A customer came into the Herald office recently who wanted to run an ad about a young lady but didn't have enough money for the size ad it needed to be. I let them know that would qualify for our 'person of the week' nomination. I explained what that is and how it's a good way to showcase a person and the customer was happy with that.

I hope you all enjoy getting to know Jessica.

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) I have worked hard all my life until I was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease at the age of 24. I am unable to have children due to this disease, because it will kill me and the baby. I started working at a very young age helping my step-father. I did this to help put food on our table. I have done everything from roofing to building and mowing yards. I remember mowing A & W Salvage. I built my first cabin at the age of 14 years old. At the age of 10, I started helping my step-dad get condemned houses ready for our local fire department. They would use them to practice putting fires out in a timely manner. I did this with my husband up until I was 28 years old. I also helped take care of my granny for 5 years while going to school and working at Snappy's.

I went to work at McDonald's when I was 24 years old and I worked there until I was 35 years old. The last 2 1/2 years I helped get the Dollar General Store on 412 cleaned up. Then, I worked as the store manager for a little over a year. I had to leave that job because I started getting sicker and wasn't able to work all the hours anymore. I did go back to work when I got to feeling some better at Family Dollar. When I was younger, I remember wishing I could be a normal kid and now that I'm not able to work, I feel less than. Thanks to whoever thought I needed to be person of the week, I needed it more than they know.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) I grew up right here in Hohenwald.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) I would have to say going to the pentecostal church and having Ms. Mary as the church bus driver. She would tell us all stories to and from church.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) I wanted to go to college and to the Army, but I ended up being a Jill of all trades.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) My Aunt Kay Baily was part of my greatest life experience, and she will always be my role model.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I can paint almost anything. I can carve wood, I have crocheted for a long time, I even set up at Oktoberfest.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) I would love to see the Philippines, because I have always been told it's so beautiful.

Q.) What is your favorite type of music?

A.) I like all music, good time oldies, rap, country, r & b and christian.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) My favorite thing about living in Hohenwald is I know where everything is and almost everybody.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) My favorite is fall. Everything is so pretty and colorful and the scenery is amazing. I love bonfires and hot cocoa and wearing sweaters.

Q.) Let's say you're a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be? Why?

A.) I would be aqua because I love the blue and green together.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) When I was able to work I enjoyed the people the most. I enjoyed working with others, and teaching new people the ropes, interacting with good people, we all made some wonderful memories that I will always hold dear to my heart.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) Most people call me Jess.

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) Don't be quick to judge , do right by your heart and remember God is always watching.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) I may have worked hard all my life, but there were times of enjoyment when I had family time and I made the best of it. I know that if I wasn't sick I would still be working hard and doing for my community.