Name: Margaret M. Etheridge

Age: 44

Occupation and title: Vice president, Etheridge Custom Homes

Spouse’s name: Willie Etheridge

Children’s names and ages: Tyler, 14, and Courtney, 12

Church affiliation: Joyner United Methodist

the best part of your day: Coffee with Willie in the morning at 5:30

If you could select another profession, what would you do? I wouldn’t because I love the flexibility of being able to come and go when I need, yet being home in the afternoon when the kids get home from school.

Why do you choose to live in Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight County? Willie was raised in the country and I was raised in the City. Guess he won that battle.

If you had two weeks’ vacation and money were no object, how would you spend your time? I think everyone should travel to Hawaii at least once in their lifetime.

Favorite food: Blue crabs

Favorite weekend destination: Lake Gaston

Favorite college sports team: Virginia Tech

Favorite pro sports team: Team Suzuki (MX Racing)

the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you: Life is very, very short. Never leave anything unsaid. Tommy Nichols and Dave Klagas, two dear friends who died way too early

Favorite Bible verse: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

the best decision you’ve made in life: Marrying Willie and having two great children

local charitable or non-profit organization you wish more people would support: American Cancer Society. It’s a six-letter word that takes young and old alike.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I wanted lots of children until after Courtney was born (colic is so unforgettable).

your hobby: My kids for now

If you could re-live one day of your life, which would it be and why? My wedding day. The day goes by so fast it seems like a fantasy.

What gives you the blues? The thought of not seeing my children grow up to have children of their own

the most Southern thing you’ve ever done: I recently planted collards for the first time ever. The next trick will be to cook them.

your best childhood memory: Sundays at Virginia Beach with my family

Tell us one true thing: Something makes me cry just about every day.

What frightens you most? Small enclosed places

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why? I like where I live.

your favorite ex-president: Ronald Reagan

What last brought tears to your eyes? I cry even if I see someone else crying.

If you could invite three guests – living or dead, from anytime in history – to dinner, who would they be? Tommy J. Nichols, Dave Klagas and Rick Williams — three dear friends who died way too young.

What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? Water, food and a good book

What kind of music do you like, and who’s your favorite performer? Country and Toby Keith

a famous athlete or entertainer you admire: Ricky Carmichael (MX Racer)

the last book you read: “Surviving your Adolescents,” by Dr. Thomas Phelan. A great read for parents.

To whom are you grateful and why? Cheryl Hunt, my sister. She has been my mom’s caretaker for about four years now. She is an angel just without the wings.