Monticello Live

Monticello High School graduation was Friday night. Many proud students, administration, family and friends were in town for the celebration. Of the 142 students that graduated, one that stands out is Anna Newberry. Here is her story.

Anna moved to Southeast Arkansas when she was four years old. Her dad transferred to this area to work for Potlach. Her mother is an art teacher but stayed at home until Anna and her sister, Rachel, were in Middle School. Anna attended school in Monticello her entire school career. She feels that being in Monticello schools for all 13 years makes graduation even more special. But this is not the only reason the people of Monticello are special to her.

When Anna was 13 years old, the summer before her 8th grade year, she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) leukemia. Her family had noticed that she was tired, anemic and pale. After some blood work and a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Anna realized that she would not be able to live life as normal for a while. Anna had danced at Kim’s Dance Factory since a young child and found dancing was her passion. She also had made the Middle School Cheerleading squad months before her diagnosis. Her fear was that she would not be able to continue doing her favorite things because of her diagnosis and the two year long treatment regimen.

This was not the case though because of the love and support of those close to her. Anna continued dancing and never missed a recital. She also was able to cheer at some of the football games. Her friends and teachers were so supportive. Debbie Morrison was her tutor during her eighth grade year. With her help Anna was able to stay on top of her school work. Anna is still very grateful for the support she received from the whole community either by their prayers, notes or flowers.

Today Anna is not only a MHS honor graduate but she is also cancer free. She continued dancing and cheering most of her school career. She was also able to be a part of the new EAST lab program that started her tenth grade year. This program is a community based project learning lab. It was her favorite class all through high school. The class allowed Anna to learn different computer skills like video editing, graphic design, architecture, computer-aided drafting. This class was not only spent behind the computer but it also involved getting out into the community. Some of the projects Anna was able to be a part of were getting broad ban into the rural areas of Southeast Arkansas, design the Monticello Billies football program and the city’s future Animal Shelter project.

Anna will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. Although she was awarded the Dean’s scholarship at UCA and a $40,000 scholarship for the Savannah School of Art and Design in Georgia, she feels UA is the best choice for her mainly because she knows that she wants to pursue Architecture and Design. UA will allow her to be closer to home and friends. She also feels that what she has learned in EAST Lab will only prepare her for the UA incredible programs that are in her field.

What Anna has learned at school and in life even through cancer has only strengthened her. Her stamina and determination to succeed are tremendous. The people of Monticello will be anxious to see what achievements are to come for this one Monticello life- Anna Newberry.

He ran a farm for the same man for 33 years. She did a little bit of everything. But for the past 13 years, Floyd and Jane Killough have been houseparents at the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children here in Monticello. They care for upwards of 8 middle school and high school girls at any given time. Raising children of their own didn’t turn out to be part of God’s plan for their lives, yet they have had the privilege of parenting hundreds of young ladies at the Baptist Home in those 13 years.

Jane was born and raised in Lambert, MS, and her sister married a man from Carraway, AR. When Jane’s sister had complications during her first pregnancy, she went to Carraway to help her out. Shortly after her arrival she met Floyd, who had lived there his whole life. When Jane got ready to return to Mississippi, Floyd told her, “I’ll see you in 2 weeks.” And he went to see her every 2 weeks until they were married 10 months later in September of 1967.

While Floyd farmed cotton, soybeans, wheat and corn, Jane worked in the local department store, in just about every department in the store! She later went to beautician school and worked as a hairdresser. Jane is also revered as an excellent cook and cake baker, which she also did for a living out of her home. The biggest cake she ever baked was actually made up of thirty-three 9×13 cakes put together on 3 pieces of plywood. It was ordered by a factory celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary, and she even decorated the cake with the company’s logo. Jane also did sewing from her home, worked as a florist and was activities director for 2 different retirement homes. All of these skills would come in handy later on…

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It is baseball season in Monticello. Kids four years old and up are busy playing ball on various leagues around town. Not only does baseball bring out the little tykes to play ball but with that comes the support and cheers of parents. At one of the local baseball games many supporters are near by to cheer on their favorite sport star. One of these parents is Curtis Barrow. Here is his story.

Curtis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised most of his life by his mother. Curtis’s mother worked outside the home as a housekeeping supervisor. This did not keep Curtis’s mother from teaching him the qualities of being a supportive, involved and caring parent. Curtis lived in New Orleans until 2003. Curtis made his way to Monticello though not as a result of Hurricane Katrina He moved here to work in outside machineries department at Seark Boats. He quickly found Monticello a place to call home. That same year he married Katrina who is also from New Orleans. After they married Katrina moved here and became assistant manager at our local McDonalds.

Together Curtis and Katrina have a life-sized family. Curtis has two daughters, Rhonda and Curtiz, that live out of state. Katrina has a son, Darence, who is 12 years old and a 6th grader at MIS. The couple now have a new addition to their family, Curtis Jr., who is six months old.

But their own flesh and blood are not the only children they call their own. Curtis shared with his family in Louisiana about how he liked Monticello’s family atmosphere and great school systems. His sister felt that her children would do well living in Monticello with Curtis. So in 2003 Curtis and Katrina took on the responsibility of raising Curtis’s neice and nephew, Kendrial Barrow and Garry Hill. Kendrial is 12 years old, a 7th grader at MIS and is very helpful at home. She helps take care of the new baby and is always there to cheer on her brother,Garry, at his many sports activities. Garry is 9 years old and is very busy this time of year playing baseball. Curtis makes sure Garry is involved in all the sports that interest him.

Garry’s biggest fan would have to be his uncle. Curtis provides Garry with all the practicing tools he needs at home to excel in whatever sport is in season. Curtis is at every ball practice and game cheering on not only Garry but also all his teammates. Curtis is not only interested in his ‘kids’ when it comes to sports. His wife, Katrina, says Curtis is a family man. She says “He helps with anything we need him to do.” He is always available to care for his new baby whether it is fixing bottles or changing diapers. He also helps when he can with school work and is present at school activities, like Donuts for Dads.

Garry pitched Friday night in his little league baseball game. Many were there to cheer on the teams. As always, Curtis was close by in the dugout. He is faithful to be a great supporter on and off the baseball field. Curtis Barrow, one Monticello life.

This weekend hundreds of young girls showcased their talent at the Kim’s Dance Factory year-end recital. The dancers had practiced for months for their time to shine. One of the solo acts at the weekend performance was Jessaca Mioko Shepherd. At a young five years of age Jessaca took the stage with confidence. One reason for this was the influence of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd. This is her story.

Yukiko was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Her parents still live in Japan where her dad, Kenichi Yamashita, holds an executive position at a gas company and her mother, Mariko Yamashita, is an accountant. She and her brother, Hirofumi Yamashita, were raised to learn at every turn and to experience all you could from life. Yukiko’s interest early on was the English language. It was her mother’s influence that brought her to get a Bachelor’s Degree in English Linguistics.

Taking her family’s advice opened the door for Yukiko to explore the world. Before coming to Southeast Arkansas she lived in Georgia, France and London. It is because of Jessaca that Yukiko now resides in Monticello. Yukiko met Jessaca’s dad in Japan. He was in the American Navy. The couple married while in Japan. Jessaca was born at the US Navy base in Japan on December 4, 2001. Wanting Jessaca to know her American grandparents, Walter and Rita Shepherd, is one reason Yukiko makes Monticello her home. Yukiko quickly found her nitch in Arkansas. She works at the District Court of Drew County Civil Division and teaches Japanese at UAM.

In the Japanese culture when you name your children you consider the meaning of the name and pick it based on what you want for your child. Yukiko means “to explore life on your own.” When her parents chose this name for her their wish for her was for her to experience all this world had for her. She definately has taken that challenge. In naming her own child she chose Jessaca Mioko which means “beautiful cherry blossom.” Because it takes ten years for a cherry blossom tree to bloom Yukiko takes these early years with Jessaca seriously. She feels that Jessaca is in the process of blooming. Her hope is that Jessaca will continue to be nurtured by the love of her family and friends. Yukiko feels this time is best for Jessaca to work on her talents and education in anticipation for the day she will blossom into a beautiful talented young lady. After last nights performance Jessaca proved that she is in bloom. Much of this is due in part by the loving care of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd – one Monticello life.

Last night was a special night for our community. Monticello High held their prom, attended by many high school students decked out in tuxes and the fanciest dresses around.

Prom has been anticipated for weeks on end by both first-time attenders and those who have been before and know the ropes. In February, Meredith Grubbs was asked by MHS senior Sadler Morrison if she would go to prom with him. She said yes and has been looking forward to it ever since.

Meredith was interviewed for this story just a few minutes before Sadler’s arrival. Between applying make-up and getting dressed in her gorgeous prom dress, she took time to answer questions about her life as a teen in Monticello.

In addition to the excitement of prom, Meredith enjoys all aspects of life to the fullest. As a sophomore at MHS, she related that high school can be a little unnerving at first for most students. She says that the further along you get, though, the more comfortable it becomes, and the more fun it is. Needless to say, she’s looking forward to the next couple of years of being an upperclassman. Her favorite subject right now is world history, though she excels at all schoolwork. She thinks the best teachers are those who are truly passionate about the subject matter they teach and who love what they do.

Meredith is a track team and cross country runner for Monticello High. Involved in these teams since seventh grade, she has been a part of seven conference championship teams so far. Although it takes a lot of time, it’s time well spent. Beginning in the spring each year, she also participates in swim team. As an athlete she says she’s reaped more benefits than just physical fitness. It’s taught her the true value of teamwork, along with a remarkable amount of self-discipline and strong work ethic.

Many of Meredith’s closest friends have become so through running and swim team. They love these activities and have that in common. When they’re not practicing and at meets together, they can be found doing the normal teenage stuff, like going to a movie.

Asked what makes a good friend, Meredith replied, “A friend is someone who’s always there for you!” Her younger sister, Emily, considers Meredith a friend for life, too.

Meredith has lived in Monticello since the age of four and likes the small town because of knowing everyone. One thing is sure, those who know her, love her. At almost sixteen, she is an outstanding young lady who makes her family proud, and rightly so.

Celebrating youth at its best is this one Monticello life… Meredith Grubbs.

The best fertilizer is the gardener’s shadow. ~Author Unknown

For one Monticellonian, gardening is a way of life. What started as spending time with her grandmother grew into a deep love of the outdoors and gardening. This is Estrallyn Jone’s story.

Estrallyn grew up in Monticello. Her mother was a school teacher and her father worked in a grocery store. Because her parents worked she spent much of her time with her grandmother, Thella Hankins. Thella was the President of the Garden Club in her day and did not neglect to teach those who came behind her the art of gardening. Not all who learn are blessed to have a green thumb, but for Estrallyn gardening came easy.

While raising her family, Estrallyn lived in Lacey. She lived on eight acres and found many ways to use the land. She had a large garden she used to feed her family. A gazebo in her yard was adorned with her favorite tropical plants and ferns. All the flower beds were beautifully covered with plants. She and her family also had a love for animals. She raised many different animals and eventually created a menagerie. The animals that she took care of were deer, beaver, bears, chicken, ducks, raccoons and fox. Local people would visit her land to see the animals but always left awestruck by her immaculate yard. At one point a local paper came to feature the animals, but her yard instead was the main attraction.

After her two children were grown, Estrallyn went another route with her love of gardening. She began working outside the home by helping others with their gardening adventures. She has helped many around town with flower selection. She is perfect to give advice on where flowers should be planted. She has spent the last 12 years at Greenscape Nursery owned by Terry Hopper. She orders all the plants. She sets up the displays at the store. She also runs the office and does the bookkeeping. She travels to Louisiana and Arkansas to bring back the best products for her customers. Estrallyn prefers to be outside and finds her line of work therapeutic. Ironically, her own yard is now neglected. She spends most of her time in town helping her many clients. Her advice for the local gardener is that it is too early for Periwinkles. She predicts the weather will stay cool until after Easter, so hold off to plant your bedding plants.

Estrallyn has six grandchildren. It is too early to tell if any of hers will follow in her footsteps. But she is grateful for what legacy her grandmother left behind. The love of gardening and the great outdoors has brightened many days for her and those she has helped around town. Estrallyn Jones – One Monticello Life.

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.” These words can be heard from the mouths of millions of young 4-H members across our nation. What started in the early 1900s to educate the young children of rural farmers has now grown into one of the country’s largest extracurricular youth programs. 4-H is not absent in Monticello. In fact, one of the fastest growing features of our local 4-H is the shooting sports program, and this group is mainly organized by Terry Koone. This is his story:

Terry Koone grew up in Conway, Arkansas. His dad worked for Southwestern Bell and his mom was a Farmers Home Administrator. He was the second oldest of four boys in his family. He grew up hunting, fishing and camping. All of these were a family affair and happened almost every weekend. He attended UCA and received a degree in business. He has worked for Farm Bureau as a claims adjuster most of his life.

In 1981 he married Jackie who was from Vilonia. That same year they moved to Monticello and made it their home. Terry and Jackie have two children, Kristen, 21 and Steven, 16. Terry became involved in 4-H for them. When his daughter was nine, she joined the organization. She was involved in several aspects of the club. She won state competitions in cooking. In photography she once was featured in the national 4-H calendar. Although Terry was not a part of 4-H when he grew up, he loved that his kids were a part of a group that had a “hands-on” philosophy. He loved to see them “grow and excel.”

His son, Steven, received a bow for Christmas at age 12. Terry didn’t bow-shoot and found the Drew County Bow Club ready and willing to help him and his son with their new hobby. At that time, Terry realized that 4-H had a shooting sports program on a national level but not in Monticello . He made a decision then to help begin one for the Drew County 4-H.

This is now the sixth year for the 4-H shooting sports program. The first year there were two students. In the third year, they had 8 students but no full teams to compete on a state level. In 2005, they had enough students to compete on a state level. They had a Junior Team (ages 9-13) and a Senior Team (ages 14-19). That year the Junior Team brought home 34 trophies and received a total of 60 ribbons. Last year they raised the bar and brought home 86 ribbons. The group is excited about the possibilities this year now that it has grown to over 40 students.

The 4-H Shooting Sports Progam has been a “blessing” for Terry. He does not get paid financially for his involvement or time but says that watching the kids grow and learn is payment enough for him. Terry is passionate about the organization and what it teaches the kids.

Although there are no gun clubs in Drew County, and there are no gun ranges around for the kids to practice, it didn’t stop Terry from making this possible for the kids of the shooting club.The 4-H shooting club started and still meets in Terry’s 20-acre backyard. He uses old signs from around town for targets, and there is always a firearm for someone to use. When the program started they had no equipment. Terry has used his own money at times to see that the needs are met. He has also involved as many people and parents as he can to see the program succeed. The Drew County Bow Club lets the 4-H club run a concession stand for their invitationals and have also given several bows to the 4-H group. The Friends of the NRA has a grant program that the Drew County 4-H applies for each year, and the 4-H students sell raffle tickets for the Friends of the NRA which allows the 4-H to receive some of the proceeds and/or equipment. Terry has seen the program grow by leaps and bounds and says it is “the best kept secret in the state of Arkansas.”

This program is not just about kids and firearms. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program has 4 disciplines: shotgun, .22, black-powder and archery. Terry has completed the instructional programs to train in these areas both on the state and national levels. The participants not only shoot targets, but they also learn the importance of safety, competition, life skills and practice. 4-H is open to all students ages 9-19, and there are many different 4-H programs here in Drew County. For about 40 shooting-sport students who meet twice a month in Rock Springs, the lessons they learn and fun they have make them thankful for Terry’s dedication and vision. He is a great example of the 4-H pledge. His heart has helped many young Monticellonians. Thank you, Terry Koone – one Monticello life.

On March 3, 1932 Thurston and Maude Berryman welcomed to the world a baby girl and named her Peggy. Seventy-five years later she’s just as full of life as ever. Peggy Berryman Evins is proud to call Monticello her lifelong home.

In 1950, Peggy married George Stanley Evins, a serviceman, and they began a family. Peggy spent her life caring for her late husband George, who became a parapalegic, and her children. Phyllis Evins Bone lives in Dardanelle, AR, David Evins in Waterloo, IA, and Michael Evins in Jonesboro, AR. Although they visit and remain close at heart, Peggy has no relatives here in Monticello. She is not alone, though, and considers her church family and her fellow employees her family.

In June 2002 Peggy went to work for Union Bank and has not regretted it at all. What started as a courier position has now become something much more. Not only does Peggy deliver bank mail between brances, she takes care of most of the mail, sometimes operates the switchboard, helps get monthly statements to customers, and more. She loves her job, especially the parts that involve helping others in the community. As a bank representative she sends newspaper clippings to children and adults who’ve made newsworthy accomplishments, assists with the Grand Club of Union Bank, and took part in developing a benevolence program to reach out to Monticellonians who have lost a loved one. In addition to helping the bereaved, Peggy sends cards to shut-ins, customers who are ill and those living in nursing homes or other facilities. Basically, she’s in the business of doing whatever needs to be done. Having such a wide array of jobs definitely keeps her from becoming bored! Peggy says her favorite things about working for Union Bank are that she works for good people and that it’s such a good feeling to know that she’s helped others.

It’s apparent that the Union Bank family loves and cares for Peggy as much as she does them.

Brandon Hogg said in his recommendation of Peggy for One Monticello Life: “Peggy does a wonderful job for the bank, but I believe her true gift to our community is the heart and soul that she puts forth in her duties. She truly has a burden for the people of Drew County (and the surrounding counties) and I cannot tell you how many compliments and how much appreciation she receives. She goes above and beyond anything required of her by the bank.”

Michelle LaFever said: “She’ll do anything asked of her and really enjoys it. She just has a way with people!”

Ashley Echols said: “There’s so much to say but I can’t find the words. She loves entertaining customers and serving them. She’s a great help on customer appreciation days, Open House events, the Grand Club, and more. She knows everybody by name and is a ray of sunshine. She’s really a hoot. Mrs. Peggy thrives at what she does and has sincerity, which makes her a great voice for the bank.”

Kathy Lyons said: “I think she’s wonderful. She gives invaluable insight that’s age related for the Grand Club, our community group of senior citizens, and I’m honored that she helps me. She is such an asset to our bank as a people person who is so generous with her time. She has traditional values but is in touch with today and is a big part of our link between the bank and community. In a nutshell, everyone needs a Peggy working with them. She gives 110% and her effect on this bank is immeasurable.”

Peggy remembers her youth in Monticello with fondness. Things have changed a lot over the years. The bobby socks and long, swirly skirts are a thing of the past. It was a time she remembers as having nothing to be afraid of. She and friends could play in the street, walk to and from a movie at night, and go about daily life without fear. A favorite pastime was skating (roller-skating, that is). There were no computers, no world wide web with news in a flash; but there was a full and enjoyable life. At seventy-five she continues to live what she calls her wonderful life to the fullest.

Her advice to the younger generations is, “Thank God for your life because you don’t really know how fragile and short it is. Obey your parents and the law. Be honest in everything you do. Be active and stay healthy. Thank God for all He’s done for you.” Words of wisdom worth remembering from this one Monticello Life: Peggy Evins.

One is blessed indeed to find true love and “extra blessed” to be together for life. One Monticello couple has experienced this first hand, Bob and Louine Leech. Here is their story:

Louine was born in 1917 and grew up in McGehee. Her father owned the local grocery store, and her mother was a housewife. After she graduated from high school in 1934, she attended UAM where her uncle was the President. She graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History and a certificate in teaching.

After college, she traveled to Missouri’s Chilacotti Business College, her father’s alma mater. Upon completion of business college, she had planned to work in civil service in Washington, D.C.; however, the trip was cancelled because her friend who was to accompany her backed out. Her parents didn’t like the idea of her going that far alone. Louine decided to hunt for work in Little Rock. It was there in 1941 at a dance at the Fredericka Hotel that she met Bob.

Bob Leech grew up in Kansas City, MO. His dad was in the Western Auto business. His mother was a housewife but died when he was five years old. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he played halfback for the football team. Playing in the 1940 Orange Bowl was a sports highlight for him. One of his college classmates was Wal-Mart’s Sam Walton. Bob graduated with a degree in accounting and business.

That night at the Fredericka Hotel, Bob drew Louine as his dance partner. After that evening, their courtship began. A year later, on March 22, 1942 they were married in the parsonage of First Baptist Church in San Luis, California. This March will be their 65th wedding anniversary.

One of the special and unique charms about this couple is their love for travel. The trip to California in 1942 to get married was just the beginning of many road trips and globe trotting for them. Throughout their marriage they have traveled on every continent except for Antarctica. Some of their trips were to China, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, the Holy Land, Nova Scotia, and the New England states.

Bob served for five years during World War II, and following the war, He and Louine settled in McGehee where Bob worked in Louine’s father’s grocery store. His work there opened a long career in the grocery business which led them to owning stores in McGehee, Dermott, and Monticello.

In 1964, they relocated to Monticello with their three children. For 26 years, they operated the Sunflower Food Store here in town, first on Gaines Street and then on Main Street. They sold the stores and retired in 1986.

They stay busy these days in their golden years. If they’re not traveling on bus trips, then they’re most likely spending time with their family and friends. They remain active members of First United Methodist Church. Louine is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and plays bridge regularly. Bob still enjoys football and keeps up with his favorite teams.

Recently, on a cruise the couple was recognized as being married longer than anyone else on board. When asked what they attributed their successful, long and happy marriage to, Bob quickly said, “Two words: Yes Ma’am!”

Laughter and love for life characterize this special couple. They have truly been blessed. And in Bob’s words, “Blessed a little extra.” They are together for life: Bob and Louine Leech.

If you don’t have it in your heart, it doesn’t matter what you’ve got in your head. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
Barbara Johnson

This quote is an expression of how one Monticello couple has been ‘together for life’. Committed to education and committed to each other have gone hand in hand for Louis and Bobbie Dunlap. Here is their story:

Louis and Bobbie met at Shorter Junior college in NLR in 1956. Bobbie Binns Dunlap grew up in Monticello. And Louis was raised in West Helena. They both transfered to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff after they completed junior college. It was UAPB they started dating. They loved spending time together and knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but they did not let their love for each other keep them from completing their education.

Bobbie graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 1960, and Louis finished his math degree in 1962. The couple committed their lives to each other at a house wedding with friends and family on December 23, 1961. After a couple of short teaching jobs around south Arkansas, Louis and Bobbie decided to make Monticello their home. They both landed their first Monticello teaching jobs at the segregated Drew Schools east of town. Bobbie taught for 9 years at the Drew Schools. She spent the majority of her 31 years as a teacher teaching first grade at WC Whaley. Her love of teaching paid off for her in 1990 when she was named Monticello’s Teacher of the Year. After she retired from teaching she worked for the school district in the Parenting Program.

Louis loved to teach and be taught. He taught math at Drew Schools for 11 years. After integration he taught math at MHS. In 1969 he completed his Masters degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. But because of his love for math and teaching he took many advanced study classes. UT Austin, Texas Southern University, U of A, Southeastern University of Oklahoma. He felt that it was important to stay updated in the different ideas and trends in math. He often shared his findings with colleagues. It was after a lecture in 1973 Louis gave at a teachers conference that E.V. Gray, chairman of UAM math department, approached him and asked him to consider becoming a math professor at UAM. That fall Louis became the first African-American professor at UAM. He enjoyed the smaller classes and close-knit atmosphere at UAM. He taught there for 23 years and retired in 1996.

Today the Dunlaps have been married for 45 years. They enjoy being together every day. Louis keeps himself busy with work around the house and loves to garden. Bobbie is a member of the Effie Brooks Civic Club and stays busy with community service projects. They attend Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoys exercising together throughout the week at South Arkansas Rehabilitation’s Healthy STEPS program for senior citizens. They have one daughter, Sharon, and two grandchildren who they enjoy spending time with now that they are retired.

The secret to their love story is in how they treat each other. The fact that they are both teachers has only helped in their marriage. They learned early on the importance of communicating and respecting each other. They make a point to treat each other today the same way they did when they were dating. A day does not go by without affection and words of affirmation which has kept them together for life – Louis and Bobbie Dunlap.

Theirs is a story of love…with an unusual beginning. Donny and Felicia actually knew one another because he dated her cousin for a while. Then after they’d broken up, he ran into Felicia by chance on a Friday night cruising town. Felicia was a little mad at her old boyfriend on this particular night and wanted to “get at him”; so when Donny asked her to “ride around”, a 1980′s-small-town-teenage-pastime, she said yes. The rest, as they say, is history.

After Donny and Felicia had dated a couple of years, they decided to make it forever and get married July 4, 1986. Instead of a big ceremony with lots of onlookers and fanfare, the couple wanted to keep it simple, so they called the preacher and were married in his home. Then they called their families from the hotel room on their honeymoon. Twenty years and two kids later, they’re just as happy to be together and more in love than before. Their marriage has stood the test of time.

Donny joined the Army National Guard when he was just seventeen years old because he just knew that was what he wanted to do. Although he enjoyed it immensely because of the work and the people he got to know, he had no idea where this job would land him. It wasn’t until he was almost to the end of his career with the Guard that he was called up to serve at Camp Cook, Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left in October of 2003, leaving behind Felicia and two teenage children, and did not return until March 2005. During this indescribable 18-month separation, Felicia says they were able to stay in touch through instant messaging online. He worked in an office setting overseas, taking care of supplies for the troops, and had internet access after he’d been there a few months. She would set her alarm and get up at 2:00 or 3:00 am just to steal away some time to chat with him online. It’s how they kept up with one another and stayed connected. Four or five times a week they could communicate this way. Felicia says this helped her cope with him being gone, along with her involvement in the Monticello Family Support Group, where she served as President. The group did fund raisers to send care packages to the troops and leaned on one another for understanding and support. It was encouraging for Felicia to be around others who were going through the same thing.

Married life is great for this couple. They have grown closer and closer and say it’s gotten better and better as the years go by. They lead a simple life, working hard and spending family time together. Attributing the success of their love story to God, Felicia says, “We have a really good marriage. He four-wheeler rides, I ride with him… honesty, respect, and trust made a good marriage. I think what makes the best marriage is having God come first and then your spouse second. If God’s not in it then you don’t have much of a marriage.” Donny agrees with her wholeheartedly.

Donny and Felicia Shepherd know what true love is. They experience it daily. They are… Together for life.

We’ve enjoyed bringing you the One Monticello Life feature each Sunday. During the month of February, we will be featuring four different couples, from four different eras. We felt this would be an interesting twist for this Valentine’s month! The theme will be Together for Life.

JB & Amy Duncan met as college students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. They both attended the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and became involved there. Although the saw each other often, their first “date” came by accident.

Several of their friends went bowling one evening and had planned to meet afterwards at the movies. However, upon arrival at the theater, JB found that Amy was the only one present, and vice versa. They proceeded to the movie together, and after the show, JB asked Amy, “So, what are we doing tomorrow night?” This began an interesting courtship.

For six weeks after the night at the movies, JB & Amy were together just like any other dating couple, but their courtship had begun during the Iraq war. When JB was 17, he had joined the Army National Guard and committed to serve his country. However, he admits that he mainly joined for the college money offered.

Four days before Valentine’s Day, JB was called up to serve in Iraq. He spent two months at Fort Polk, Iowa for mobilization training. Their physical separation, however, did not keep JB and Amy from connecting with one another. They continued their relationship by talking daily on their cell phones. They both realized that their relationship was becoming more significant.

In March, JB had a weekend pass to go home. Although only a month away from deployment, he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Amy. During the weekend, JB asked Amy to marry him on his knees while on a nature trail at Cane Creek. Amy excitedly accepted, although she knew the details of a wedding would be overshadowed by the war in Iraq.

JB left for his service assignment in April 2003, engaged but unsure of how long his term would be. He was a motor transport operator who escorted convoys. His job was to protect the trucks that carried U.S. Postal mail from troop to troop.

His busy schedule did not keep him from writing Amy everyday. Amy also was busy writing daily. It took 2-3 weeks for the letters to arrive in each place. They communicated by phone every two weeks. It was on a call in November 2003 that Amy and JB set the date for their wedding – the next month, on December 13.

Amy planned her Christmas wedding in a short month. After JB found out he would get to come home for several weeks, they knew this would be perfect opportunity to get married. Their Saturday wedding was held at First Baptist Church Monticello. Although Amy had only a month to plan it all, the wedding was a success.

Amy had time to buy her favorite wedding dress. Her grandmother managed to make all four bridesmaids’ dresses. Since it was Christmas time, the church was decorated with candles and poinsettias. JB and Amy even had a four-day honeymoon at Big Cedar Lodge.

Although they did not let war stop them from pursuing their dreams, it did force JB to return to Iraq for the rest of his assignment.

JB had essentially flown in to the States, gotten married and then returned to the Middle East. So the beginning of their marriage was anything but normal. They were unsure of when his service would end due to the volatility of the Iraq situation. Amy decided to sit out of school for a semester and moved back home to Warren to live with her parents and work at a bank there.

Amy and JB continued their letter-writing and talked on the phone as often as they could. They are glad that they learned early in their marriage the importance of communication. They also learned to not worry about the small things in life. It was hard for them to get stressed about everyday struggle when people were dying daily in the war.

After only three more months, JB was grateful to learn that his division was being sent home. He had completed his term of service. JB returned to Monticello, college and his new wife. They moved into married student housing at UAM.

JB is a senior majoring in speech communication, and he plans to graduate in May 2007. His goal is to return to the Army and work full time in counter terrorism.

Amy finished her bachelor of science degree in exercise science in May 2006. She currently directs the Healthy STEPs program (for senior adults) at South Arkansas Rehabilitation.

Life is now somewhat normal for this married couple, but their early years together will always be special to JB and Amy. Through love and war, they have learned commitment and are Together for Life.

Linda Moore Kemp was born and raised in Helena, Arkansas. Her father farmed grains, and her mother was a housewife. Linda is the youngest of four children.

Being a nurse was always a dream; however, it was not a career Linda pursued early in life. After high school she married and raised 2 children. It wasn’t until 1981 that she and her family moved to Monticello. That was the year she began her journey to become a nurse.

She found herself always “wanting to make things right when they are wrong.” Linda wanted to work after her kids were grown and found nursing the next step she would take.

She took classes toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at UAM. Her teenage children kept life busy. But balancing family life and school paid off in 1987 when she earned her associate’s degree in nursing and became a registered nurse.

Linda worked for her state boards and licensing while employed at Jefferson Regional Hospital in Pine Bluff. She stayed there a year working in medical surgery. In 1988 she was hired as a home health nurse for the Arkansas Department of Health of Chicot County. She mainly cared for patients who had returned home after surgery. Her patients were mostly elderly. She advanced in her career and became a Home Health Specialist where she supervised home health nurses in Lincoln, Ashley, Chicot and Cleveland counties.

This prepared her for her last position with the Arkansas Department of Health. For four years Linda held the position of supervising administrator for Drew, Lincoln, Cleveland and Desha counties. On this level she made sure the clinics as a whole were up to code. She supervised the clinics administrators by helping them meet their target population goals. Each clinic is required to reach a certain amount of people according to their population. They were to offer immunizations, family planning and WIC. Linda enjoyed working with people from around the state. After working collectively for 17 years she retired from the Arkansas Department of Health.

At that point, Linda was ready for a slower pace of life. Her husband had retired and she was looking forward to spending more time with him. So in October 2005, she became the Monticello School District school nurse. She loved the school hours and working for the Health Department prepared her for working with children. Her office is at Monticello Elementary School where she works Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Wednesdays she is at Monticello Intermediate School. Thursday she spends the day at Monticello Middle School. She is available MHS when she is needed. She also covers the Preschool, Adult Ed. and Occupational School.

She enjoys being there for the kids. She helps out when they are sick or they get hurt. Her motto is to “make a decision as if I were the parent.” Her other responsibilities are:

This has been a busy week for Linda. The schools average 25 students absent a day. Last week has seen record-breaking absences. On Thursday at MES there were over 150 absent. This is the worst the district has seen in years which led to the school canceling school this past Friday. The staff sanitized the school and hoped that it would give the children time to get better.

Linda’s advice for all of us is to get a flu shot every year but also to wash your hands often. If you contract the virus, stay home and rest. Drink lots of fluids, and do not go out in public until you are fever-free for 24 hours.

Although the flu season is tough this year, Linda is thankful for her job. Her goal is healthy children. She believes that if they are sick, can’t see or hear, then they can not learn. Nursing for Linda is a way of life. And she is glad that the Monticello schools are a part of hers. She loves the added bonus of seeing her granddaughters on a regular basis at their particular schools. Linda considers it a privilege to make sure the Monticello Schools has healthy students. And because of this year’s flu season, Monticello is thankful for her! Linda Kemp – one Monticello Life.

“There is a place where dreams come true, where wishes big and small lead to happily ever after.” This is the current advertising campaign for Walt Disney World. It can be heard on most television and radio stations. One of Monticello’s own, Rebecca Akin, just finished being a part of this magical experience. Here is her story:

Rebecca was born and raised in Monticello. Her dad is President/CEO of Akin Industries, which is a furniture manufacturing company. Her mother is a speech pathologist. Rebecca’s fond memories of growing up in Monticello are many. As children, she and her brother John spent time at Akin Industries where they creatively built trampolines out of excess chair foam. She also remembers city parades, her favorite teachers, ninth grade cheerleading, homecoming court and competing in a UAM monologue competition. She graduated from Monticello High School in 2002.

She attended Ouachita Baptist University, mainly due to the influence of her mother and grandfather. Her mother, Susan, was an OBU graduate, and her grandfather, Raymond Coppenger, taught religion and philososphy at the university. OBU had always played special role in her family and was already a special place for her. Rebecca had known from an early age that she wanted to pursue theater.

“OBU is a safe environment to do theater. I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about racy characters at their small theater,” she said.

She also enjoyed spending time with her grandfather who is now 97 years old. She attended church with him and could walk to his house from campus. She graduated from OBU in August 2006 with a bachelor’s of art, double-majoring in Theater and Mass Communications. She was encouraged to find a theatrical internship, and was excited to land one at Walt Disney World.

At the Disney Internship, Rebecca took entertainment and communication classes. The classes were hands-on, and she experienced the in’s-and-out’s of how theater works at WDW. Rebecca also worked daily as a tour guide for the The Great Movie Ride at MGM Studios. On each tour, she would read a fifty-page script to a group of 70 people. She could not deviate from the script unless the car would get stuck for mechanical reasons. This happened quite often. During the wait, Rebecca enjoyed entertaining her tourists. She would usually end up telling jokes like her favorite, “Why was Cinderella so bad at soccer? Because her coach was a pumpkin, and she always ran away from the ball’. Because most of the riders were at a point of impatient frustration, she usually received more groans than laughs. But this did not stop Rebecca from having fun and making the most of her situations.

At the end of the internship she was voted on by her peers and manager for the Thunderous Applause Award. This award was confirmation to Rebecca that although she might be different than most of her classmates, her fun spirit and attitude paid off.
Rebecca learned more than theater at Walt Disney World. She also grew in her Christian faith. Walt Disney World is known as a “happy” place, but she found herself unhappy at times. It proved to be quite a culture shock as she discovered the variety of people and backgrounds at the park. There were parts of her experience that she “hated” but that she wouldn’t trade them. She said she grew as a Christian and learned to rely on God on a new level.

Rebecca is unsure what is next for her now that her Walt Disney experience is over. Currently she is working for Akin Industries creating a furniture catalogue. She likes this stage of life where “nothing can hold her back,” and possibilities are endless. She loves theater and wants to keep that avenue open. Already, she has many credentials:

• Stage Performances- This is Where We Came In, The Art of Self Defense, Anything Goes, Sound of Music, and South Pacific
• Directed one-act play, The Diary of Adam and Eve
• Created and directed Monticello Children’s Theater Camp
• Semester study in Salzburg, Austria

It is obvious that many dreams have already come true for Rebecca. But because of her love for theater and her love for life, it will be interesting to see what other wishes of this Monticellonian are granted. She is proof that there is a place that dreams come true, not only at Walt Disney World but also in Monticello. Thanks, Rebecca Akin- one Monticello life.

A new year signals more than just the passing of time. It also brings change and newness. In January, Monticello saw the appointment of a new police chief, Robert Rosegrant. This is his story.

Chief Rosegrant has seen many changes in his own life and recounted them for MonticelloLive. He was born and raised just outside El Dorado and Junction City, where he graduated high school in 1965. He wanted to join the United States Marines but wasn’t quite eighteen, legal age to become a Marine, so he passed his time by going to school at Louisiana Tech. When he came home for Christmas break as a legal adult he headed straight for the recruiter’s office and then home to tell his mom. She, like most mothers, was none too excited about the adventure he was about to begin.

Young Robert went to war in Vietnam with the 7th Marines in July of 1966. Serving there a little less than a year, he was wounded and medivac-ed back to Millington, TN where he recuperated for four months. From there he became an “in camp instructor” at Camp Pendleton, CA until 1969. After his years of service with the Marines he returned to Arkansas, not to move out of state again.

On April 27, 1973 Robert Rosegrant married Penny. She currently serves as the Circuit Court Case Coordinator for Judge Bynum Gibson. Together they happily raised two children, Tracy and Michael and now enjoy three grandsons and one granddaughter, all of whom call Monticello home.

Robert began his lifelong career in law enforcement with the Arkansas State Police on June 1, 1973, his first assignment being in Camden. From Camden he went to McCroy and then in May of 1975 came to Monticello. He’s been here ever since. He retired from the State Police force in June of 2005 after spending the better part of his adult life as a State Trooper. For his last ten years with the state, he was the Assistant Troop Commander for Troop F, based in Warren.

Mr. Rosegrant didn’t grow up watching cop shows on television to pique his interest in becoming a policeman. Instead, his older brother David was the reason. David was the first in the Rosegrant family to choose a career in law enforcement as a State Trooper, and Robert followed in his footsteps. Since then, their younger brother and one of Robert’s nephews have also joined the ranks of law enforcement and made a career out of it.

Now the new Chief of Police for our city, Robert is dedicated to tackling problems and facing issues here in Monticello daily. Our Police Department employs one chief, eighteen police officers, three criminal investigators, four radio operators and one secretary. The department also houses the office of one State Police criminal investigator.

Chief Rosegrant says that the biggest challenge facing the Police Department is the city’s growing drug problem, but he knows that it’s a state-wide problem that is being constantly combatted behind the scenes. Because drug users are always coming up with new ways to manufacture and transport drugs, new tactics must continually be created by our law enforcement entities.

Even though the job is tough, Chief Rosegrant says that it is rewarding. Asked what makes it rewarding he said, “It’s just the satisfaction of knowing that maybe something you did changed a person’s attitude and lifestyle.”
You’ll undoubetedly see Chief Robert Rosegrant around town. He and Penny have purposefully chosen to make Monticello their lifetime home and plan to stay because of the people. They like that it is “the friendliest town” and the family atmosphere that is sensed here.

Because his job literally promotes safety and peace in our community, we’ve chosen to focus on his one Monticello life, Robert Rosegrant.

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the store
Shoppers were buying Coke products galore
With a spring in his step and a smile on his face
Ricky Owens is known throughout this place.

Ricky was born in Drew County and Monticello has been his home his entire life. He graduated from Monticello High School. His father hauled wood for lumber companies, but when Ricky was five years old, his father suffered a stroke and died. His mother, who was a housewife, was left to raise three boys and one daughter. Ricky was the youngest.

Like many Monticellonians, Ricky worked for Burlington for several years. It was there that he met his wife Vera. They have been married for ten years. Vera has two daughters of her own who live in Conway. Ricky has an older son who attends the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and daughter who lives in Georgia. Together, Ricky and Vera have a 10 year old son, Ricky Jr.

Ricky became the "Coke Man" in 1996. He stocked other stores with Coca-Cola products around town for a short period. But now he is Wal-Mart’s official Coke man. He enjoys working for Wal-Mart because he no longer has to fight the weather. He is in one spot all day and does not miss driving from store to store delivering Cokes.

On average, Owens stocks 400 cases a day. However, during the holidays, he may order up to 1500 cases. He’s kept extremely busy during holidays and works long hours to make sure the store is well-stocked.

His favorite part of his job as the Coke man is the people. That is why most people in town know Ricky. In between stocking the Coke displays and machines, Owens always has a smile and a warm hello. Even during this interview, several families stopped to shake his hand or share Christmas cheer.

"She sure is growing," Ricky told one family as they passed by with their new baby.

Starting around Thanksgiving holidays, Ricky experiences his busiest time of year.

"People are coming home for the holidays," he said.

There’s no reindeer and sleigh for the Coke man in town
No chimneys for Ricky that he must climb down
But I heard him exclaim as he stocked til midnight,
"Merry Christmas to all from this Monticello life!"

Books can influence and change the way you see the world. At the Monticello Public Library, there are not only significant books, but there is also a special libararian. Mae Simpson has impacted many people not only through the world of books but also through her life. Here is her story:

Mae Everett Simpson was raised in the 16th Section community east of Monticello. Her father was a pastor and her mother was a housewife. She was the 9th child of 11 children. Mae went to school most of her life in Selma. She went to high school at Drew Central and graduated in 1968. She then moved to Pine Bluff to attend college.

Her freshman year she married a schoolmate, Tommy Simpson. After her first year in college, they moved to South Carolina for two years where Tommy served in the Air Force. In 1970, the couple moved back to Monticello and had their first child.

Mae worked at Burlington for 15 years until the plant closed its doors. She then went back to school in McGehee. In 1985, she graduated from vocational-technical school with an associate secretarial degree.

Though Mae and Tommy had only one child, she parents 13. Mae is a foster parent. They have been fostering for 12 years. At  present, they have three children who have lived with them for six years.

"We lived out [of town] and my husband works in Crossett (where he is a licensed electrician and machinist at Georgia-Pacific). He works graveyard. I would be home by myself all the time. I didn’t like that. So, one of my co-workers suggested I become a foster parent," Mae responded when asked how they began fostering.

They still keep in contact with all of the children they’ve fostered. "I am Mom!" she said. "We are their Mom and Dad."

Mae started working at the the Monticello Public Library soon after she received her secretarial degree. She is the assistant branch manager and holds that title with pride.

"I love the people. There are so many nice people. If I didn’t like the people, it would be hard to stay in the same place for 20 years with all the different personalities you work with," she said.

When asked how what she has seen change in Monticello over the years, she said, "There are more opportunities for minority people. In the past, you wouldn’t have walked through the door of the library and found me behind the desk. It has been a joy to work here. You know, life is nothing without people. I don’t care who they are or the color of their skin. You get them and you mold them. We help them, and we give them opportunities to go to college. It gives them someplace to work, and they learn as they work."

Mae loves the people of Monticello. "There are good people here. They’ll do anything to help you. You know everybody, and that’s good."

Unwilling to simply go to work and return home, Mae is currently on a committee to restore her old school house in Selma. She and several others are worked towards making Selma Junior High School a historical site. The building is used now for banquets and group meetings like the Masons and Eastern Star organization of which Mae is a member. Mae is also an active member of 16th Section Missionary Baptist Church.

Between fostering children, educating young people, working to restore historical buildings, and her active church membership, Mae’s life a book worth reading. Next time you’re in the library, introduce yourself and let Mae know you’re thankful for her life: One Monticello Life.

Friday night, Monticello High School celebrated Homecoming. The Billies’ hopes were high, but White Hall proved too much for them this year, defeating MHS. However, the loss does not dampen the spirit of their coach. Behind a good football team is a great coach and person, Van Paschal.

Here is his story:

Van Paschal grew up in Brinkley, Arkansas. He was raised most of his life by his hard-working mother who was a shirt seamstress for Van Husen. He played football in Brinkley through the 7th-12th grades.

"I was a guard, linebacker, and defensive end. My mother always wanted to know why I wasn’t a quarterback. The kids always comment on how I can throw the ball. I tell them, ‘Yea, my momma said I should have been a quarterback, but coach said we needed a guard.’" (Hear this part of the interview here..)

After Coach Paschal graduated from high school, he was recruited by UCA to play football and by UAM to play baseball. He went to UCA in 1981. Soon after that, however, he tore his shoulder. He ended up at UAM to play baseball. After shoulder surgery and a couple of years playing baseball, he returned to football. He played for UAM his last one and a half years.

Paschal started out at UAM with a business degree. Everything changed when he took Business Math. He then started asking himself what exactly did he want to do with his life. He couldn’t stray far from football and decided to look into coaching. He then pursued a Physical Education degree. He loved the classes and excelled in them.

After graduating in 1985, Van realized he couldn’t find a teaching job in Arkansas without a teaching field. Most of the classes he took were business-related. The Arkansas schools wanted him to be able to teach science, history, and math. His high school coach suggested he try to coach in Texas where "football is king."

Van landed his first coaching job in Fort Worth, Texas, and the same year, he also married his hometown sweetheart, Lisa. The newlyweds didn’t stay in Texas long. Being newly-married and the long coaching hours made their time there tough. After one year in Texas, they came "running back" to Arkansas to be closer to family.

He coached in Marked Tree and Palestine for a short while. The Paschals ended up in their hometown of Brinkley. Van became the assistant football coach for two years and then head coach for 11 years. They had four children while there, and Lisa home-schooled. At that point, Van took a coaching job in Sheridan.

"That was not a very good move. I’ve found out since leaving Brinkley that coaching is 10% coaching, and the other 90% is the guys that can play. You’ve got to have players to win ball games," he said.

After one year in Sheridan, he coached in DeQueen for a couple of years. He left there to come to Monticello, where he has coached the Billies for the last two seasons.

"I think I have the greatest job there is. I’m still the little boy that goes and plays football everyday. And I get paid for it!" Van smiled.

When asked about his time in Monticello, Coach Paschal said, "Monticello has been a blessing. We have great facilities, good kids, and a lot of people involved. It is a good school." Being close to family and being near his Milo deer camp are extra benefits to being in Monticello, he added.

"God leads, directs our path. Everything just fell into place. I went to college here. We are east Arkansas folks, flat grounders. We like trees and the country life," Paschal offered.

When he first came to town and met the Monticello football team, he knew it was different.

"The black and white kids get along," he said. "They like each other, and that’s a pretty neat thing."

Coach Paschal and the team have worked hard on leadership. "Most of our kids are not natural-born leaders. They are mostly laid-back guys. But they like the game of football. They work hard, and they play hard," he observed.

Van sees them getting better each week. They continue to bond and become a unified team. They have great attitudes and want to improve, he sees.

When asked how the football players might describe their coach, he replied, "I don’t know what they would say. My nature is pretty hard-nosed. I have to watch myself and not get too focused, where I have blinders on and all I see is football. I try to widen back out and get these things in (points to his Bible on his desk). Kids come and talk to me, and all I want to talk about is blocking and tackling, when they really want to talk about life.

"I want them to say, ‘Man, that’s a godly man.’ They might say, ‘That’s a rough guy, but we know he loves Jesus.’ I want them to say I am a coach that cares about them and teaches them to never give up. Because when you leave football, you have the game of life.

Football teaches the game of life. When you get married, you may want to give up on your marriage. Don’t give up on your marriage. You may want to give up on your kids or vice versa, but don’t give up on them. You may want to give up or just run away. You can’t do that. You gotta keep fighting!"

Coaching has been Van Paschal’s life. Few people love to win as much or hate to lose as much as Coach Paschal. Winning or losing, he is a great coach in the game of football, and a great man in the game of life. Monticello is fortunate to have Coach Van Paschal – one Monticello life.

Twins. One definition of twins is counterpart – a person or thing that closely resembles another. This is how you would describe Ruth & Ruby Brown. You might have seen these identical twins around town on Fridays. This is their day to eat lunch at a local restaurant. And most days, they wear the same color. This is by coincidence usually. Not only are Ruby and Ruth twins, they also married brothers! Here is their story: Ruby and Ruth Barrett Brown were born in 1930. They were raised in Warren. Their father was a farmer, and they have two brothers and two sisters. Their father died when they were young. Their mother raised the six children with the help of their grandparents who also farmed. The Brown brothers moved from Cleveland County to Bradley County in 1945. The Browns also farmed. There were five children in their family, four boys and 1 girl. It was at Macedonia Baptist Church that T.H. and Larkin Brown met the twins. "We were at church, and there they were, sitting on the pew," Larkin recalls about the first time he met Ruby and Ruth. "Back in those days, we didn’t date until you were 16. Me and Ruth were 15 at the time." Ruby also said they were all friends until they could start dating. "We rode to school in a taxi. So we went to school together before we dated," she said. Both T.H. and Larkin served in the U.S. Military. T.H. served in China during World War II. Larkin served during the Korean War. But war did not keep these brothers and twins apart for long. After T.H. returned from the war, he finished high school. In 1948, Ruth and T.H. married. One week after Larkin came home from Korea in 1952, Ruby and Larkin were married. Each couple moved frequently, for the mens’ jobs. T.H. attended Chicago Electrical School and worked for Entergy for 42 years. Larkin attended UAM and the UofA and received a B.S. in agriculture. He worked as a county agent in Drew and Chicot counties for 37 years. While the frequent moves kept the twins apart off and on for part of their lives, they wrote letters often. "At least once a week, I know, because I checked the mailbox," Larkin remembered. However, the majority of their lives, the twins have been together. Their days were always together. They each had three children. Not only did the twins marry brothers, but Ruth and Ruby’s younger sister married T.H. and Larkin’s brother. The twins’ youngest sister married the Brown’s brother’s first cousin. They were always together at different occasions. "Our children were more like brothers and sisters than cousins." "It was like we were all one big family." T.H. and Larkin were asked what it was like being married to twins. Larkin said it was "great," because "If I want to go somewhere, all I have to say is, ‘Ruth called,’ and she’d go over there. Then I can go and do what I want to," he said with a grin. T.H. said, "I haven’t been married to anybody else, so I don’t know. All I can say is I got the best looking of the bunch!" Larkin is quick to respond, "That’s the only one that would have you!" Ruby and Ruth drink coffee together every morning. The twins do not do much without the other. They all attend First Baptist Church where the men are deacons and the ladies are on the benevolent committee. They each enjoy their grand children. When asked about being twins, Ruth said, "We have had a good life, good health, and good husbands. We have such a close bond. It is indescribable." Ruby said, "You always have someone to talk to and not be judgemental." So next time you see these counterparts eating out on Fridays, let them know you read their story. Like Ruth said about being twins, "It is such a special life." Indeed! Their twin lives make up our One Monticello Life.

Mr. James Carpenter was born in 1938 and raised in Hamburg by a farmer and housewife. He is the 8th child of nine children. He has four brothers and four sisters. He went to school in Hamburg and managed to march in his high school’s graduation ceremonies, but he lacked a little to get an actual diploma.

After high school, he worked on his father’s farm in Hamburg. He then went to work at P.E. Barnes pallet mill for nine years. He worked for Georgia Pacific for one year and for a while at the Lake Village industries.

“I met my wife in the first part of April 1973,” Mr. Carpenter said. “We married October 1973. We will be married 33 years this October 13. I was 35. I was old enough.”

His wife was 30 years old and had six children from her first husband. On the day of their wedding, her oldest child was 10, and her youngest was four. Today they have 12 grand children and 3 great grand children. When talking about his grandchildren, Mr. Carpenter said, “Actually ten are ‘step,’ but I don’t call them that. I’m the only Pappaw they know. I treat them just like my own.”

Most might remember Mr. Carpenter from his six years at Wal-Mart. It was in 1995 that things changed for him. On his way home from work, he was attacked and beaten by some men. “They thought they was going to get a lot of money,” he said. “They thought they killed me. But I’m still here.”

He spent nine weeks in intensive care at Drew Memorial Hospital and at the University Hospital in Little Rock. He said his brain was damaged, and he had two seizures during that time. After being prescribed seizure medication that he still takes, he related that he has not had a seizure since that time.

After his recovery, he returned to Wal-Mart, but three years later, he was run over in the Wal-Mart parking lot. “He just didn’t see me,” said Mr. Carpenter about the incident. He never returned to work after that.

When asked several questions about his life, this is what he said:

Mr. Carpenter was on his way to the car wash so he could look for change. He said, “If I had not got beat up or ran over, I would worked at Wal-Mart 14 years today and could have retired 3 years ago.”

Mr. Carpenter wanders his way through the streets of Monticello just about every day. He accepts rides when he’s without his shopping cart, and many people have bought quilts from him that his wife makes. If you’ve not seen him or stopped to chat, then you are missing one Monticello life.