Coffee County Living - Spring 2019

Heart

D R . D A R R E L C O L L I N S | TA R A S P I V E Y, PA - C

spring 2019

CARING FOR THE

Coffee County

Bondye Bon’

Haitian proverb meaning “God is Good” rang true when crisis erupted.

We are all Loved

A Night to Shine offers special needs youth a prom experience like no other.

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John Deems and his family leaned on faith to sustain them through multiple heart surgeries.

Journey through History

H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t

Mary Clyde Scott discovers her family’s role in shaping the future of Coffee County.

COFFEE COUNTY Board of Education 2018 C H A RT E R S C H O O L S Y S T E M O F T H E Y E A R

Reagan Miller, Chairman; Adam Lott, Vice-Chairman; Jesse Jowers, Bryan Preston and Tonya Wilkerson Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent

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Coffee County

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contents 10

Bondye Bon’

Haitian proverb meaning ‘God is Good’ rings true when crisis erupts during GracePointe mission trip.

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Going for the Gold

Leah Lee lives her dream job while watching her young gymnasts excel in the sport.

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Something Old, Something New

Longtime friends Tedica Roberson and Jeannie Amerson take charge of Becky’s Gifts and Antiques.

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Turning Pain to Purpose Sharnae believes and lives that there are never wasted moments; they are lessons that should motivate you to keep going.

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54 About the Cover Featured on the cover is the beautiful Deems family. Turn to page 66 to read about how this family leaned on their faith through difficult times. The photo was taken by Kelly McDonald.

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Keeping Your Pet On The Path To Wellness.

1330 West Baker Hwy | Douglas, GA 31533 | lindseyandwills.com | (912) 384-8160

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156 100

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The Heart of Healing

John Deems and his family leaned on faith to sustain them through his multiple heart surgeries.

Singing with Heart

Gloria’s Studio of Voice helps young people build confidence through singing.

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We are all Loved

A Night to Shine offers special needs youth a prom experience like no other.

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Journey Through History Mary Clyde Scott discovers her family’s role in shaping the future of Coffee County.

Getting Downtown in “Tip Top” Shape Kayla Sellers combines dreams of business ownership with hopes of life to downtown Douglas.

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Chasing Excellence

Coffee Middle School principal Sherri Berry received statewide award; she leads by example.

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From the Publisher

Coffee County P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications

Jay and Patti Martin e d i to r Renee Corwine C reat i v e | D e s i g n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC

Mandi Spivey Russ Hutto

D

December 27th of 2018 was one of the most humbling days of my life. For a year my wife had secretly been planning and implementing a surprise birthday party for me. I’m not real big on being surprised, I am much better at being the “surpriser”. I like to think of myself as fairly observant and not easily tricked. Plus, I have grandchildren that are very good about sharing all that they know or have heard. In other words, there are not many surprises in the Martin household.

The birthday plans were to go to our oldest daughter’s house for grilled steaks and vegetable sides. My son-in-law can season and grill amazing steaks; so, who cares about the veggies! Shortly before we left a pickup that I did not recognize pulled into our driveway. Since I was several hundred yards away, I headed back to investigate.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing - my son and grandson from Texas got out of the pickup. I couldn’t believe they flew into Jacksonville and drove up for my birthday!! When we hugged, a December gnat flew into my eye and caused me to tear up. It had nothing to do with my son coming 800 miles to celebrate my 70th birthday!

My son, Matt, drove me to my birthday cookout at his sister’s house.

We had a great visit and laughed a lot. When we arrived, my awesome wife, Patti, was there to escort me into dinner. It did cross my mind that one of my family members might have procured a wheel chair for me as a joke, alas, it was not to be; instead, there were 30 or so of my most precious friends that I had come to know and love over the last 38 years living in Georgia. Wham!!!! Another December gnat right in the eye! My awesome wife softly spoke in my ear, “That’s not all. We have one more guest.” Around the corner came my only brother! At that exact moment a squadron of December gnats flew into my eyes as I hugged my brother. It must have been a large swarm as they got in my brother’s eyes too!

I was completely humbled that all of these friends and family members had given up their time to celebrate 70 years of my life with me. My wife cared enough for me to orchestrate this whole party. My WHOLE family pitched in. I AM TRULY A BLESSED MAN. Nuts! Here comes another gnat!

Ephesians 3:20-21

Jay and Patti Martin Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com 8

coffee county LIVING

Stacey Nichols

o f f i ce M a n ager Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t M a n ager s June Dixon

Laura McCullough

P h otograp h er s A Thousand Words Photography

Kelly McDonald Photography

C ov er P h oto John and Brooke Deems,

taken by Kelly McDonald Sale s Dorothy Sichelstiel

Dottie Hicks

Kelly McDonald Landon Spivey Patti Martin

Contributing Wri te r s David Pena

Jordan Calhoun

Kelly McDonald

Kim Clayton

Coffee County Living© is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications. withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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‘Bondye Bon’ Haitian proverb meaning ‘God is Good’ rings true when crisis erupts during GracePointe mission trip

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By Jordan Calhoun | Photos provided by GracePointe Baptist Church

S

Some of the most beautiful things in our natural world emerge from hardship. The hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul” was penned by Horatio Spafford after suffering from immense tragedy. The chocolate chip cookie was born out of the Great Depression.

Sea glass is polished as it’s beaten by the waves.

When a mission team from Douglas found themselves trapped in a foreign country in July 2018, they experienced this lesson firsthand as they witnessed the beauty of community and the provision of God in their circumstances.

GracePointe, a local Baptist church located off of Bowens Mill Road, began traveling to Haiti for annual summer mission trips three years ago. Their call to the island followed the testimony of church member Marenda Benson, who Hometown Living At Its Best

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From The Ashes Some of the most beautiful things in our natural world emerge from hardship. The hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul” was penned by Horatio Spafford after suffering from immense tragedy. The chocolate chip cookie was born out of the Great Depression. Sea glass is polished as it’s beaten by the waves.

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Coffee County Living

had spent time in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and in doing so, discovered a great need for dental care amongst the Haitian people. With dental professionals and a willing set of servants in tow, the team departed for their first trek across the Caribbean in 2016.

“We choose to invest in international missions because of the great commission – to take the Gospel to the nations. God has burdened the hearts of many of our people to serve in the country of Haiti and we’re committed to doing that,” said Pastor Chris Watson.

The church partners with Baptists 4 Haiti, an organization born out of the Georgia Baptist Convention’s earthquake relief effort, and stays in Leogane, a village 35 miles from Port-au-Prince.

For the past two years, the mission team has enjoyed impactful, yet relatively uneventful trips. Depending on the number of individuals serving, which varies slightly from year to year, it’s been customary for the

group to divide and conquer. This year was no different.

A team of 36 individuals, 13 of whom were children, arrived in Haiti on Saturday, June 30. The group divided in thirds to serve Haitians in need of dental care, a local orphanage through Vacation Bible School, and a pastor and his wife who needed home renovations.

After a long, hot week of service, the GracePointe team took Friday to enjoy the beach near their village. As the day came to a close, the bulk of the group began packing and preparing for their early-morning trip home, save for a few members of the dental team who continued to squeeze in extra patients late into the evening.

Instead of complaining about sacrificing their last moments of down time, the team had a single request to get them through their final push: Diet Coke. In a Hometown Living At Its Best

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GracePointe, a local Baptist church located off of Bowens Mill Road, began traveling to Haiti for annual summer mission trips three years ago. Their call to the island followed the testimony of church member Marenda Benson, who had spent time in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and in doing so, discovered a great need for dental care amongst the Haitian people.

third world country, such a common American elixir is not always readily available. Even so, a small soda search party set out for the local gas station.

“Things just didn’t seem quite right in the city,” expressed GracePointe’s Discipleship Director Archie Rish, who had gone for the drinks with two Leogane locals. “We got stopped by a vehicle with some very animated passengers who were telling our security guard and interpreter something with very strong emotion. Of course, the Haitian culture is to speak with a lot of passion, so I was not initially alarmed. But after I began to ask a few questions, I felt for the first time that our guides were sugar coating information for my protection.”

Archie’s instinct was correct and confirmed as

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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they pulled into the gas station to hundreds of people looking on from the area around the parking lot. The silent audience never made a move to approach the vehicle carrying Archie and his guides, but their ominous presence was intimidating and out of place.

Upon returning to the mission house, Pastor Roland Norris of Baptists 4 Haiti called Archie into his office. There, he informed Archie that the government had raised the price of gas in the country, and this was contributing to rising tensions amongst the Haitian people. Roads were being closed and riots were beginning to break out.

Days after this conversation, Archie would realize that the mob of onlookers from the gas station had been watching to see if they would 16

Coffee County Living

purchase gas, but clarity was still a long way off for the GracePointe team. Pastor Roland assured him that the team was safe, but admitted his uncertainty as far as travel plans were concerned. The team would not be able to leave Haiti on the following day as planned.

“My initial thought was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’ Not out of fear for my life or our team, but serving in Haiti is a huge sacrifice physically, mentally and emotionally. There are some people on this team who have really been looking forward to getting home and seeing their families,” Archie said about his feelings following his meeting with the pastor. “My second thought was, ‘If we’re here for an extended period of time, what will we do?’ If the roads were shut down and the markets were being

burned, what were we going to do to get the supplies we needed?”

When Archie told the other 35 people on the GracePointe team that they would not be returning home as planned, the reaction was mixed. For some, total shock and disbelief rendered them speechless.

Others thought that the news had to be a joke.

“Honestly, I laughed,” said Tabitha Thornton, a dental team member from Douglas. “Partly because it’s just my luck that I’m trapped in another country, partly because I just really didn’t know if I could handle being hot another day or two or three. But mostly, I laughed because how much more could the Lord show us that we are absolutely not in control of anything? One minute we’re packing to head back to air conditioning and the next minute God’s like, ‘Hey, we’re not done here.’”

News that the airport in Port-au-Prince had closed due to rioting and looting across the countryside soon reached the GracePointe team. As the severity of the situation began to take hold, the group did what they had done when their plane first touched down on

The church partners with Baptists 4 Haiti, an organization born out of the Georgia Baptist Convention’s earthquake relief effort, and stays in Leogane, a village 35 miles from Port-au-Prince. For the past two years, the mission team has enjoyed impactful, yet relatively uneventful trips. Depending on the number of individuals serving, which varies slightly from year to year, it’s been customary for the group to divide and conquer. This year was no different.

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“Things just didn’t seem quite right in the city,” expressed GracePointe’s Discipleship Director Archie Rish, who had gone for the drinks with two Leogane locals. “We got stopped by a vehicle with some very animated passengers who were telling our security guard and interpreter something with very strong emotion. Of course, the Haitian culture is to speak with a lot of passion, so I was not initially alarmed. But after I began to ask a few questions, I felt for the first time that our guides were sugar coating information for my protection.”

Haitian soil: divide and conquer.

“The scary part was the uncertainty and not having any control whatsoever of the situation evolving around you,” said Dr. Chad Fussell of South Georgia Cosmetic Dentistry in Douglas. “My fear was the situation escalating, and us getting trapped in the country for an extended period of time and our resources becoming sparse or getting cut off all together.”

While many people began to hunker down for a few days of reading, playing games and praying, two smaller sub-groups began to form to assess the team’s greatest needs: provisions and return travel. Despite uncertain conditions in the village, a Baptists 4 Haiti team member ventured out to secure drinking water and to begin stockpiling diesel fuel for the mission house generator. The second group, led by a team leader who had connections with mission-team evacuation specialists, began to develop a plan to bring the entire team safely back home.

“We felt strongly that we went to Haiti as a team, and we were going to leave Haiti as a team. We didn’t feel comfortable leaving anyone behind, and were trusting that the Lord would bring us home together,” Archie said.

As the political situation in the country continued to look bleak, the GracePointe team had taken on the travel arrangements of two American missionaries and two Baptists 4 Haiti interns who also needed to evacuate.

Options for escape ranged from meeting boats on the beach at night to flying by helicopter, or traveling by armored truck into the Dominican Republic. However, after countless discussions, advice from wise counsel and hours of prayer, the team decided to leave as quietly as possible.

On July 10, in the wee hours of the morning, the GracePointe team gathered for a prayer before loading into tap-taps – small pickup trucks with bench seats under a covered bed. The adults were spread out amongst the small vehicles and the women with young children hud18

Coffee County Living

dled together in an SUV as the group of 40 headed for the capital. The national police served as the team’s guards, and escorted them to the airport where two chartered private jets were waiting to take them home.

As they traveled quietly across the countryside, the team could still see fires from the demonstrations smoldering amongst the mountains. What stood out to them most was not the wake of destruction, but the peace that seemed to settle over the valley. It was unlike anything they’d ever seen, and proof that the God of Peace had heard their prayers. The stillness seemed to echo the truth of Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Creator of the universe met the team right where they were in their time of need.

Upon safely returning to Coffee County, the team was embraced by the community with overwhelming support.

“We’ve never had so many people praying for us at one time in our lives,” Archie said. “People were willing to give, to sacrifice, to travel in their own planes or boats to get us back home. We experienced so much love and compassion; we were in awe. We’re a church that wants to be for Coffee County, and we do believe that Coffee County is for us as well.”

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“Bondye bon” is a popular Haitian proverb that means, “God is good.” The experience, though deeply emotionally and physically challenging, has not dampened GracePointe’s zeal for missions or confidence in God’s perfect sovereignty. In fact, the church is sponsoring a trip to Guatemala this summer in conjunction with Porch de Salomon, and looks forward to a return trip with Baptists 4 Haiti in the future.

Despite the trials the team faced, they emerged with a clearer picture of the kindness of God after having to choose faith over fear time and time again. “When I look back at that experience, there are two things that are so prominent to me,” Tabitha said. “One, there is so much power when the church comes together in even the smallest of ways. And two, our Father is so utterly in control of every single detail of every single part of this big world and our small lives. If I did it again, and if I had to get stuck in Haiti again, I wouldn’t change a thing – well, except maybe that Haiti heat.”  CCL 20

Coffee County Living

New Location!

329 South Peterson Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 393-1223

• Program Start Date 01/14/2019 • Total number of PCI procedures = 47* • Total number of stents placed = 73* • Number of active heart attacks treated (STEMI’s) = 9* *As of 03/06/2019

When

Seconds Count

I

In an initiative to advance the level of cardiac care available to patients of Coffee and surrounding counties, and continue the “Bring it Home” initiative to bring vital healthcare services home, Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Program. After successfully completing a multi-level process, Coffee Regional has received its approval from the State of Georgia’s Department of Community Health to begin offering cardiac intervention services.

Under the encouragement of Coffee Regional CEO, Vicki Lewis, the development of this new service line was approved to begin in July 2018. This project was spear-headed by Executive Vice-President, Sherry Thomas and Cardiac Cath Lab manager, Julie Peterson. An independent consulting firm, Corazon, Inc. was brought in to ensure all items were well-managed through each step of the development process. Their accreditation process exceeded the requirements of the Georgia Department of Community Health and ensured CRMC met and, into the future, sustains established best practice standards for the PCI Program. Cardiologists, of CRH Cardiology Group, Dr. Glenn Evans, Dr. Joel Ferree, and Dr. Willie Bell along with Eddie Roberts, PA-C worked to ensure the cardiac catheterization lab and its employees were prepared for the new program. All physicians working in the new program have extensive experience in cardiac catheterization procedures. Countless members of Coffee Regional have worked diligently to ensure this new program would be patient focused and quality driven.

Though this service is new to Coffee Regional Medical Center, it was vital that the cardiologists performing the procedures be experienced. Dr. Glenn Evans of CRH Cardiology Group has treated thousands of South Georgians throughout his 23 years as a practicing Interventional Cardiologist. Dr. Evans was previously performing

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Coffee Regional Expands Cardiac Services to the community.

interventional heart catheterizations in Valdosta, Ga and is now performing procedures in Coffee Regional Medical Center’s cardiac cath lab. Dr. Evans is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Interventional Cardiology and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. He completed 5 years of fellowship training in Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology at University of Tennessee - Memphis. Dr. Evans previously served as Medical Director of Interventional Cardiology South Georgia Medical Center and Chief of Cardiovascular Services for Valdosta Medical Group in Valdosta, Ga. “This is the beginning of growing a strong cardiac program that meets the needs of Coffee County and residents of South Georgia,” said Sherry Thomas, Executive VP of Patient Care Services.

There will be an interventional cardiologist on call 24/7. Expert interventional cardiologists from Emory Health System in Atlanta, Ga and the Ashchi Heart and Vascular Center in Jacksonville, Fl will be assisting Dr. Evans with interventional cardiology call. These physicians bring years of knowledge and expertise to the program.

“We are very pleased to launch our interventional cardiology program here at Coffee Regional Medical Center under the leadership of Dr. Glenn Evans. His expertise in cardiology will bring an invaluable service to Coffee County as well as to our neighboring communities,” says Vicki Lewis, CEO of Coffee Regional. “In partnership with our highly-skilled, dedicated staff of cardiologists, we look forward to bringing this new level of quality cardiovascular care to the communities we serve.”

This is a very exciting time for Coffee Regional Medical Center and the citizens of this community. To better understand the importance of timely cardiac intervention, imagine you are holding your breath. It’s hard to do for a lengthy amount of time, right?

THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY CARDIAC INTERVENTION “We are very pleased to launch our interventional cardiology program here at Coffee Regional Medical Center under the leadership of Dr. Glenn Evans. His expertise in cardiology will bring an invaluable service to Coffee County as well as to our neighboring communities.” - Vicki Lewis, CEO of Coffee Regional.

When someone has a heart attack, most often without warning, an artery is being blocked of normal blood flow. During this time, a person’s heart is being deprived of oxygen. Every second counts when it comes to opening that blocked artery. Heart muscle begins to die rapidly after a full blockage and the length of time a person goes without that vital oxygenrich blood determines the amount of heart muscle/ tissue damage that is done. Often times, if a vessel is able to be reopened swiftly the patient can make an impressive & quick recovery, right here at home.

The new PCI Program will allow the Interventional Cardiologist to place a stent along the walls of the blocked artery, restoring blood flow. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed by placing a catheter in the artery percutaneously (through the skin).

A catheter is pushed through the artery into the heart to diagnose any blockage.

There will be times that the PCI procedure will reveal more severe cases of blockage and/or damage.

In those cases, Coffee Regional will stabilize the patient and transfer them to the appropriate facility.

Coffee Regional is proud to be able to offer this life-saving cardiac service. To schedule an appointment or learn more information about the Interventional Cardiology Program at Coffee Regional Medical Center, call Julie Peterson, Cardiac Cath Lab Director at 912-383-5697 or visit us online at www.coffeeregional.org/cardiology.

Dr. Glenn Evans of CRH Cardiology Group

1101 Ocilla Rd. Douglas, GA | 912.384.1900 www.coffeeregional.org

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Story and photos by Kelly mcDonald

Leah Lee, owner and coach at Southern Gold Gymnastics, was literally born into the sport. Her father owned a gymnastics school in South Georgia and her mother supported the business even with a newborn in tow. Leah began actively participating in classes at age 2, and gymnastics quickly became an important part of her life.

She began competitive gymnastics in kindergarten, and competed in a variety of local and state competitions throughout middle school. “During high school, the skills, speed and strength I gained through gymnastics opened doors for me to participate in additional sports, including softball and cheerleading,� Leah said.

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After high school, her love for gymnastics remained constant, and she developed a passion for coaching.

Leah moved to Macon to coach fulltime at a gymnastics school owned by her sister. “Yes, gymnastics runs in our family,” Leah said. By taking the coaching position, Leah’s goal was to expand her coaching skills, dreaming of one day owning her own school.

She hoped to eventually develop her own program and make her mark on the sport.

When the opportunity finally arose, Leah returned to South Georgia to open Southern Gold Gymnastics in Douglas. “I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and head back to my Southern roots,” she said. “I am so happy with my decision.” With the pressures of opening a business and moving her life to a new location, Leah prayed and hoped for the best.

As the past three years have shown, the community’s response has been amazing.

“Best coach in the whole world,” is how 9-year-old Kadence described Leah, who offers her girls a tough, nononsense approach to conditioning, but also a motherly mentality to training. “I can be hard on them, but when they try a new skill, they need to be prepared correctly so no one gets hurt,” Leah said.

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Although physically demanding, the payoffs can be great during competition season. And this year, SGG had a great season. The Bronze Excel level and the Silver Excel level both brought home gold medals in team and individual categories. The Bronze level included Jaci, Josie, Gabby and Kylie. “This is our beginning competitive level that requires a commitment of at least six hours a week in the gym,” Leah said.

The Silver level included Cayden, Kiran, Kadence, McKenley, Ellie and DeJayla.

“These girls have mastered certain skills that have allowed them to move up to this level. Back handsprings, front handsprings and a handstand on the beam are just a few,” she said. The Silver level also comes with a higher number of gym hours each week to prepare for competition.

Participation in both divisions requires a commitment from gymnasts and parents alike. “I know it’s a lot of travel and time invested from each girl, but this is our Although physically demanding, the payoffs can be great during competition season. And this year, SGG had a great season. The Bronze Excel level and the Silver Excel level both brought home gold medals in team and individual categories.

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Hailing from Coffee County and the surrounding areas, these girls act more like sisters than competitors.

family now and worth every second,” Leah said.

The teams competed in four competitions throughout the season to qualify for Nationals.

“There were more than 1,800 girls competing from Georgia alone this year,” Leah said. All of the SGG girls qualified for a spot at Nationals, and with the exception of a few who sustained injuries, they all traveled to Tampa, Florida, in June.

The Amateur Athletic Union’s event included individual competitions in vault, bars, beam and floor. “The floor is my favorite because it gives 30

Coffee County Living

you a chance to really show your personality,” said 10-year-old Cayden, who showed out to one of her favorite songs, “GDFR.” Nine-year-old Josie, who stuck her landing perfectly during competition, said, “I love the bars because I like to flip around. It’s hard in the beginning but I think I did good.”

Hailing from Coffee County and the surrounding areas, these girls act more like sisters than competitors. They all watch the Olympics and dream of becoming the next Ally Rosman or Gabby Douglas. At Nationals, this was their shot to get a

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little closer to that dream. “It is really loud at Nationals and we were all nervous, but when we all walked in together by state, we felt kinda famous,” said McKenley, age 10. The girls participated in a flash mob dance and a parade of athletes during the competition’s opening ceremony. “Then, they got to work trusting their training and competed beyond my expectations,” Leah said.

When the final results came in, the girls had reason to be proud. DeJayla Ingram was

“These girls bring a smile to my face every day. i have found my dream job.”

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Coffee County Living

National Champion on vault, bars and all-around. Gabby Ellis took second place on vault. Ellie Joyce was National Champion on beam and took second on floor and all-around. Kiran Reddy and McKenley Henderson both got second place on beam, and Cayden Smith took second on floor. Jaci Ferguson is the National bars, beam, floor and all-around champion in her age group. She also was awarded the National All-American plaque for having the highest all-around score in her season. Kylie Childers is the National Campion for her age group in beam and floor, and Josie Lott is the National Champion on the bars.

“Our success as a gymnastics school would never be possible without the support of the Douglas community,” Leah said. “I was welcomed into this town with open arms.” She also attributes the girls’ accomplishments to all the wonderful parents who are part of the SGG family. Leah hopes to pass on her love of the sport to all her students, and to instill in them the drive to get better every season.

“These girls bring a smile to my face every day,” she said. “I have found my dream job.”  CCL

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809 N Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 | 1340 S Peterson Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 34

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McCrary Daniels Insurance 120 N Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-2130 | mccrarydaniels.com

Something Old, Something New Longtime friends Tedica Roberson and Jeannie Amerson take charge of Becky’s Gifts and Antiques

A Thousand Words Photography 38

Coffee County Living

Story by Jordan Calhoun | Photos by Kelly McDonald Photography

“My sister in Tifton also was considering selling her business, so one morning on the phone, I suggested we pray about it. We prayed for the nation and for the lost, and then spent a little extra time praying aloud for and about our businesses. After we’d done that, everything began to fall into place,”

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Peeled from the pages of a storybook is 801 North Madison Ave. The elegant Victorian home, sandwiched amongst more modern additions such as fast-food restaurants and tax offices, stands in timeless beauty like a proud monument to the Old South. The home’s twin brick chimneys tower over the Douglas landscape, and serve as a beacon of arrival for those traveling home on U.S. 441.

Just as beloved as the exterior of the home is the treasure that’s nestled inside – Becky’s Gifts and Antiques. A facet in the Coffee County community since 1996, this establishment of Southern charm is a deserving addition to the list of the home’s former tenants. Douglas touts many classic homes, but this Victorian has cemented its place in Coffee history through its service as the first hospital in the county, a boarding house, and the front to many local businesses.

For a building so richly steeped in local history, transitions of ownership can

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“It really takes a team to run something like this, And I love the way they are coming together with their previous retail experience. They were the perfect match for this store.”

- Becky Miller

Come success or hardship, the two friends are as committed to each other as they are to their customers, and ultimately know that their friendship is as untarnishable as a Beatriz Ball punch bowl. “Neither of us have sisters, so this is more of a family thing than a friendship thing. We’re stuck together. There’s no other option for us,” Tedica said with a smile.

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often be difficult. When Becky Miller, the owner and face of Becky’s Gifts, decided to begin working fulltime at her husband Dr. Charles Miller’s surgical office, she made specific plans so that her labor of love would continue to be enjoyed by the community.

“My sister in Tifton also was considering selling her business, so one morning on the phone, I suggested we pray about it. We prayed for the nation and for the lost, and then spent a little extra time praying aloud for and about our businesses. After we’d done that, everything began to fall into place,” Becky said.

Becky’s prayer led her to two capable women, the best-friend duo of Tedica Roberson and Jeannie Amerson. Though they have been friends for a quarter of a century, their dream to go into business together is relatively recent.

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“We’ve been friends for so long that we are just naturally in sync. We tend to make similar decisions, but see things just a little bit differently, which helps broaden our perspectives. We’ve been talking about owning a business together for the past three to five years,” Jeannie said about their newest endeavor.

“When Becky messaged me completely out of the blue, we just knew it was the right thing,” Tedica added. “She said she wanted to sell to someone she could trust who had a passion for the people of Douglas and Coffee County. And it all just completely came together. I truly believe that God brought it to us.”

Both Coffee County natives, the women met in high school and have lived here ever since. Jeannie has worked in brand management and customer marketing for

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moving towards a brighter future

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More high-quality and cost-effective product lines are not all that’s on the horizon for Becky’s Gifts. Tedica and Jeannie’s plans are exciting and extensive, and include the opening of a Tuscan Sky Salon in the back of the store this summer. Additionally, the two hope to draw upon meaningful community connections to increase business across Douglas, as well as potentially expand their gift registries and offer rental decor for private events.

20 years, and currently serves as the Senior Manager of Customer Marketing and Loyalty for Circle K, North America. Tedica, a registered nurse at Coffee Regional for more than 20 years, left her life of medicine in 2014 to pursue an entrepreneurial calling. She now owns Merle Norman stores in Athens, Waycross and Homerville, as well as a Tuscan Sky Salon in Waycross that is considered one of the top salons in the country by Matrix.

Their combined business savvy coupled with an edge for customer experience is blending to make Becky’s one of the finest shopping experiences in the county. “It’s not just about customer service, it’s about customer experience – helping find the perfect gift with the perfect presentation so that people are just as excited to give a Becky’s gift as they are to receive one,” Jeannie said.

“We’re priding ourselves on picking out products that can be a part of people’s lives forever, and we’re excited to be included in these special once-in-alifetime moments.”

Becky’s has long been revered for its bridal registry, and Tedica and Jeannie are committed to continuing the tradition of serving local brides in new and fresh ways. The interior of Becky’s Gifts is currently filled with towering shelves stacked high with delicate and detailed china pieces, but the new owners are looking forward to increasing offerings for the more modern bride.

“Fine china is beautiful and certainly has its place, but what can you use every day that can make your life a little more fun and a little more inspiring?” Jeannie said about the duo’s exploration into more everyday housewares.

More high-quality and cost-effective product lines are not all that’s on the horizon for Becky’s Gifts. Tedica and Jeannie’s plans are exciting and

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extensive, and include the opening of a Tuscan Sky Salon in the back of the store this summer. Additionally, the two hope to draw upon meaningful community connections to increase business across Douglas, as well as potentially expand their gift registries and offer rental decor for private events.

“This is where we complement each other the most.

Jeannie is more of the vision for the future, and I’m more logistics. We’re talking through all these ideas, and I’m still mentally figuring out where we’re going to put 14 brides in one room,” Tedica said with a laugh.

Throughout the transition of ownership, the women have felt nothing but support from the community and from the store’s former owner. “Becky has been so supportive. The store is like a child for her, and she has been so helpful. She made it special to the community and still wants it to be special to the community. She truly wants us to succeed,” Jeannie said.

“It really takes a team to run something like this,” Becky said about the transition. “And I love the way they are coming together with their previous retail experience. They were the perfect match for this store.”

For Tedica and Jeannie, the purchase and ownership of Becky’s Gifts is a dream realized and the ultimate opportunity to make a community impact. Both women say the connections with the customers and the choosing of a perfect gift for a special celebration is their favorite part of owning the store.

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Come success or hardship, the two friends are as committed to each other as they are to their customers, and ultimately know that their friendship is as untarnishable as a Beatriz Ball punch bowl. “Neither of us have sisters, so this is more of a family thing than a friendship thing. We’re stuck together. There’s no other option for us,” Tedica said with a smile.

Jeannie, who Tedica playfully cites is the more emotional one, smiled back with eyes brimmed with tears. “The friendship will always be first for me.

And we wanted to do this for more than the business aspect – we enjoy creating something special together,” Jeannie said. “We all have moments of darkness, but a friendship like this is constant.”

So, the next time that you’re with your best friend, stop into Becky’s Gifts where you’ll be greeted with the fresh scent of a Trapp candle and the warm smiles of two women who can’t wait to celebrate you.  CCL

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story by

David Pena

photos by

A Thousand Words Photography & Sharnae Pegues

To those who know her, twenty-year-old Sharnae Pegues has always seemed to be a young woman destined for greatness. In the fall of 2016, the Douglas native became the Coffee County, State of Georgia and Southeast Region Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of America. Amazingly, out of over one million youth nominations, she went on to become one of six finalists to compete in the National Youth of the Year Celebration. To date, Sharnae has earned over $65,000 in scholarships as Youth of the Year, a title that she also held in 2017.

However, it wasn’t all smiles and celebrations for Sharnae and her family. When she was a young child living in Florida, her seemingly idyllic life was turned upside down one day

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when she and her mother returned home to find detectives in and around the family’s home.

“My father was accused of impersonating an officer and raping someone,” recalls Sharnae.

“My family was publicly humiliated through the media for a time after that.” Sharnae’s father was subsequently jailed for his crimes, which thankfully put an abrupt end to the physical and emotional abuse that he had subjected his wife to for years. However, Sharnae’s family was then given just days to vacate their home.

The subsequent uprooting of her family sent the youngster into an emotional tailspin.

“Experiencing (the abuse) and the loss of all my possessions as well as my family’s eviction

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Sharnae hopes to continue inspiring youth through her presentations, showing how she overcame adversity through faith, family and dogged determination.

Sharnae now attends South Georgia State College in Douglas, where she studies Educational Leadership. She hopes to one day open her own school for girls.

“After I receive my Doctorate, I want to have my own school to implement a curriculum that I call “Pearls of Elegance,” which helps young girls to build their self-esteem while giving them useful coping skills,” she says.

caused me to fall into a deep depression,” recalls Sharnae, the eldest of three siblings. “We were sleeping in our car at one point, and I began failing the 3rd grade. This resulted in my teachers meeting with my mom to discuss (the possibility of) retaining me.” It was then decided that Chandra would move her children to Douglas in order to be near her parents.

Thankfully, once the family moved, Chandra’s mother began tutoring her granddaughter during this difficult time in her young life. Chandra, now a Reading teacher at Coffee Middle School, says her daughter’s tenacity also played a part in the youngster’s turnaround. “Sharnae was always strong-willed. Once she set her mind on something, it was hard to change her thinking.” So, when the youngster soon heard about the construction of a new Boys & Girls Club, it immediately sparked an interest. “I was excited to hear about this new club,” says Sharnae. “We didn’t have anything like it prior to that, so I wanted to be part of it as soon as possible.”

Sharnae soon began attending the newly-constructed Boys & Girls Club of Coffee County. Michael (Bull) Brown, CEO of the Club, says, “Sharnae started with our program when her mother worked as a teacher here. She was always respectful and helped out whenever she could. Every day she always flashed that winning smile.” The youngster soon realized that the club could offer her more than just an afternoon’s distraction. “The staff and members became like a second family to me, and I felt a new purpose in my life. At the club, I was taught that I could inspire others despite the pain that I endured. I also found that I could really be myself and come out of my shell there.”

It was after the family’s move back to Douglas that Sharnae’s mother met and married Sharnae’s (now) stepfather

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Derrick, a fellow educator. According to Sharnae, this was someone who would play a pivotal role in her transition to young adulthood. “He’s been my real father and has counseled me through the years, giving me the support and love of a father. He has definitely made a positive impact on my life in terms of a male figure,” says Sharnae.

Ironically, when Sharnae won the Youth of the Year in 2017, her local Boys & Girls Club had just been established. Thus, when she entered the national competition, she was competing against children who had been in the program for a couple of years. In fact, no one was more amazed than her mother at Sharnae’s performance during the public speaking competition. “I was floored by her speaking ability on the very first night of competition at the local level. I had no idea she had that amazing gift,” says Chandra. “By sharing her story, she seemed to

Amazingly, out of over one million youth nominations, she went on to become one of six finalists to compete in the National Youth of the Year Celebration. To date, Sharnae has earned over $65,000 in scholarships as Youth of the Year, a title that she also held in 2017.

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really come alive on stage.”

Sharnae now attends South Georgia State College in Douglas, where she studies Educational Leadership.

She hopes to one day open her own school for girls.

“After I receive my Doctorate, I want to have my own school to implement a curriculum that I call “Pearls of Elegance,” which helps young girls to build their selfesteem while giving them useful coping skills,” she says. “I want to encourage girls to step out into fields like Math, Science and Technology. In fact, when I transfer to Georgia Southern, I plan to start a “Pearls of Elegance” chapter at the Boys & Girls Club in Statesboro.”

During her down time from college, Sharnae travels

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the country as an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Club. In March, she served as the Youth of the Year ambassador during the National Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C. The young woman told her inspiring story to Members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill. “It was such a thrill to meet with senators and congressmen and share the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has had on my life,” she recalls. “Bull” Brown says of his BGCA alumna, “We must be doing something right in Coffee County, and we’re all excited that she is now proudly representing our local club.”

In her limited spare time, Sharnae also began implementing her “Screen Shot We Will Not”

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Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign, which was recently signed into Proclamation by the Mayor of Douglas. The campaign will soon be implemented into the Coffee County School Systems’ curriculum. “The campaign was created to bring awareness to the issue of cyberbullying and present alternative ways to deal with conflicts,” explains Sharnae.

With her faith firmly at the center of all that she does, Sharnae also became a Junior Missionary in 2015, now volunteering her time at the LIA Foundation, the food pantry that her parents founded. “I help deliver food to students who would otherwise go hungry on Fridays at selected Coffee County schools,” she says.

Sharnae also helps with various local clothing and toy drives as well as community clean-up projects. In 2017 she was rewarded for her efforts in the community when she was asked to be the Grand Marshall for the Christmas Parade, the youngest in Coffee County history.

Chandra says that Sharnae continues to amaze her family with her growing list of accomplishments. “It blows my mind to see how Sharnae has not only overcome her past

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and low self-esteem, but also how she uses her experiences to help others,” she says proudly.

Derrick agrees, adding, “In our house, we tend to use the word ‘grind’ a lot, to give 100% to anything you do, and by giving her all, Sharnae has gone from a life filled with depression and hardships to this new life. We are all extremely proud of her.”

Sharnae hopes to continue inspiring youth through her presentations, showing how she overcame adversity through faith, family and dogged determination. “My belief is that failures are blueprints for how to improve,” she explains. “They are never wasted moments; they are lessons that should motivate you to keep going.”

After all her impressive accomplishments, Sharnae is quick to give credit to her mother for being a source of strength during her darkest hours. “Through my work, I hope to honor my mom for comforting all of us while she was fighting her own battles. Through it all, she has been my rock and my hero, and I pray that I become the woman and mother that she is.”  CCL

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Heart The

of Healing

John Deems and his family leaned on faith to sustain them through his multiple heart surgeries.

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B y J o r d a n C a l h o u n | P h o t o s p r o v i d e d b y K e l ly M c D o n a l d P h o t o g r a p h y, A T h o u s a n d W o r d s P h o t o g r a p h y a n d T h e D e e m s F a m i ly

While most of Coffee County packed away their red and pink decor with the passing of Valentine’s Day, a healthy heart is constantly on the forefront of John Deems’ mind.

A prominent business owner and Douglas native, John was born with a congenital heart defect called aortic stenosis, which is the thickening of the heart’s aortic valve. His first procedure at just 14-months-old would catapult into motion what has become a familiar rhythm for John, who has now undergone five open heart and five intervention surgeries.

As a young baseball player at Coffee High, John was speaking medical jargon like a seasoned physician when he entered into his third open-heart surgery to replace the mechanical valve that he had outgrown. It all felt very familiar, but John had a new member of his support team at his side: Brooke.

Brooke Deems, John’s high school sweetheart and now spouse, still remembers the very adult procedures that demanded a higher degree of maturity than what was commonly expected of their late adolescence. She can recall his senior-year surgery, and the day he returned to the batting cages following his recovery. After a few years away together pursuing college degrees, the

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a Lifelong Condition A prominent business owner and Douglas native, John was born with a congenital heart defect called aortic stenosis, which is the thickening of the heart’s aortic valve. His first procedure at just 14-months-old would catapult into motion what has become a familiar rhythm for John, who has now undergone five open heart and five intervention surgeries.

pair returned to the South to be married, and a few years later had their son Cole. John and Brooke were enjoying the sweet new blessings of parenthood when John’s condition began to show signs of decline.

“Right before we had Cole, John had been sick all the time and we couldn’t figure out why he felt the way he did. He was always tired and never had the energy to get through most days,” Brooke said. “Six months after Cole was born, we found out that the stitching around John’s valve was coming apart and leaking.”

In December 2010, John had the first of three intervention surgeries to put a total of six plugs into 68

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his aortic valve. “It’s like when you try to seal up a leaky water hose and the pressure just can’t hold,” Brooke explained.

In 2016, John’s worsening condition called for the scheduling of a Bentall Procedure, which is an aortic root replacement, at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. The procedure would be a difficult one, as years of surgeries had gathered dense scar tissue around John’s heart.

“We knew there was something wrong when there was a long stretch when we weren’t getting any type of updates.

When the doctor finally came out and talked with us, she told us that all she was worried about was John waking up and talking,” Brooke said.

Brooke and the rest of the family were informed that in the beginning stages of the procedure, due to the scar tissue and calcification around his heart, a vein in John’s neck had been severed and the surgical team had spent a harrowing 45 minutes attempting to control the situation before it began affecting his brain. Because of the time spent repairing the vein, there was only time to replace the aortic valve and not complete the full Bentall surgery.

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“I feel like that was God’s way of intervening.

As mad as we were that the surgery didn’t go as we planned, I truly, truly believe that was God’s way of saving him. If they had continued with the surgery, I don’t believe he would have lived,” Brooke said.

Though John’s life had been preserved, the same old storyline of setbacks and short-term fixes was beginning to take a toll on the Deems family. Brooke credits John as being the family’s emotional rock, but the failure of the surgery came as a major blow to the young couple, who were now expecting their second child. “I tried to be strong for my family, but it was very tough given the uncertainty,” John said. “I spent a lot of time with Pastor Chris Watson and he helped me keep my focus on God.” John and Brooke are active members at GracePointe Church and recount the story of John’s medical history as a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness. After a journey of seemingly insurmountable circumstances, the road to John’s most recent surgery has been paved with God’s provision.

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In 2016, John’s worsening condition called for the scheduling of a Bentall Procedure, which is an aortic root replacement, at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. The procedure would be a difficult one, as years of surgeries had gathered dense scar tissue around John’s heart.

“After the unsuccessful procedure, John’s cardiologist at Emory referred us to Dr. Gosta Pettersson at the Cleveland Clinic, which we are so thankful for. God led us there. All the doors opened up and we knew that’s where we were absolutely supposed to be,” Brooke said.

Before the journey to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, the family fought against the fear of what might be another failed procedure. “We had to trust God. We’d never been faced with a battle that no matter what, you had no choice but to put all your trust in Him,” Brooke said. “I had to be strong for John and I had to be strong for my babies. One day in the car, I asked our son Cole if he was scared.

And he said, very matter-of-fact, ‘I just don’t want my daddy to die.’ That’s when you have to pull all the strength from God. I wasn’t sure I’d be coming home from Ohio with a husband.”

Despite the creeping anxiety of what could go wrong, the Deems’ were showered with an outpouring of love and support from their family, friends and community that made their venture north significantly easier. “First and foremost, my family embraced us and supported us during the

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entire process,” John said. “My church family stepped in and stepped up. An experience like this brings a whole new meaning of stewardship. The love that we experienced was immeasurable. I received tons of support through texts, letters and phone calls.”

Standing on the shoulders of a supportive community, the Deems family headed to Ohio in March 2017. The Cleveland Clinic is ranked as the No. 2 hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is known for offering the highest level of patient care while performing more than 4,000 heart surgeries annually. Dr. Pettersson, a highly decorated surgeon serving as both the vice chairman of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the section head of Congenital Heart Surgery at the Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic, completes between 300 and 400 cardiac cases per year. On March 15, 2017, John’s became one of them.

“He was literally a life-saver,” John said about Dr. Pettersson. “He came on the scene with confidence and a game plan. He explained what I needed and moved forward without hesitation. At 75 years old, there is no doubt God placed him over my case. He and his secretary, Maryanne Brown, prayed over me and gave me a prayer rock.”

With a capable and confident surgeon on their case, the Deems family – now a party of four with the addition of their daughter Abree – had peace of mind about John’s procedure. The night before the operation, Brooke remembered laying in the hospital bed beside her husband, begging God to show them a sign that things would be okay.

At 4 a.m., there came a knock on the door. “A man came in my room and told me that his name was John. He told me that he was a minister and God sent him to me. He drew my blood and prayed for me and Brooke,” John said. “When the time came for me to go to surgery, Alvin, another nurse, sang ‘I Am Redeemed’ to me and the family on the ride to the operation room. Once at the door, he asked everyone in our family to join hands as he prayed over me. I still get chills thinking about it.”

“He’s had so many surgeries and no one’s ever done that before – prayed over us,” Brooke recalled.

“And that was it. I knew it was going to be okay. I

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“I feel like that was God’s way of intervening. As mad as we were that the surgery didn’t go as we planned, I truly, truly believe that was God’s way of saving him. If they had continued with the surgery, I don’t believe he would have lived,” Brooke said.

had a calm and a peace. And how could we not, when we’d seen this all firsthand? How can you not believe in a faithful God when you’ve been through all that?”

In a culture that often remembers last words, John’s first words after surgery are the ones that Brooke will forever cherish. After a long 12 hours, the family received news that the surgery was a success and he finally was able to see Brooke. When his wife reached his bedside, John motioned for something to write with.

On a small piece of paper, he lifted his hand and wrote out, “#2GBTG,” an acronym for “to God be the glory.”

“I had spent a lot of time with Pastor Chris prior to the surgery, and #2GBTG was his hashtag,” John said. “One thing Chris has taught me is that everything we do should be to glorify God. I’m just thankful that when given the opportunity to, I didn’t let God down.”

Though his life can be neatly organized into surgery dates and procedure types, John’s never chosen to live contained by the limitations that his body has placed on him. “It’s put life in perspective for me. The down time was difficult, but the outcome of the Bentall surgery gave me another chance at a normal life. I am thankful for things now that I took for granted before. I realized just how precious life can be.”

John is now living a grateful, healthy life and is hopeful that the surgery at the Cleveland Clinic could be his last. Together, he and Brooke own Johnny’s New York Style Pizza and are excited to soon be moving their restaurant into the creamery in downtown Douglas. The couple love spending time together as a family, and are quick to tell others about the favor and faithfulness of God in their lives.

Though the family attends a church that tends toward a more contemporary worship style, the Deems family will always treasure and cling to the words of the hymn that gave them strength in the hall of a hospital: “I Am Redeemed.”

“I am redeemed, bought with a price; Jesus has changed my whole life. If anybody asks you just who I am, tell them I am redeemed!”  CCL

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I

A Night to Shine offers special needs youth a prom experience like no other

In a list of the world’s most difficult jobs, one would expect to find a ranking of first responders and medical professionals.

And while those careers tend to be high-risk and high-stress, I wonder why writers don’t make the list. From a journalist’s perspective, there’s nothing more challenging than trying to hem magic in with ink. Today, I understand the writer’s plight; how does one even begin to express the magic of Night to Shine?

A ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is designed to provide an unforgettable prom night experience for special needs youth ages 14 and older. On Feb. 8, the foundation hosted its fifth annual prom night party, virtually linking arms with 655 churches across 24 countries to simultaneously serve about 100,000 guests. Locally, 142 of those guests celebrated the night at Coffee Middle School.

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A ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is designed to provide an unforgettable prom night experience for special needs youth ages 14 and older. On Feb. 8, the foundation hosted its fifth annual prom night party, virtually linking arms with 655 churches across 24 countries to simultaneously serve about 100,000 guests. Locally, 142 of those guests celebrated the night at Coffee Middle School.

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“Night to Shine is special because there are so many things in our society that tear people apart, and this night is a night that brings people together,” founder Tim Tebow explained in a Night to Shine 2019 recap video. “Because every single person is important, we are all loved, we are all created in God’s image and there is a reason and a purpose for each of our lives.”

Night to Shine Douglas is a joint effort between First Baptist Church in Douglas and GracePointe Church, and shares many congruent elements with the other 654 host churches across the globe. No matter what prom experience you attend, special guests are all brought from their check-in area to the event in stretch limousines and then escorted down a red carpet lined with cheering volunteers.

Attendees also are paired with a buddy to accompany them during the event, as they eat a special meal and dance the night away. “If there was

“I count myself privileged to be a part of such a crowd of people, to taste heaven in those moments, I’ll forever remember my first Night to Shine. I’ll be forever grateful to have my night made by their smiles and beautiful souls.”

- R e b e k a h M at t h e w s

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one word to describe Night to Shine, it would be ‘joy.’

The whole room popped with excitement and joy,” said Ty Darwin, who served as a buddy for the event.

Though the event is sponsored by two local churches, Night to Shine has become a gift from the entire Coffee community. When volunteer registration opened in December, organizers were flooded with sign-ups from what eventually amounted to 325 individuals from different churches and backgrounds who were eager to serve a group of people who are often on the fringes.

“The hard work and dedication the community puts into this event as we all come together for something good in our community is nothing short of amazing,” Windi Raper of Carried Away Creations said about the event.

Many local businesses in and around Coffee County

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offered their services to make the night extra special.

Merle Norman Cosmetics and Tuscan Sky Salon in Waycross sponsored a tent inside the prom to provide hair and makeup touch-up services to all of the guests.

And AllAboutSoles in Douglas sponsored a tent that offered professional shoe shines to help keep guests’ kicks shiny.

“I count myself privileged to be a part of such a crowd of people, to taste heaven in those moments,” said Rebekah Matthews of AllAboutSoles. “I’ll forever remember my first Night to Shine. I’ll be forever grateful to have my night made by their smiles and beautiful souls.”

For one night, the Coffee Middle School auditorium was all glitz and glamour. The ceilings were hung with sweeping drapes and the room glittered with flecks of

a gift from the Coffee community Though the event is sponsored by two local churches, Night to Shine has become a gift from the entire Coffee community. When volunteer registration opened in December, organizers were flooded with sign-ups from what eventually amounted to 325 individuals from different churches and backgrounds who were eager to serve a group of people who are often on the fringes.

light tossed across the dance floor by the silver chandeliers that lined it. The room was adorned with towering balloon bouquets provided by Carried Away Creations, and a magnificent balloon archway spelling out “Night to Shine” welcomed guests. A sprawling buffet provided by Kentucky Fried Chicken was stacked high with delicious food that fueled everyone for a long evening of dancing.

Down the hallway, guests could take a break from dancing and sing karaoke. “Karaoke is one of my favorite things about Night to Shine,” said Chris Sheffield, who ran the karaoke area. “I love getting to watch the sheer joy of our guests as they sing – and sometimes dance – their hearts out. We love getting the crowd involved and enjoy everyone joining in as background singers. It is truly an amazing experience as they get to feel like rock stars for a brief moment.”

If the evening ever became overstimulating for guests, they were led to a quiet sensory room where they could engage in calming activities to help them relax. If guests were to sustain an injury from too much movement, a team from Coffee Regional Medical Center was standing by to provide quick medical assistance.

While the special guests are always the focus of a Night to Shine prom, the Tim Tebow Foundation puts emphasis on the sacrifice of caregivers, and seeks to celebrate them as well. In the Coffee Middle School commons, a beautifully decorated room prepared by Carver Baptist Church and Surcheros served more than 140 family members and caregivers while their loved ones enjoyed the prom.

And enjoy the prom they did. Whether they were getting some extra curl added to their hair, teaching their buddy how to dougie, or winding around the dance floor in a party train, the special guests at Night to Shine felt like

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royalty. “There are not many places our B can go and be herself,” Angel Anderson said about her special guest’s experience. “She walked around and jigged with all her classmates. One night a year, Brittany can go out and be accepted without being stared at, but loved instead.”

Though every moment of Night to Shine is magical, the most amazing moment of the evening happens just before guests are dismissed to grab their goodie bags and head home – the coronation. As a video from Tim Tebow plays in the background, guests across the globe are crowned the kings and queens of the prom and given sashes to match their new royal headpieces. You’re hard-pressed to find a dry eye in the room as buddies place a crown atop their squealing guests and declare them royalty.

“With each year that passes, I am more and more overwhelmed by the love of my Creator,” said Archie Rish, Night to Shine coordinator. “I’m amazed at all the love that you can pack in one place and blown away by the people in this community. After each prom, I’m inspired to love bigger than ever before. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it a million more times: Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year.”

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From the red-carpet walk to the crowning moment of the night, the whole event feels a lot like heaven. It’s beautiful what happens when a community leverages their blessings and talents for the belief that everyone deserves to belong. At Night to Shine, the room wasn’t just filled with balloons and dancing – it was filled with love.

“Every year, I look back on the event and try to think of my favorite part,” said Night to Shine coordinator John Day. “Whether it is the smile on the guests faces as they receive their buddy and approach the waiting limousines. Or, the sheer joy they display on the red carpet as they enter the prom. Or, the endless energy shown during the dancing. Or, the incredible look of happiness upon being crowned King and Queen of the prom. And, every year, I determine that it is impossible to pick that one favorite moment, as they all demonstrate that it was the best night of the year for our guests. After taking a deep breath and some time to think about the night, I then realize that every volunteer also receives the same blessing. It is simply a night to remember for everyone who comes, and will be one that stays with all of us forever.”  CCL

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Journey Through History 90

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S t o r y a n d P h o t o s b y K e l ly M c D o n a l d

Mary Clyde Scott discovers her family’s role in shaping the future of Coffee County.

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In 1933, when Mary Clyde Scott was just 12 years old, her father would crank up the pick-up truck and call her outside. “He would say, ‘Mary Clyde, I am going to see Uncle Leige today. Do you want to tag along and hear those old stories again?’ I would jump at the chance every time,” Mary Clyde said.

Mary Clyde was mesmerized by her uncle’s stories about how their family first came to settle in what is now Coffee County – long before it was recognized as a county in 1854. “He would tell me the whole story, the good and the bad,” Mary Clyde said.

As she grew up, the desire to document her family’s

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history never left her. Mary Clyde went on to graduate with a degree in Speech from The University of Georgia. She then worked as the director of a 10-county area for the Head Start program. When she joined the organization, there were 70 children enrolled in the program. When she left, there were more than 900 children enrolled and she had nearly 100 employees.

Mary Clyde retired from Head Start’s central office in Athens, and returned to Douglas to care for her mom, who had fallen ill. Mary Clyde found herself with some extra time on her hands, and decided to revisit her love of history. “I began requesting war records, census reports, marriage licenses and town hall minutes to piece together my family’s involvement in creating this town,” she said.

It was during that paper treasure hunt that Mary Clyde discovered the true impact her grandfather Barry Hampton Tanner had on Coffee County. B.H. Tanner, who people called “Babe,” had died a year before Mary

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Clyde was born. “One of the earliest things I remember was my father telling me about him building the Tanner Hotel, now known as the Boudreaux Suites building, in 1900 located on the corner of Peterson and Ashley streets,” Mary Clyde said.

B.H. then put a Citizens Bank inside his hotel. Armed only with a third-grade education, he knew the importance of making Douglas a community that could provide services locally to its residents.

He promoted his business ideas by forming a group of financial backers for each project he was working on. B.H. was usually the majority stockholder, and that was true for his bank venture. He put out bids and T.J. Darling of Waycross was awarded the job on Sept. 25, 1898, for $6,500. It was completed around the beginning of 1900 and received its charter in 1901.

Young men from across the county who wanted to further their education would come to B.H. for help. He would grant them funds

“One of the earliest things I remember was my father telling me about him building the Tanner Hotel, now known as the Boudreaux Suites building, in 1900 located on the corner of Peterson and Ashley streets.� - Mary Clyde Hometown Living At Its Best

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REMEMBERING THE STORYTELLER Mary Clyde was mesmerized by her uncle’s stories about how their family first came to settle in what is now Coffee County – long before it was recognized as a county in 1854.

“He would tell me the whole story, the good and the bad,” Mary Clyde said.

for college with one request: They would return to Coffee County to work. It was this simple offer that brought Douglas its first doctors and lawyers.

In September 1903, the Breeze Newspaper noted, “Mr. Tanner is one of our best friends, one of the best farmers and business men of this county.” Indeed, B.H. also was a progressive farmer, always looking for new money-making crops. He grew the first white sugar cane in the area, and was one of the first to try raising tobacco – even though it turned out to be a disaster.

After returning from the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1905, B.H. proposed that the local fair, held each November, give out “our famous Georgia Ginger Cakes” free of charge. He challenged local farmers to provide their best cane syrup to be judged for prizes. This led to the opening of The Tanner Mercantile Company in 1905 on the corner of Ward Street and Madison Avenue.

B.H. built another large, two-story brick building on the corner of Madison and Ashley Street in 1908 and moved the mercantile there. With 70,000 square feet and $100,000 in inventory, it became the largest store in South Georgia. The store furnished farmers and their families with all their needs throughout the year on a “run” bill, which did not come due until the crops were harvested.

On Feb. 9, 1907, the editor of the local paper said, “there is no man worth more to Douglas and Coffee County than Babe 94

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“There is no man worth more to Douglas and Coffee County than Babe Tanner.”

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A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP

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Young men from across the county who wanted to further their education would come to B.H. for help. He would grant them funds for college with one request: They would return to Coffee County to work. It was this simple offer that brought Douglas its first doctors and lawyers.

A HISTORY OF HOME Thanks to Mary Clyde’s work, generations of Tanners – and all of Coffee County – can now read about “Babe” Tanner and the humble beginnings of the place they call home.

Tanner.” In that spirit, when C.W. Roberts from Nicholls wanted to go to medical school, B.H. agreed to help him reach that goal – provided he returned to Douglas to practice medicine. B.H. also promised to build him the finest hospital in the South. In early 1909, true to his word, B.H. brought a group of prominent men together to plan a 30-room hospital to be located on the south side of Ward Street, between the courthouse and the railroad.

Doctors W.F. Sibbet and C.W. Roberts were in charge, and in fall 1909, Douglas Surgical Institute and Infirmary opened its doors. The total cost – including the land, building and all the equipment – was $18,000.

A renown surgeon, Dr. C.W. Roberts trained at some of the country’s finest medical institutions, and people came from all over South Georgia to have Dr. Roberts operate on them.

After all the research and discovery, Mary Clyde compiled a permanent record for future Tanner family members. A book, “John, the Tanner,” was copyrighted in 2003. It chronicled the journey of successes and failures experienced by her family, and their impact in shaping a small county in South Georgia.

Mary Clyde shared her excitement at the next Tanner family reunion and left with enough money to publish and order more than 500 copies. “I wanted us all to never forget that small farm we all came from,” she said.

Thanks to Mary Clyde’s work, generations of Tanners – and all of Coffee County – can now read about “Babe” Tanner and the humble beginnings of the place they call home. “Tanner descendants still live on that same farm today,” Mary Clyde said. “Cotton and peanuts are the crops of choice nowadays, but the land is still rich with memories of a simple man with a third-grade education who changed the lives of so many.”  CCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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Story and Photos by Kelly McDonald

singing with

Gloria Harrison Caves grew up with aspirations of being a success in business, but she also had a passion for singing. As a child, she would join her grandfather on stage at church. “He would preach and I would sing while he preached, and then my mom would come sit me back down,” Gloria said.

Born and raised in Florida, she moved to Georgia at age 17 and married her childhood sweetheart, Wiley Caves, during her senior year of high school. “The principal actually had to give me permission to go on a honeymoon,” she said.

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feeling the call In the early 1990s, Gloria was deeply involved with her personal singing ministry, revivals, homecomings and Sunday night sings. It was in the church that she fine-tuned her voice and began to feel the call by God to pursue more in that field.

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“Everyone can learn to sing.

You just have to be willing.” [ Gloria Caves ]

matter of the heart Gloria’s singing family has grown and gone on to achieve great things over the years. “I was offered several recording contracts myself a few times, but always knew my place was to be here in Douglas, teaching these kids,” said Gloria, who is affectionately known as “Mama G” to her students.

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In the early 1990s, Gloria was deeply involved with her personal singing ministry, revivals, homecomings and Sunday night sings.

It was in the church that she fine-tuned her voice and began to feel the call by God to pursue more in that field. “Someone asked me to help on a song. I gave her lessons at my home and when we were finished with that particular song, she told me how good I was at teaching voice. I guess that was the beginning,” Gloria said.

She decided to further her education online with voice training, and began giving more lessons from home. “In 1992, one girl insisted on paying me, so I finally started charging,” said Gloria.

“Bill Taylor, a local music store owner, called me one afternoon. He had heard about me from a few clients and wanted to meet.”

During that meeting, Bill offered Gloria a more permanent job teaching voice at his store. From 1996 to 2010, she taught there in downtown Douglas. Gloria also taught at Citizens Christian

award winning Thanks to Mama G’s training, many of her students came home with awards this year.

Among them, State level winners include Samantha Turnage, 16; Belle Pickren, 13; Andi Unger, 9; Kori Spires, 17; Annee Waldron, 14; and Geri Brewer, 27. Students taking home Future Star of Tomorrow awards include Calli Hobbs, 12; Jessica Graham, 18; Saige Tanner, 14; and Anna Margerette Stapleton, 14. Lerah Gillis, 10, won the Entertainer of the Year award.

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being committed Gloria’s teaching technique includes diaphragm work, range, pitch, breath control, note placement, projection, pageant stage training and audition training. She meets with students before they take their first lesson to make sure they are committed to the training.

“I wanted to create a family where we all participated, learned and performed at our best,” she said.

Academy in 2005 and 2006. “I had 68 students, five days a week, and also taught show choir,” she said. “It was definitely a challenge, but I loved it!”

In summer 2010, Gloria felt called to find her own space and to open a studio dedicated to training children and young adults. She knew she had more to offer Coffee County than what she had been doing, and wanted the chance to make an impact. She opened the doors of Gloria’s Studio of Voice with 43 students. Her students ranged in all ages, so she developed a system to place everyone in the right class.

Individual lessons last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

They are tailored to each student’s abilities and needs. “Everyone can learn to sing! You just have to be willing,” she said. With that mantra in mind, Gloria went on to develop Kinder Voice, a 20-minute class for ages 4-6, where children learn rhythm and a little singing. Ages 6 to 8 are in a basic training class, and then ages 8 and older are in full technique training.

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The only boy to make the trip, 14-year-old Logan Newhart, won Most Promising Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year during his first time at Nationals.

“I was so nervous, so I closed my eyes to sing,” Logan said. “Mrs. Gloria told me I had to open them and look at the crowd. She convinced me that I was good enough to let them see me.”

Gloria’s teaching technique includes diaphragm work, range, pitch, breath control, note placement, projection, pageant stage training and audition training. She meets with students before they take their first lesson to make sure they are committed to the training. “I wanted to create a family where we all participated, learned and performed at our best,” she said.

And that is exactly what she has accomplished.

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to achieve great things over the years. “I was offered several recording contracts myself a few times, but always knew my place was to be here in Douglas, teaching these kids,” said Gloria, who is affectionately known as “Mama G” to her students.

“She is my best friend,” said 12-year-old Calli Hobbs, a lifelong student of Gloria’s who competed in Nationals Competition this year. “It is not just about a song to her. She listens to me and I trust her.”

Nationals Competition is held every year in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Gloria and her students work hard to get there. “The caliber of the singers at Nationals is super high, so we sing the same four songs for months perfecting every note,” Gloria said. Each singer has to compete and win on a state level to be invited to Nationals to sing two songs. The competition is a week-long process and is divided into several categories: New Gospel, Traditional Gospel, Bluegrass, New Country and Traditional Country.

“We do it all together – the travel, the hotel rooms and the awards. We all support each other, good or bad,” she said. And Mama G definitely doesn’t have a problem telling her students when the song did not go as planned. “My goal is to refine, challenge and progress their voice,” she said. “Sometimes that means telling them that they can do better.”

Thanks to Mama G’s training, many of her students came home with awards this year. Among them, State level winners include Samantha Turnage, 16; Belle Pickren, 13; Andi Unger, 9; Kori Spires, 17; Annee Waldron, 14; and Geri Brewer, 27. Students taking home Future Star of Tomorrow awards include Calli Hobbs, 12; Jessica Graham, 18; Saige Tanner, 14; and Anna Margerette Stapleton, 14. Lerah Gillis, 10, won the Entertainer of the Year award.

The only boy to make the trip, 14-year-old Logan Newhart, won Most Promising Entertainer

Building that confidence in young singers is one of the things Gloria strives for; the other is building trust in God. “My ultimate goal is to first teach them how to have faith and trust in God,” Gloria said.

“The second goal is to have confidence. I want them to step on that stage and sing any note with the full belief that they can.”

and Vocalist of the Year during his first time at Nationals. “I was so nervous, so I closed my eyes to sing,” Logan said. “Mrs. Gloria told me I had to open them and look at the crowd. She convinced me that I was good enough to let them see me.”

Building that confidence in young singers is one of the things Gloria strives for; the other is building trust in God. “My ultimate goal is to first teach them how to have faith and trust in God,” Gloria said. “The second goal is to have confidence. I want them to step on that stage and sing any note with the full belief that they can.” Through building that confidence, Gloria said, “I want to help them get to wherever it is they want to go.”  CCL

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Getting downtown in “Tip Top” shape

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Long before Kayla Sellers was working to make her dreams of revitalization for downtown Douglas take shape, she was facing a different kind of struggle.

Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 14, Kayla underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After recovering from the operation, she lived the next three years like a normal teenager.

Then, in 2000, the tumor came back, and Kayla underwent radiation therapy to assure it would be gone for good.

Soon after her treatment was completed, Kayla returned home with her parents.

Eager to get back to being a regular young woman, she started waitressing at DJ’s Steak & Seafood in Ambrose.

Kayla and her mother, Sandra, worked off and on at DJ’s for more than four years. Even her father would occasionally help out at the busy restaurant. “The restaurant business was just in our blood and we enjoyed it so much, so when the owners mentioned selling the business, my mom and dad jumped at the chance,” Kayla said.

In 2004, her parents became the new owners and were excited to run the business together.

Meanwhile, Kayla had business dreams of her own. She’d been keeping

her eye on an old historic building in downtown Douglas, with the hopes of opening an antique store with a small deli. She thought that building would be the perfect place. Located on South Peterson Avenue and built in 1905, the building just spoke to Kayla.

“It had been a bridal shop, a car garage, and a five and dime store. It finally came up for lease, and I hurried to see it,” Kayla said. When she arrived,

Kayla Sellers combines dreams of business ownership with hopes of bringing life to downtown Douglas

there were three other people looking to lease it as well. Kayla knew if she wanted it, she would have to act fast – and she did!

She secured the lease and began to make plans for her business. One day, while Kayla and her mom were on the way to Macon, they were trying to come up with a name for the business. “We took a shortcut through Haynesville in Houston County, and came up a hill

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where my grandmother’s aunt used to own a tavern in 1945,” she said.

The land is now home to a church, but the old tavern name, Tip Top Tavern, stuck in their heads. “We knew the name would be perfect,” said Kayla. In November 2009, the ladies opened Tip Top Gifts & Antiques in Douglas.

Although they sold antiques, it was the small deli that seemed to be the biggest hit with locals. “We didn’t even have a stove back then, and a pretty limited menu,” Kayla said

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about the early days of the business. But as the deli’s popularity grew, their menu began to grow as well. “We added a stove, then a fryer, and finally a full kitchen to keep up with demand,” she said.

The hot sandwiches, burgers and fried chicken sales quickly began to make up the bulk of her business. As such, Kayla decided to sell off all the antiques and concentrate on the food.

Dividing their time between the two restaurants, the ladies became a favorite destination in South Georgia for good food and conversation.

But Kayla’s dream didn’t end there. “I always wanted a courtyard out back of the deli,” she said about her plans to expand the seating at Tip Top. In 2017, she got the chance to acquire some adjacent land which remained after an old hardware store had burned down. “I knew that is where my courtyard would go,” Kayla said.

“I wanted to give our customers a place to relax and enjoy lunch outdoors.”

As construction began on the courtyard, Kayla also purchased another parcel of land beside the deli. She and her mom discussed what they could build there. They wanted something that would bring more life – and shops – to downtown Douglas. “My mom is the one who first mentioned doing ‘micro shoppes,’ similar to the ones on St. Simons Island,” said Kayla.

The pair thought it was a great idea and would fit perfectly in the space. Kayla and her father took a trip to St. Simons to look around their little shoppes and get some inspiration.

“They were really small, so we decided to make ours a little bit bigger,” Kayla said. She also found a group of the same type of shoppes in Pennsylvania. “We combined what we liked about both places and created a project plan,” she said.

Kayla discussed her idea with friends and family in Douglas, and after an overwhelmingly positive response, she decided to go for it. “We had hoped to be open sooner, but with all the weather delays this past year, we are looking to be up and running this summer,” she said about the construction timetable.

Plans for the Tip Top Shoppes span 15 little

In the beginning Long before Kayla Sellers was working to make her dreams of revitalization for downtown Douglas take shape, she was facing a different kind of struggle.

Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 14, Kayla underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After recovering from the operation, she lived the next three years like a normal teenager.

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Plans for the Tip Top Shoppes span 15 little buildings and 17 new shops, including a bakery, an ice cream store, a makeup studio and a farmer’s market. Vendor spaces range from 12-by-16 feet to 16-by-26 feet. Several boutiques, like Denise Lindsey’s Southern Pearl, will offer Vera Bradley products, jewelry and clothing. “We hope to have a small grassy area in the center so the kids can play while parents and grandparents shop,” Kayla said.

buildings and 17 new shops, including a bakery, an ice cream store, a makeup studio and a farmer’s market. Vendor spaces range from 12-by-16 feet to 16-by-26 feet. Several boutiques, like Denise Lindsey’s Southern Pearl, will offer Vera Bradley products, jewelry and clothing. “We hope to have a small grassy area in the center so the kids can play while parents and grandparents shop,” Kayla said.

Kayla created an application process for future vendors, complete with a vision board showing what the finished development would look like. Within a few months, she filled every

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space available. Now, she even has a small waiting list.

“I had a lot of medical issues as a young adult and that taught me to make the most out of my life,” she said. “My goal has always been to do my part in revitalizing downtown.

These older buildings need new life to bring them back to their past glory.”

Kayla and her family have their hands full with two restaurants and the shoppes, but if her past determination is any indication, this business woman may just be getting started.  CCL

THIS IS

HOME. COFFEE COUNTY

The Coffee County area is growing and steadily becoming a central marketplace. You can find great retail shopping, restaurants and services around each corner.

If you haven’t done so lately, take the time to look around and discover all the wonderful things there are to find.

CHECK OUT THE LOCAL MARKETPLACE Hometown Living At Its Best

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, 33

974

602 N. Peterson Ave | Douglas, GA 31533 912.292.1349 | www.strawberrylizard.com

The Local Marketplace

VIP Dubberly

FABRICARE

Professional Cleaning Professional Dry Cleaning Laundry Laundry Leather & Household ShirtLeather Service& Household & Alterations Shirt Service & Alterations

Travel AND THE

With Confidence

Bee Gee Travel consultants

U.S MARTIAL ARTS Center

Martial Arts School · Gym/Physical Fitness

Glass Shop

825 North Peterson Avenue • Douglas, GA 912.384.2266

825 North Peterson Avenue • Douglas, GA

912.384.2266

12) 383-8875

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Commercial • Residential • Auto Owned by God, run By Tony & Susan .

708 Bowens Mill Rd SW | Douglas, Georgia 31533 | (912) 384-5055

COUNTRY CUSTOMS Automotive, Aircraft & Boat · Printing Service

Personal & Professional Travel Planning Services Since 1984 116 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533 beegeetravel@windstream.net

912.384.2223 | 800.581.2223 Denise Craft, Owner GA 31533 618 N Peterson Ave, Douglas, Beverly Gibbs, Consultant (912) 384-5500 | hungryhowies.com Vicki Pridemore, Group Coordinator

CARTER THOMPSON INSURANCE

817 Peterson Ave N | Douglas, GA | (912) 384-5425

201 E Ashley St, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-7171

Debra s AND THE ’

USED CARS

HOLT’S B A K E R Y

A Family Tradition Since 1965 Window Tinting, Signs, Banners, Graphics, Vinyl Lettering, Pin Stripes, and Car Tags 107 W Bryan St. STE 10 | Douglas, GA hellomodest.com R Smith 104 Cherry St E| |Jennifer Douglas, GA (912) 389-8862 | countrycustoms.org

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coffee county living coffee county magazine

101 Sellers St E | Douglas, GA 31533

619 N Peterson AVE , Douglas , GA 31533 (912)383-0756 | www.debrasusedcars.com

(912) 384-2202

Get your rig

road ready Lott’s Diesel 3415 HWY 32 WEST DOUGLAS, GAGA 31533 618 N Peterson Ave,| Douglas, 31533 (912)ALL 384-5500 | hungryhowies.com SERVING OF SOUTHEAST GEORGIA | 912-384-5022

The Local Marketplace

Drew THE

HOUSE

Kribs & Kradles Come make a Baby Shower Registry with us!

300 Peterson Ave. South | Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 260-1268 | Sheila@kribsandkradles.com www.kribsandkradles.com 108 N Peterson Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 384-0838

Parker’s Quality Air PetCompressors Palace

Kribs & Kradles

.com

Assured

Air

Dog Boarding By Appointment 912-384-4734 2504 GA Highway, Douglas, GA 31533 912.384.9599 Randall &| assuredairga.com Vivien Parker

Come make a Baby Shower Registry with us!

300 Peterson Ave. South | Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 260-1268 | Sheila@kribsandkradles.com www.kribsandkradles.com 1404 W Baker Hwy, Douglas, GA 31533

(912) 389-1337

1320 S Madison Street Douglas, GA 31533 912.383.0313 store2593@theupsstore.com

Professional Dry Cleaning Laundry Leather & Household Shirt Service & Alterations

We offer Lay-a-way.

Gift certificates.

Bridal registries 236 Peterson Avenue South | Douglas, GA 31533

912.383.8875

CARTER THOMPSON INSURANCE

602 N. Peterson Ave | Douglas, GA 31533 201 E Ashley St, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-7171 912.292.1349 | www.strawberrylizard.com

Every business has a story.

yours.

We’re here to print 825 North Peterson Avenue • Douglas, GA

912.384.2266

602 N. Peterson Ave | Douglas, GA 31533 912.292.1349 | www.strawberrylizard.com Hometown Living Living At Best Hometown At Its Its Best

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Chasing Excellence 118

Coffee County Living

Story By Kim Clayton | Photos provided by Kelly McDonald Photography, Kim Clayton & Others

M

Coffee Middle School Principal Sherri Berry received statewide award; she leads by example

Meeting Sherri Berry puts a smile on most people’s faces. Her personality is bubbly, her laugh is infectious and she will do anything to ensure her students’ educational success.

Entering her 31st year in education with Coffee County Schools, Sherri started as an elementary classroom teacher and then became a school administrator. She recently was named the 2018-2019 Middle School Principal of the Year through the Georgia Association of Secondary School

Principals. The road to achieving this award, which recognizes principals who excel in educational leadership, began eight years ago.

In 2011, Sherri was the principal of Nicholls Elementary, a school with a student population of 300 and a staff of 45. In July 2011, she was named the principal of Coffee Middle School, with a student population more than 1,600 and a staff of 162.

Calling herself “intrinsically motivated,” when she arrived at Coffee Middle, Sherri Hometown Living At Its Best

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“She can capture an audience, You can listen to her speak for five minutes and you know right away this lady is in charge.“ - Coach Michael Shook.

immediately started “building her team.” She used these words quite frequently when describing how she has gone about changing the climate, culture and academics at the school.

Her staff described Sherri as a strong leader and a master team builder. They said she leads by example, has a strong work ethic, is a good listener and an excellent communicator. “She can capture an audience,” said Coach Michael Shook. “You can listen to her speak for five minutes and you know right away this lady is in charge.

Her approach as a principal leaves no doubt that it’s all about the students and the teachers who teach them. They know this and they respond. The results say it all.”

Sherri knows that building a team takes constant encouragement, and so she sends out motivational messages to her staff every day.

Sherri encourages her students during her daily walks through the halls. Her genuine kindness and interest in the students, most of whom she knows by name, is not something that goes unrecognized. “Mrs. Berry is not only a strong leader who makes decisions beneficial to our student body, but she actually relates to every one of her students,” said eighth grade student Jack Lingenfelter. “If I were to describe her in one word it would be ‘nice.’ Mrs. Berry is the face of kindness at Coffee Middle School.

Entering her 31st year in education with Coffee County Schools, Sherri started as an elementary classroom teacher and then became a school administrator. She recently was named the 2018-2019 Middle School Principal of the Year through the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. The road to achieving this award, which recognizes principals who excel in educational leadership, began eight years ago.

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Coffee County Living

She is willing to do anything and everything for her students.”

Sherri has created numerous academic programs to help her students learn and do their best. Programs include a school-wide book study, summer STEAM camp and a literacy camp. From the Literacy Camp, the Read, Lead and Succeed Program was established.

Following the school system’s mission to prepare students for college, career and life, Sherri implemented the term “21st Century Learning.”

Students are offered academic programs to prepare them for success in career development or higher education. The main goal is to provide middle school students with academic rigor that has real world relevance.

She also initiated the Coffee Middle School Destination Afterschool Program, which is designed

to help eighth grade students acquire the skills needed to pass state-mandated assessment tests. After school, teachers use technology, individualized instruction, remediation strategies and a spiral curriculum to help students prepare for the tests. Under her leadership, test scores for Coffee Middle School have exceeded the state average for the past four years.

All of the academic programs at Coffee Middle School would not be successful without the right team members, and Sherri has implemented several recognition programs as an incentive for teachers and staff to keep working at the school. Programs such as Featured Teacher of the Month allow a nominated teacher special perks, such as a gift card and the privilege of wearing jeans. The Better Seeking Team is a selected group of teachers who assist with policy and procedural decisions within the school. Her Marigold Hometown Living At Its Best

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Sherri knows that building a team takes constant encouragement, and so she sends out motivational messages to her staff every day. Sherri encourages her students during her daily walks through the halls. Her genuine kindness and interest in the students, most of whom she knows by name, is not something that goes unrecognized.

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Coffee County Living

Project program is a positive referral form for parents, teachers, community members or students to recognize and honor school staff members.

One of the most popular ways Sherri shows appreciation and camaraderie within the staff is through the Sunshine Committee. With more than 160 school employees, this committee lets everyone know about celebrations or hardships through a school newsletter.

And, if there is a need, Sherri is usually the first to jump in to help, just like families do. “Mrs. Berry highly values the work of her team members. She is genuinely caring and supportive of all

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Mrs. Berry is not only a strong leader who makes decisions beneficial to our student body, but she actually relates to every one of her students.”

Sherri has created numerous academic programs to help her students learn and do their best. Programs include a school-wide book study, summer STEAM camp and a literacy camp. From the Literacy Camp, the Read, Lead and Succeed Program was established.

of her staff,” said assistant principal Julie Anderson. “Whether it be work related or a personal matter, Mrs. Berry goes to exceptional lengths to make sure everyone is treated in a warm and professional manner.

This has helped to create an atmosphere of loyalty and kinship. If you are part of Mrs. Berry’s team, you are a part of a family.”

With all this caring and sharing, it can be very difficult to keep a secret from Sherri.

Even on such a large campus, she has the ability to know what is going on at all times.

However, the day she was named Middle School Principal of the Year, her staff

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managed to totally surprise her in a faculty meeting, thanks to the assistance of school superintendent Morris Leis.

“We are so proud of what Mrs. Berry has accomplished at Coffee Middle School, and we look forward to many more years of Mrs. Berry making a difference in Coffee County,” said the superintendent. “Mrs. Berry has focused her efforts on the right work. She understands the instructional program and knows the best practices when it comes to curriculum and instruction.”

As she received a standing ovation from her staff, former teachers and administrators, Sherri expressed that she couldn’t believe this award was given to her. After the presentation, she expressed her thanks to all the amazing educators who guided her on her professional journey, as well as thanks to her current team members and family.

Sherri’s father, Dan Miller, passed away before he could see his daughter earn one of the highest achievements in her career.

She credits him as being a mentor in all areas of her life. “He taught me that work is a privilege and working hard is nonnegotiable,” Sherri said. “His expectation for me was nothing short of perfection, which of course he did not get, but it gave me the drive to keep going in times of change, discomfort and monumental challenges. His wisdom, encouragement and listening ear have allowed me to overcome adversity. He taught me what unconditional love was and for that he will always be my hero.”

Sheri’s husband, Michael, who is also a 30-year educator in the field of agriculture,

“Mrs. Berry highly values the work of her team members. She is genuinely caring and supportive of all of her staff,” said assistant principal Julie Anderson. “Whether it be work related or a personal matter, Mrs. Berry goes to exceptional lengths to make sure everyone is treated in a warm and professional manner. This has helped to create an atmosphere of loyalty and kinship. If you are part of Mrs. Berry’s team, you are a part of a family.”

always has supported Sherri’s endeavors.

Together, they form their own wonderful team, and have raised two sons, Kody and Dake.

Since Sherri received the principal of the year award, Coffee Middle School itself has been named a 2018 Breakout School of the Year. It was recognized for meeting and demonstrating collaborative leadership and personalization in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Additionally, the school was honored at the distinguished level in the same

category for demonstrating a commitment to meeting the needs of all students.

One of Sherri’s favorite quotes is from Vince Lombardi. It’s something that goes a long way to sum up her own search for perfection and excellence in education: “We’re going to relentlessly chase perfection knowing full well that we will not catch it; perfection is unattainable. But, we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence.”  CCL

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Shoppes THE CORNER

Etta Mae’s

Suite 2

Suite 9

Bakery

at Tip Top

Boutique

Suite 10

Scoop

A Perfect

BUTLER Piano Conservatory

Suite 16 126

Coffee County Living

Suite 21

Suite 22

village at Tip Top to bring you the best shopping experience yet. Come eat Tip Top and then take a stroll around the Shoppes and shop a while.

Pink

THE

COTTAGE

the

gathering PARTY VENUE

Suite 24

Suite 28

Farmers Market And Sew She Did Suite 32

Suite 37

at Tip Top

Shoppes

A collection of businesses come together in this quaint

1 0 7 W e s t B r ya n S t r e e t Douglas, GA 31535 (912) 592-8582 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Index of Advertisers

A Perfect Scoop …………...........................................……. 126 Al’s Paint & Body ………….........................................……. 109 And Sew She Did …………..........................................……. 127 Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC …………...........................……. 1 Assured Air …………...................................................……. 117 Austin Respiratory & Medical …………........................……. 78 Bee Gee Travel Consultants ………….........................……. 109 Buck Country Wildlife Consulting …………...................……. 99 Burger King …………....................................................……. 34 Butler Piano Conservatory …………...........................……. 126 Carter Thompson Insurance ….................………........……. 117 CHSGa ………….............................................................……. 3 Citizens Christian Academy …..........………. Inside Back Cover City of Nicholls ………….................................................……. 2 Coffee County Schools ………...............…… Inside Front Cover Coffee Regional Hospital - Oncology Group ……........…..…. 88 Coffee Regional Hospital - Orthopedic Surgeons …............ 53 Coffee Regional Hospital - Women’s Center ……............…. 63 Coffee Regional Medical Center …………...............……. 22-23 Collins Cardiology ….............................……………. Back Cover Country Customs ………….........................................……. 116 Covenant Church ….................………...........................……. 37 Danny’s Pizza ………….................................................……. 87 Debra’s Used Cars ………….......................................……. 116 Douglas Home Care ………............…...........................……. 77 Dresses and Dreams ……….........…...........................……. 109 Dubberly Glass Shop …………....................................……. 116 Etta Mae’s Boutique …………............................................ 126 Farmers Market …………...........................................……. 127 Fireside Grill ………….....................................................……. 7 Fitzgerald Family Eyecare ……....……...........................……. 52 Geico - Jesse Warren …………......................................……. 98 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer ………...............……. 108 Georgia Southern University …………...........................……. 50 Hampton by Hilton ………….........................................……. 87 Hello Modest Boutique …………................................……. 126 Hungry Howie’s …….................……...........................……. 116 J & D Café …………......................................................……. 89 J & T Upholstery …………...........................................……. 108

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza ………….........................……. 21 Kentucky Fried Chicken …………...............................……. 108 Kribs & Kradles …………............................................……. 117 Krystal ………….........................................................……. 108 Lakeside Senior Living …………...................................……. 65 Lasseter Implement Company ………….......................……. 65 Lifestyle Sandbox …………...........................................……. 51 Lindsey & Wills Animal Hospital ………….......................……. 5 Lott’s Diesel ………….................................................……. 116 Lyon Management Co …………..................................……. 108 McCrary Daniels Insurance Agency ….......…...............……. 36 McRae’s Pharmacy …………......................................……. 109 Miller Chiropractic Clinic …………...............................……. 99 Miller Pump & Electric …………...................................……. 78 Murphy Eye Center ………….........................................……. 35 Oasis medAesthetics ………….....................................……. 89 Prince Ford …………....................................................……. 88 Property Hunters of South Georgia …….......................……. 53 Remax Real Estate Executives ………….......................……. 79 Ricketson Funeral Home Inc. & Crematory LLC ..........……. 79 Scott Kirkland Jewelers & Repairs ………….................……. 64 Shoppes at Tip Top …………...........................…....…. 126-127 Solid Waste Management Authority …….....................……. 98 South Georgia North Florida Eye Partners ….................……. 9 South Georgia State College …………..........................……. 64 State Farm Insurance - Daniel P. Ross ………….........…....... 63 Strawberry Lizard Children’s Clothing & Gifts …………...... 117 Surcheros Fresh Grill …………........................................……. 7 Tanner Insurance Company …………............................……. 76 The Corner Bakery ………….......................................……. 126 The Drew House …………...........................................……. 117 The Gathering Party Venue …………...........................……. 127 The Local Marketplace …………........................….…. 115-117 The Pink Cottage …………..........................................……. 127 The Southern Pearl Boutique ………….......................……. 126 Ultimate Graphics Plus LLC …………............................……. 76 US Martial Arts Center ………….................................……. 116 VIP Fabricare …………................................................……. 117 Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ………................……. 77

Please thank these sponsors for making this publication possible!

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COFFEE COUNTY Board of Education 2018 C H A RT E R S C H O O L S Y S T E M O F T H E Y E A R

Reagan Miller, Chairman; Adam Lott, Vice-Chairman; Jesse Jowers, Bryan Preston and Tonya Wilkerson Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent

1311 South Peterson Avenue | Douglas, Georgia 31533 Phone (912) 384-2086 coffee.k12.ga.us

CITIZENS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY C O L L E G E

P R E P A R A T O R Y

S C H O O L

Providing a quality education, as well as role models, for all-around success, from Pre-K2 through 12th grade.

1548 GA HWY 158 W • DOUGLAS, GA 31535 • (912) 384-8862 CITIZENSCHRISTIANACADEMY.ORG

Heart

D R . D A R R E L C O L L I N S | TA R A S P I V E Y, PA - C

spring 2019

CARING FOR THE

Coffee County

Bondye Bon’

Haitian proverb meaning “God is Good” rang true when crisis erupted.

We are all Loved

A Night to Shine offers special needs youth a prom experience like no other.

COLLINS CARDIOLOGY N E W PAT I E N T S W E LC O M E D

|

NO REFERRAL NECESSARY

1208 Ocilla Road • Douglas, Georgia 31533 • 912.384.6276 WWW.COLLINSCARDIOLOGYGA.COM

John Deems and his family leaned on faith to sustain them through multiple heart surgeries.

Journey through History

H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t

Mary Clyde Scott discovers her family’s role in shaping the future of Coffee County.