Linda Hanberry is this week’s focus of the Picayune Item Super Senior column.

If you know her then you have experienced her ability to make you feel at home, at ease, and cared for in a single instant. She is Southern grace and hospitality with a drive to make things better that doesn’t stop.

Hanberry describes herself as a team player and a background person.

She says, “I love to learn, travel and network. I really enjoy meeting people and feel that hospitality is my true strength.”

The Hanberrys’ have lived in Dubai, and traveled to Europe, Greece, Rome, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Spain, France and England.

She has truly traveled around the world and infused her passion for helping women and children to the benefit of each place she has been. Thankfully, she now resides in Picayune and has for most of the last twenty years.

The Hanberrys’ have four children ranging in age from 49 to 39 and 6 grandchildren.

She says, “Our oldest granddaughter will be married this September and we are so happy and proud for them as a couple!”

Hanberry, along with her husband Reggie, have owned Magnolia Columns, located at 217 South Curran Avenue, for the last 11 years.

“Prior to the Columns, I had followed my children into the school system as a substitute teacher and taught Second- grade Sunday School at Roseland Park Baptist Church. From 1986-88 I assisted in developing a First-Aid office a Picayune Jr. High School. I was Volunteer Coordinator for the office and to teach all students Basic First-Aid and CPR. The program ended due to renovations and after renovations a school nurse came on staff.”

Hanberry has been active in the community as an Interim Executive Director for the Picayune Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Chamber; served on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Library, of which she is now President of the Board; worked with Girl Scouts; has served with the Child Abuse Education Commission; and she currently serves as Mississippi State Treasurer for the Association For Family & Community Education.

What is her secret to keep going?

“Just breathing,” she says, laughing, “Seriously, I just keep breathing … and looking at life as it is happening all around us. It is so amazing! Breathing and the awe of life— if that doesn’t keep you going then nothing will!”