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Heart of the Community

By Nathan Coker
In Featured Slider
Jan 30th, 2025
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ARTICLE BY Meredith McKinnie
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kelly Moore Clark

BayouLife Magazine recently invited our readers to share stories of the people in our community who brighten their days—whether it’s the friendly postman delivering letters with a cheerful wave or the grocery clerk whose warm smile never fails to lift spirits. 

From the countless heartfelt submissions we received, we’ve selected four outstanding nominees to highlight. 

While they represent only a fraction of the incredible individuals mentioned, their dedication and kindness remind us why our community is so special. Here’s to celebrating those who make life a little brighter for us all!

JOHN TERRY
Greeting People With A Smile

If you’ve walked in the doors of Walmart on Louisville Avenue, you might recognize Mr. John Terry. For the last 20 years, Mr. Terry has served as a Walmart greeter, his second profession post-retirement from General Motors. Born in Covington, Tennessee, right outside Memphis, Mr. Terry left home in ‘67 for a job at General Motors in Detroit. Having worked with his family in the fields, he was anxious for a new environment. His brother was working at the Detroit plant and encouraged John to join him. John worked in the General Motors assembly line for 28 years, filling in at various positions, a jack of all trades. When the company offered its workers a transfer closer to home, John jumped at the chance, thus landing in Monroe, Louisiana. When the Guide plant closed in 2007, John was eligible for retirement and took it. 

One day a friend dropped by and suggested John come work at Walmart as a door greeter. After John thought about it, he decided why not. When he went to inquire about the job, Walmart employees were waiting for him at the door; he felt wanted. Not eligible for retirement again, Mr. Terry is considering staying on. Other than being on his feet, he likes interacting with customers, putting smiles on people’s faces. Having served so long on an assembly line, the continual exchanges with the public are refreshing. And boy, do the people love Mr. Terry. He’s had all the fanfare, from people pressing dollar bills in his hand at Christmastime to a woman driving all the way from Texas to meet Mr. Terry after seeing a video of him on TikTok. While Mr. Terry doesn’t think of himself as a local celebrity, many people already know his name and face. 

Mr. Terry describes being raised without a lot financially, but being rich in love and structure. As one of six children, Mr. Terry’s father insisted he do what was right and stay out of trouble. Mr. Terry held to it, towing the line, keeping his jobs, and never needing a handout. Now the father of five grown kids and numerous grandchildren, Mr. Terry will be 78 in March and doesn’t foresee slowing down anytime soon. For his big smile and positivity, Mr. Terry is the Heart of the Community

JAMIE HEMRICK
Bagging Up Kindness

If you’ve stopped at Brookshire’s on 18th St. in Monroe, you’ve probably been greeted with a smile and salutation from Jamie Hemrick. He originally worked at Brookshire’s in the late 90s, though his current tenure has lasted 18 years. Jamie prioritizes people, as he loves interacting with and helping others. He remembers his customers’ faces and particularly their dogs. He loves petting the creatures as he loads groceries into the back of vehicles. As people tend to shop for groceries in the same place, Jamie invests in knowing people’s names and preferences, helping out when he can to make everyone’s shopping experience pleasant. He thwarted shoplifting attempts (which garnered recognition from the Brookshire’s corporate office) and made sure people made it safely to their vehicles. He thrives on hugs and friendly exchanges because for Jamie, people make life worthwhile. 

While many may recognize Jamie Hemrick as the friendly and accommodating Brookshire’s employee, his family knows him as the “fun uncle.” With eight nephews and three nieces, he stays mighty busy keeping up with their lives. In addition to his work at the store, Jamie mows yards as he likes the outdoors. Winter is his favorite time of year as Jamie was born on New Year’s Eve (ten minutes before midnight) and because he’s an avid hunter. Being in the woods, in the quiet, is a nice contrast to the social interactions required in his profession. He loves cuddling up with his yellow labrador Delta. The dogs in cars often smell Delta on Jamie and react accordingly. For Jamie, all recognition is welcome. 

Jamie attended Neville High School, played for the Tigers in the 90s, and still attends all the football games. He’s a fan of the Florida State Seminoles, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He sometimes helps coach Little League baseball in the summertime. And since his nephew now plays, he tries to make as many baseball games as possible when he’s not in the store or on the back of a mower. His mother Nan describes Jamie as “ family-oriented and passionate, who will do anything for anyone.” While also being an advocate for animals, Jamie serves as a designated driver, willing to help out in any way he can. Paying it forward in kindness is what Jamie models, and it’s why he is the Heart of the Community

TIM BARRAL
Encouraging Through Faith

As a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, Tim Barral is all about helping people. The son of Tammy Thomas and Louis Elmore, and the youngest of four siblings, Tim learned to assert himself, and positive attention warrants the best results. As a graduate of St. Frederick High School (2011), where he played point guard on the basketball team and strong safety on the football team, Tim learned the importance of being outgoing, mindful, and respectful. Along with possessing a naturally sunny disposition, Tim perfected his people skills through competitive sports. Tim’s friends describe him as honest, down-to-earth, and fun to be around. He shares his good spirit and always makes people laugh. At 31 years old, Tim has realized that life is short, and you get out of it what you put in.

As a Walgreens’ cashier, Tim would always eye the pharmacy section of the store. He longed to make a difference in people’s lives in an area where it counted most. He liked working in the service industry and thought the pharmacy would be a place to brighten people’s day when they most need it. When the Walgreens’ store manager suggested Tim enroll in the Pharmacy Tech program, Tim leaped at the chance. With six years under his belt, Tim’s duties now include typing and filling prescriptions, stocking inventory, conversing with doctors, and making people feel better. Tim is able to impart that positive energy into his pharmacy customers, some at their lowest point. Tim insists, “You really don’t see the world until you’re helping others.” Along with offering encouraging words, Tim shares smiles, as a simple smile can go a long way. Tim says, “I am passionate about my craft,” and his goal is to become a Senior Technician. As dealing with health concerns can be a negative experience for customers, Tim’s attention to positivity is a way of countering that reality, even if only for the moment. The impact of a cheerful disposition can last well beyond the immediate interaction. Radiating his bright light makes Walgreens’ customers feel seen, and Tim lives for those simple, yet touching, exchanges. His faith in God feeds that purpose, for “Without him, none of this would be possible.” 

If you find yourself in line at the Walgreens Pharmacy on Forsythe Avenue, look for Tim’s beaming smile. He loves learning about his customers and sharing stories. And this is why Tim Barral is the Heart of the Community

TROY WOLD
Special Delivery On Cue

Hailed as “Troy the Mailman” or “Mailman Troy,” Troy Wold has served the people of Ouachita Parish for almost 30 years. He credits landing this position as a miracle, as he attended church with five different rural and city carriers who suggested he take the test for the U.S. Postal Service. The test was incredibly difficult, as one administrator described to Troy that only 60 of 500 test takers would even score high enough to be considered for a position. On top of that, Troy’s likelihood of being assigned a route in Monroe was virtually nil. After impressive scores, Troy landed a clerk position at the main office in Monroe, when only a month after being hired, then-postmaster Mike Smith offered Troy a carrier route. Serving the areas around Marie Place, and then around KNOE, Troy delivered mail on foot for 22 years. He walked an average of 13 miles a day and loved interacting with residents. Now Troy has a driving route covering 800 stops on and around Forsythe Avenue. 

Funny and energetic, Troy loves his role serving the members of his community. Customer service is a value instilled in Troy by his former boss, Brookshire’s Manager Donny Byers. Troy insists, “People know when I’m off duty by the way the mail is situated in their boxes,” since Troy admits proper placement is a priority. To serve the community, Troy claims you have to love people. He tells up-and-comers to “Do what you enjoy.” After a bout with cancer 15 years prior and only four months until retirement, Troy is ready for his next stage of life as he claims, “My bones are talking to me; otherwise, I’d work the rest of my life.” He anticipates spending more time with his wife of over 33 years Janeana, who taught in private schools and for the City of Monroe. Troy credits Janeana as his biggest supporter. Their son Parker is a fireman for Ouachita Parish, a committed public servant like his parents.

You can hear Troy on LA105 with Big Jim, as Troy joined the morning show back in November. You can also see Troy onstage, as he’s acted with the local Strauss Theater since 2008. He’s been recognized with the Christopher Awards for Best Actor nine times and once as the People’s Choice winner. In all his endeavors, putting people first is paramount, and Troy’s upbeat and engaging personality is infectious. It’s why he’s one the Heart of the Community