Meet William and LouAnn Puckett! William and LouAnn grew up in Jefferson and met at Jefferson High School. They became parents at 16 years old. Nearly 4 decades later, they share their story, to anyone who will listen, of overcoming life’s struggles, financial failures, and William’s drug addiction so others may find the hope, peace, and forgiveness that can only be found in Jesus. Together they founded Street Love Ministries, a local homeless outreach, as a way to show those considered the least, the last, and the lost that there is a better way to live.
We want to thank William and LouAnn for telling a a little more about themselves, their ministry, and what they love about our community.
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “We have 3 grown children, all graduates of Jefferson High School. Katie and her husband, Joe, live in Atlanta. Will and his wife, Cathryn, and grandson, Max, live here in Jefferson. Drew just graduated from UGA.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Answer: “William is a drug addiction counselor with Penfield Addiction Ministry, and LouAnn works as a child advocate for Peace Place. Our ‘paying jobs’ give us the opportunity to serve Jesus by serving others.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Answer: “Our go-to restaurant is El Huasteco, or as it was once called, El Camino. We eat there at least twice a week and love the server, Alan.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Answer: “We are lifelong residents and come from many generations living in Jackson County.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Answer: “Hulon Hill. He was once the pastor of Bethany UMC but has since passed away. He made such an impact on so many lives.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Answer: “Alaska. Hands down. We went on a cruise there last fall and can’t wait to go back.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Answer: “We don’t watch live TV but stream older shows. Parenthood is a favorite.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Answer: “Call your mama, enjoy life and don’t take it for granted, choose grace, forgive and move on, and keep doing the next right thing. Most importantly, have a relationship with Christ, because in the end that will be all that matters.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Answer: “We really do not have a bucket list.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Answer: “It depends on the mood. Casting Crowns or taking it back in time to any ’70s or ‘80s classic country.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Answer: “Howington’s Feed and Seed. It’s like stepping back in time. Dennis still treats his customers like the good ole days.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have a meal? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this meal?
Answer: “Mark Richt. We would go to The Redd House on seafood night. We are a Bulldog family and would love to be in the company of such a successful coach and follower of Jesus.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Answer: “We have been blessed to have found so much local support from those who believe in our mission to serve the homeless. So many people want to help but just don’t know how. Strangers have become our dearest friends, and together we are making a difference.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Answer: “Our hope is to one day work for Street Love Ministries, but if that never happens, we will keep on keeping on.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Answer: “That’s a tough one because we consider ourselves an open book. We are not that interesting, and it was through our hardships that we became humble and honest. We can talk endlessly and passionately about the things that matter to us most.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Answer: “Alaska.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
Answer: December, Christmas, and Christmas Day. All of our kids come home.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Answer: “A good night’s rest followed by a cup of coffee.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Answer: “We talked about this, and we both said the other one. We’ve been married almost 40 years, and we may not have grown to look alike, but we think a lot alike.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Answer: “Gardenias and fresh-cut grass.”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Answer: “Family, Faith, and Peace.”
