club, Richland-Florence Garden Club, and The Garden
Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. evolved to include many partners and donors. The first donation of two
birdhouses was from Heartwood in Star, MS. National Garden Clubs, Inc. provided funds through
a Plant America grant. Lakeland Yard and Garden Center owner Steve Zischke ordered and stored
our plants for many months awaiting funding and the correct weather conditions for planting.
Rankin County News provided newspapers for weed control in the flower beds. Hinds Community
College Construction Instructor Stephen Murphy supervised the erection of a pergola by vocational
and technical students from Pearl High and Northwest Rankin High.
92 • JUNE / JULY 2024

During the many workdays in the Ag Museum gardens, garden
club members lived the theme of BGC, “Growing Flowers and
Friendships.” An Ag Museum gardens support group has recently
been formed. Volunteers will work for a few hours one morning each
month and then have lunch and social time at the Museum Café.
For information on joining or supporting this group, please email
thebrandongardenclub@gmail.com.
Hometown RANKIN • 93

94 • JUNE / JULY 2024
Flowood Mayor's
Prayer
Breakfast
April 28 • Sheraton Flowood Conference Center

Hometown RANKIN • 95

96 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Save the Date!
Wednesday, July 3 / 6pm / Brandon Amphitheater
Free to the public! Fireworks at dark !
FOOD TRUCKS • INFLATABLES • FACE PAINTING • DOOR PRIZES • PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST
PIE-EATING CONTEST • CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT • BICYCLE PARADE
Community choir concert with special guest, Charles Billingsley!
Hometown RANKIN • 97

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett
Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast
May 13 / Genna Benna
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102 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Flowood
Family
Festival
May 11 • Liberty Park
Hometown RANKIN • 103

The CHALKBOARD
Pearl Public School District
Friends and family gathered for a luncheon honoring the 2023-2024 Pearl Public School District retirees.
This group has more than 379 years of combined service in education, with 332 of those years served exclusively in Pearl.
Back L-R: Gavin Gill, Avery Nobles, Mindy Perkins, Angie Moore, Debbie Berry, Heather Dunn, Dr. Kim LaFontaine.
Front L-R: Carol Lee, Karen Winder, Stacey Green, Karen Williams, Odulia Anthony, Connie Davis, Alisa Stapleton.
Special thanks to our luncheon sponsor, Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, and to our gift sponsor, the Pearl Educational Foundation
for Excellence.The beautiful floral arrangements were generously donated by Bouquets of Pearl.
104 • JUNE / JULY 2024

Hometown RANKIN • 105

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
It was a verse in the sermon text that stayed with me
on the way home and later in the day.
I was familiar with the verse, but like so often in reading or hearing God’s word, a new revelation will open up to me
from a verse I’ve read for years. “For God’s invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been
clearly perceived…in the things that have been made.”
There it was – proof that a Creator must exist for all the evidence we see and experience in the world around us. Yet,
how thankful I am that I don’t have to seek and search for that Creator. I was born into a place and time that already knew
Him, so I was blessed at a very early age with the awareness of who He was and is. When I learned to read, I could further
understand more about God in the pages of the Bible.
When I look into the vastness of the heavens and study the cloud patterns, I remember that “the clouds are the dust
of his feet.” On trips out west, I have marveled at the magnitude of the rocks and their immovable steadfastness. I’m
always reminded that “the Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”
The variety and strength of trees cover the earth for all to see and know of a Creator. I see a tree and think about the
“tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain
green, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
I’m reminded of God’s power and majesty when we travel through mountain ranges – “The mountains quake before
Him and the hills melt away.” The book of Jeremiah helps me to see God when I stand looking into the expanse of the
ocean – “who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is his name.”
Wind is an invisible and mystifying arm of nature along with fog and lightning that I know I would
question their source, but God’s word gives their origin: “He causes the vapors to ascend from the
ends of the earth; Who makes Lightnings for the rain, Who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.”
Water is a necessary commodity for all life and one that I seldom consider. Yet it’s a scientific
marvel – made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms and the only common substance
to exist as a solid, liquid, and gas naturally. I confess that whenever I quench my thirst with a cold glass
of water, I seldom give its properties or importance a single thought. The Bible speaks of Living Water
that can quench spiritual thirst – that thought crosses my mind often when I pray for those exhibiting
no thirst for the Water of life.
How could anyone give scientific explanations of life in the womb without the inclusion of a Creator?
The human egg before fertilization is 0.1mm in diameter. A pinhead is 1.5mm. Consider that for a moment
and the miracle of that microscopic cell developing into a baby.
Surely those remote tribes of people isolated from scientific knowledge witness childbirth and
realize there must be a higher being. Even though I have access to endless knowledge concerning life,
I have access to God’s word that tells me “He formed my inward parts; He knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
Seeing should be believing, but God’s word is confirmation.
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