I have lived in Simpsonville since 1979. My family moved here from Ohio when I was 5. I still live fairly close to where I grew up. I love the Simpsonville area and can’t imagine living anywhere else!
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I grew up in Westwood. I went to Morton Elementary before Plain was built, then went to Plain for 4th and 5th grade. It was so fun for me to go back to Plain and volunteer when my son was ready for school. I went to the old Bryson Middle and graduated from Southside High School. I graduated from Furman University with a degree in Business Management. I have worked for the same bank for 25 years, currently in the Financial Crimes division. My son Henry is a junior at Greer Middle College and my husband Tim works in Mauldin. I am interested in history. I love to volunteer. I am very active at Henry’s school, our church, and with organizations that focus on homelessness, food insecurity and youth.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I have lived in Simpsonville since 1979.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I read 3 books at the same time – fiction for entertainment, non fiction to learn something new, and something to improve my spiritual well being.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Too many to even try to identify.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The old library. We spent so much time there as a kid. It was oldish back then, and so tiny. I bet we were there every week. The librarian was so nice and helpful. She called us “The Pheifer Girls” and saved books she knew we’d love. Also the spot where Morton Elementary used to stand/ now Simpsonville Elementary. I had such fond memories of my time at Morton.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
I love the downtown area. Such diversity and wide range of interests. It still has that small town feel.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
I have not yet been to the Warehouse at Vaughns but it’s on my list!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Warmth, security and happiness.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Downtown Greenville. A bustle of activity and do much to see and do!
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
At home catching up on housework that has been neglected all week while I work and volunteer! My family are big board and card game players. Saturday nights, we are usually watching a movie or playing games. Saturday is family night.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
I’d chose my friends James and Jamie. We’d have a fantastic time filming a movie!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d like to go to Italy and Egypt one day.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Invest early, get involved in your community, call your parents, and spay/neuter your pets!
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Pat Wilbanks
