special thanks to shawn edmonds andalt-mag.com/beautifulwomen.pdfyou a real job, and do it.” –...

10 ALT Magazine

You’ve all been waiting -- and here it is! After sorting through paperwork and interviewing over 200 Beautiful

Women, 60 Beautiful Women, 20 in each of three categories, have been chosen!

What an exciting and amazing group of women we had to choose from! Here is how our process worked:

Women were nominated by email or mail in nominations. Each woman was then notified that she had been nominated and asked to submit her responses to several questions. An interview time was set and each woman came in for a short interview. From each of these things, our top 60 was chosen.

What were we looking for? We were looking for women who were beautiful on the inside and outside! Women whose hearts were full of love for others -- and that love showed in the things she did for her family, her church, her community. Women who went above and beyond what was required of their job, and who spent their free time giving back to the community.

And, oh my goodness, we found a lot of them! The decisions made by our non-biased judges were difficult for them -- imagine if those decisions had to be made by those of us who knew many of them! (We were so glad we did not have to make them!)

So, out of the over 200 women who were nominated, we now share with you our three categories of 20 Most Beautiful Women in the Ark-La-Tex!

Now it’s time to vote! You can vote once in each category per day during the month of December! The top women in each category will be featured in our February 2010 ALT, as well as 3 runners-up!

p.s. Be thinking, ladies! Next year we will have “The 20 Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex!” Be thinking about the nominations you will be making!

Special thanks to Shawn Edmonds and

Leslie Bates

www.alt-mag.com 11

Ashley WalkerHow I’m involved

• Active member of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

• Ambassador for the Chamber in Marshall, Texas

• Volunteer for Texarkana Race for the Cure

• Past member of Kiwanis Club

My family• Mom to puppy, Diva; daughter of Derrick and Gay

Durrant

My favorite words of wisdom• “Always remember that God has a plan for your life. If

you listen, He directs you every step of the way. When you stop listening is when you lose your way.”

My parting thought

• “I want to be a mentor for women to help them see what God can do for their lives if they just put him first.”

Amber Carter LawrenceHow I’m involved

• Active member of the Junior League of Texarkana – recording secretary

• Committee member of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Texarkana

• Honorary chair of the 2009 American Heart Association Heart Ball

• Member of the Circle of Friends at Arkansas Children’s Hospital

• Member of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church

My family• Married to Zachary Lawrence; son, Saxton

My favorite words of wisdom• “Try not to be a man of success but rather a man of

value.” -Albert Einstein

My parting thought

• “The legacy I would like to leave would not be my successes or objects but rather the values I try to live by in my life simple but true…”treat others as you would like to be treated.”

Amanda HarpHow I’m involved

• Member of First Baptist Church – Atlanta, Texas

• Sponsor of benefit golf tournament for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

• Fundraiser for American Cancer Society

My family• Married to Micah

Harp; daughter, Annabelle and expecting a new daughter, Sadie, in December

My favorite words of wisdom• “If I had a world of my own, it would all be nonsense!”

-Alice from Alice in Wonderland

My parting thought • “Life is way too short to always have a frown on your

face.”

Autumn DawsonHow I’m involved

• Staff pastor at Church on the Rock

• College ministry mentor for 100 students

• Teaches married Sunday School class

• Participates in various community outreach events

My family• Married to Joe;

daughters, Malachi and Judah

My favorite words of wisdom• “Love is Real, God is Love.”

My parting thought

• “I believe we were all created for a purpose and I think the investment you make in the lives of others yields a great reward.”

Category One - Ages 21-35 . Vote now at www.alt-mag.com

12 ALT Magazine

Chrystal SloanHow I’m involved

• Member of Arkansas Municipal Auditorium Commission

• Member of the Bowie County Sheriff’s K-9 Search and Rescue Team

• Member of the Miss Southwest Arkansas Scholarship Pageant Organization

• Past volunteer at the Running WJ Ranch

My family• Married to Andre; daughter, Macy

My favorite words of wisdom• “The first duty of a human being is to assume the right

functional relationship to society – more briefly, to find you a real job, and do it.” – Charlotte Perkins Gilman

My parting thought

• “Passing on knowledge, perseverance and compassion would be my ideal legacy.”

Erin Kristin DukeHow I’m involved

• Member of Heritage Baptist Church

• Ambassador for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

• Member of the Texarkana Race for the Cure committee

My family• Daughter, Blakely

Kristin

My favorite words of wisdom

• “Don’t criticize someone until you have walked a mile in her shoes.”

My parting thought

• “I’d like to be known as someone that stood up for what she believed and that could always be counted on to see a task through to completion.”

Heather Marie BeachHow I’m involved

• Member of Wake Village First Baptist Church


• Volunteer for March of Dimes

• Participates in United Way Campaigns

My family• Married to Kyle

My favorite words of wisdom• “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your

consent.”My parting thought

• “I wish to be remembered as a great role model and an inspiration to young ladies for my dedication to God, my family, myself, and my career.”

Heather Brent TutuloHow I’m involved

• Member of Trinity Baptist Church

• Fundraiser for various community organizations including CASA, Texarkana Animal Shelter, Battered Women’s Shelter

• Volunteer for Texarkana Race for the Cure and Relay for Life

My family

• Engaged to Jay Barnette; daughter, Trinity; son, Chase; parents, Kenneth and Mary Harris

My favorite words of wisdom• “Beauty may only be skin-deep, but ugly goes clean

to the bone.”

My parting thought

• “No matter what obstacles you find in your path, trust in the Lord and accept help from your loved ones and all your hopes and dreams can be achieved. We are NEVER too busy to love.”


www.alt-mag.com 13

Jan AndersonHow I’m involved

• Member of First Baptist Church Moore’s Lane

• Volunteer at Pleasant Grove Elementary School

• Member of Pleasant Grove Parent/Teacher Association

• Participant in Bible Study Fellowship International

My family• Married to Kurt; sons,

Tucker and Buck; daughter, Rose

My favorite words of wisdom• “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow

will worry about itself.” –Matthew 6:34

My parting thoughts• “[I want my legacy to be] that I believed in Jesus as

the Son of God and my Lord and that this faith carried on to my children and others.”

Jennifer HughesHow I’m involved

• Member of Harvest Texarkana Board of Directors

• Member of Culinary Arts Board at Texarkana College


• “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” –Basil King

My parting thoughts

• “I would love … simply to pass on that one must leave the world better than it was found.”


14 ALT Magazine

Kate ReynoldsHow I’m involved


• Mentor to youth at First Baptist Moore’s Lane

• Volunteer in various outreach projects

• Prayer and Bible Study leader at Theron Jones

My family• Married to Matt;

parents, Jay and Susan Tidwell; expecting a new addition due in April

My favorite words of wisdom• “You can have a great knowledge of God and a great

faith in God and fail to communicate if you do not have a loving attitude.” –Jeannie Birge and Debbie Schreve

My parting thoughts

• “I want people to remember me and to think, “Wow, she really loved Jesus” because in the end, that’s all that really matters!”

Katie JacksonHow I’m involved

• Provisional member of the Junior League of Texarkana

• Member of Partners in Education

• Member of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

My family• Married to Larry; sons,

Landon and Lance


• “Life is what you make of it.”

My parting thoughts

• “I want my legacy to be that I was an honest, genuine person that truly cared for her family, loved ones and community with all of her heart.”

Kimberly Craven BusbyHow I’m involved


• Member of VIP Volunteer team

• Mentor for Pleasant Grove High School boys’ basketball team

• Mentor for youth at First Baptist

My family• Married to Clay; son,

Owen


• “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.” -John Piper

My parting thoughts

• “Right now, our 2 year old looks at me like I’m the love of his life. If that is still the case when he marries the next love of his life, then I couldn’t ask for more as a mother.”

Lindsey Leigh PilgreenHow I’m involved

• Member of Redwater First Baptist Church

• Active volunteer at the Morriss school

My family

• Married to Gregg; daughter, Logan; son, Knox


• For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

My parting thoughts

• “I believe in truth, honesty, fairness and the sanctity of this country, as well as the church.”


www.alt-mag.com 15

16 ALT Magazine

Natalie NicholsHow I’m involved


• Member of Volunteers in Preschool program

• District 4 Coordinator for Smart Girl Politics

• Creator of www.texarkanatea.ning.com and www.politicalintegritynow.com

• Participant in “The Baby Borrowers”

My family• Married to Chet; sons,

Mackenzie, Zackary and Benjamin; daughter, Etta

My favorite words of wisdom• “If not you, who? If not now, when?”

My parting thoughts

• “I think I took the hard road so that some other young girls might learn from my choices and realize that they are beautiful inside and out.”

Stacy James MayoHow I’m involved

• Active member of Trinity Baptist Church

• Co-chair of Heart Ball• Volunteer for

the Alzheimer’s Association and CASA

• Member of the Texarkana Race for the Cure committee

• Executive Director of Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen

• Co-producer of the Miss Texas pageant

My family• Married to Ben; son,

David; parents, David and Diana James

My favorite words of wisdom• “Marriage is not about trying to find someone

to complete you. It’s not about two empty souls finding each other; it’s about two completely whole souls joining together to build a life together.” –Charles Stanley

My parting thoughts• “I want to be looked at... as a Godly woman… [a

woman] who loves her family… and loves to build up her community…”

Maria RodriguezHow I’m involved

• Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church

• Active member of various community outreach projects

My family• Married to Sergio;

daughter, Erika; sons, Sergio, Jr. and Nicholas


• “Courage is the discovery that you might not win, but you are willing to try even though you might lose.”

My parting thoughts

• “Always try and be the best that you can be.”

Melinda CarlowHow I’m involved

• Member of First Baptist Church New Boston

• Director of the New Boston Chamber of Commerce

• Co-chair for the Student Health Advisory Committee, New Boston ISD

• Volunteer at New Boston Middle School

My family• Married to Blake; daughter, Malori; son, Mason

My favorite words of wisdom• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me.” – Philippians 4:13

My parting thoughts

• “[It is] important to make sure that daily my family knows how much I truly love them… [and that my children] would put faith and family first…”


www.alt-mag.com 17

Tracy Erin LillyHow I’m involved


• Mentor to young women with eating disorders

• Volunteer in children’s ministry at First Baptist

• Teacher at Vacation Bible School

My family• Married to Chris;

daughter, Austyn

My favorite words of wisdom• “To love yourself is the beginning of a lifelong

romance.”

My parting thoughts

• “I want my legacy to be one of love and laughter. [I want] to be someone who actually did something and not someone who tried to do something.”

Whitney JacksonHow I’m involved

• Member of Church on the Rock

• Youth Pastor at Church on the Rock

• Volunteer at “I love Evelyn”

• Sponsor of Revolutionary Prayer Movement

My family• Married to Travis; dog,

Chloe Belle; children, all the youth at Powerhouse

My favorite words of wisdom• “The world is not dangerous because of those who

do harm, but because of those who look at it without doing anything.” –Albert Einstein

My parting thoughts

• “The most important thing for me is to serve and help others. I hope my life inspires others to pursue their God given destiny…”

18 ALT Magazine

Category Two - Ages 36-50 . Vote now at www.alt-mag.com

Anne WrenHow I’m involved

• Member of Harvest Tex-arkana Board of Direc-tors – Finance Chair

• Graduate of Leadership Texarkana

• Member of First Baptist Church

• Member of Texas and Arkansas Society of CPAs

• Member of AICPA• Former Chair of St.

Edward’s Finance Com-mittee

My family• Married to Fred; Sons,

Joey and William Wren, Christopher and Matthew Duff

My favorite words of wisdom• “The true test of character is how you treat someone

that can do nothing for you.”

My parting thought • “I want my family and friends to know that I led an

honest and faithful life… that I worked and played hard, earned an honest dollar and shared it…”

Beth PesekHow I’m involved

• Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church

• Secretary of the PG Showstoppers Booster Club

• Volunteer for Weight Watchers Lose for Good

• Volunteer for Harvest Texarkana

My family• Married to Leon; son,

Trey; daughter, Katie


• “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” - Author Unknown

My parting thought • “I’d like to pass down two legacies. First to my family,

I’d like to pass the family traditions that mean so much. Family is the most important support system. Reach out when you need a hug, a cry, help or just to talk. For my students, I’d like to pass the legacy that hard work, perseverance and good character are traits of success-ful people. You can achieve anything you desire. Just make up your mind and do it.”

Danielle DuhonHow I’m involved

• Member of First Bap-tist Church Moore’s Lane

• Member of Café Class Bible Study

• Volunteer leader with YoungLife ministries

• Member of Run the Line Half Marathon Committee

• Planner for Kids Run the Line, Too!

• Former Chair of St. Edward’s Finance Committee

My family• Married to Philip; daughters, Grace, Ellie and Sophie


me.” –Philippians 4:13

My parting thought • “I want to be known as a woman who made a differ-

ence in the lives of others by ‘doing’ more and ‘say-ing’ less.”

Debbie SchreveHow I’m involved


• Leader of adult wom-en’s Sunday School class

• Teacher of lunch Bible Study

• Member of several Praise Teams

• Speaker at local and national Family Life Marriage Conferences

My family• Married to Jeff; daugh-

ters, Jill Budzilowski, Amy and Sarah

My favorite words of wisdom• “Coincidences are miracles in which God chooses to

remain anonymous.”

My parting thought • “[I want to be known as a woman] who walked with

the Lord in such a way that others knew without a word being spoken, that I belonged to Christ; who kept her priorities right: God, then my husband, then my children, then my church and job.

www.alt-mag.com 19


Genia BullockHow I’m involved

• Member of Junior League of Texarkana

• Member of Women for Texas A&M Texar-kana

• Member of TRAHC African American Committee

• Member of Wilbur Smith Rotary Club

My family• Married to Ron; son,

Jordan; daughters, Jada and Jordan

My favorite words of wisdom• “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that

nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” – Oprah Winfrey

My parting thought • “[I want to be known as] a person who prac-ticed what she preached: Don’t let life pass you by, get out there and make your dreams come true. Give back to the community you live in and be the change you want to see in your community. “

Jane PortisHow I’m involved

• Member of First Pres-byterian, Texarkana

• Member of Circle of Friends – Arkansas Children’s Hospital

• Member of Texarkana Animal League

• Director of Youth, Children and Educa-tion at First Presbyte-rian, Texarkana

My family• Daughter, Laura Alyse

Davis


• “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond mea-sure.” – Nelson Mandela

My parting thought • “[I want people to know] that I worked hard to

become aware of the needs of others and did my best to help and encourage others to do the same, any time that I could.”

20 ALT Magazine


Joni CrabbeHow I’m involved


• Member of Texarkana Community Ballet Company

My family• Sons, Ryan, Blake

and Tye; daughter, Cassie; granddaugh-ter, Presley


• “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” -William Arthur Ward

My parting thought • “[I want] to have been a good influence on young

people so that they can use their talents and reach their goals in life. And, to be a friend to all that have touched my life.”

Katheryn Wright HicksHow I’m involved

• Member of Hampton Road Church of Christ

• Associate member of the Vietnam Veterans Association Local Chap-ter 278

• Member of the Bowie County Republican Women

• Member of the Republi-can Party of Texas

• Member of Star of Texas Republican Women

• Member of Bowie Coun-ty Patriots and Texar-kana Tea Patriots

My family• Husband, Rusty; son, Steven; daughter, Holly;

grandson, Hunter; grandparents, George and Norma Campbell; parents, William Wright and Doris Talley

My favorite words of wisdom• “Anything worth having is worth going the extra mile

to obtain.”

My parting thought

• “What I hope everyone [knows] me by is that I am a true believer in God, in this country and that I am a Patriot at heart.”

www.alt-mag.com 21


Keely BledsoeHow I’m involved


• Member of Williams Day School Board

• Sustainer in Junior League of Texarkana

• Teacher for 4 – 5 years old in Alive at Five class

• Past member of Tex-arkana Volunteer Cen-ter, United Way Texar-kana and the Stuff the Bus program

• Served on Heart Association and Tex-arkana Race for the Cure committees

My family• Husband, Mark; daughters, Blaire Elizabeth and Mar-

lee Brooke

My favorite words of wisdom• “Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude

toward us.” –Earl Nightingale

My parting thought • “I want to live life to its fullest and not to regret. Life

is far too short to be unhappy.”

Kelli Bevers LovellHow I’m involved

• Member of St. James Church, Texarkana

• Member of American Cancer Society Board

• Co-chair of Relay for Life Committee

• Volunteer for Alzheim-er’s Alliance of Texar-kana

• Member of Twin City Marketing Alliance

My family• Son, Patrick; brother

and sister-in-law, Bradley and Christine Bevers

My favorite words of wisdom• “You drink from a well you didn’t dig.”

My parting thought • “…not everything is a rose garden,

sometimes it starts out as a weed patch, we have the opportunity to cultivate the soil… It’s just up to us what we grow.

22 ALT Magazine

Lara AlexanderHow I’m involved


• Founder of Women for A&M-Texarkana

• Sustainer in the Junior League of Tex-arkana

• Past-president of the Women for the Arts

• Former Chair of Picassos at the Perot and the Heart Ball

• Past president of the Wadley Guild

My family• Husband, Van; sons, Mitch and

Dustin; daughter-in-law, Keasha

My favorite words of wisdom• “Discipline determines destiny.”

My parting thought • “I want my family and friends to

know I loved them.”

LeAnne WrightHow I’m involved

• Member of First United Methodist, Texarkana, AR

• Member of Kiwanis Club • Member of Race for the

Cure Texarkana Steering Committee

• PTA Vice-President of North Heights Junior High School

• Class President of 2009 Leadership Texarkana class

• Sustainer in the Junior League of Texarkana

• Council Member for the International Paper Com-munity Advisory Board

• Vice-President of Arkansas Women for Education

• Local Alumni Chapter President for Delta Delta Delta

• Associate Member of May Dale Garden Club• Member of Women for the Arts• Member of Women for A&M-Texarkana• Student Affairs Council Representative of A&M-Texarkana

My family• Husband, Tim; son, Anderson

My favorite words of wisdom• “Live life to the fullest.” -Ernest Hemingway

My parting thought • “I want people to remember me for my ‘love’ for life

and for being a caring wife, mother and friend!” Category Two - Ages 36-50 . Vote now at www.alt-mag.com

www.alt-mag.com 23

Rae Shelia ThigpenHow I’m involved

• Member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church

• Volunteer at Randy Sam’s Homeless Shelter

• Past Board Member for the United Way

• Board Member for Twin City Black History Asso-ciation

• Board Member for Sal-vation Army

• Committee Member for Texarkana Race for the Cure

• Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• Lifetime Member of NAACP

• Member of Medical Mission Team to San Raymundo, Gua-temala



My parting thought

• “If I can help somebody as I pass along then my liv-ing shall not be in vain.”

Monica AtkinsonHow I’m involved


• Volunteer in Heritage Baptist Vacation Bible School

• Participant in vari-ous Bible studies and other women’s minis-try events

My family• Husband, Nick; sons,

Jason and Randall Hil-lis; daughters, Stepha-nie and Melissa Hillis; stepsons, Koy Atkinson and Kelvin Hicks

My favorite words of wisdom• “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice

and be GLAD in it…no matter what!”

My parting thought • “I want my children and my family to remember me

as a woman who works very hard to love very much. I believe that we definitely “reap what we sow.”


24 ALT Magazine

Tiffany Nelson McFarlandHow I’m involved



• Participant in Teen Court

• Member of National Adoption Day Com-mittee

My family• Husband, Derric;

daughters, Ashley Osborne and Ava McFarland

My favorite words of wisdom• “You must be the change you wish to

see in the world.” -Mahatma Ghandi

My parting thought • “[I want my legacy to be] that I have

been a good mother and wife and made a difference!”

Tina RichardsonHow I’m involved

• Member of Enon First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Texas

• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

• Co-founder of Orga-nized for the Needs of Every Child, Inc.

My family• Parents, Charlie and

Bobby Richardson and James and Mary Keaton

My favorite words of wisdom• “If I can help someone along the way …then my living

will not be in vain.”

My parting thought• “I want my legacy to be that I was a bridge builder who

paved the way for others passing through this world aspiring to be good citizens and great leaders. “

Selena JeffriesHow I’m involved

• Sustainer in Junior League of Texarkana

• Served as Community Vice President, Public Relations and Provi-sional Co-chair in Junior League

• Board member for Tex-arkana Race for the Cure

• Board member for Texarkana Symphony Orchestra

• Member of Women for the Arts

• Volunteer with Junior Achievement

• AVID mentor at Texas High School

My family• Married to Bryan; daughters, Kayla and Kara

My parting thought

• I strive to be down-to-earth and to treat people nicely. I have tried to focus on where I can offer as much of myself as I can to be helpful. ”

Theresa McDonaldHow I’m involved


• Volunteer for FBC TV Ministry

• Volunteer at Runnin’ WJ Ranch

• Volunteer for various philanthropic projects at Texarkana College

• Adviser for Phi Beta Lambda at Texarkana College

• Member of Phi Beta Lambda National Awards Program Committee

My family• Husband, Charles;

son, Roger Bartley

My favorite words of wisdom• “And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28

My parting thought • “I would like to be remembered not only as a professor

that cared about a student’s education, but someone that cared for the student as a whole.”


www.alt-mag.com 25

Tonya DomokosHow I’m involved

• Tobacco Education Prevention Project Director for BEAT Tobacco Control

• Community Liaison for Youth Special Pre-vention Units – four counties

• Former Co-director of Safe Haven Baptist Homeless Shelter

My family• Husband, Alex;

daughter, Rachel; son, Nicholas; grand-children, Tallen and Payton

My favorite words of wisdom• “If you are being run out of town, get in front

of the crowd and make it look like a parade.” - Sally Stanford.”

My parting thought • “It is amazing to me what a little time, care, love and

sometimes just one small gesture of kindness can do for one person, one family.”

Tracy SpradlinHow I’m involved

• Member of Tapp Memo-rial Methodist Church, New Boston

• Member of Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

• Member of New Boston Chamber of Commerce

• Sponsor of local 4-H and FFA activities

• Sponsor of Pioneers Days in New Boston

• Sponsor of Four States Fair & Rodeo Calf Scram-ble

• Participant in various local charity and school fundraisers

My family• Husband, Bill; son,

Payton Laney; daugh-ters, Megan Laney, Ashley and Amanda Spradlin

My favorite words of wisdom• “God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sor-

row, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.”

My parting thought • “I would like my legacy to be remembered as the person

who always strived to be the best person I could possibly be and that I instilled the values in my children to live life to the fullest and that they can achieve any goal in life and to never give up on their dreams.”


26 ALT Magazine

Category Three - Ages 51+ . Vote Now at www.alt-mag.com

Ann Atchison NicholasHow I’m involved

• Member of Beech Street First Baptist Church

• Volunteer dance teacher in the Beech Street youth arts program

• Member of Texarkana Community Ballet

• Founding member of Texarkana Habitat for Humanity and Women for the Arts

• Member of TEX*REP• Current president of

the American Legion Auxiliary

• Volunteer for and participant in Texarkana Race for the Cure

• Volunteer for the 2010 Heart Ball

My family• Daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Anthony Sayadian;

son, Hamilton and Daughter, Martha Grace; grandchildren, Ethan, Anna and Lauren Sayadian

My favorite words of wisdom• “Here… it takes all the running you can do to keep in

the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.” The Red Queen in “Through the Looking Glass,” Lewis Carroll

My parting thought • “I want my children, my grandchildren and my students

(who are like my children) to be stronger in their beliefs, stronger in their character, stronger in their faith, stronger in their hope, stronger in their vision and stronger in their willingness to engage and participate in life, having known me.”

Beatty PalmerHow I’m involved

• Member of First Church of the Nazarene

• Teacher of Sunday School for 60 years

• Volunteer to benefit countless people in need

My family• Daughter, Ann

Whittenburg; grandchildren, Greg Niemeyer and Kim Icenhower; 4 great grandchildren

My favorite words of wisdom• “The Lord perfects those things that concern you.” –

Psalm 138:8

My parting thought • “[I want others to know] that I loved the Lord and

loved people.”

Claudia SnowHow I’m involved


• Immediate past president of Women for the Arts

• Member of Texarkana Community Ballet

• Chair of Party with Picassos

• Member of TRAHC Board

• Secretary of Susan Sanderson Garden Club

• State board member and East Texas regional director of Leadership Texas

My family• Married to Pete; son and daughter-in-law, Justin and

Jennifer; daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Jared Horton; granddaughters, Madelyn and Kathryn Snow, Lydia and Julianna Horton

My favorite words of wisdom• “If you sit still, you’ll rust.” –Leah Williams,

grandmotherMy parting thought

• “[I want my children and my grandchildren] to remember my sense of humor and optimism… [to remember] that they can make a difference, see the value in volunteerism and involvement in their community.”

Debbie Lindsey SheppardHow I’m involved

• Member of Wake Village Baptist Church

• Chair for Partners in Education, Texarkana Independent School District

• Volunteer to benefit people and animals in need

My family• Married to Roger;

daughters and sons-in-law, Lindsey and Gregg Pilgreen and Kristin and Cody Spencer; grandchildren Logan and Knox Pilgreen, Gage and Dane Spencer

My favorite words of wisdom• “Greatness is not in where we stand, but what direction

we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but sail we MUST and not drift, nor lie at anchor.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes

My parting thought • “[I] challenged each student to be a strong and

independent person… [and to understand that] excellence is never an accident. Everyone needs direction, never be afraid to ask.”

www.alt-mag.com 27


Gayle BurrowHow I’m involved



• Board member and past president of Texarkana Community Ballet

• Volunteer and dance teacher at Watersprings Ranch

• Sustaining member of Junior League of Texarkana

• Member of TRAHC• Former board member

and parents club president for St. James Day School

My family• Married to H. T., son, Trey; daughter, Ali

My favorite words of wisdom• “Live. Love. Laugh.”

My parting thought • “My children are my legacy…and their children.”

Janet GreenHow I’m involved

• Member of Central Baptist Church, Texarkana

• Volunteer at the Red Cross Festival of Trees

• Mentor students in the Texarkana Arkansas School District

My family• Married to Ronnie;

sons, Rustin and Trenton


• “No time like the present.”

My parting thought • “May those who come

behind me find me faithful.”

Jo Ann RiceHow I’m involved

• Member of Hamilton Memorial AME Church

• Leader of the Young Women Initiative

• Co-chair of the TV Ministry

• Third Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• Member of YWCA board

• Past President of Literacy Council and Ronald McDonald Charities


• Vice Chair of American Heart Association Heart Walk

• Secretary of Women for A&M

My family• Married to Arties; daughter, Josette

My favorite words of wisdom• “Service is the rent we pay for living.”

My parting thought • “[I want to] inspire people to better themselves and

our community.”

Joyce CookHow I’m involved

• Member of Pleasant Grove Parent Teacher Association

• Member of Athletic Booster Club at Pleasant Grove High School

• Volunteer for American Heart Association

• Volunteer for the American Cancer Society

• Participant with the United Way, American Red Cross and Texas State Trooper Association

• Member of Republican Women’s AssociationMy family

• Married to Christopher; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Shane Holland

My favorite words of wisdom• “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are

small matters compared to what lies within us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

My parting thought • I think I want my legacy to be that my life provided

the world a positive contribution, and that I was a team player.”

28 ALT Magazine


Joyce WilsonHow I’m involved

• Volunteer for Martin Luther King “Act of Kindness” project


• Volunteer cheerleading coach for Faith, Hope & Love, Inc.

• Lifetime member of the PTA

• Contributor to United Way and Whitney Kelly Scholarship Fund

My family• Married to Taft;

children, Greg, Michelle, Shaun, LeJay, Andre, Adrian, Shawn and William

My favorite words of wisdom• “Life’s most urgent question is: What

are you doing for others?” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My parting thought • “[I hope] that I have created a bright

spot in someone’s life with a kind word, a smile, or just a simple thank you.”

Linda Kay LillyHow I’m involved

• Member of First Baptist Church


• Volunteer for the Runnin’ WJ Ranch

• Member of the Four State Reining Horse Association

My family• Married to Mike; son

and daughter-in-law, Chris and Tracy Lilly; daughter and son-in-law, Jaime and Jason Cobb; grandchildren, Austyn Lilly, Aiden, Alex and Andrew Cobb; parents, Alvin and Marie Gibson; mother-in-law, Reba Lilly

My favorite words of wisdom• “Go your way… and be not grieved and depressed,

for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

My parting thought • “[I want to know] that my life is a testimony of my

love for God and my family.”

www.alt-mag.com 29


Margarite ‘Skeet’ JolleyHow I’m involved

• Member of Hooks First Methodist Church

• Chairman of the church board

• Member of the finance committee

• Founder of the Shepherd’s Shop

• Volunteer in numerous church activities

• Volunteer for Hooks Independent School District

• Caretaker for church member in assisted living

My family• Son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Tanda;

grandson, Chad Jolley; granddaughters, Lara Jolley and Kirby McCasland; great grandson, Cade Jolley

My favorite words of wisdom• “Always be honest and truthful and treat others as

you would like to be treated. Live each day to its fullest.”

My parting thought • “[I want] to be remembered as someone who has

touched people’s lives in a special, helpful way.”

Mary Katherine WeberHow I’m involved


• Founder of WOW – Williams on Wednesday

• Board member of Hospice of Texarkana

• Board member of Conifer Girl Scout Council

• Inaugural board member for Texarkana Race for the Cure


• Volunteer at Cornerstone Retirement Community

My family• Married to Patrick;

daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Ty Patterson; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Mary Elizabeth Weber; son, the late Charles Weber; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Bell; grandchildren, Evelyn, Jackson and Martha Patterson , Charlie and Katie Bell; parents, Martha and Nick Margrave

My favorite words of wisdom• “After the storm the birds sing. Why shouldn’t we?”

–Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

My parting thought • “[I want people to know] that I got it – that I realized

that life is very short and every day is priceless, especially for those you hold dearest to your heart.”

30 ALT Magazine


Mary Ted MayoHow I’m involved


• Member of FBC praise team and choir

• Officer of Dogwood Garden Club

• Member of Texarkana Music Teachers Asso-ciation

• Member of Friends of the Library

• Volunteer at Runnin’ WJ Ranch

• Fellowship chair of Encouragers Sunday school class

• Member of the Friends of St. Michael’s Foun-dation

My family• Married to Gary; daughter and son-in-law, Susan-

nah and Gene Joyce; son, Joe; granddaughters, Caroline and Catherine

My favorite words of wisdom• “I can do ALL things through Christ who

strengthens me.” –Philippians 4:13

My parting thought • “Just as God loves all of mankind, my love for

them is unconditional.”

Norma HarrisonHow I’m involved


• Member of the Golden Circle Bible class

• Treasurer of the Altru-sans

• Corresponding secre-tary of Chapter V, PEO


• Member of Women for Texas A&M

• Member of Friends of the Library

• Participant in Bible Study Fellowship

My family• Son, Jon Pringle; daughters, Jan Price and Larkin

Jarvis; stepdaughters, Beverly Harrison, Ellen Oliver and Kathryn Goff

My favorite words of wisdom• “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” –

Thomas Moore

My parting thought • “I would hope to be remembered as having been

fair and compassionate with every person who came into my life and I hope to have been a help to those in need.”

Pam OrrHow I’m involved

• Member of Williams Memorial Methodist Church

• Chairman of American Heart Association Heart Ball

• Opportunities Angel Guild President

• Volunteer for CASA and Pi Phi Alumni Club

My family• Married to Keith;

daughters, Alison, Ellen and Emily; son, John


• “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” - Mother Teresa

My parting thought • “I hope my legacy is that I was a good friend, sister,

mother, daughter, and wife. I think what we teach our children is our greatest legacy. I hope (as all parents do) that their lives are full of happiness and that they contribute positively to society.’”

Paula Magness KnightHow I’m involved

• Missionary in Davao City, Philippines – 1994 – 2006

• Owner of Blue Isle Expressions Custom Jewelry Designs, a minis-try to fund the Philippine Missionary Baptist Semi-nary in Davao City

• Speaker in various local and regional churches

My family• Married to Glenn; son

and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Judy; daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Mark Clements; daughter, Juliana; grandchildren, Noah, Mahlah, Nathan and Rhoda Mae Clements; Keilah and Keizah Knight; parents, the late Paul Magness and Vada Magness



My parting thought • “When people mention my name [I want them to]

say, WOW, what a lady she was. [She was] very God fearing, fun loving, crazy, had NO FEAR, trustworthy, honest and a wonderful wife, mother, daughter and Nana.”

32 ALT Magazine

Rebecca Gayle Adair HinesHow I’m involved

• Member of Hampton Road Church of Christ

• Owner of Gayle’s and Abby Gayle’s

• Image consultant for women throughout the Texarkana area

• Volunteer for various local charities and phil-anthropic events

My family• Married to Roger,

sons, Roger, Jr., Kevin and Scott


• “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. -The Serenity Prayer

My parting thought • “I want to be remembered for the sincere love I have

for my customers and community. [I have been] inspired by how I could transform my customers into feeling good about themselves. I sit them down, listen to their needs, and teach them things that will enhance their natural beauty. I would also like to be remem-bered for my example of commitment to my husband, our sons and their families.”

Shirley PesekHow I’m involved

• Member of Sacred Heart Women’s Soci-ety

• Eucharist Minister at Sacred Heart


• Past president and charter member of Texarkana Lawyers’ Wives Club

• Past president of Gateway Garden Club

• Charter member and current board mem-ber of the Opportuni-ties Foundation Board

My family• Married to Leon; sons, Leon, Jr. and Philip; daughter,

Cathy Long

My parting thought • “I want people to remember me for my

smile and encouragement. I want to be like my husband who has the biggest heart in the world and cares so much about his family and friends.”


www.alt-mag.com 33


Teresa ShippHow I’m involved

• Member of the Church of Christ

• Member of Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Honor Society for Teach-ers

• Member of the Daugh-ters of the American Revolution

• Member of Arkansas Women for Education

• Former member of Board of Directors for Tri-Com-munity Neighborhood Center

• Actively involved in church ministries

• Campaign manager for Mayor Horace Shipp

My family• Married to Horace;

daughter and son-in-law, Julie and James Davis; son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Araceli; grandson and wife, James and Lacey Davis; grandson, Ethan; great grandson, James IV

My favorite words of wisdom• “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

–Philippians 4:13 (KJV)My parting thought

• ‘’I want my legacy to be that I was an outstanding teacher – one that was fair and just with each student. I loved all my students and treated them equally; yet, I strived and was successful in giving each of them the individual, one-on-one attention they needed.”

Theresa Ann PoffHow I’m involved

• Lifetime member of St. Edwards Catholic Church

• Active volunteer with St. Edwards youth group

• Participant in Bible Study Fellowship

• State Treasurer of the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association

• Member of TSAD PTAs• Volunteer for Easter

Seals• Volunteer for Temple

Memorial Treatment Center

• Member of Arkansas Municipal Auditorium Commission

• Member of Texarkana Museum Board

• Member of Main Street Board• Member of Texarkana Library Board• President of Law Wives

My family• Married to Franklin; sons, Franklin, William and Chris-

topherMy favorite words of wisdom

• “Live each day as if it is your last… Tomorrow is not promised.”

My parting thought • “I would like to be remembered as one who was kind

to all people, but my children are my greatest legacy.”

special thanks to shawn edmonds andalt-mag.com/beautifulwomen.pdfyou a real job, and do it.” –...

Documents