Thanksgiving serves as a day to remember the many blessings each and every person has in their lives. It’s a time to reflect, enjoy family and give back to those in need.

In the spirit of giving thanks, The Daily Leader sat down with some of Brookhaven and Lincoln County’s officials to see what they are thankful for this year.

Lincoln County Extension Agent Rebecca Bates

“I am most thankful for my mom — she has been very sick,” Bates said. “I’m thankful for family, friends, my job and this beautiful community I am fortunate enough to live and work in.”

Bates plans to spend her day with family and friends, celebrating with fresh food.

Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop

“I am thankful for a country that now has the opportunity for government to be limited, so that people can be free,” Bishop said.

Bishop will be traveling to his mother’s house, along with the rest of his family to spend the holiday.

“We’re going to destroy a turkey,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garrick Combs

Combs said he is thankful for his job and the people he is surrounded by each and everyday.

“I am thankful for my Chamber members and my board of directors and my staff,” he said. “They have made 2016 a record-breaking year for the Chamber and history. We’ve never had so many members, employees and resources. I’m thankful for the success that we’ve had this year. I couldn’t be more proud of them and the state of the Chamber today.”

Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox

“Where do you start? That’s a good question,” Cox said.

There are too many aspects of life to be thankful for to name them all, he said.

“I’m thankful to live in the best country in the world,” Cox said. “I’m thankful for our health, our jobs and our family. Where do you start and where do you stop?”

Ward 4 Alderman Shirley Estes

“I am thankful for Brookhaven, living here,” Estes said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

Despite being extremely thankful for her home, Estes said this year she is most thankful for her children.

“My four children who will all be home with me, along with their spouses, and children and great-grandchildren, who love Brookhaven just as much as I do,” she said. “I’m thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

City Building Inspector David Fearn

“This sounds really bad, but I’m thankful that my oldest son is finally getting married,” Fearn said laughing. “I’m thankful for a lot of things, but especially that this year.”

Fearn said after many years of praying for his son to find a wife, his family’s prayers have been answered.

“The Lord answers prayers,” he said. “He’s getting married in October when he gets back from the Caribbean.”

Two out of three of Fearn’s children will be home for the holiday, so he plans to spend the day with them.

City Attorney Joe Fernald

Simply put, Fernald said he is thankful for his grandchildren.

“They make me laugh, and I need to laugh a lot of the time,” he said.

County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey

“I’m just thankful for everything that we have, and that we live in a country where we can be free, and enjoy things like Thanksgiving,” Galey said.

He plans to cook seafood for his family this Thanksgiving. 

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith

Hyde-Smith will step away from her busy schedule this Thanksgiving to enjoy time with family.

“I am thankful for the power of prayer, family and the abundance of life’s simple pleasures when they’re not overlooked,” she said.

Sheriff Steve Rushing

“I’m thankful for my family, and having them all together to spend Thanksgiving,” Rushing said.

With two kids in college, Rushing said it can be hard for all of them to get together.

District 2 Supervisor Bobby Watts

Watts said he is thankful for the wonderful home he has the opportunity to serve.

“I’m thankful for Lincoln County and the people that are here,” he said. “I’m thankful for all the wonderful businesses here in Lincoln County. I think they’re all doing a great job. Our city’s kept clean.”

Watts plans to spend his day at home, eating with his family.