This week, The Grenada Star spotlights 67-year-old Sherry Provine of Grenada.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Grenada on July 9, 1955.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: My parents were Fred and Bobbie Vance.
Q: What did your parents do for a living?
A: My father was a meat salesman for Shaw’s Meat Market and my mother was a hairdresser and florist.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have one brother, Freddie Vance, and two sisters, Freida Easley and Ginger Toombs.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I graduated from Grenada High School. I then went to Holmes Community College followed by The University of Southern Mississippi.
Q: What do you recall most from your childhood?
A: My childhood wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty close. Our home was always full of unconditional love and laughter. We were a blessed and happy church-going family.
Q: Where have you lived?
A: Other than Grenada, I lived in Fort Worth,Texas for 23 years right after Chuck and I got married.
Q: What do you like most about Grenada?
A: I like the small-town feeling. If anyone or any family is in need, this town pulls together and helps however they can whether it be financially, emotionally and physically if they can. It’s just a small-town, love feeling that you don’t get in a big city.
Q: What is your husband’s name?
A: Chuck Provine.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: We have been married for 46 years.
Q: What made your spouse the one for you?
A: He was my high school sweetheart. We met at Ed’s Skating Rink by the water fountain. He genuinely cares for me. He really loves me. That’s what made him the one for me. We dated five years before we got married.
Q: What advice do you give married couples for them to have a long, healthy marriage like you do?
A: Keep Christ the center of your marriage. Be honest. Be respectful. Love unconditionally. Pick and choose your battles.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: We have two children, Jason Provine and Barbie Barton.
Q: Where do your children live and what do they do for a living?
A: Jason lives on the Mississippi Coast and is a teacher, and Barbie works for Mercy Hospital in Missouri.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: We are members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada, but my husband preaches all over, so I travel with him when he has to preach on Sundays.
Q: Where did you work? What was your role?
A: I was able to stay at home, but once the children started going to school, I helped at the school as a substitute teacher and nurse when we were in Texas.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: I have four grandchildren: Cohen, Camdyn, Savannah and Elsa.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: We do. We love to travel to the Coast and Missouri to visit our children and grandchildren.
Q: What inventions have you witnessed that intrigue you? Why?
A: I would have to say the cell phone. I had a friend that was killed on the side of the road because she was stranded with a flat tire. I think had we had cell phones she would still be here today. I like that you can do just about anything from your cell phone now.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Grandchildren. Chuck. My dog. Housework. I have taken up painting again and I am hoping to get back to taking piano lessons.
Q: What is your favorite TV show and movie?
A: “The Golden Girls” is my favorite TV show and my favorite movie is “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Have quiet times. I have quiet times two times a day. Exercise and eat right.
~ By Mandy Ayers
