I am a native Simpsonville resident – born and raised. I am #4 of 5 children. I love my little town and have seen tremendous growth over the many years. This growth has benefited the town and its people. I attended Morton and Simpsonville Elementary schools, Bryson Middle and Hillcrest High. After a year at Greenville Technical College, I matriculated to Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC-Go EAGLES! After graduating Winthrop I settled back in Greenville County where I began working right away at Verizon Wireless. After working a while, I pursued and obtained my master’s degree in Human Resource Management & Development and worked in HR for 20 years and Verizon for 25 before retiring in 2019. I continued my career in HR and currently work as a Talent Acquisition Partner at Prisma Health in Greenville.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
After working and living throughout Greenville County, I reconnected with a friend I met at Winthrop University; we started dating and eventually married. We have 3 beautiful children and have been married for 24 years! I love to travel when I can, shopping with my mom, sister and daughter. My passions include volunteering at my church, spending time with friends and family and cooking or baking a good dish for my loved ones to enjoy. My career in HR has allowed me to use my skillset to help people find that next great career, improve the way they present themselves to be prepared for an interview and secure that dream job.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
All my life! 52 years.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a singer. I’ve been singing and/or on a choir since I was 5. I mostly sang only in church and why many people may not know this fact about me. I’m a great cook and baker as well. Thanks Mom for teaching me all I know!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
My paternal grandmother, Beatrice Pinson Sweeney. Like me, she grew up and lived in Simpsonville all her life and her parents before that. She worked for one of the only doctors in the day, Dr. Verdin, and she always had so many great stories of our history and family to share.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The business in Simpsonville that makes me most nostalgic is Howard’s Pharmacy. I remember while growing up, my entire family would go to this pharmacy to fill Rx needs and as a kid, we’d grab some candy or special treat.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
My favorite thing about The Golden Strip is Simpsonville’s downtown area. It has always been the heart of this community and still remains a place where you can find most any business you need, with a little fun and a nice meal!
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.
The most recent place that I’ve tried and enjoyed is Tacos and Bla, Bla, Bla.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Family, Belonging and Sincere Connections.
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 Simpsonville; see the clock tower, downtown historic sites, entertainment and food.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
During my free time, in the Golden Strip I would find myself shopping right here in Simpsonville, dinner with friends downtown or in Greenville, or attending a special event, concert or play.
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?
Viola Davis, Denzel Washington or Tom Hanks.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit Paris, France.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
The advise I would give to a crowd of people is to never make assumptions about people and how they are when you first meet them. You never know what someone is going through and your kindness/understanding can make all the difference.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Sundra Sweeney Latson, Anthony Harris, LaTronica Harris, Nerissa Lewis, Bouvia McDaniel Jones, Sarina Sweeney.
