Age: Fortysomething

Occupation and title: Special education specialist, Southampton County School Board office

Children’s names and ages: Daughter, Joronda Mariette Baxter, 19, and stepson, Alger Omega Nichols, 35.

Church affiliation: Fellowship Around The Word Church, Franklin.

I have the best pastor in the world, the Rev. Peggy Scott.

What’s the best part of your day? The evening, when I finally get home to reflect on the day, have some quiet time, and look at a comedy on television

If you could select another profession, what would you do? I would become a civil rights attorney.

Why do you choose to live in Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight County? Franklin is my hometown, where I have peace, love of family/friends, and my church.

If you had two weeks’ vacation and money were no object, how would you spend your time? Fly to New York, go to all the plays, musicals, shop until I drop, drive back with all of my purchases (it doesn’t take much to make me happy).

Favorite food: I enjoy several kinds of seafood.

Favorite weekend destination: Just spending time at home, especially Sundays after church. Most weekends, I travel to see my daughter perform as a feature twirler for Virginia State University’s marching band.

Favorite college sports team: Hampton University Pirates (my alma mater)

Favorite pro sports team: I love basketball and was a Sixers fan; now I am joining my daughter in supporting the Miami Heat.

Favorite colors: Pink and green (my sorority colors)

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you? Be hospitable and make people who visit you feel at home. Offer them your last. This is how my mom lived her life.

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 91 (the entire chapter)

What’s the best decision you’ve made in life? To have a child.

I spent 33 hours in labor, but it was worth every minute.

Which local charitable or non-profit organization do you wish more people would support? The YMCA Black Achievers Program.

These volunteers have made a significant impact on our youth in Franklin and in Southampton County.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Let’s keep it that way!

your hobby: I collect watches and earrings.

If you could re-live one day of your life, which would it be and why?

Having natural childbirth. We

did not videotape it, and now I wish that my daughter could see the day that she was welcomed into the world.

What gives you the blues? The news. I don’t look at late-night news because it causes sleep deprivation for me.

What’s the most Southern thing you’ve ever done? I cooked fried cabbage with onions. My pastor’s mother, Mrs. Estelle Baker, who is deceased now, came with me home one day to advise me as I prepared it. Now, I have to cook it often for my daughter and for my nephew Billy.

What’s your best childhood memory? Going on Sunday drives after church with my parents, Roland and Henrietta Chambliss. I usually invited a friend, and my dad would drive to Ocean View in Norfolk or just to Suffolk to have dinner and ice cream. Those were the days!

Tell us one true thing: The Word of God is the truth.

What frightens you most? Seeing a mouse. I will go through a closed door to get out of its way.

I have been known to stand on top of desks!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why? In Atlanta. It may become my second home after retirement.

favorite ex-president: Bill Clinton

If you could pass or change one law, what would it be? Have prayer in schools.

What last brought tears to your eyes? Just recently, I was laughing at an e-mail that one of my sister-friends sent me. When we talked on the phone about it, the tears started to roll! My tears are usually tears of joy.

If you could invite three guests n living or dead, from anytime in history n to dinner, who would they be? My mom, dad and sister, Rolanda. All have gone to be with The Lord, and I deeply miss them!

What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? The Bible, food, and some form of communication to get off this island!

What kind of music do you like, and who’s your favorite performer? I love Christian jazz and praise/worship music. My favorite performer is Ben Tankard.

Tell us about a good movie you’ve seen lately and why you liked it: “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The movie was based on a true story and it inspires you to remain steadfast to your dreams; keep your eyes on the prize.

Who’s a famous athlete or entertainer you admire? All of my friends know that I love Steve Harvey.

Enough said.

the last book you read: “Defining Moments,” by Jacquelin Thomas

To whom are you grateful and why? I am grateful to God for His grace and for His mercy on me.

I have learned to truly depend on Him for ALL things.

I have not arrived yet, but I know that I am in the process of becoming. I am His workmanship.