Born in Jackson, MS, I grew up near my grandparents farm between Raymond and Edwards, graduating from Raymond High School and Mississippi College. In 1984, I made my way to the Atlanta, Georgia area where I have made my home and career as a grants administrator at a major research university. It was through my late father-in-law, H. Ross Arnold, that my interest in genealogy began. This platform is especially important because it leverages the knowledge and effort of many volunteers to unite families who have likely been laid to rest in different places or in extraordinary circumstances. I am a beginning contributor, and as I have conversations with people about their families, I learn more and more about the local history of my chosen home state. We are all connected, and I find that comforting