This week, The Grenada Star spotlights 93-year-old Elmira Clark of Grenada.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on Sept. 5, 1929, on a farm in Tishomingo County.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Kelly and Mae McAnally.
Q: What did your parents do for a living?
A: My father was a disabled veteran from World War I and a farmer, and my mother was a homemaker.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I was one of nine. I have five brothers and three sisters.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended Paden Consolidated School until the tenth grade. Then I moved to Binford High School in Duck Hill.
Q: What do you recall most from your childhood?
A: I remember playing basketball a lot and working on the farm.
Q: Where have you lived?
A: I have lived in Tishomingo County and Duck Hill. When I was in nursing school, I lived in New Orleans. I now live in Grenada.
Q: What do you like most about Grenada?
A: I like that this is a small town with nice people. Everybody helps each other out in times of need.
Q: What was your husband’s name?
A: My husband’s name was Charles Clark.
Q: How long were you married?
A: We were married for 60 years.
Q: What made your spouse the one for you?
A: He had a great personality and never met a stranger. He was liked by everyone that knew him.
Q: What advice do you give married couples for them to have a long, healthy marriage like you did?
A: Always be honest with each other. Make sure each of you carry your load in the marriage.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have three daughters: Emily, Melinda and Leigh.
Q: Where do your children live and what do they do for a living?
A: Emily lives in Pontotoc and is a retired special education teacher and school psychologist. Melinda also lives in Pontotoc and is a retired middle school history and science teacher. Leigh lives in Grenada and retired from teaching kindergarten at Grenada Elementary School.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: I am a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Q: Where did you work? What was your role?
A: I was a nurse at the Grenada County Hospital in surgery. I was an office nurse for Dr. Carruthers, Dr. Hunt and Dr. Harrison. I was also a nurse at the Grenada County Health Department. I was the plant nurse at Newsprint South too.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: I have four grandchildren: Clark, Christopher, Chase and Taylor. I have five great grandchildren: Lucas, Carter, Westin, Ruby and Ella.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: No, due to my age and COVID-19, I do not travel.
Q: What inventions have you witnessed that intrigue you? Why?
A: I think the cell phone and the computer. I like that you can see and talk to people on the phone. I also was around before television, so I like that invention too.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: I like to work word puzzles and watch television.
Q: What is your favorite TV show and movie? Why?
A: I like the game show channel and news when I am watching television. My favorite movie would have to be “Walk the Line,” because my brother BK was an extra in the movie. He was one of the guards.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: You need to eat right and exercise.
~ By Mandy Ayers
