Stepping into Jackson, Mississippi, feels like entering a world where history, culture, and community blend harmoniously. Known as the "City with Soul," Jackson pulses with vibrant energy and a welcoming spirit that instantly captivates residents and visitors alike. This city offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and modern flair, making it a delightful place to call home.
Living in Jackson provides a rich tapestry of experiences—from its bustling arts scene to its exciting culinary offerings. The annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and vibrant local festivals highlight
the city's dedication to celebrating its diverse heritage. Residents revel in the accessibility of live music, where jazz and blues harmonies fill the air on any given night.
For nature lovers, LeFleur's Bluff State Park provides a serene retreat amid charming wetlands and scenic trails, perfect for hiking or picnics. The Mississippi Museum of Art and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum stand as
Experience the Southern Charm of Jackson,
4 | HelloJackson, Mississippi • Winter Issue
Hello Jackson, Mississippi • Winter Issue |5
Experience the Southern Charm of Jackson,
testaments to the city's dedication to preserving history while inspiring future generations.
Jackson's vibrant neighborhoods are teeming with architectural beauty, from grand, historic homes to charming bungalows. Community ties are strong
here, with friendly neighbors ready to share a story or lend a helping hand. In Jackson, life is imbued with warmth and a lively sense of culture that leaves everyone feeling right...
Experience the Southern Charm of Jackson, Mississippi
Stepping into Jackson, Mississippi, feels like entering a world where history, culture, and community blend harmoniously. Known as the "City with Soul," Jackson pulses with vibrant energy and a welcoming spirit that instantly captivates residents and visitors alike. This city offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and modern flair, making it a delightful place to call home.
Living in Jackson provides a rich tapestry of experiences—from its bustling arts scene to its exciting culinary offerings. The annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and vibrant local festivals highlight the city's dedication to celebrating its diverse heritage. Residents revel in the accessibility of live music, where jazz and blues harmonies fill the air on any given night.
For nature lovers, LeFleur's Bluff State Park provides a serene retreat amid charming wetlands and scenic trails, perfect for hiking or picnics. The Mississippi Museum of Art and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum stand as testaments to the city's dedication to preserving history while inspiring future generations.
Jackson's vibrant neighborhoods are teeming with architectural beauty, from grand, historic homes to charming bungalows. Community ties are strong here, with friendly neighbors ready to share a story or lend a helping hand. In Jackson, life is imbued with warmth and a lively sense of culture that leaves everyone feeling right at home.
Featured Story
Progress in Funeral Leadership
It’s not often you think about funerals as a dynamic, evolving profession. But in Mississippi, that’s exactly what the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) — under the leadership of LaDarion Ammons — is accomplishing. As MFDA’s president and a veteran lobbyist, Ammons is working to modernize
funeral service standards across the state, elevating the profession while helping members adapt to new challenges.MFDA was founded with a clear mission: “to promote the advancement of funeral service through education, leadership, advocacy and dedication to our membership and the families we
6 | HelloJackson, Mississippi • Winter Issue
Progress in Funeral Leadership
It’s not often you think about funerals as a dynamic, evolving profession. But in Mississippi, that’s exactly what the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) — under the leadership of LaDarion Ammons — is accomplishing. As MFDA’s president and a veteran lobbyist, Ammons is working to modernize funeral service standards across the state, elevating the profession while helping members adapt to new challenges. MFDA was founded with a clear mission: “to promote the advancement of funeral service through education, leadership, advocacy and dedication to our membership and the families we serve.” The association offers funeral homes and directors a forum for professional development, mutual support, networking, and legislative advocacy. As regulated funeral service becomes more complex, that mission becomes increasingly essential. One of the most visible signs of MFDA’s commitment to progress is its newly overhauled website — launched under Ammons’ watch. The site offers members a host of modern conveniences: personalized member profiles, an online directory of funeral homes, event registration, online continuing-education certificates, and electronic payment of invoices. It’s not flashy for the public, but for the professionals behind the scenes, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes their work more efficient, organized and connected. But behind those improvements is a lot more happening. Ammons brings a uniquely broad background to the job. He’s the founding partner of a government-relations firm, and before leading MFDA he served as a policy assistant for the state’s House Speaker. Once more, that political savvy is now being put to use ensuring that funeral directors aren’t just heard — they’re shaping the laws and regulations that govern their trade. That matters a lot this year. The state has proposed legislation that would tighten licensing requirements for funeral directors: requiring a full 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed practitioner, more stringent registration, and stronger enforcement — including the possibility of fines for unlicensed operators. With an experienced policy-savvy voice like Ammons’ at the helm, MFDA is positioned to guide its members safely through that transition. Membership of MFDA includes tangible benefits: access to continuing-education opportunities (including online CE certificates), discounted rates at the annual convention and midwinter seminar, access to a pre-need trust program that helps funeral homes manage pre-paid funeral funds, and networking opportunities with peers across the state. For many small, family-owned funeral homes, that network of support and resources can be the difference between thriving and falling behind. Under Ammons’ leadership, MFDA isn’t just keeping up with change — it’s steering it. By strengthening member services and offering an expertly navigated path through evolving laws and regulations, the association reinforces professionalism and accountability. In an industry that deals with deeply personal moments in people’s lives, that’s no small thing. “Our goal is to elevate funeral service in Mississippi — for the professionals, and for the families they serve,” says Ammons, echoing the spirit of MFDA when he took the helm. For funeral directors across Mississippi, membership in MFDA under Ammons’ guidance is more than just a badge of professionalism — it’s a source of protection, education, community, and trust at a time when the demands on funeral service professionals are growing, and the stakes for their clients are never higher.
HelloNation Staff Writer
newly overhauled website — launched under Ammons’ watch. The site offers members a host of modern conveniences: personalized member profiles, an online directory of funeral homes, event registration, online continuing-education certificates, and electronic payment of invoices. It’s not flashy for the public, but for the professionals behind the scenes, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes their work more efficient, organized and connected.But behind those improvements is a lot more happening. Ammons brings a uniquely broad background to the job. He’s the founding partner of a government-relations firm, and before leading MFDA he...
serve.” The association offers funeral homes and directors a forum for professional development, mutual support, networking, and legislative advocacy. As regulated funeral service becomes more complex, that mission becomes increasingly essential.One of the most visible signs of MFDA’s commitment to progress is its
Our goal is to elevate funeral service in Mississippi — for the professionals, and for the families they serve
About the Author
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Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures!
In the vibrant heart of the South, Jackson, Mississippi is paving the way for a diverse and inclusive educational landscape that is as enriching as it is promising. Known for its warmth and hospitality, Jackson is extending these qualities to its educational initiatives, creating a nurturing environment for learners of all ages.
The city is home to a thriving network of schools, colleges, and universities that offer programs designed to inspire and challenge
students. Jackson Public Schools, for instance, is committed to academic excellence and innovative learning approaches that cater to the needs of its dynamic student body. With initiatives like the APAC (Academic and Performing Arts Complex) program, Jackson is ensuring that students receive a holistic education that goes beyond the textbook, encouraging talent in both academics and the arts.
Furthering its commitment to higher education, institutions such as Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi
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State University and Millsaps College are making strides in research and leadership development. These institutions are not only fostering intellectual growth but are also deeply invested in community engagement and service, empowering students to become future leaders.
With such a strong emphasis on inclusive and comprehensive education, Jackson, Mississippi is certainly a beacon of learning, guiding...
In the vibrant heart of the South, Jackson, Mississippi is paving the way for a diverse and inclusive educational landscape that is as enriching as it is promising. Known for its warmth and hospitality, Jackson is extending these qualities to its educational initiatives, creating a nurturing environment for learners of all ages.
The city is home to a thriving network of schools, colleges, and universities that offer programs designed to inspire and challenge students. Jackson Public Schools, for instance, is committed to academic excellence and innovative learning approaches that cater to the needs of its dynamic student body. With initiatives like the APAC (Academic and Performing Arts Complex) program, Jackson is ensuring that students receive a holistic education that goes beyond the textbook, encouraging talent in both academics and the arts.
Furthering its commitment to higher education, institutions such as Jackson State University and Millsaps College are making strides in research and leadership development. These institutions are not only fostering intellectual growth but are also deeply invested in community engagement and service, empowering students to become future leaders.
With such a strong emphasis on inclusive and comprehensive education, Jackson, Mississippi is certainly a beacon of learning, guiding the way toward brighter futures for all its learners.
