Emunah Podcast opens its 5th season (August 15, 2025) with a special live-taped series, The Power of Home. Episode One, “Growing Up Bootheel – Seven Stories of Strength,” was recorded in Caruthersville, MO, the heart of Missouri’s Bootheel.
This episode explores how home—the place where we grew up—teaches lessons that prepare us for life’s trials, triumphs, and future opportunities. Through seven inspiring stories, listeners will hear how resilience, faith, and community shaped the lives of hometown heroes from the Bootheel.
The Bootheel of Missouri has a rich history shaped by resilience, community, and faith. This episode highlights the voices of African American leaders, educators, pastors, and professionals who grew up in Caruthersville and nearby towns, many of them navigating segregation, integration, and generational change.
Their stories reflect not only personal strength but also the enduring power of home.
Mamie Walton was a 10th-grade student at Washington High School (during segregation) before moving to St. Louis in 1968. She graduated from Soldan High School and the Homer G. Phillips Hospital School of Nursing. After earning her BA from the College of St. Francis, Mamie served as a Registered Nurse for 50 years before retiring in O’Fallon, MO.
Granddaughter of James Ross Sr., founder of Rosses Grocery Store, Betheria Charles is a proud Caruthersville High School graduate. With a BS from the University of Phoenix and computer technology training in Kansas City, she went on to work as a legal secretary, launch a Girls’ Group Home, and run a Self-Sufficiency facility. She now lives in Colorado Springs, CO.
Rev. Hood has pastored St. James Word of Faith Church & Outreach Ministries in Hayti, MO since 1985. In addition to his ministry, he has served as a Caruthersville City Councilman (Ward #1) since 2007 and as Mayor Pro Tem since 2021. He holds a Doctor of Divinity and is also a local business owner and former Missouri Youth Services employee.
Ronald Nelson attended Washington School until integration and graduated from Caruthersville High School. He went on to earn degrees from Lincoln University (BA) and the University of Missouri (MA). Ronald worked as a counselor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and retired after decades of service to education. He lives in Jefferson City, MO.
Kenneth Simmons served four years in the U.S. Air Force before working 35 years with the Department of Defense. A certified aircraft sheet metal mechanic, he also worked as an Operations Research Analyst at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Kenneth earned his BA from Park College in Parkville, MO, and traveled the world as a technical expert before retiring.
A graduate of Hayti North High School and Lincoln University, Iva Presberry felt a call to missionary work in 1971. She earned advanced degrees, including a Master’s from SIU–Edwardsville and an Associate’s in Deaf Communications Studies. Together with her husband, she co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc., combining faith and education in lifelong service.
Richard Presberry graduated from Caruthersville High School with honors in 1967 and went on to earn a PhD in 1987. His career in education and rehabilitation spanned roles at Lincoln University, the University of Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Alongside his wife Iva, Richard co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc. They continue their ministry and missionary work from Jefferson City, MO.
Kenneth Tipler attended Washington schools before graduating from Caruthersville High School in1968. He eventually landed in Seattle, WA and began his career with the Seattle Fire Department as a Firefighter Recruit. He advanced to Lieutenant in 1982, Captain in 1986, Battalion Chief in 1997, Deputy Chief in 2002, and Assistant Chief in 2003, and eventually Fire Marshal. He retired after 33 years.
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