Category: I am Jackson

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.

What is your hometown?

At age 3, our family moved to our horse farm, Southern Serenity Ranch in Cedar Grove, from Jackson. Horses have always been a part of my life, competing at shows including the Celebration in Shelbyville, TN. I graduated from MTSU and moved back home where I opened a boutique, and met my forever love, Christopher King. We married and had an extra special reception at my grandparents’ farm, now known as Madison Downs. We live in Jackson, along with our son, Slayton (4), and our daughter, Swayze (18 months). I feel blessed to live in Jackson.

What is your profession?

I opened my formalwear boutique, My Best Friend Jenna, 14 years ago. I enjoy having my sister, Lauren, working alongside me. We have a wonderful team of assistant stylists and a fabulous seamstress. Together, we serve the needs of brides, grooms, their wedding attendants, and families as they find what they envisioned for their special day. We also have the latest formal gowns for adults and teens along with prom dresses and tuxedos.

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

I am a member of Faith Community Church in Humboldt, where I serve on the Board of Elders and soon will be serving on the Finance Committee. I am the producer of a prom runway event, Lights, Camera, Fashion of Tennessee with a focus on enriching the lives of Tennessee’s young women and raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are preparing for the 13th annual event on February 15. I am humbled that this program has raised over one million dollars for St. Jude.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

Jackson has something to offer everyone. I love the small, hometown feel, but we have big-city amenities. However, the wonderful people of Jackson are what make this town unique.

Three words that best describe you.

Cheerful. Reliable. Giving.

Favorite place for going out?

I prefer to host gatherings at home or go to a friend’s home for a ballgame, laughter, and tasting everyone’s yummy appetizers. We enjoy dining at Jackson Country Club, Rock N Dough, Picasso, and Hana.

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

Saying prayers of thanksgiving for my family, home, church, and community.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

I am passionate about philanthropy, scholarship, and giving back to the community that has supported me. Jackson is loving, kind, generous, and caring. The people of Jackson give their time, their God-given talents, resources, money, and love. They pray for others, not only for personal friends, but for complete strangers. Jacksonians are always lending a helping hand. They encourage our youth by saying yes when they are asked to support their schools, their sports teams, their educational trips, and their fundraisers. I know of no other town Jackson’s size that has as many fundraisers going on simultaneously as my town does.

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-jennaking

Where are you from and where else have you lived? 

I was born and raised in Jackson. Generationally speaking, my entire family is from Jackson. My grandmother was Cousin Tuny, who left a huge Jackson legacy. I did live in Chattanooga for about two hours in 1995, but that is a story for another day. Those who know me know that story well. My friends whose children are heading to college often say to them, “Don’t you dare pull a Brad Little!”

What is your profession and what led you to choose it?

My degree is in both education and mathematics. I taught Algebra II and Geometry at North Side High School for three school years. In 1999, my father, Steve Little, called me and asked if I had any interest in joining him in the investment business through Voya Financial. His niche at the time was the group retirement plan business. I shadowed him and worked part-time after school. Shortly thereafter, I became licensed as a financial advisor. Steve and I worked to expand the team and the volume of group retirement plans and eventually transformed the business to be full wealth management with an emphasis on retirement savings and income planning.

Where do you like to give back?

Giving back to this community that raised me is incredibly important. Over the years, I have served on various boards and committees from church and the Red Cross to the Jackson Arts Council. Currently, I serve as co-chair for the Hospice Home committee for West Tennessee Healthcare. Through our business, we give back to the clients we serve through sponsorships to support the arts, healthcare initiatives, and more.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?  

Jackson is a big city but still a small town. I am fortunate to have many friends in Jackson, and that fact provides me with comfort and a strong sense of community, love, and support. Jackson is an eclectic place where history, music and arts, education, healthcare, and innovation all converge. There is something for everyone, and if it cannot be found, our unique position on I-40 provides quick access to sister cities, Memphis and Nashville. The future of Jackson and West Tennessee is very bright on all fronts.

Three words that best describe you. 

I decided to pick four words! The thesaurus gave me too many choices: Compassionate. Loyal. Optimistic. Engaged.

What do you do in your spare time?

Reading or exercise should be my answers. Honestly, practicing and performing with my a cappella group, The Jukes, provides a needed outlet and keeps me involved with my passion for music. Kevin, Allison, Jennifer, Charlie, and I have been singing together since 1995 with our Southern take on all styles a cappella. 

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

I wish I had a true and unique answer to this question. I could reply with coffee or the like, but that would be everyone’s answer. Therefore, I will say that on a daily basis, I do not go without ensuring that both my staff and my children are safe and cared for.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I was born here, raised here, and am provided for here. I have been immersed in the fabric of this community and am in a unique position to have my finger on the pulse of our city’s heartbeat simply by listening, participating, and serving. I have a vested interest in seeing Jackson thrive, not only for my fellow Jacksonians, but for my employees, my friends, and my children.

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-brad-little

What is your hometown?

My hometown is Milan, and I moved back to West Tennessee this past June.

What brought you back?

I grew up farming, so to be able to return to that. And opportunities to do things in West Tennessee and to give back and be an influence in the community. 

Where else have you lived? 

I was in Miami right before coming here.
 My NFL career allowed me to live in Nashville, New Jersey, Pittsburg, and Miami. I went to college in Lexington, Kentucky.

What is your profession? 

I’m not just going to put myself in one box. I want to say Entrepreneur – I’m doing multiple things. For me, it’s the desire to be great and to be great at something other than football. You kind of get put in a box as an athlete, and I’m really motivated to be great at something else and prove to myself and to others that I can do it. 

Where have you volunteered and given back? 

Right now my main thing is volunteering at Jackson Christian. I’m there for three days a week, two practices and one game, I’m there coaching the middle linebackers. 

(Editor’s note: Avery was humble, but I think it is really inspiring that he volunteers his time completely for free. He didn’t accept payment for coaching, but wanted to give back and be a mentor for these young athletes.) 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

Good food, great people. People here are willing to grow and there is a lot of opportunity right now. There’s a lot of motion, and I think that’s why God called me to be here.

Three words that best describe you. 

Caring, Hardworking, and God-Fearing

Favorite place for going out? 

The Jamaican spot is so good. Jamaican & African Cuisine on Vann Drive. (Note from Chelsea – when I met with Avery, he had picked up a to-go from there and convinced me I need to go try it! I’m going this weekend. It looked so good!)
We haven’t been back for too long yet, so we have so much to explore still. Right now, my son’s favorite thing is riding around at home on the RZR. So that’s what I want to do more of, ride around on that at home with him. 

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

Breakfast. If I miss it, I will be okay, but it throws my day off. I gotta eat.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

I am innovative. And so is Jackson.

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-avery-williamson