Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
One of my ancestors, Benjamin Parks, fought in the Revolutionary War, and his son, Benjamin Parks Jr., discovered gold in Dahlonega, GA. in 1828. My parents raised me and my four sisters on the family farm near Pendergrass, GA.

 

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My employer for 33 years was Delta Airlines, Atlanta. I enjoyed travel as a flight attendant and as a Coordinator on International flights. I have also been a member of Jefferson City Schools Board of Education for almost 30 years. It is a pleasure working with fellow school board members on decisions that benefit students.

 

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I miss the following restaurants: Bruce’s, Owen Webb’s and Mike’s Grill. Favorite now: Cream & Shuga, Sugar & Spice, Redd House, Gringo’s, Iron Pig, and Waffle House. In Commerce : Chick-Fil-A and Cracker Barrel

 

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
After the birth of our first son, we decided the best place to raise him was Jackson County. We moved back home and have been here forty-seven years.

 

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Many people come to mind, but one of the more unselfish contributors to the City of Jefferson was Morris Bryan Jr. Through his great generosity, his vision, and his undying loyalty, the town and school system have enjoyed success.

 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Israel to see where Jesus lived.

 

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Andy Griffith Show

 

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Find a local church and become involved in its ministry.

 

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To get organized/declutter and learn how to make tea cakes like my grandmother.

 

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
For gospel: The Brown and Massey Family. Local singer/songwriters: Corey Smith, Brantley Gilbert, Kyle Clark, Mark Garrison, Reece Westbrook. For local patriotic singers : Mary Williamson and Brooks Benton

 

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The many old country stores throughout Jackson County. The Langford Store near our family farm was recently donated and moved to the Heritage Village, Hurricane Shoals, Maysville, GA

 

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where would y’all meet for this lunch?
Lunch at Buckingham Palace, London, with Queen Elizabeth

 

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Crawford W Long Museum and the Historic Courthouse, both near the square in Jefferson

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully watching grandchildren at school and church events

 

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In the early 1990’s, I took the wrong bus at the Berlin Wall and traveled into East Germany not long after the wall came down. I did not speak or read German to get directions back to the West side. Fortunately, I found my way back.

 

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ireland and Scotland

 

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: April, Holiday: Thanksgiving, and Single day: Easter

 

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The 1969 Apollo II moonwalk

 

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Bible friends at Holly Springs Methodist and Precept Bible Study as well as my family

 

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Sweet shrub and gardenia

 

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Parks 7 Farm