February 2023

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

What is your favorite Texarkana memory? My favorite memory would have to be the sense of “community” in my community. Where was your favorite place to eat in Texarkana? It was not a restaurant, but Joe Freeman made the best burgers in town. What was the teen hangout when you lived here? The teenage hangout was The Center, owned and operated by one of the high school teachers.

No interesting story, just a place to go on Saturday night and dance the night away!

Where was your favorite place to shop in Texarkana? My favorite place to shop was Skibells! I loved going home from college, going shopping with my mother, and going back to school with new clothes! Were you a Hawk, Leopard, Razorback or Tiger? Tiger. How do you describe Texarkana to your friends? Texarkana is a twin city that has changed a lot since I was there. Who is someone from Texarkana who impacted your life? Ms. Cordelia Mackey impacted my life because she was the home economics teacher, and the skills I learned in her class are serving me well today. What do you love about Texarkana? I love that I am from Texarkana! What would you change about Texarkana?

TXK ROOTS June Williams Davis June Williams Davis, a retired educator with 40 years of service, completed her career in Fort Worth ISD as the director of special programs. She also has taught in Texarkana, Lancaster, and Wichita Falls ISDs and served as a counselor in Fort Worth. She lived in Texarkana from 1951-1978. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology/social work and a Master of Education degree, both from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce. She also has mid- management certification from Region XI Education Service Center. Davis was first elected to the Crowley Board of Trustees in May 2003, serving as secretary from 2005-2007. She was elected vice president in 2007 and served in that role until August 2010 when she was elected president. Davis believes education opens doors for students and can play an important role in their income-earning potential, helping break the cycle of poverty. With nearly two decades of board service under her belt, she is on a mission to do everything she can to help the district achieve its goals. In the fall of 2019, Crowley ISD, a 5A school district south of Fort Worth, named a new elementary school after Davis as a nod to her service in education and the Board of Trustees. Most recently, Davis was recognized by Texarkana ISD as a distinguished alumni along with four other Texas High graduates. Davis noted, “I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me!” To read more about June Davis see A Pillar of Perseverance on page 30.

I would love to see all communities in Texarkana given the same attention.

What do you think makes Texarkana famous? Scott Joplin and the fact that it is a twin city. What is your nickname for Texarkana? T-Town. What do you miss about Texarkana? I miss being able to go back and

connect with old friends. What words do you live by? Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.

TXK Roots is Texarkana Magazine ’s forum to highlight and honor Texarkana natives who have accomplished big things in the world. These folks may have relocated, but they took the values, education, work ethic and creativity instilled in them by growing up in this unique border city and used these qualities to blaze extraordinary trails. We asked them to share their thoughts about growing up here. No matter how far from Texarkana they may find themselves, we will always consider them our neighbors and we are proud to claim them as forever members of our extended Texarkana community. After all, “everyone is famous in their hometown!”

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TXK ROOTS

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