Name: Ruby Ricks

Age: 46

Occupation and title: Private-duty certified nursing assistant, companion and housekeeper

Spouse’s name: Melvin Ricks Sr.

Child’s name and age: Melvin Ricks Jr., 26

Church affiliation: Pleasant Shade Baptist, Franklin

What’s the best part of your day? Morning. I look forward to going to work and having the pleasure of assisting people in any way I can.

If you could select another profession, what would you do? Speech therapist

Why do you choose to live in Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight County? I was born here. The people here are friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.

If you had two weeks’ vacation and money were no object, how would you spend your time? Israel (Bethlehem). I would like to see where Jesus was born.

Favorite foods: Collard greens, dandoodle and anything chocolate

Favorite weekend destination: Greenbrier Mall and Olive Garden

Favorite college sports team: Hampton University Pirates

Favorite pro sports team: Washington Redskins

Favorite color: Black

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you? My grandmother taught me to love people the way you would like to be loved and forgive people the way you would like to be forgiven.

Favorite Bible verse: “Blessed are the pure at heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

What’s the best decision you’ve made in life? Getting married

Which local charitable or nonprofit organization do you wish more people would support? Salvation Army

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I owned and can ride a motorcycle.

What’s your hobby? Gardening and latch-hooking

If you could re-live one day of your life, which would it be and why? The day I was baptized in Sedley mill pond. It was an awesome spiritual experience.

What gives you the blues? Bills

What’s the most Southern thing you’ve ever done? Trying to help my son catch a greasy pig at the fair

What’s your best childhood memory? Watching my grandmother make little praying pillows for us to use at church

Tell us one true thing: Love conquers all.

What frightens you most? People who seem to have no consciousness

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why? Florida — because I’m cold-natured and the temperature is warm there most of the time

Who’s your favorite ex-president? John F. Kennedy

If you could pass or change one law, what would it be? Citizens would not have to pay personal property taxes.

What last brought tears to your eyes? When I was told Tyson, my pet chihuahua, had passed away

If you could invite three guests – living or dead, from anytime in history – to dinner, who would they be? My mom, Harriet Tubman and Hillary Clinton

What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? Eyeglasses, blanket and laptop computer

What kind of music do you like, and who’s your favorite performer? Jazz, Gerald Albright

What’s the last book you read? “Blessed Trinity” by Vanessa Davis Griggs

To whom are you grateful and why? I am grateful to Jesus Christ for giving his life so that we may be saved. I’m also grateful to my husband for his unconditional love