Today's Featured Biography

 
Heidi Wittmayer Minor

Hello to Everyone - Class of 78

I will not be attending the reunion (sorry Shawn), but I have enjoyed the pictures of everyone and learning about your families and careers. I think everyone looks great!!! I was surprised to learn several of my class mates have settled in the Deep South. I hope ya'll enjoy the southern way of life as I have.

Many of you may remember my parents owned the Dairy Queen in Worthington. Several of you worked for my parent during high school. After graduating from High School my parents sold the store in Worthington and re-located to Vickburg Mississippi where the winters were milder. I moved with my family. It was a very difficult transition(culture shock). I enrolled in an area Jr. College and never looked back. I graduated from Mississippi State University (Go Bulldogs) and after graduation I took my first job in Alabama working for a large Department store (Parisian) in their Management Program. I worked at the store level and in the buying office. After several years I accepted my dream job working for a Japanese company called Sanrio. You may be familier with one of their characters "Hello Kitty". I loved my job and worked for Sanrio 15 years as an Major Account Rep. About 5 years ago Sanrio sold to another Japanese company and I chose to go in another direction. After so many years I needed a change and things were changing in my life too.

My husband Johnny and I have been together for 14 years. At the time my career ending with Sanrio Johnny asked me to marry him. I took the next year off, we married and I took a break from the career world. Johnny is 12 years older than me. He has a 26 year old daughter from a previous marriage. Lindsey is a professional chef. She and her boyfriend graduated from culinary school and re-located to New Orleans. They worked as chefs in the city until hurricane Katrina hit. After Katrina they returned to Alabama and opened their own restaurant. We enjoy having them close and see they often.

When I decided to return to work my career completely changed directions. I currently work for a large senior living community and health center in the Birmingham area. I'm the Director of Admissions and oversee all the admissions into the facility. I enjoy my work, the families I assist, and love the fact I'm home every night. Johnny recently took an early retirement from Kraft Foods after working for the company 20 years. He does some consulting work and enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting during the winter months. My husband is a huge University of Alabama football fan and we go to the games in Tuscaloosa when we can. I cheer for Alabama except when my Mississippi State Bulldogs are playing. Roll Tide!!!

My family is still close. My Mother died 6 years ago from ovarian cancer. She was a strong influence in my life. She always encouraged me to go and explore my future, be independent and think for myself. I think of her everyday and my sisters and I miss her deeply. She would have loved catching up with all of you as I have. My father is retired and lives in Jackson MS. He re-married 3 years ago. His wife is wonderful and a very special person. They enjoy traveling together and are very happy. My sisters all live close by. Holly lives in Jackson MS. and Amy and Wendy live in Germantown, TN. We see them during the holidays and enjoy time together with their families.

Have a great time at the reunion. If any of you travel to Birmingham, AL please stop and say "Hello".

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