MARSHA IVERSON
68 , Meridian Retired , Meridian Public School District
Iverson ’ s nominator : “ Marsha Iverson is a fierce advocate for the arts and the impact they can make on long and old , and she shows it every day in her tireless community volunteer work . She is a steady face of positive , creative , energetic , motivational values in our community .”
Civic , social and / or church affiliations : Meridian Museum of Art Board of Directors ; Any Given Child , Community Action Team ; Arts Community Events Society ( ACES ); Meridian Museum of Art Collective ( AKA The Mural Group ).
Origins of spirit of altruism : Growing up in the Mississippi Delta on the poor side of town , I had many opportunities to witness and receive the benefits altruism .
I didn ’ t realize how bad things were because it was all I knew ; and I knew I was loved . I am very thankful for the neighbors and friends who loved on my family and helped us . As an adult , I was determined to pay it forward anytime and anywhere I could . Meridian welcomed me with open arms 26 years ago and I ’ ve I realized one only needs a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love to give back . In essence , it ’ s the Greek way .
Importance of giving back to the community : Spending time enriching your community is a great way to broaden your perceptions of the world . By immersing yourself in a community and surrounding yourself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world , you can learn so much about how the world works . You gain a unique sense of purpose by serving those around you , one which often manifests in other areas of your life . Giving back to the place you call home helps to unite the community and bridge some of the social , economic , and political gaps .
Share an aspect of a volunteer experience that you ’ ve really enjoyed : I recently helped the Junior Auxiliary with their Hearts for Arts Student art competition . I mentored a young man ( 9 years old ) who designed the artwork and helped him in the painting of his design in a significant place near city hall . This experience will stay with that young man forever . He had his first experience of giving back to his community and expecting nothing in return .
Community ’ s greatest assets : Meridian ’ s greatest asset is its people . As a mural painter this last 18 months , I have experienced more love , more giving of spirit , and support from the citizens of this community . They recognize the small way that our mural group is contributing to the hope and happiness of Meridian . They truly want to be a part of it in some small way , if it ’ s tooting their horn , waving , or putting a brush to the mural and becoming owners of their community .
Motto or favorite quote : My mom always told me , “ If you don ’ t like the way things are done , get involved . Become a part of the solution , not the problem . She was helping pave the way for the adult I would become . When you volunteer , you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in . Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy ( another Greek thing ).
• Marsha Aileen Iverson and her husband John have been married 46 years . They have three children , John Iverson Jr ., and twins Katy and Ana Iverson .
14 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN