Author: Move To Jackson

What is your hometown? 

I’m a born and raised Jackson native. I’ve been here for 34 years and have loved it! 

Where else have you lived?

I spent four years in school at The University of Mississippi. 

What is your profession?

I’m the President of the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village, Jackson’s landmark restaurant and tourism attraction. I was born into it and am the third generation owner. 

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

Although I haven’t specifically volunteered much, my work allows me to have an impact through our various catered special events, such as: WRAP’s Denim and Pearl’s, RIFA Canstruction, Birth Choice, West TN Down Syndrome Association summer concert, “Country Music Lends Down A Hand,” the #731Day Water Balloon Fight with Town and Country Realtors, the Clark Shaw Memorial Prayer Walk, and Casey Jones Village Festival.  

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

I love that Jackson has wonderful people who are hungry for future opportunities to make our city even better.

Three words that best describe you. 

I’m going to cheat a little on this, but mine would be “What if we…” because that encapsulates so much of my mind. I’m always thinking and dreaming and working with my team about how to make the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village even better.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Backyard inflatable pools for my family to enjoy this summer.

Favorite place for going out?

Well of course the Old Country Store! But we love to support other local restaurants too. 

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Talking to my family, especially my amazing daughter, Grace Anne, and a tall glass of sweet tea. 

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together. 

What is your hometown? 

I grew up in Middleton, TN, and moved to Jackson in 1992 to attend Union University for both my undergraduate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and graduate degrees (Masters in Business Administration).  l have enjoyed living in the Jackson area for over 30 years (yikes!)

What is your profession?

I am currently the Chief Operating Officer for West Tennessee Healthcare and have a passion for working hard to ensure we have the highest quality healthcare in Jackson, as well as in communities across West Tennessee. I began my career as an RN in the Surgical ICU at our Jackson Madison Hospital in 1996, serving in several roles over the years. I have served as a Director of the Surgical ICU, an Administrator of our Camden Hospital, and the Chief Nursing Officer for the Jackson hospital prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer for the healthcare system in 2019.  In my current role as COO, I am passionate about caring for people across this entire region and ensuring ease of access to healthcare for everyone. We work to care for patients in our rural communities, close to their homes, with access to the tertiary care hospital in Jackson for any specialized care that a patient might need (if not offered in their own community). Our healthcare system is so very blessed with amazing teams and medical providers across the region who care for over 600,000 people in West Tennessee. To ensure that our healthcare system can fulfill that mission, I am focused on supporting and caring for the teams of great people who provide care to patients in both direct and indirect ways.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I currently participate in the Jackson Rotary Club and I serve on the West Tennessee YMCA Board, and our Greater Jackson Chamber Board. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

My favorite thing about Jackson is the “hometown feeling” we have as well as the amenities and fun family activities that equal those in a larger community.  I truly enjoy raising my children in the Jackson area. They are teenagers who are very active in church, school, and sports activities.

Three words that best describe you. 

Sports Mom, Fiercely Competitive, Always up for some Fun

What is the last thing you Googled?

Beachfront accommodations in Destin…. I love the beach!

Favorite place for going out?

Because my kids are active in sports, we enjoy a lot of time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex with baseball and softball tournaments for my twins. My oldest daughter and I also enjoy tennis and appreciate the Jackson Tennis Complex for some fun family matches. With three hungry teenagers, food is always on the agenda! I enjoy taking them to local restaurants such as Picasso, Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Rafferty’s (Who doesn’t love those chicken strips and sauce?!). 

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

As a busy working mom, I can’t go without my coffee!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community.  I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it.   To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!

What is your hometown?

I was born in McLemoresville, TN, and raised in Atwood. I came to Jackson to pursue a career in photography. I’ve been in Jackson for 19 years.

What is your profession?

I’m a professional photographer at my core, but over the years my brand has evolved into some event planning and production.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

Over the years I’ve served on numerous boards and volunteered for several nonprofits and in 2016 was named the youngest recipient of the Foundation’s Jackson Award for volunteer service. My current involvement and volunteer efforts are focused on The Community Foundation of West Tennessee where I am a trustee, Jackson Pride where I am a founding member, The Ned advisory board, Hidden Tracks advisory board, Our Jackson Home/Porchfest advisory board, and Miss Tennessee Volunteer board of directors.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

My entire adult life has been spent in Jackson. The friendships that I’ve built and nurtured and the people who have helped me grow professionally are what make Jackson special to me. Jackson is unique because there are so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the things that affect you personally or the community as a whole.

Three words that best describe you.

Loyal. Creative. Grateful.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Belgian Loafers (always shopping)

Favorite place for going out?

Lord knows I love to go out to eat, whether it’s Los Portales for dinner or Bonwood (out South) for breakfast, but my all time favorite place to dine would be my home, because I love to entertain. It could be a group of 30 or 1 friend having coffee and conversation on the couch.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Music…all day every day. I get the most inspired by music. All kinds.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

I AM JACKSON because this is where I’ve made my home, my business, and where I’ve invested my time in doing the work to promote positive change. I AM JACKSON because anytime I travel I make it a point to talk about Jackson and how much I love it here. I sometimes feel like an ambassador of Jackson! Maybe I am?

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

What is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My father is originally from Jackson so I grew up visiting family and friends. I decided to move to Jackson in 2010 after graduating from Florida State University to help with opening and to start working at the original Coyote Blues. In 2014, I moved back to Florida but realized quickly that Jackson had become my home and returned about a year later.

What is your profession?

I am the Operations Manager for Rock’n Dough Pizza + Brewery and Jackson’s Kitchen and Catering. I grew up with a passion for food and cooking that grew into a career. I can remember being in the kitchen wanting to help cook before I was tall enough to see over the counter. One of my first jobs was as a waiter and I eventually moved into management as the opportunity presented itself.

What is an organization you are passionate about?

I have volunteered on the Black Tie Boxing committee since the event originated. Personally, being a type one diabetic for almost 32 years is what originally drew me to the cause.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

My favorite things about Jackson are the people and the community. Growing up in a bigger city, you do not have the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level like you do here. There is something special about that to me.

Three words that best describe you.

Friendly, Energetic, Passionate

What is the last thing you Googled?

Ice bath

Favorite thing to do in Jackson?

One of my favorite things to do in Jackson is to visit the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. I love browsing through all the fresh produce and local products. It is an amazing opportunity to connect directly with people producing them. Their passion and pride in what they do is inspiring.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

My family! They are my support, encouragement, and inspiration for everything I do.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

This amazing community has so graciously accepted me and allowed me to call this place home.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

What is your hometown and how did you end up in the Jackson area?

I was born and raised in Tupelo, MS. I came to Jackson in 1982 to attend Union University. After graduation we moved to Middle TN for six years. Jackson has been our home for the past 30 years.

What is your profession?

20 years as the owner of J. Kent Freeman Floral Design and Gift Co. I’ve always had the passion and love for floral design and creating beautiful designs from nature. I freelanced from my garage for ten years before making the jump to open a brick and mortar location.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I am past president of the Jackson Exchange Club, so my early years here were spent supporting the Carl Perkins Center. I co-chaired with Mary Jane McWherter the decorating committee for the first Blue Suede Dinner and Auction. Runway for a Cure, Go Red, and The Jackson Symphony Crystal Ball are three of our annual projects. As a small business, we are always giving back to our community.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

The arts, our Jackson Symphony, Jackson Theatre Guild, and the local colleges and universities — for the impact all of these have on our city and the surrounding area.

Three words that best describe you.

Creative, energetic, and Southern (My employees chose these.)

What is the last thing you Googled?

White pages or Google Maps for directions and phone 
numbers.

Favorite place for dining and entertainment?

My wife, Sherry, and I love to entertain. She is a fabulous cook, so my favorite dining place is at our home with friends and family. She and I have crazy work lives. When we aren’t entertaining friends or being entertained by friends, you will find us supporting the arts. The Amp is our Friday night hangout during the summer. The Starlight Symphony is a favorite of ours kicking off the symphony season each fall.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

Prayer and flowers (Sorry, that’s two things)

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

I am part of this wonderful community of friendly, caring, and generous people. A community that supports small businesses. One that has believed in us and supported us. Thanks Jackson and West Tennessee!

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

Jackson is your hometown – how did you end up back here?

I was born and raised in Jackson. I met Bob Tiller when we were in college at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Soon after we married, he was transferred all over the country with his job. He wanted to settle down and move back to Jackson in 1960, and I’ve been here ever since.

Where else have you lived?

Winter Park, Florida
 Macon, Georgia
 Louisville, Kentucky 
Cleveland, Ohio

What was your profession?

In college, the options for women were either home economics or teaching, so I chose teaching. I was more gifted in teaching than in home economics.

Tell us about your volunteer experience.

I currently serve, or have recently served with Aspell Manor, The Care Center, Judge Blake Anderson’s Drug Recovery Court Board, JACOA, Jail Ministry, and The Boys and Girls Club.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

The Jackson Walk. That used to be just a ditch, and I love how it has been transformed.
Also, the people in Jackson are some of my favorites!

Three words that describe you?

I Am Old. I will be 94 in April, and I’m having a marvelous time!

Favorite place for dining and\or to go for entertainment?

Grubb’s Grocery and Rock’N Dough are my favorite dining options. I enjoy going to The LIFT to exercise two or three days a week.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Peanut butter

Finish this statement, I am Jackson because…

Jackson is where I was born and raised, and Jackson has lots to offer: colleges and universities, a thriving downtown, a symphony, and wonderful people.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

What is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Milan, TN. I graduated Milan High School and attended Memphis State University. There I met the love of my life, Ed Jackson, who was from Jackson. We married and moved back to Jackson, where we have lived for almost 52 years.

What is your profession?

I was in retail for 38 years and retired almost a year ago. Retail allows you to visit with lots of folks while serving Jackson at the same time. I have developed so many relationships through Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts. It is very important to be involved in your community. You must stay connected, support your community, and they will support you.

Where have you contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I have served on the boards of the Cotillion Club, Cerebral Palsy Center, Families in Action, WRAP, Jackson Service League, and the Chamber Advisory Board. I have chaired the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event, and as a breast cancer survivor, I have emceed the American Cancer Society’s Runway for a Cure. I have volunteered in the soup kitchen, thrown birthday parties for nursing homes, and hosted exchange students. I have served on the board of the Jackson Theatre Guild and performed in many plays, including Driving Miss Daisy where I played the role of Daisy. I have also been active with Union University’s Theatre Department.

Three words that best describe you.

Witty, Friendly, Dependable

What is the last thing you Googled?

I Googled jokes that won’t offend your preacher.

Favorite place for going out or favorite thing to do in Jackson?

We love attending shows at the AMP, we have excellent sports facilities, and our symphony is fabulous, just to name a few. We have so many excellent restaurants, but we go to Redbones on Monday nights. They are locally owned, serve delicious food, and they donate portions to different charities. I love to support someone who gives back.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Prayer and coffee. OOPS, that’s 2 things!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

My greatest honors, besides my family, has been being named “Woman of the Year” for Jackson, Woman of Achievement, and being named Woman of Influence by our mayor and by the State Legislature. (I hope that means “GOOD” influence). I love my city of Jackson, and I am so proud to be a citizen.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee. https://www.vipjackson.com/feed/2023/ii-am-jackson-marilyn-jackson

What is your hometown?

In 1960 I came to Jackson from my hometown, Memphis, to attend Lambuth College as a freshman. I graduated in 1964 with a B.S. degree.

Where else have you lived?

I taught school in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL, area. I lived in various college towns while obtaining different degrees: Nashville, TN, while attending Vanderbilt; Oxford, MS, while obtaining my M.A degree from Ole Miss; Tallahassee, FL, while at FSU; Oxfordshire, England, while attending Oxford University; and I lived in Knoxville, TN, while receiving my Ph.D. in 1988.

I have lived in Paris, France, London, England, and Savannah, GA. I currently split my time between Jackson and Florence, Italy.

Before retiring, what was your profession?

University Professor, Dean – School of Arts, Professional Artist

Tell us about your volunteer experience.

I am a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Jackson Arts Council. I have led countless lectures for civic and church organizations. I have led 69 European and Asiatic tours for church, bank, and community groups. I have volunteered in 10 West Tennessee Designer showhouses, Three Stars of Tennessee Exhibition, Table Talk House Tours, and participated in many LANA Home Tours including the very first one.

What do you like most about Jackson?

Mostly, the people. I love the history and historic architecture, the symphony, and Theatre Guild.

Three words to describe you?

On the move! I am ceaselessly active.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

A gin and tonic.

Finish this statement. I am Jackson because …

Of a long active life here and lots of beloved friends.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.