Special to Pelahatchie News
Reader Spotlight | Brandi Chancellor
Why did you decide to make Rankin County your home?
Rankin County has been my home for 41 years, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The people, the sense of community, and our church family are just a few of the reasons we’ve never wanted to leave. Though my husband has had opportunities to relocate, our hearts have always been here. Rankin County isn’t just where we live—it’s where we belong.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I’ve lived in Rankin County my entire life. I grew up in the small town of Pelahatchie, MS, and graduated from East Rankin Academy in 2002—a tradition that runs deep in my family. My grandfather was one of the original members who helped establish the school, and my mom was part of the very first graduating class in 1974, even earning the honor of being ERA’s first “Most Beautiful,” and my dad followed her in 1975. Carrying that legacy forward, my husband and I have also chosen to send our two children to East Rankin. For the past 15 years, we’ve made our home in Brandon, so I haven’t strayed too far from where I started—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tell us about your family (name, ages, hobbies).
I’ve been happily married to my amazing husband, Justin, for 15 years. Our love story wasn’t exactly straightforward—we had an on-and-off relationship during our college years, and I broke his heart three times before finally saying “yes.” His persistence paid off, and I’m forever grateful it did. Justin now serves as Regional Vice President for RJ Young, where he’s deeply respected by his team. Together, we’re blessed with two wonderful children. Our son, John Walt, is in sixth grade and has a passion for playing the drums as part of the East Rankin band. Our daughter, Lynlee, is in fourth grade and absolutely loves cheerleading, softball, and basketball. She’s constantly flipping around the house, but at least we know those tumbling lessons are paying off!
What is your favorite memory of living in Rankin County?
The first memory that comes to mind is attending the Muscadine Jubilee in Pelahatchie as a child. I looked forward to it every year—the funnel cakes, the muscadine grape stomp, the lively entertainment, and, most of all, the time spent with family. My grandparents were always there, sitting beneath the big tree as we prepared for the grape stomp, and my Mimi made sure I had a fresh bag of muscadines to enjoy. She always called them “muscadiMES,” and to this day, I still do too. Though she is now in heaven, I like to imagine her delight as she celebrates the best Jubilee of all—worshipping around God’s throne.
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