TTHE WAY I SEE IT ...
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Robin Rogers, Ed.D.
he first four months of 2025 have come with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In particular, this last month of my life was a big, menopausal rollercoaster of emotions. As my grandmother used to say, “I didn’t know if I was washing or drying out.”
First of all, exactly four weeks ago, I went to a nonprofit event and came home with COVID. Just when I was sure that that virus was a thing of the past, I drank too much wine, hugged too many people, and got really, really sick. I tested positive for exactly a week, and all seven of those days I kept to myself, hoping to keep my daughter Emily from getting sick, too. (Thankfully, my mom, my other daughter, and Em’s wonderful caregivers were available to help out more than usual.) I wasn’t a COVID virgin, but this time was so much worse than the times before. The moment I tested negative, I resumed life as normal—back to work, back to caretaking—but the cough and the exhaustion hung on like glitter on the floor after a New Year’s Eve party.
During that pitiful time, I was anxiously awaiting the birth of a new family member. I hoped desperately to be available and well when sweet Hallie Drue Herman was born. When I was no longer COVID positive and Hallie hadn’t yet arrived, I was so relieved. I honestly thought she was going to make us all wait until her due date, just like her brothers had done, but I was gladly on-call to show up in the middle of the night to watch her brothers should she come early.
So, when my phone rang at 3:45 a.m. on Monday, April 7th, I bolted over to Victoria and Braden’s house. Now, while these kids (adults) aren’t my biological kids, I’ve grown to love them and their kids as if they were blood-related. When I got to the house, I realized that it might not be a normal birth; Victoria was loaded up to go, and Braden, who is normally calm, seemed nervous. I don’t remember the last time I felt as scared as I did that night. Such relief washed over me when I received word a mere hour later that, after an emergency C-section, both of my Herman girls were going to be okay. When I got to wake the boys for school that morning and tell them that their sister was here and that Momma was just fine—it was one of the greatest moments of my life. Truly.
The second stressful-yet-exciting event of the last few months involved my oldest daughter, Ellen. With her lease almost up, Ellen made this mom’s heart so happy when she let me know that she was going to buy a house in Texarkana. It was something I never expected, so her decision thrilled me. Ellen loves the hustle and bustle of a big city and lived in Toronto for five years, but she decided that being close to her family was more important to her than metropolitan amenities. She
INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST
ELEVATE THE OPTIMIST
STIR THE MIND
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FOUR STATES LIVING MAGAZINE
FOURSTATESLIVING
PUBLISHER
Dr. Robin Rogers
EDITOR
Ellen Orr
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
Shane Darby
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Victoria Herman
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Phoebe Warren
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Gammon
Baylor McLelland
Ellen Orr
Robin Proctor
started looking for a house with real estate agent Amanda Ables. I have known Amanda for her entire life: as a teenager, I babysat her. When she was a teenager, she babysat my kids. Amanda even worked at Four States Living 15 or so years ago. Ellen knew Amanda would take care of her like family.
Ellen let me tag along to some of the viewings. As we toured house after house, Amanda would find fault with all of them. “Ellen is as close to a little sister as I’ll ever get,” she said; she was not going to settle on anything less than ideal. And thank goodness, because eventually, the absolute perfect house showed up: a charming, single-story home, with original hardwood floors and a fenced backyard, just a short walk from Spring Lake Park.
Now, if you think negotiating for your own house is stressful, wait until your single daughter is asking her single mother for advice on buying a house. Ellen was (in her own words) an anxious mess, overwhelmed and scared to make a bad decision. I tried to advise her but insisted that she had to make this decision on her own. When she made an offer, which was quickly accepted, I breathed a sigh of relief.
But as soon as I exhaled, the inspection came back, exposing termites in an outbuilding and a roof that was beyond its life expectancy. Again, like a mother who is always too invested, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. The perfect house had issues. But nothing is truly perfect, and that’s when Amanda Ables earned her commission. Good deals are made by good negotiations, and after a few back-and-forths, the house was rid of termites, and a new roof had been installed.
By the time she closed, I was testing negative for COVID and positive for cabin fever; I couldn’t rest in my bedroom for a moment longer, even though I still felt run-down. I hitched my trailer to my SUV and started helping Ellen move her belongings across town. Sick, exhausted, anxious, and frustrated, I was determined to help her get it done—and get it done we did. She has officially moved into her first house, where I hope she will be happy for a long time (and not just because I don’t even want to think about helping her move again any time soon!).
Of course, sheer willpower can only take a woman so far. As determined as I was to be there for Victoria and Ellen, my post-COVID body eventually shut things down: with my immune system diminished, I caught yet another bug. I knew I couldn’t keep “pushing through,” as much as I wanted to. Thankfully, Victoria and Ellen have wonderful sisters and girlfriends who showed up to support them in their milestone moments while I relented and followed my doctor’s orders of antibiotics, steroids, fluids, and rest.
Another one of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “Women hold up the world.” This month in particular, I’m feeling grateful that women hold up each other. Some of us are related by DNA; some of us are family by choice. Some of us have known each other for a lifetime; some of us only feel as if we have. Regardless, we care for each other as mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. To me, that is womanhood.
Once a year, we dedicate an entire publication to women. We started this tradition over 25 years ago. We do not know in advance who is going to be selected, as the prior year’s honorees nominate the next group of women, so it’s like a great surprise when the names come in. Our staff gets the opportunity to meet, photograph, and write about wonderful, dynamic women who we might not know any other way. This year, I only knew one of the nine striking women that we interviewed, but I was able to meet everyone before we went to press. Emily asked me what I thought about this year’s group. I think I said something like, “They are amazing!” I know you’ll agree. Don’t forget to honor the moms in your life on the 11th; we wouldn’t be here without them! And, as always, thanks for reading FSLM.
Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2025 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.
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Do You Have a Story or a Photo? We welcome information regarding topics of interest for future publications. If you have a story or photos that in some way depicts living or visiting in the Four States area and would be of interest to our readers, we want to hear from you. Call 903-792 -2262 or write: Editorial Department, Four States Living Magazine, 4104 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com
ON THE COVER
The 2025 Tribute to Women honorees have all made a significant impact on the lives of others. Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community. As professionals, volunteers, and community members, these women have climbed the ladder of success, and FSLM thanks them for their service to others.
Starting on page 12
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
FARMERS BANK FOUNDATION HELD ITS DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES WITH GUEST SPEAKER TIM TEBOW AT THE FARMERS BANK & TRUST MAIN BRANCH AND HILTON GARDEN INN TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH.
Vicki Melde and LeAnne Wright
Whitney Jackson and Gabe Jackson
Devon and Brittany Beaird Larkin and John Jarvis
Kevin Johnson and Dr. Blane Graves
Chase and Sarah Hurst with Carol Waldrum
Chris and Savannah Shurtleff
Dr. Jeff Schreve, Joe Hankins, and Ken Reese
Julia and George Carpenter
Steve and Laura Smith
Dr. Ross and Lilia Alexander
Nicole Raley and Amber Lawrence
Urisonya Flunder and David Higuera
Jamye DeHaan with Mike and Sylvia Ingram
James Bramlett, Lacy McMillen, and Worth McMillen
Lacy McMillen, Vee and Ron Collins, and Worth McMillen
Martha and J.W. Bramlett with Trey Bramlett Adam Roy, Kevin Avery, and Lauren Roy Tim and Janet Choate with Kevin Johnson Joe Floyd and Pete Mann
Triston Brookes and Nathan Drye
René Love, Haley Raney, and Jennifer Whiteside Lance and Lindsey Bailey
photo by SHANE DARBY
PHYLLIS BOYCE-CUMMINGS
I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best administrators and educators in the business here at Redwater, and I’m so proud to be a part of this school.
”
As a young person, Phyllis Boyce-Cummings loved stories. “I loved reading and writing and sharing with others what I had read,” she said. “I focused on literature in college and discovered that I could share my love of books and words with young people—and hopefully instill in them the same passion for a good story.”
For 14 years, Phyllis taught English, first at Liberty Eylau Middle School and then at De Kalb Middle School. “It was fulfilling and rewarding,” she said. “I never envisioned that I would do anything other than teach.”
However, as she grew as an educator, Phyllis’ passion for her students’ holistic welfare eclipsed her love of language arts.
“Anyone in education will tell you that it’s not really about the content you are teaching; it is about the relationships you build with your students,” she said. “I saw firsthand how students will perform for you only if you show that you care. Because of the relationships I developed with my students, many of them would confide in me some of their most difficult and personal struggles, as well as their deepest fears. It was during one of these moments that I realized that I needed to
be more equipped to help them cope with some of the profound issues they were sharing with me. I guess one could say that I had an epiphany.
“For the first time since the moment I stepped into the classroom, I began to imagine how I could continue to impact students outside of the classroom,” she continued. “I decided, after 14 years as a classroom teacher, that I wanted to go to graduate school to become a school counselor.”
After graduate school, Phyllis served as a school counselor at Cheatham Middle School (now Clarksville Middle School) for four years, before returning to the Texarkana area to accept a position at Redwater Junior High School, where she is still currently employed.
“I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best administrators and educators in the business here at Redwater, and I’m so proud to be a part of this school,” she said.
Phyllis said that she derives immense satisfaction from seeing her students thrive long-term. “Being in the classroom, counseling, and watching students learn is always rewarding,” she said. “However, it is even more satisfying when those young children become happy and successful adults
Phyllis and Joe are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren, Treston, Omarion, and Alayla (pictured).
FSLM ASKED PHYLLIS:
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? My oldest sister broke her arm when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I remember looking at her X-rays and thinking how cool that was. After conversing with my dad, I learned the job of taking pictures of the bones was called an X-ray technician, so I decided I wanted to do that.
Name a woman you admire. Tonya Nelson, a retired educator who is not only my cousin but also my professional mentor. She encouraged me and taught me so much about the educational world. Watching her interact with both students and adults was a learning opportunity that I will never forget and always appreciate.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? I have always had a passive personality and do my best work out of the spotlight, so I would tell my past self to step forward with confidence—don’t hold back, embrace risks, and trust myself.
who reach out to me to say that they have never forgotten how I cared, and that something I said or did helped them become the person they are today. It’s these moments that help me keep going and encourage me to continue to try to be a positive influence for students.”
Crediting Mrs. Jenna Benton, Mr. James L. Germany, and Mrs. Mitzi Barrett, Phylis said that she herself was positively influenced by her teachers.
“[Mrs. Mitzi Barrett] is the most influential teacher I had, who fostered my love of literature and writing with her glowing comment on a term paper I wrote for her class,” Phyllis shared. “I don’t recall what her exact words were, but I will never forget the pride and confidence I experienced from her positive review. Because of her, I was always careful with my written and verbal corrections of student work. The power of an educator’s words to students can never be underestimated or taken lightly.”
Phyllis and her husband, Joe, relocated from her hometown of De Kalb to Texarkana in 2020. “In the time we’ve been here in Texarkana, we have come to love our community and our neighbors,” she said. “Texarkana is large enough to offer a myriad of activities, yet it’s still small enough to have a close-knit feel.” Phyllis maintains connections to her birthplace, however; she serves as the secretary of the De Kalb Concerned Citizens, an organization established to help citizens who may need legal aid or any public assistance. She is also the secretary for the De Kalb Chapter of the NAACP.
HOW RHONDA ROBERTS SEES
PHYLLIS:
“I first met Phyllis Cummings 11 years ago when I interviewed her for a counselor position with Redwater ISD. Needless to say, it was one of the best investments ever. Phyllis has spent 31 years in public education. When I informed her I had nominated her for the Four States Living Magazine Tribute to Women, she thanked me and said there are many women with more accomplishments. Thinking about this, I asked myself, ‘What is an accomplishment?’ An accomplishment is something someone does well. For Phyllis, it is more than her day-to-day tasks of scheduling, testing, and writing reports. It is the lifelong relationships built with the community, parents, coworkers, and especially students. For all students (and those of us blessed to be her coworkers), Phyllis provides a steady stream of patient listening, counseling, and encouragement daily. Greeting everyone with a smile, she is the calm during the storm and a confidant who empowers others to see their full potential. She provides constant guidance for students (and their parents) as they navigate the journey through junior high school and young adulthood. I appreciate her love and passion for all who cross her path. Maybe she doesn’t see the impact she has on those around her, but I certainly have. Not to be dismissed, these are her accomplishments. So, I am proud to nominate Phyllis, my dear friend who is also a wife, mother, and doting grandmother, for this honor.”
photo by SHANE DARBY
HOLLI EASLEY
I thrive on the opportunity to assist others and take great joy in being an integral part of a team.
”
In her position as allied health coordinator at Texarkana College, Holli Easley loves supporting all types of students, but she is most fulfilled by her work with the young women who walk into her office.
“The allied health programs are often a place where single moms come to advance their careers and get started in the medical field,” she said. “Changing the lives of young, single mothers has been a pivotal part of fulfilling my heart as the allied health coordinator.”
Holli is proudest of the role she was able to play in the life of a particular CNA student, who “had gone through a traumatic experience while taking the program,” she explained. “She pushed through to take her state exam and is now working as a CNA. While I cannot take credit for her hard work and dedication, watching her and helping her get to that point has truly been the crowning achievement. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to support her family, and I was honored to assist her in reaching that important milestone.”
As a mother of two and once a nontraditional student herself, Holli relates to the parents who return to school with mouths to feed. Her own greatest challenge, she said, was returning to college while raising her children and working a full-time job.
“As cliché as it sounds, [my children] are the reason I wanted to go back to school,” she said. “I wanted them to have everything in life and wanted them to see that they can do hard things.”
Holli
Holli had her eldest child, Hudson, when she was 21. His birth was “a transformative experience that changed my life for the better in countless ways,” she said. “It instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and purpose, and it motivated me to strive for a brighter future—for both of us. Then my daughter, London, came along three years later. They are the reason for everything that I do.”
Even with the support of Justin, her husband of 18 years, balancing her many responsibilities while completing her degree “required immense dedication and resilience,” Holli reflected. “I developed strong timemanagement skills and prioritized my commitments, often studying late into the night after the kids were asleep. Ultimately, I emerged not only with my degree but also with a deeper understanding of my own strength and the ability to overcome obstacles.”
It is this type of self-discovery and confidence that Holli wants for all of the students she supports. As a member of the TC Student Activities Committee, she serves the entire student body, hosting campus events that “encourage all students to be a part of the Texarkana College family,” she said. Additionally, she serves with the Pleasant Grove Cheer Booster Club, supporting the cheer team of which her daughter is a part. Holli said that both of these volunteer positions enrich her life.
“I thrive on the opportunity to assist others and take great joy in being an integral part of a team,” she said. “At my core, I am a natural helper.”
spends her free time with her children, Hudson and London.
In her free time, Holli loves being outdoors, watching reality television, and most especially reading—an activity she has enjoyed since the fourth grade. Her teacher, Sue Harvey, inspired this lifelong passion. “Reading has taken me further in life and become one of my favorite hobbies,” she said.
FSLM ASKED HOLLI:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I love to decorate. I’m always changing things up in my house.
What book are you currently reading? The Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros and The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.
Name a woman you admire. Dr. Loren Robinson delivered an incredibly inspiring speech at the Women in Business Conference a few years ago. Her story of balancing the challenges of being a working mother while achieving remarkable success resonated deeply with me and left a lasting impression.
HOW TIFFANY PUMPHREY SEES
HOLLI:
“As my grandmother would always tell me, ‘You never know who’s watching you.’ I would like to respectfully pay tribute to Holli Easley. I have watched Holli in her profession as the coordinator of allied health at Texarkana College. My first encounter with Holli was when I started at Texarkana College about two and a half years ago. Her presence and smile are a perfect blend of warmth and peace that inspire others. She carries herself with dignity, knowing her worth, and refusing to settle for anything less. I have directed many students to her for assistance, and the results are always the same: they are happy and very pleased after experiencing her exceptional interpersonal skills. She leads with both strength and compassion while extending kindness to others. Her contribution helps capture the changes we see within Texarkana College. Holli is a driven and strong woman leading by example in our community. She is showing us all what it means on how to balance success while giving back.”
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE TEXARKANA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION HELD ITS ANNUAL HOME & GARDEN SHOW AT THE CROSSTIES EVENT VENUE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND.
Jade Evans
David Nation and Will Dunbar
Jason Freeman, Marshall Freeman, Tim Lewis, Megan Freeman-Lewis, and Katie Shuffield with Callie Lewis, Moriah Freeman, and Nora Lewis
Destiny Dodd, Bryan Callaway, and Mikki Pope
Tammy Thomas, Bridgett Putteet, and Casey Moore
Christina Parker and Tyler Miller
Toni Braley, Taylor Daniel, April Hinton, and Laura Burt
Lauren Callaway
Candice Thompson Lorie Walling and Kaylee Cowan
Ashley Reel and Jesse Davis
Darci Reeves, Isaiah Anderson, and Jimmy Anderson Susan and David Quinn
photo by SHANE DARBY
NICOLE FORD
The only place I had to turn was to God, and it truly saved my life.
Nicole Ford has been the camp ranger at Camp Preston Hunt since December 2023. “This job provides everything our family could ever dream of,” she said. “We have a home out here on 200 acres with all kinds of hiking trails, campsites, a huge pond to fish in. I never thought in a million years my life would look like this.”
Nicole and her husband, B.J., have six children collectively, ranging in age from 4 to 30 years old. Nicole and B.J. are active in First Baptist Church, where they are leaders in the Celebrate Recovery program. This ministry is of the utmost importance to Nicole, who spent nine years in active drug addiction.
“I had a lot of unhealed hurts from my childhood, and I used drugs to numb the pain of it all,” she said. “To numb the pain that my biological mom was never around. To numb the pain of being kidnapped at 6 years old, given drugs, and sexually abused. To numb the pain of losing my grandmother, who was the only one who fought for me to have a life. To numb the pain of just wanting a stable life and family but never getting it. To numb the pain of always feeling like I was a mistake and didn’t belong anywhere. To numb the pain of the mentally and physically abusive relationships I had been in.”
When Nicole entered the criminal legal system and lost custody of her oldest child, Kaden, she hit “the lowest place in my life I have ever been,” she shared. “The only place I had to turn was to God, and it truly saved my life.”
After graduating from the Bowie County Women’s Center in February 2016, she transitioned to living at Haven Homes. “I was there for about six months, and it was such a special season in my life,” she said. “There are so many amazing people who pour into that ministry. I got to experience Christ’s love in a way I never had before. They taught me God’s word and how to apply it to my life. For once in my life, I finally started to believe that I was loved and that I mattered, that my life wasn’t over and that God could help me rebuild it—that’s exactly what He did.”
Nicole celebrated 10 years of sobriety this past March. For nine of those years, she has served with Celebrate Recovery. “I have poured my heart and soul into this ministry,” she said. “I just want to give back to others what was so freely given to me.” She emphasized that Celebrate Recovery is not just for people wrestling with substance addiction; the majority of people who attend cite mental illness, grief, trauma, and life events like divorce as their primary struggle. “It’s important for us to have a safe place to go where we can talk about these things and build a healthy support system,” she said.
When Nicole isn’t in active communion at FBC, she is probably communing with nature at the campgrounds. “I love what I do out here,” she said. “I get to make this camp beautiful and clean so that it is enjoyable for everyone who visits.
“It makes me very proud when people tell me things like [that the camp has] been completely transformed and just looks a million
Nicole and B.J. at the Celebrate Recovery Summit in Lake Forest, California.
times better,” she continued. “That makes me feel really good because I work very hard out here. A lot of the work I do people don’t see; I work by myself most of the time, preparing for events, camps, or reservations. There are many amazing things that happen out here, and it just warms my heart to know that I am a part of it.”
FSLM ASKED NICOLE:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I have a Great Dane, Samson, and he is one of my best friends. He gives the best hugs.
Name a woman you admire. Rochelle Schroeder goes to my church. I am really inspired by her walk with the Lord and her walk as a wife and mom. Her demeanor comes off as so patient, gentle, loving, and kind. She is an amazing mom and so good with kids. Rochelle carries herself so well and is solid in her walk with Christ. Her passion for God’s word and her ability to teach God’s word is incredible. I look up to her a lot.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? Jesus is the answer.
HOW JENI ELDRIDGE SEES NICOLE:
“I met Nicole Ford in 2015 while facilitating a Bible study at Bowie County Women’s Center. Nicole had spent almost 12 months at the center at the time we met, and she had come to the reality of her brokenness with no safe place to go after graduation, which was just a few months away. Nicole began to talk to her counselors at the center about entering Haven Homes when she completed her program, and that was agreed upon. Haven gladly opened our doors to her. Nicole has not only come through our program at Haven Homes, but she has also remained a friend whom I have watched grow into a confident woman of God and an incredible wife and mom. She is a leader in our Celebrate Recovery program, and she teaches the Elevate Sunday-school class on Sunday mornings at FBC. Nicole has journeyed through much brokenness and abandonment in her life, and today she helps other women deal with the same issues in their own lives. I am honored to call her my friend and sister in Christ. What a blessing she has been in my life.”
photo by SHANE DARBY
LORI B. GEORGE , MD
It is the honor of a lifetime to be able to pour back into the same community that reared me, prayed for me, and helped shape me into who I am today.
”
“B
eing able to take care of home is a deeply personal mission for me, and it brings me great joy,” said Dr. Lori B. George, a family medicine specialist at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. “My medical training afforded me the opportunity to travel the world, but there was never anywhere quite like Texarkana. Texarkana is special; the people of this community are special. It is the honor of a lifetime to be able to pour back into the same community that reared me, prayed for me, and helped shape me into who I am today.”
An alumna of Ross University School of Medicine, Lori completed the first 16 months of her medical training on the island country of Dominica in the West Indies. The experience was transformative: “It was a completely different culture, currency, lifestyle, dialect, weather,” she explained. “I lived through a couple natural disasters during my island time, including a tropical storm that left us without power, running water, or communications for over five days.”
walk right into the mouth of the beast,” she said. “It was hard, but I thank God that I was able to get through it.”
Prior to pursuing a medical career, Lori earned a master’s degree in biology and taught biology and anatomy & physiology courses at both Texarkana College and the University of Arkansas HopeTexarkana. “Those years really gave me confidence and matured me,” she said. Lori has retained her passion for teaching, often speaking about cancer screenings, preventative care, mental health, and more at local community engagements. “I love educating others,” she shared. “It’s why I chose to do clinical medicine—so I have time to educate and empower my patients to be wise stewards of their health.”
At TC and UAHT, Lori taught many prenursing students—many of whom she now works alongside in the clinical setting. “What a full-circle moment,” she said, “and a reminder that God has been ordering my steps all along.”
After being so far from home, Lori completed her residency at UAMS Southwest, here in Texarkana. Though the locale was familiar, little else was—for Lori or anyone else.
“My first year of residency was the same year the COVID pandemic began,” she said. “It’s stressful enough learning to navigate the healthcare landscape as a newly-minted physician with all these new responsibilities— and then, within the first six months of my training, we were all faced with a global pandemic.”
Even more so than if she had completed her residency during typical times, Lori learned “how to pivot, how to be courageous, and how to
A proud graduate of Texas High School, Lori sits on the TISD Education Foundation alongside her father, Rev. Louie B. George Jr. “We get to actively engage in discourse and planning that positively impacts the community that has been such an integral part of our family,” she said. She is also on the board of directors for CASA for Children Texarkana, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (local graduate chapter, Kappa Xi Omega), and a lifelong member of Oak Street Baptist Church.
Lori said that two of her greatest inspirations are her mother, Lavannah George, and Dr. Mae Jemison. “My mom taught me everything I know about how to be a Christian, carry myself like a lady, and how to have a servant’s heart,” she said. “She is my best friend and biggest inspiration.”
Lori is the daughter of Rev. Louie B. George Jr. and Lavannah George.
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, has long been a hero to Lori, who herself is an astronomy enthusiast and spends clear nights stargazing with her telescope. However, she later learned that Mae was also a medical doctor “who did research that led to new guidelines for health and safety in our nation,” Lori explained. “A true pioneer and trailblazer. Her story helps remind me that there is never a cap on the influence and reach you can have in a lifetime.”
FSLM ASKED LORI:
What’s something about you most people don’t know about you? I’m a real science nerd, and I love entomology. One of my favorite hobbies in the evenings during the summer months is identifying different insects (and yes, I do have a bug collection).
What book are you currently reading? Life’s Edge by Carl Zimmer.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? This is a phrase my sister, Gayle, always told me when I was feeling discouraged or weary during my training, and I find myself repeating it to others now: “Keep the course; it will be greater later!”
HOW MARY WARREN SEES LORI:
“It is an honor to nominate Dr. Lori George as one of the 2025 Tribute to Women honorees. Lori has been a family friend, church member, and role model to our daughter, Angela. I have witnessed Lori’s remarkable growth into the inspiring woman she is today. My daughter and I were fortunate to attend her graduation from Ross University School of Medicine. It was an unforgettable moment that highlighted her determination and excellence. As a retired educator, I deeply admire individuals like Lori, whose positive influence uplifts both youth and the community. Her path to becoming a medical doctor is truly inspiring. Lori’s dedication to the medical field is evident in her tireless commitment to her patients. She combines extensive knowledge with compassion, ensuring that her community’s health needs are always at the forefront of her practice. Lori is not only a physician but also a passionate advocate for wellness, education, and holistic care. Her success as a doctor reflects her professional expertise and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the profound impact she has made on healthcare. Congratulations, Dr. Lori George, and thank you for your enduring influence. Your legacy will continue to inspire and shine for years to come.”
HARVEST REGIONAL FOOD BANK HELD ITS ANNUAL WINE AND JAZZ GALA AT SILVERMOON ON BROAD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST.
Melinda Vammen, Mike Ingram, and Camille Wrinkle
Judy Morgan with Ryan and Brooke Morgan Kimberly and Jay Davis
Drs. Valerie and Matthew Burks
Cole and Holland Meador
Bertha Shipp, Jamye DeHaan, and Susan Robbins
Kevin and Pam Hamilton Kelly and Tommy Neal
Lakyn McAnally and Shaina Gideon Terrie Arnold and Lauren Richards
Teresa Smith, Cindy Marsh, and Dr. Robin Rogers
Vee and Ron Collins Lesa and Tony Asbille
Kirby Nutter with Gary and Jeanie Nutter
Chris and Lara Court
Cindy and Tate Snell
Jennifer Davis and Melanie Nelson
Michaela Venable and Savannah Laney
Mike and Sylvia Ingram
Lorie and Chris Owen
Cindy and Charles Pankey
photo by SHANE DARBY
SUE JOHNSON
Becoming a leader gave me the opportunity to directly support others’ success and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
Sue Johnson recently retired from CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System after an illustrious career of over 50 years. In 1974, she moved to Texarkana and began working as a registered nurse in the emergency department. Over the proceeding five decades, she served in various departments: home health and hospice, the “Spirit of St. Michael” mobile clinic, clinic development, the W. Temple Webber Cancer Center, and most recently the advocacy and community planning department, of which she was the director.
From a young age, Sue wanted to be a nurse, driven by her “passion of caring for others,” she said. As she grew into adulthood, she became further inspired by the dogged pioneer Florence Nightingale. “She set the standard for modern nursing through compassion and commitment to patient care,” Sue said. “I love her quote: ‘I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.’”
As her career progressed, Sue stepped naturally into leadership roles, mentoring other healthcare professionals and serving in new ways. “I have always been driven to learn new skills and expand my knowledge,” she said as explanation for her ambition. “Becoming a leader gave me the opportunity to directly support others’ success and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.” Over the course of her career, Sue has played an active role in the CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation Gala, the Wild About Wellness Children’s Health Fair, and the Texas Mission for Mercy Mobile Dental Clinic.
This year, Sue celebrates not only her retirement from an extensive career but also 16 years of cancer survivorship. In 2009, she was diagnosed with
In March 2025, Sue was honored for her 50 years of service at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.
breast cancer, the treatment of which required surgery, radiation, and medication. She persevered through the experience thanks to “tremendous family support—my husband was with me every step of the journey,” she said, before also crediting her “positive attitude and outlook, and a strong faith in God.”
Sue is an Arkansan through and through. She was born in Monticello, but when she was young, her family moved “every few years,” she said, as her father advanced his teaching career. She is an alumna of the University of Arkansas–Monticello, and she served on the Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors for 20 years, from 1996 until 2016. She and her husband, Steve, own a farm near Old Washington, where she loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, preferably outdoors: Sue is an avid hunter, angler, and gardener.
FSLM ASKED SUE:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I hunt whitetail deer. I have harvested over 100 deer since I started hunting.
HOW
JENNI
HEDRICK SEES SUE:
“Sue Johnson was assigned to be my mentor in the RISE CHRISTUS Mentorship Program. At the time, I had just started as the clinical director of labor and delivery. It was one of the busiest years in our work, but I cherished each conversation, instruction, and piece of advice she gave me. I value the time that was spent with Sue and know that she is in my corner rooting for me. This year we celebrated her 50 years of service at St. Michael, her retirement, and her legacy in the profession of nursing. Sue has touched every department at St. Michael, from working as a nurse or being instrumental in getting [a department] started from the ground up. Sue is compassionate, kind, and has a heart for service which she pours into each person at her work and in our community. Thank you, Sue, for being a mentor to all of us.”
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? 82 Eats or Pop’s Place.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? Embrace challenges and change. Perfection isn’t the goal, but growth and resilience are.
photo by SHANE DARBY
STEPHANIE McCORKLE, FNP-BC
My dream is to care for patients and families from birth until end-of-life care.
”
Stephanie McCorkle was born and raised in Texarkana, and she has planted her own blended family here, consisting of her husband, Charles, and the couple’s collective six adult daughters. “Raising my family in Texarkana has proven to be a nice, quiet life, full of opportunities professionally,” she said. “It has been a happy, simple, and fulfilling life.”
Stephanie is a family nurse practitioner. Her first job was as a nurse at the CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital emergency room, “when it was still downtown,” she said. “My first boss was Sue Johnson. I have often said you cannot match her skills. She gave me an opportunity at St. Michael as a new graduate that others would have not done.”
When she decided to pursue a master’s degree in nursing science, Stephanie knew she was facing an uphill battle. She had to travel between Texarkana and Little Rock multiple nights every week in order to attend classes and continue working. When she graduated in 1997, she returned to Texarkana as “part of a small group of nurses who were the first nurse practitioners in the Texarkana area,” she said. Patients and other medical professionals were not readily accepting.
“Remember, this is before anyone worked with nurse practitioners or physician assistants much,” Stephanie said. “We were new and not widely accepted. We had to build trust and prove our worth. Having grown up in Texarkana and [having started work] in the emergency room helped with this, but walls were still present for many years.”
Stephanie’s career as a practitioner has traversed many roles, buildings, and organizations. As a CHRISTUS employee,
she helped open campus clinics within the Texarkana Independent School District. She began her family practice career alongside Dr. Chris Lux and Dr. Russell Mayo, providing “all aspects of family-practice care, and we were instrumental in serving our underserved and uninsured patients,” she said. That practice became Texarkana Community Clinic and then Genesis PrimeCare.
In her years working with a systematically disadvantaged population, Stephanie “learned much about mental health, an aspect of care I had missed my entire career,” she shared. “I was introduced to the role depression, anxiety, and PTSD play in patients’ ability to participate in their own healthcare and also in their routine days. It was eye-opening and changed the way I practice.”
From 2019 to 2023, Stephanie worked in Collum and Carney’s internal medicine department. She then resumed her family-medicine practice, joining the CHRISTUS Trinity Family Practice, where she works today.
“My dream is to care for patients and families from birth until endof-life care,” she said. “It is an honor when I am able to do this. I learn something new almost daily about medicine and myself. I hope to continue to be open to new learning opportunities, new medical options. I believe my job is to teach and inform patients and their families, but I also must allow them to choose what is best for them.”
While all medical professionals are, in essence, patient educators, Stephanie has a history of formal instruction: she taught nursing classes at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Hope campus. “I learned more during my teaching years than ever,” she said. “You have to be on your feet for students.”
Stephanie and her husband, Charles, are most proud of their six adult daughters.
In their free time, Stephanie and Charles are often traveling to visit their grown daughters, three of whom are either already practicing nursing or pursuing nursing education. “Charles and I spend much time on the road, going from daughter to daughter. My girls have consumed my days—and my bank account,” Stephanie laughed, adding that they love taking family beach trips and attending country-music concerts. When at home, she bakes sourdough goods, gardens in her yard, and spends time with her female friends. “I have a group of women that I spend time with and tell them often I do not know how I did life without them,” she said. “It is a blessing to be surrounded by such fabulous, professional, and Godly women.”
FSLM ASKED STEPHANIE:
What book are you currently reading? I am reading the Bible through. At age 53, I have to admit it is the first time. My girl group is doing it together, and it has been a wonderful journey.
HOW SHERRY MISSILDINE SEES STEPHANIE:
“I have known Stephanie since I was in nursing school in 2000. She was one of my instructors in my RN/BSN program. There was a small group of us who were older (30+) in the program, and she was one of our favorite instructors! Since graduating with my master’s in 2006 and working in medicine, we have remained in contact, now as colleagues. I have always had a great deal of respect for Stephanie as she is smart, factual, down-to-earth, and tells it like it is. A lot of the things I do in communicating with patients and talking with other colleagues in medicine I learned from Stephanie. She will always remain a trusted colleague and friend in my life.”
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? My six girls and I love to shop. If you haven’t found Apricot Lane and Gables, you are missing out!
Name a woman you admire. Yvonne van Amerongen. She is a retired occupational therapist and social worker who founded the Hogeweyk Dementia Colony. She believes in a normal life for people with dementia. I hope to someday bring the concept to our area.
by SHANE DARBY
photo
JO HELEN MURPHY
Slowly, one step at a time, I began to see myself as a professional homemaker, doing the thing I loved most in the world—teaching...
”
Jo Murphy founded the Texarkana Regional Alliance of Christian Educators (TRACE) in 2021, when she realized that she was not equipped to educate all six of her children by herself.
“I still wanted the prime time with my kids, but it became clear that I couldn’t be the master of every K-12 subject,” she said. “I reached out to some friends to see if they would like to pitch in to hire a few professionals to tutor our kids weekly. After the first year, I realized that we could do the same thing with more classes.” Over the next four years, TRACE expanded to “nearly 100 students, 28 classes, and a teacher roll that I am extremely proud of,” she said.
Jo, who describes herself as a home educator, grew up dreaming of being a classroom teacher. However, in her early 20s, an unplanned pregnancy changed her plans.
“[Eldest child] Josh was a surprise right out of college,” she said. “I desperately wanted to stay home with him, yet at the time, I really felt like I was betraying the women who had invested in me; my mom and my stepmom both worked. I wanted to be home with my son, and I wanted a career.”
Over time, Jo’s ideas about vocation and purpose shifted. “I began to understand the role that I could have in my community via staying home,” she said. “I began to be impacted by other women in the community who
thrived at home. Slowly, one step at a time, I began to see myself as a professional homemaker, doing the thing I loved most in the world—teaching—with the people I loved best in the world.”
In 2013, the Murphy family opened their home to foster placements, and in 2016, they adopted two children from foster care. “It broke—and continues to break—my heart that we live in a world where not all families have the tools to keep children safe,” she said. “If I could, I would choose that my kids never knew the loss that they experienced. And yet, I am honored and lucky that they call me ‘Mom.’”
Along with her husband, Brian, and their children, Jo lives in the Historic District. She especially loves Halloween in her neighborhood. “My very favorite way to engage with the community is probably our neighborhood trick-or-treating event,” she shared. “We see at least a thousand trick-or-treaters come through every year. I love the excitement. The neighbors across the street will play Disney Halloween music. Someone always has a fog machine, and my kids get excited about counting all of the skeletons. I love to invite friends and family over to help put on a big shindig. We love to go all-out with cotton candy, carnival games, and, of course, tons of candy.”
Year-round, Jo enjoys the comforts of her house and community. “I love to make my home and yard beautiful,” she said. “I also love
Jo came to Texarkana by way of her husband, Brian, who was born and raised here.
reading, visiting with neighbors, making delicious soups, and watching 20th-century television. A guilty pleasure is playing a random video game that my kids have begged me to try, only to find out I really love it and play just for me. Most recently, they have introduced me to ‘Animal Crossing.’ Brian asked if it was just computerized paper dolls. In fact, it is—and I love paper dolls.”
FSLM ASKED JO:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I never know how to answer people when they ask where I’m from. My parents divorced when I was 7 and had joint custody. Every year, I switched who I lived with. Nearly every year, there was some new job, new spouse, new retirement, new something that found me in a new neighborhood and a new school.
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? Anywhere downtown. Specifically, I love The Stained Page. Their coffee is custom blended, and they have a dark-cyan velvet couch that makes my heart very happy.
Name a woman you admire. Vicki Hornok.
HOW DEBI COLEMAN
SEES JO:
“Jo Helen Murphy occupies many roles. She is a wife, homeschooler, mother of six, director of a homeschool network, teacher, devotional leader in church, and writer. As I watch her excel at all these responsibilities with seeming ease, I am amazed by her talents and patience. She teaches five grade levels from fourth to 11th, keeping her students engaged while balancing a wide variety of levels and topics. As a director and teacher of TRACE, she administers the formal running of the school; interacts with students, parents, and teachers alike during the two school days it is opened; and even cleans up after the day. Her energy seems endless. Whenever called upon at church, either to help in the children’s program or deliver a Bible lesson, Jo accepts the challenge with a smile. Her love is writing, and I am sure that, as often as she is able, she is moving the pen across the paper in words of wisdom. She has even written for some Texarkana publications. The iteration of these activities does keep her busy, but it is not the busyness that impresses me. She goes through her life with grace, concern, and intention. Whatever she is doing, she is engaging with people, pouring into them with the love of Christ that flows uninhibited from her soul.”
photo by SHANE DARBY
ERICA SMITH
When we pour love and respect into others, our own cups are refilled.
”
f you ask my friends,” Erica Smith admitted, “[they will tell you] I’m too busy. But I only accept engagements/volunteer opportunities after seeking God’s okay first.”
Erica is the incoming president of the Junior League of Texarkana (JLT). “I joined because I wanted to meet and support the needs of my community,” she said. “I wanted to do something. I was invited to come to their spring recruitment [event] and listen in on what they are about. I was amazed at how much JLT is in the background of things that go on in the community. I went home, gushed about it to [husband] Tyrone, and prayed about it, and here I am—the incoming president, just as JLT is about to have its Centennial Celebration next February.”
A member of Christ Nations Church for the past 16 years, Erica is the leader over the Ushers & Greeters Ministry. “I love being able to welcome visitors and members with a warm hug, a bright smile, and even laughter,” she said. She is also a part of the Evangelism Team that brings “natural and spiritual food” to the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, as well as to the firehouse and local nursing homes.
Further, Erica is a founding member of the Texarkana Tea Party, an “amazing assembly of multicultural and multigenerational women of Texarkana who gather to make a positive impact on the immediate and crucial needs of our community, whether by engaging in charitable activities or making donations,” Erica explained. She is also a volunteer for the Tough Kookie Foundation and a certified yoga instructor at Vibe Yoga and Wellness Studio.
In addition, Erica holds a full-time job as a licensed and certified radiologic technologist (RT)—a role she has played for 28 years, the
past 15 of which have been at Collum and Carney. This is not “just a day job” for Erica; she finds deep meaning in her work.
“I became an RT after my grandmother, Erma Rose, passed away from cancer, and then a fellow church member had a late diagnosis of cancer due to not having X-rays available in a timely manner,” she said. She wondered how things might have been different had she been an X-ray technician. Inspired, Erica pursued a career as an RT, and, fortunately, she loves it.
“Every X-ray reveals something that assists in the care of a patient,” she said. “And, as a ‘prayer warrior,’ I’m offered an opportunity to pray with a patient and their family members. I may not have a comfortable X-ray table, but I want my patient to know that my heart feels for them and that I consider them just like family: they deserve the best X-rays I can get so that they may have the best foundation on which their medical team can determine the next course of action.”
Despite her full schedule, Erica does carve out free time—which she uses to make and sell waistbeads through her small business, Topaz Waistbeads. “Waistbeads are handcrafted glass strings of beads that women wear around their waistlines,” she explained. “They are a part of some African cultures, where women give them to other women as a sign of being on a journey alongside them. When I place my waistbeads on the women of this community, I speak to them, encourage them, empower them, celebrate them, recognize them, and even cry with them.”
Her waistbead practice does not drain Erica; rather, it energizes her. “When we pour love and respect into others, our own cups are refilled,” she
Erica and her husband, Tyrone, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 33 years.
said. “One of my sister-friends’ favorite sayings is, ‘Be blessed and a blessing.’ I try to live up to that as a motto.”
Erica is both blessed by and a blessing to her husband of 33 years, as well as her 20-yearold daughter, Olivia. Their support enables her to take on high-demand roles such as her upcoming Junior League presidency.
“I am honored to be the third elected African American JLT president in the organization’s 100 years,” she said. “I expect the eyes of the community to be watching—and I know God’s eyes have never left me.”
HOW MELODIE WHITE SEES ERICA:
“Erica Smith has been a source of unwavering support and encouragement on my journey, and I am grateful to have met her through Junior League. She is a force of nature—full of energy, enthusiasm, and an undeniable love for life. Erica never shies away from a challenge; instead, she embraces it with confidence and determination. Her passion for empowering women to lead, learn, and grow is truly inspiring. She has a remarkable ability to lift others up, pushing them to recognize their own strengths and potential. Through her encouragement, I have felt more confident in my leadership and personal growth. Erica’s influence is a testament to the power of strong, supportive women, and I am honored to know her.”
FSLM ASKED ERICA:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I am an avid gardener and “plant mom.” I speak to them and sing to them. Everyone knows that, if anything happens to me, not to touch my plant babies; my momma will come get them.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a truck driver after I watched Smokey and the Bandit. As I got older, I wanted to be a librarian. I love to read, and the thought of keeping books in order—ahh!
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? Those closest to me, whom I call my sister-friends, and I meet up occasionally at Local Habit for coffee and five-hour chats. We normally stay until they close the doors and clear their throats for us to get out. Great coffee and great conversation.
photo by SHANE DARBY
“ ”
God’s plan for my life has been beyond my dreams, goals, and expectations.
S ROBIN HALL THOMAS
ince she was a young child, Robin Hall Thomas has played the piano.
“I began taking lessons at the age of 7,” she said. “I was fortunate to learn and study under wonderful piano teachers. My mother played piano, and she was a huge influence in my life. She was a church pianist, and I followed in her footsteps.”
As a teen living in Shreveport, Louisiana, Robin played weekly at her home church. During her senior year of high school, she performed with the Shreveport Symphony. She went on to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in piano performance.
Throughout her adulthood, Robin has taught private lessons, been a member of the music faculty at Louisiana Tech, and worked as a musician for various churches throughout Louisiana. She served on the board of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the Louisiana Baptist Convention (in the role of orchestra consultant). She also belonged to the Monroe Junior League, volunteering in various leadership positions, and is an alumna of Leadership Ouachita.
A lifelong learner, Robin has not stopped striving. “In my later years,” she said, “I began writing and arranging for [First Baptist Church West Monroe] and began to study music again, with [Dallas-based
teachers] Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young.” This led to multiple major opportunities: to perform as a soloist for a Monroe Symphony concert, and to compose an original piece for the symphony. Robin has published four books of sacred arrangements, along with five recordings.
In 2012, Robin and her husband, Joe, relocated from Louisiana to Texarkana. Robin initially joined the staff of First Baptist Church as their music and worship associate, but within a year, she felt called to lead in a different way.
“I approached my boss, Quinn Stanfill, about 12 years ago, with a dream and vision to start a school for students of all ages to train and equip future worship leaders,” Robin said. “After much research and prayer, the FBC School of Worship Arts began in the fall of 2013 with 10 students, offering private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and drums. Today, we have approximately 120 students with classes in piano, voice, children’s choir, guitar, bass guitar, and drums.”
Robin, the director of the school, puts the “minister” in “administer.” “One thing that God has called me to do as a worship leader is to encourage and train worship leaders,” she said. “This is more than I could have ever imagined before this all began. God’s plan for my life has been beyond my dreams, goals, and expectations.”
Robin and her husband, Joe, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of eight “adorable and wonderful” grandchildren.
It is not just Robin’s professional life that has exceeded her wildest imaginings; her family, too, inspires immense gratitude. Robin and Joe have been married for 46 years. They have three children and eight “adorable and wonderful” grandchildren.
Robin is also grateful for her involvement with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. She is on the board of directors as the secretary and is chairperson for the artistic advisory board. She has also performed with and arranged for the TSO.
“The Texarkana Symphony is an organization that I enjoy and I’m thankful to be a part of,” she said. “Texarkana is very fortunate to have the quality of music it provides and presents every year. If you’ve never attended a TSO concert, you must do so.”
FSLM ASKED ROBIN:
What book are you currently reading? You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado.
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? It’s a tie: Ironwood Grill and Chappo’s.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? You are never too old to start something new, to create, to learn.
HOW MARY SCOTT SMITH SEES ROBIN:
“I am pleased to nominate Robin Thomas for the 2025 Tribute to Women issue because she is an outstanding musician and leader in the Texarkana music community, and she has such a beautiful, pure spirit. With Robin, there is no drama, no cattiness, no self-promotion, no hoopla; there is simply a talented person going about her business, supporting and encouraging other musicians, living the life God has for her, and accomplishing the things He has designed for her. She is a masterful pianist, composer, and arranger, and a frequent performer in her church and our area. Her music is inspirational and well crafted. After moving here in 2012, Robin started the School of Worship Arts at First Baptist Church Texarkana. More than a decade later, the school is flourishing and helping raise up the next generation of musicians. As a worship associate at First Baptist, she is playing every week—often her own arrangements or compositions. Robin serves on the Texarkana Symphony Board of Directors, is a graduate of Leadership Texarkana, and is a member of the Texarkana Music Teachers Association. She has helped me with my own playing, and I am proud to call her a colleague and a friend.”
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
OPPORTUNITIES INC
HELD ITS 4TH ANNUAL SUNDAY FUNDAY AT CROSSTIES EVENT VENUE ON MARCH 30TH.
Drs. James and Sandra Shambarger with Hollan and Dr. Chris Potts Brandon Washington, Joe Nichols, and Reese Shuffield
Nicole and Matt Wilson
Danielle and Dr. Chad Patterson
Dr. Troy Potter with Andy and Corie Woodman
Names Steven and Taylor Harvey with Terri and Jeff Peace
Jason Neeley and Tracey Smith
Leslie Sarver and Ty Patterson
STRONG OOTS
The Songs of Spring
DEDICATED TO ALL THE GARDENERS
by ROBIN PROCTOR
“Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”
Mother Nature took the April showers to a whole new level this past month. The deluge of rain in one weekend topped the meteorologist’s charts. Multiple inches of rain fell, winds blew, and tornadoes touched down over a single weekend, tragically destroying homes, personal belongings, and more. As I sat through the first night surrounded by trembling pups, certain the world was ending, I knew I had prepared the best I could. Only because my husband would not allow me to bring the chickens in the house, I had battened down their hatches and told them to hang in there. Visions of Dorothy’s house spinning through the air, Miss Gulch pedaling by the window, filled my head. I worried what the garden would look like the next day, what would wash away in the night, and what would be left to piece back together.
“Papa Don’t Preach”
The new spring brought a major overhaul project on the garden. For years, I labored to grow a healthy, flourishing garden on Grapes of Wrath ground (clay and gravel). The decision was made to dig it out with bulldozers and dump trucks three feet down and replace it with topsoil. The job was completed but not without difficulties as the rain came down. Trucks were stuck axle-deep, and for a few days, I had the start to a not-solovely spa mud pond. But, like we do with most projects, we endured, and the finishing touches were completed. I was elated at the thought of planting in real dirt.
Living in East Texas, we are all familiar with the Easter cold snap Mother Nature loves to “spring” on us. If Dad were still on this Earth, most certainly he would have said, “It’s too early to plant!” But, with Easter being so late this year, I threw all caution to the wind and impatiently decided that planting early would be fine. I was very convincing. The plans were laid out, and after a few days of hard labor, five rows of tomatoes, okra, onions, peppers, cucumbers, and squash had been lovingly tucked in the warm, loamy dirt. It was a labor of love, and it was beautiful, crooked rows and all.
“Mama Said (There’d Be Days Like This)”
As the dawn light peeked through the windows the morning after those first raging storms, I was filled with dread to discover whatever was lurking outside. Of course, the storms weren’t even considering a ceasefire, and I could hear the rumbling in the notso-far distance. Round “I lost count” was rapidly approaching, so I would have to move fast. You may be familiar with the saying “madder than a wet hen”? Well, let me say, that is a real thing. Thankfully, the coop and chicks were still residents of Texas (not Oz). I did a quick survey of the rain-soaked ground and went to work putting down shavings to give the chickens some respite from the mud. Fresh food and water were given, and then the rain came again, and again—oh, and again. Texas rainstorms are the epitome of “go big or go home.”
Days passed, and finally, the sun emerged on Sunday. The time had come to survey the damage. I pulled on my red boots and put on my big-girl britches to face the potential devastation in the garden. Make no mistake: I was so thankful that I still had a house and electricity, and that we were all safe, but honestly, I could have cried. Rivers of water had carefully eroded the dirt, taking with them plants that had been uprooted and washed downhill. Exposed roots glowed against the wet mud of the few plants that had successfully held their ground. I sunk ankle-deep in a quagmire of mud. Days of labor down the proverbial drain.
“The Gambler (Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em)”
Kenny Rogers couldn’t have said it better. The time to assess the damages had arrived. The sun had graced us with its presence for several days, and the garden appeared to have crusted over. I quickly jumped into action, breaking the crust to allow the moisture below to escape. I had hoped the fresh topsoil would have drained more efficiently, but it was no match for 10 inches of precipitation. As expected, the plants all had wet feet. Many of the tomatoes had already begun to show signs of damage. (Tomatoes can be tricky; the damage may not reveal itself until the fruit begins to appear. Blossom end rot, cracked fruit, root rot, early blight, late blight, and leaf spot are all destructive diseases for over-watered tomatoes.) After deciding which plants could be salvaged, I began by removing the yellow leaves from the bottoms of the plants and any limbs covered in dirt. The plants that appeared too damaged were removed with the intention of replacing.
Another pressing problem was that the rain more than likely had washed away critical nutrients. I would need to safely replace these nutrients, taking into consideration that the plants could burn from too much fertilizer. Fortunately, I knew just where to go.
submitted photos
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” In times like this, shopping always helps. I decided to pay a visit to Little Country Greenhouse, and it did not disappoint. The greenhouses were filled with all the plants I would need to get the garden back on track. Bruce, the owner, shared his wisdom on how to recover from the amount of rain that had been dumped on us in a short amount of time. Misery loves company, and commiserating with a seasoned grower offered some much-needed encouragement. After selecting the plants, Bruce recommended an all-organic soil that was enriched with worm casting to replenish the soil—a safe and healthy alternative to commercial fertilizer.
submitted photos
“Sunshine On My Shoulders”
I headed home, filled with encouragement that this was only a little bump in the road and, by no means, the end of the road. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but hard work is good for the soul. But Mother Nature needs to behave for the next while—no more surprises. My fingers are crossed that the garden will flourish and that there will be an abundance of fruit and veggies to share, a tradition my dad so dearly loved. This will be the year I can always say I didn’t plant a garden; I planted two! If, for some unknown reason, there is a need to plant three . . . well, Johnny Paycheck may have sung it best: “Take this job and . . .” I think you get the idea!
EVERYTHING’S MADE UP Emily in
by EMILY GAMMON
No one comes out of childhood unscathed, even with the best parents. It takes becoming a parent yourself to truly realize and appreciate the fact that no one knows what they’re doing. I like to use the slogan from the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?: “Everything’s made up, and the points don’t matter.” That’s parenting in a nutshell. Every parent is just doing their best to right the wrongs from their childhood (no matter how big or small) and to not mess up their kids. But, alas, your kids will still find things that could have been done differently.
In my parenting journey over the last seven years, I’ve learned to really appreciate all the good from my childhood. And while I have the best parent duo, being raised by a strong mom (who still teaches me daily) has shaped everything I do.
My mom is Peggy, but she’s affectionately referred to as Pegs by everyone who knows her. And let me tell you, it sure seems everyone in this town knows her!
Anyone can call at any hour of the day, and you can count on her for three things: she will listen, she will advise (when necessary), and she will pray. Now, I have to be honest—if you’re looking for a sugar-coating on your situation, I’d call anyone else first. Pegs is gonna shoot you straight, and if it hurts your feelings, well, “truth hurts.” That didn’t always feel great growing up, but I can look back now and know I was better prepared for the real world because I didn’t have a distorted vision of reality leaving home.
Pegs gave us the best balance of protection and preparation while growing up. I never felt overly sheltered, though now I can see the times I was shielded for my protection from certain information and topics. And I always felt a freedom to make decisions, though I can also see where that freedom came with boundaries.
Emily Gammon is a fourthgeneration Texarkana native and the owner of Texarkana Party People, a local business dedicated to celebrating life’s big moments. She’s married to Joey, and together they’re raising three energetic boys—John Carter, Jack, and Jace—with a baby girl, Jane Kate, on the way. With a life that’s always fun, busy, and unpredictable, Emily is excited to share her experiences of motherhood, small-town life, and everything in between in her column.
Maybe the best thing she did was allow my siblings and me the freedom to mess up. You can’t learn from mistakes if you never make any. Consequences were real, and they were faced truthfully and head-on.
We laugh that Mom’s life motto has been, “Life’s tough; get a helmet.” There was no room for excuses in our house—and even now, with her grown children, there still isn’t. This motto didn’t come from a place of discouragement, based on how hard the world can be, but more from a place of encouragement—to be strong, hold yourself and others accountable, and keep moving forward. We aren’t victims of our circumstances. We get up and keep moving one step at a time, no matter what life throws our way.
My life hasn’t been perfect; no one’s is. But I’ve seen strength exuded through every situation our family has walked through.
I attribute the majority of that to having a strong mom who led us in the way of the Lord first, and who taught us to be strong, independent humans. Despite that tough outer shell, Pegs is fun! And funny! We laugh until we cry. We’re best friends, and my goodness do I see her when I look in the mirror at myself. The season of becoming an adult and becoming friends with your parents is hands-down one of my favorites—so much so that she’s my next-door neighbor, and I see her every day. I send my little messengers across when we run out of coffee pods and creamer. She red-rovers small shoes, typically abandoned the day before at her house, back over to me before school, knowing that I will be looking everywhere for them. If ever there’s a late night Target run to grab school-project supplies or Lunchables, she’s the first to jump in the car.
Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of “I told you so”s as she watches my parenting journey, though I feel sure she sees plenty of opportunities for correction in my ways. Like I said, it’s all made up, and we are just learning as we go. She knows that, and she remembers what raising three littles is like, so she extends grace to my journey. But I know every time she’s been right (and it’s most of them!), and I do try to give credit where it is due. My prayer and desire is to raise my children with the same intentionality as her. I hope they see and remember their childhood with a strong mom, but also with a real mom—one who told the truth when it hurt, allowed them to make decisions, and was there to love them unconditionally, no matter the circumstances. After all, I have had the best example.
Emily with her mother, Peggy.
photo by SHANE DARBY
by BAYLOR M c LELLAND
A BRAILEY STEWART
s the school year winds down, seniors reflect on their past, say their goodbyes, finish classes, and prepare themselves for whatever the future may hold. For Liberty Eylau’s Brailey Stewart, there’s one additional task: finishing her last season with the track team.
Brailey has been a member of Liberty Eylau’s track team since middle school. “When I was younger, I played softball, but then when middle school came around, I was really into a bunch of other stuff,” she said. “So I started running summer track, but ninth grade was when I really started to take it seriously.”
As her love for track grew over time, her priorities shifted. Brailey had also been a member of the softball team, cheer squad, and even the drill team, motivated to participate by her cousins and aunt who were in it before her. But, eventually, she quit all three to focus on her track career.
Brailey said she manages the demands of track with focus and gratitude. “I really just do it by reminding myself to not give in to what’s going on right now,” she said. “With previous seasons, I’ve been hurt, so this is a good season without any minor injuries. I’ve been taking in all the moments and just appreciating when I have burnouts, because it’s all part of the process.” She said that her mother and aunt inspire her and play the biggest role in her life, motivating her day to day.
Brailey expressed a desire to one day become an athletic trainer or a radiologist. A radiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating medical diseases and physical injuries—like the many that have happened to Brailey’s hamstring, knee, and ankles in track. Though she has little experience with this field, her dream comes from her love of athletics, as does her goal to be an athletic trainer.
“ ” I think that’s what’s helping me a lot: being more responsible, being on time, showing up when I need to be there.
photo by SHANE DARBY
More than an athlete, Brailey was crowned Liberty Eylau’s 2024 Homecoming Queen. The process was not what she had expected. When she won, however, all she could feel was an immense sense of pride and belonging, as both students her age and underclassmen had chosen her to represent all of Liberty Eylau High School.
She explained that, rather than the crown, spending time with the rest of the court was the best part of the whole homecoming experience.
“Being around girls my age and watching all of us bond is kind of fun,” she said. “We all go to school together, but we didn’t really talk to each other, so I got to really talk to them oneon-one and just get closer to them.”
Despite the joys of senior year, there is still an underlying feeling of stress throughout. Brailey has managed to keep things positive, reminding herself not to succumb to whatever is worrying her at the moment. This can be seen on the homecoming court, in class, and on the track.
“I’ve been hurt so many times, so this is like a real season without any injuries,” she explained. “I’ve just been taking in all the moments I can.”
While Brailey did not place at the regional level this year, her talent is not to be diminished. Her freshman year, she attended the state-level competition and would have attended the Junior Olympics if not for an injury. Though she achieved a lot at a young age, Brailey knows that, since her freshman year, she has grown tremendously as an athlete and person.
“I feel like I have improved a lot,” she said. “I’ve matured a lot, and I think that’s what’s helping me a lot: being more responsible, being on time, showing up when I need to be there.”
Brailey encourages up-andcoming track stars to pursue the sport with all they have. “I would say go for it, because at the end of the day, you’ve got free will,” she said. “Use it. All they can do is tell you no, and at least you can say you tried.” Now, as her future outside of high school begins, she’ll live by these words, pursuing either a career in radiology or as an athletic trainer. Either way, Brailey seems to be running towards success.
Baylor McLelland is a junior at Arkansas High School. He is a reporter for the RazorbackTV program and content creator on his YouTube channel, “BaylorWuzHere.” He plans to graduate in 2026 and pursue a college degree in film.
Brailey was the Homecoming Queen at Liberty Eylau in 2024.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE BRIAN HARRIS FOUNDATION HELD ITS GOLF & PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT AT NORTHRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ON FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST.
Charlie Tye and Andy Tye
Holland Meador and Brandy Early
Nathan Upton, Brandon Gray, and Jake Boyd
Ryan Olson and Robert Davis Michelle Harris, Meagan Harris, and Remington Harris
Mabry Fergason and Katarina Fielding
Amber Gideon Stewart and Mitch Campbell
Easton Turner, Amanda Stuart, Julianne Taylor, and Ashley Arnold
