She’s been called “Sunshine”, “Mrs. Tate County Herself”, and “Senatobia’s Loudest Cheerleader”, but most Tate Countians know her as Jamie Sowell.
Although a native of Grenada County, Sowell has officially adopted Tate County as her home.
Anyone who looks at downtown Senatobia will see Sowell’s mark on developing the growing destination spot in central Tate County.
Sowell became the Director of Community Development for Tate County and the Senatobia Main Street program in 2016. Since then, Sowell has made it a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents of Tate County.
From adding monthly events to the community calendar to working to gain grants for adding lights to the downtown businesses, Sowell has worked endlessly to accomplish her tasks. She has been seen digging in dirt to plant flowers in downtown flowerpots, picking up trash, and pressure washing sidewalks. Her latest accomplishment is the purchase of a 22-foot Christmas tree to be placed in Senatobia’s Pocket Park for the holiday season.
Senatobia Mayor Greg Graves said Sowell’s determination has brought her success.
“Because she won’t take no for an answer is the reason for her success. Due to that she’s very influential,” said Graves.
Sowell was elected by her Main Street director peers in 2020 to serve as a Directors’ Representative on the state board. She was also voted by her fellow directors for the first Heart of Main Street Award in 2020.
It was recently said of Sowell at the annual Main Street awards banquet, “She truly cares about other communities and is always willing to share ideas and give advice to other Main Street directors. She has even traveled to other communities to help lead board trainings and educate others about Main Street.”
Due to her can-do spirit and determination to succeed, Sowell was named this year’s Outstanding Director of the Year.
The release for the program went on to state of Sowell, “Jamie goes over and beyond to assist the state program – recruiting new investors and Friends of Main Street, always stepping up to help, and getting others involved in events. She is a cheerleader for the state Main Street organization and for her fellow directors and is always first to lend a helping hand or to encourage and support a new or seasoned director.”
Denise Liddell who works with Sowell at the Tate County Economic Development Foundation said Sowell is inspiring.
“Jamie is amazing to work with. Her love and passion for Senatobia is undeniable. She has a contagious spirit and love for the community and others. Jamie is always planning ahead for the next big project, event, beautification around town and improvements to make Senatobia a place to remember,” said Liddell.
Sowell is married to Senatobia Fire & Rescue’s fireman Butch Sowell. Together, the couple owns Senatobia Ice/Penguin Ice. They have five children and are expecting their first grandchild.
