16 minute read
People & Places Writers’ Choice
People & Places
Writers’ Choice
BEST PUBLIC SERVANT Pearl Bransford
Franklin resident Cornelia Holland remembers the simple things that Pearl Bransford would do for her neighbors, her community — for just about anyone who needed help or support.
Holland became close friends with Bransford from the time the two first met in the early 1990s, and she would later chair Bransford’s first campaign for Franklin alderman at large in 200, along with a couple more re-election bids.
Holland joined a wide range of people across Williamson County and beyond who were mourning the loss of Bransford, who died from cancer at the age of 67. Bransford was the very embodiment of public service, whether it was her 13 years serving on the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen, her career as a nurse or her tireless involvement in education, historic preservation and racial equality issues, among others.
“She loved Franklin and served it both publicly and privately, helping those who don’t have a voice,” Holland said, recalling the “behind-the-scenes” things Bransford would do in the community.
“At Christmastime,” Holland pointed out, “she would go and pay off some water bills for people who were having difficulty. Or after the Heritage Ball (the annual fundraiser for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County), she would get the leftover flowers and take them the next day to shutins in Franklin.
“Or this spring, with COVID and such, she noticed that there were a number of graduating [high school] senior signs in a neighborhood. And she knocked on the doors and congratulated the seniors and gave them a little gift. She would hire a homeless man in her neighborhood to do a little job for her. She would pay him and he would have some dignity.”
Thank you to Williamson County residents for voting Mary Lee Bunch Associates #1 Tutoring Center.
7113 Peach Court Suite 111 Brentwood, TN 37027 615-377-6370 www.maryleebunch.com
Ford Classic Homes
What’s the best thing about Wil-
liamson County? Williamson County has been our home for over 25 years. As we’ve watched the community grow, we’ve grown with it. But what hasn’t changed is the heart of the community, which continues to support each other and work to preserve its local heritage and history.
What does your community mean
to you? Without the support of our community, we would not be where we are today. We are very appreciative of the community for trusting us to design and create homes for their families and supporting us throughout the years.
What is the one thing you want people in Williamson County to
know about your business? Ford Classic Homes has been part of the Williamson County community for over 25 years. We started building a handful of homes a year and have expanded into communities like Westhaven, LaurelBrooke, Windstone, The Grove, Myles Manor, Berry Farms, and The Brownstones in downtown Franklin. We continue to develop and construct projects like Richland Hall, Witherspoon, and now, Southbrooke. As we’ve grown, we remain committed to providing superior quality and value to every homebuyer and are committed to excellence in every detail of the homebuilding experience.
It is these acts of generosity for which Bransford will be best remembered in the years to come, according to Franklin Mayor Ken Moore.
“She made visible contributions to our community that are going to be indelible forever,” Moore said, “and she made contributions that people are aware of. But the biggest thing I would say is, Pearl did things that nobody ever knew about, that impacted and changed people’s lives. That’s going to be her legacy, I think, was how she changed so many lives by just silently doing what Pearl did.”
Bransford was involved in many aspects of the community. As a supporter of historic preservation, for example, she established the Natchez Place Inc. in 2002 and worked to place the Natchez Street Community on the National Register of Historical Places.
“Her calling in the founding of Natchez Place Inc. and her desire and passion to save historic structures in the Natchez Street community and throughout downtown Franklin will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” Alma McLemore, president of the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County, said. “There will never be another Pearl Bransford; the void she leaves behind is tremendous and cannot be filled. However, the community she inspired will be forever influenced and encouraged by her example.”
Bransford previously served on the boards of the Tennessee Preservation Trust and Carnton Plantation. More recently, she served on the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall Foundation Advisory Board for Transformation of Hiram Lodge No. 7 into a museum.
“I really appreciate Pearl’s support for our battlefield preservation efforts over the years,” said Sam Whitson, a longtime friend of Bransford’s who represents District 65 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. “She was always so easy to work with. Even where we happened to disagree, she did it in such a way that you respected her opinion and her position.”
In the realm of education, Bransford had served on the Battle Ground Academy board of visitors and was on the Franklin Special School District’s Board of Education from 1992-2003. She was also on the committee for the Columbia State Community College — Williamson County Development.
Allena Bell, who serves on the FSSD board, said Bransford was a guiding light of sorts.
“As a more experienced leader in the community, Pearl generously encouraged my pursuit of excellence as a public servant,” Bell said. “I will miss her dearly.”
Bransford’s influence will be forever felt through her family and closest friends, those who served the public with her and those she may have met only once.
“While frequently in the public eye, Pearl was a private person with great dignity, always looking to the future by learning from the past,” Holland said. “I never heard her talk in a negative way about anyone. She is a wonderful example of how to live and serve and support others, whether it be the most successful or the homeless.” JOHN MCBRYDE
BEST FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER Andy Collignon
One of the Williamson Home Page’s longest-tenured freelancers happens to share his boundless creativity through the lens rather than the page. Andy Collignon has been serving Williamson County with his stellar photography for many years now, helping the Home Page in particular with sports coverage. However, if you really want to see his gorgeous, invested photography in action, go to the Home Pages and look up what he did when the Star of Bethlehem came to Brentwood. He’s one of the best we’ve got to tell the county’s stoBEST SPORTSWRITER Chip Cirillo
Chip Cirillo has been serving the Middle Tennessee community for a good while now, with a longtime special focus on the preps beat. Covering preps is an art like any other, and Cirillo has inbued in his work a sense of history and community. Most everyone who has had a child play a prep sport has seen him on the sideline and no one is against an interview with Chip after the game; it usually means you did quite well. Cirillo is a legacy sportswriter in the area and one of Williamson’s preeminent storytellers. We’re lucky to have him on our team. CORY WOODROOF
BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER Summit’s Destin Wade
There is no shortage of great football players in Williamson County, but nobody does it quite like Summit’s do-it-all quarterback Destin Wade. Destined to play at quarterback at the next level, Wade had an electrifying 2020 on the field. The Spartans have been to back-toback state games with him under center, with last December’s trip ending with a gold ball. Summit’s first state title is due in large part to what Wade brings to the table. He’s a special athlete and a thrill to
watch. CORY WOODROOF
BEST BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER Franklin’s Reed Kemp
The face of Franklin boys basketball for the last two seasons, Kemp took the baton passed to him from 2019 grad Reese Glov-
DESTIN WADE
er and has helped keep the Admirals’ high-flying offense intact from its 2018 state tournament team. Kemp is one of the best to ever do it for Franklin and he’s consistently been a force since taking the court for the Admirals. For two years running, no one in boys basketball has been quite as dangerous in the paint as Kemp. He’s slated to rejoin Glover on the hoops team at Missouri Western
this fall. CORY WOODROOF
BEST GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER Brentwood’s Amelia Osgood
It’s hard to outmaneuver Brentwood ace Amelia Osgood. The Princeton signee and McDonald’s All-American games nominee was a driving force to get the Lady Bruins to the state tournament last spring, and she’s been a firecracker on the court all through the 202021 season. She’s one of the best to play at Brentwood in recent memory, and she will continue to excel in D-1 competition. For now, she’s the best girls basketball player in
dominance. CORY WOODROOF
PHOTO: ANDY COLLIGNON
the county. CORY WOODROOF
BEST GIRLS SOCCER PLAYER Christ Presbyterian Academy’s Caroline Betts
When you’re not even a senior and you reach the 100-goal mark, that’s the sign of a stellar preps career in soccer. Caroline Betts has been consistently excellent for the Lady Lions since taking the pitch for CPA; she was a key contributor as a freshman to its 2018 state tournament-winning team. Since then, she’s proven why she’s bound for a stellar collegiate career by continuing her offensive
The “queen” of Brentwood volleyball, Barbara Campbell recently retired from her post with the Lady Bruins, and it was a legacy run with the program. Just look at the past eight-straight state titles the team has won and the many victories that have come for the program under Campbell’s watch. She’s one of the best ever to coach the sport at any level in Tennessee history; she’s in the TSSAA’s Hall of Fame for a reason. Her retirement leaves an impossible void in the local volleyball scene and recalls her excellence on the sideline. CORY WOODROOF
BEST VOLLEYBALL PLAYER Brentwood’s Shaye Eggleston
Just like her sister Logan, Shaye Eggleston left a lot of state trophies at her alma mater. The early graduate helped power Brentwood to yet another state title last fall, with Eggleston never finishing her season without October victories. She’s a stellar presence on the court and stood as a vital leader for the Lady Bruins’ hallowed volleyball program. She’s now with Alabama to compete collegiately, where she’ll prove to be the next WillCo grad to excel at the next level. CORY WOODROOF
LCT Team Parks Realty
What’s the best thing about Wil-
liamson County? The best things about Williamson County are the rolling hills and all the beautiful farms. We are so blessed to have wonderful parks and green spaces, and our cities have done a wonderful job planning future growth.
What does your community mean
to you? It means home; the most wonderful place in the world!
Tell us about your favorite place
in Williamson County. Downtown Franklin and Main Street
What is the one thing you want people in Williamson County to
know about your business? That we are proud of our hometown and welcome showing people all the amazing things about Williamson County so they can then call it home.
What is your favorite thing about
what you do? We love working with people buying and selling homes. Many people that are buying and selling are moving to the next chapter in life and it is so satisfying to help them with that transition. It is an honor to be part of their family’s journey in some small way.
What is a hobby that you have that is not related to your business?
Dog rescue
What is your hometown?
Brentwood, Tennessee
At Pediatric Associates of Franklin, we know that healthy kids are happy kids. Voted #1 Pediatricians in Williamson County 20 years in a row, our Board-Certified Physicians strive to provide the highest level of care available from infants to young adults. Keep your child’s health a priority and learn more about our award-winning team.
Visit us online at pediatricsoffranklin.com. 570 Bakers Bridge Avenue Franklin, TN 37067
ANGEL STANSBERRY
BEST GOLFER Ravenwood’s Shelly Jang
She’s won the last two of the county athletics department’s best girls golfer trophies for a reason. Shelly Jang is a force on the green, having placed third overall in the TSSAA state tournament in 2019 and helping get Ravenwood to a fifth-place finish in 2020. Few have been so consistent and dangerous in their respective sports
as Jang has. CORY WOODROOF
BEST WRESTLER Ravenwood’s Drew Dodson
One of the best Raptor grapplers to come along in some time, Drew Dodson’s 2020-21 campaign has been a banner one, with a 34-1 record on his list of bragging rights heading up to the state tournament. Dodson has certainly been one of the better wrestlers this past year and will have a special place in Ravenwood wrestling history for his performance on the mat. BEST CROSSCOUNTRY RUNNER Page’s Leigh Walters
Page’s Leigh Walters dominated the 2020 cross country season for the Lady Patriots, finishing seventh overall in the 2020 Division 1 large class state meet and cementing what’s been a banner career with Page. She’s slated to attend Wake Forest and run cross country, where we’re sure she’ll continue to shine and make her alum and
SHELLY SASSEN
BEST VOLUNTEER Shelly Sassen
Any person who volunteers their time for the betterment of their community deserves high praise; however, one would be hard pressed to find someone more devoted to helping their community than Spring Hill’s own Shelly Sassen. As the executive director for The Well Outreach food pantry, Sassen has devoted countless hours to helping organize efforts to feed those in need. As the coronavirus pandemic ramped up in early 2020, Sassen doubled her efforts and helped organize weekly mobile food drives that would see 20,000 pounds of food delivered to hundreds of needy families. Sassen also helped organize a partnership with local schools, helping deliver food to students who traditionally relied on schools for nourishment.
The pandemic saw demand for food at the pantry increase by as much as 130 percent on a monthly basis, an increase in demand that Sassen helped serve in full
force. ALEXANDER WILLIS
BEST ACTIVIST Angel Stansberry
2020 was a transformative year in the United States, and in many ways because of people like Franklin’s own Angel Stansberry. Beyond running Feed the Need Nashville, a nonprofit organization that feeds hundreds of Nashville’s homeless folks a week, Stansberry has spent the majority of her free time organizing demonstrations and stand-ins in both Williamson County and Nashville. From helping establish the Nashville autonomous zone following the death of George Floyd, to leading the charge in a peaceful protest against the Breaonna Taylor case ruling, wherever there are calls for change, it’s likely you’ll see Stansberry leading
the charge. ALEXANDER WILLIS
BEST HISTORIAN Beth Lothers
Williamson County Commissioner Beth Lothers is a self-described “nerd” whose passion for history has made quite an impact on Williamson County. The former Mayor of Nolensville is the co-author of Images of America: Nolensville, along with long-time journalist and writer Vicky Travis, who collected oral histories and some 1,200 photographs of the history of the people, places and purpose of the community of Nolensville. Lothers’ work also extends to the preservation and restoration of the historic Morton-Brittain House alongside the Nolensville Historical Society. Her passion is ever present and it’s clear that Lothers is committed to remembering history and preserving the past. MATT MASTERS BEST HOBBY PHOTOGRAPHER Sully Barrett
While photography is often a fulltime career, the lure of capturing moments in time is strong enough on its own for many, even without the promise of a paycheck. Brentwood resident Sully Barrett is one such person, having felt compelled to document the ongoing string of protests that sprung up in the summer of 2020. Having witnessed the creation of the Nashville autonomous zone in May of 2020, Barrett has felt compelled to document history as it unfolded, using his photography skills to capture multiple protests including the March for Justice Rally in September, 2020, and the Nashville vigil for Trayford Pellerin, a Louisiana man who was fatally shot by police. When history is unfolding in Williamson County or elsewhere, more often than not Barrett will be
nearby. ALEXANDER WILLIS
BEST SMALL FOOD PANTRY Nolensville Food Pantry
The Nolensville Food Pantry is a service provided by Providence Baptist Church. Debbie Noland, the food pantry’s coordinator, told us they serve upwards of 5,000 people a year in the Nolensville area, supplying food to people going through hard times. “We’re small. We live entirely on food and money donations,” Noland said. “Relationships are nearly as important as the food. We invite folks to sit and tell their stories, often about divorce or illness. We want them to know that we love them right where they’re at.” Food and money donations are accepted every day. LEN SERAFINO
Head Springs Depot
What’s the best thing about Wil-
liamson County? The people! I grew up in Franklin and am raising a family here now as well because the community is truly something special.
What does your community mean
to you? Community is what keeps us going in all contexts. It is not just about quality furniture and mattresses for us – this community is what keeps our excitement up each day to serve our customers.
What is the one thing you want people in Williamson County to
know about your business? We are grateful and thankful for the outstanding support and growth Williamson County has given us the past 11 years. We promise to continue to improve ourselves and serve the community in meaningful ways for years to come. We are here for you!
What is your favorite thing about
what you do? When a customer has a smile on their face during a furniture or mattress delivery. There is not much better!
What is a hobby that you have that
is not related to your business? I raise beef cattle on our nearby family farm. What is your hometown? Franklin, Tennessee
