I am originally from Texas, but my life took a new direction when I met my wonderful husband, John. We first met in Houston while he was working as an Engineer. I worked at an Import/Export Company assisting the President of the Company. Eventually, John needed to return to Arkansas to care for his aging parents and manage the family farm. After our move to Arkansas, I worked as a Quality Control Coordinator, dedicating around twelve years to a company that provided customer service to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

My husband and I have embraced the natural beauty of Arkansas, enjoying activities like hiking and horseback riding. In 2013, my interest in sewing/quilting began while shopping at a local quilt store. The QOV Group sewing there encouraged me to join them, even though I had minimal experience sewing. Through practice and perseverance, my confidence, and skills in piecing quilt tops improved working with this busy group of volunteers.

A brief time later, two of us decided to start our own QOV group, despite never having seen an actual ceremony. Equipped with our beautiful quilts and the prepared script, we set off for our first Ceremony at the American Legion Hall. The ceremony was a success; our three veterans were visibly proud and deeply appreciative, and it was clear just how much it meant to them. That evening, we left the building transformed, knowing we had been part of something truly meaningful. This is the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever experienced.

After taking an early retirement, in 2014, I became the State Coordinator for Arkansas and have since cherished working alongside our members, local communities, my volunteer groups in Arkansas and of course our veterans. I also enjoy helping members with tools like Trello and, more recently, our new management software, NAMS. Collaborating with our dedicated volunteers and staff continues to inspire me as we work together to further the mission of Quilts of Valor in Arkansas.