Meet the Team Behind Jan’s Book Journey

My daughter/book editor 

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Greer taught kindergarten right out of college for 10 years at Gate City Elementary School in Woodlawn.  She has been teaching at Crestline Elementary School for 13 years - eight years in first grade, and second grade for the past five years. No surprise Greer chose to be a teacher! When she was a little girl, she played school all the time. She used my deposit slips from my checkbook as report cards and created grade books and all of that! She had a lot of great teachers and knew teaching was what she wanted to do. She especially loved her fourth-grade teacher, Miss Mitchell in Brewton. From creating a really warm, fun environment to getting to know each of her students, they just fed off of her energy! Looking back, Greer said, "The most rewarding thing about teaching is definitely seeing the progress that students make; knowing that you had a hand in crafting the right day, the right lessons, the right practice activities, the right re-teaching opportunities, or intervention if needed, the right communication with parents to bring everybody on board, to make sure that they made as much progress as they could in one year with you. And, of course, seeing their face light up when they see you is fun too."  As my book Editor/teacher, she has taught me several content and flow lessons!  However, the two most valuable lessons I learned from Greer are - some seasons of life require more flexibility than others and that I-65 runs North and South! I hope she has enjoyed seeing my face light up too! I love Greer and am so proud of her. I can only imagine the hundreds of children who will look back one day and say, "Miss Black is my favorite teacher!" She is mine!  And, she is her family’s favorite teacher and cheerleader, too! 

My dearest friend and Marketing Director

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​Ann is my BFF. We became best friends over 50 years ago and have been on this ride together all these years. What I admire most about Ann is that she stands up (and speaks out!) for what she believes is right! When she’s a fan, (ROLL TIDE ROLL) she has your back. She is a giver --always has been! Her resume is too long to include here, but trust me, her service to our Alma Mater, Murphy High School, to the Mobile community and to charitable organizations is well-known and respected. Ann has a positive, energetic personality and her love for others, especially for her Sam, is felt by family and friends.  There is no one I'd rather have as my Marketing Director than my BFF Ann! She believes in me and my mission, is happy to be on the book team, and loves connecting with people to create People Gotta Eat book signing events.  Ann is beautiful on the outside, and more importantly, she is beautiful on the inside. She is a Believer, has a heart of love and service for all mankind.  

Graphic Designer

I've been working with Penny on projects through the years for Greer's. When time came to design my book cover and interior pages, I knew I wanted to work with Penny. Her creativity, ability to "read my mind" and timeliness are 3 key reasons I prayed Penny would want to work with me. I sent her my thoughts on color, style, and content and she created an amazing hardcover book. PEOPLE GOTTA EAT Stories of Groceries and Grace looks and feels good inside and out thanks to Penny. Her creativity continues to shine! I look forward to book 2’s design by Penny coming soon!  

Digital Marketing 

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Maggie has taught me so much through the years. As a Social Media Specialist, Maggie helped me understand the technological challenges and the importance of integrating changes into the company’s advertising and marketing plans. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Internet, Google, SEO Reporting, QR codes - you name it. I learned all about it thanks to Maggie! Being much younger than I am, I treasure the fact that she NEVER made me feel dumb!! I’m happy to celebrate Maggie and Adam’s little one, Glen Derek Wilson! As a mom, grandmom, and great-grandmom, I plan to offer Maggie my support and encouragement as she’s offered hers to me. Watching my dream come true, PEOPLE GOTTA EAT Stories of Groceries and Grace, come to life “out there” on my social pages and website has been magical - thanks to Maggie!