Greenwood Soul Mates – Angelia Martin Taylor
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
Born and raised in Greenwood, Angelia Martin Taylor moved away for 17 years with her family but then returned when she was 21 years old and wouldn’t think of living anywhere else. Her story carries deep roots, boundless love, and an undeniable connection to the community of Greenwood. She has experienced the beauty of the Mississippi Delta and the strength of her family, all while pursuing a life that truly reflects her passion for service, connection and growth.
Angelia, currently a sales professional at Cannon Motors, was born in Greenwood, Miss. in the late 1960s but her family moved to Toledo, Ohio with her grandmother in 1970. Although her life took her away for many years, as she looks back, Greenwood always held a special place in her heart, and she was ultimately drawn back to her roots. Much of her love for Greenwood was influenced by her parents.
Angelia’s father was a man ahead of his time. He not only worked on major projects but also mentored others in the electrical industry.
“My father was an electrician here for many years,” she said. “He worked on the cotton gins and was very well-known for his work. He taught others, including my ex-father-in-law how to bid on government jobs, and that was a big deal for a black man in the 1970s. He was very smart, and even though he never went to college, he was an incredible electrician.”
Her mother, too, was a trailblazer in her own right. When they lived in Greenwood, her mother was an educator and ran the Head Start program. After moving to Ohio, Angelia’s mother switched gears in her career.
“She ironically worked for a Jeep plant in the paint department and eventually retired from there,” Angelia said.
While in Ohio, Angelia frequently returned to Mississippi during the summers, maintaining her close ties with her family and the community she cherished. She moved back officially in 1987, met her husband, and started the next chapter of her life.
“We started dating in the summer of 1987, and by the fall, we were married,” she said. “I still went back to Ohio at times, most notably to care for my mother after surgery, but I knew I loved Greenwood, and I knew I wanted to stay and live my life here.”
She developed a love of furniture through a job she had at Malouf Furniture in Greenwood. She mentioned she learned all the brand names and became great at designing living rooms and the inside of houses, including her own. In fact, her house was used as a backdrop for a commercial. Angelia still does interior designing but as more of a hobby and helping friends.
The Heart of Greenwood
Clearly, Angelia’s affection for Greenwood is profound, and she coined a special word to describe her hometown.
“Greenwood is a multi-dimensional place,” she said. “There are many different facets and types of people who make up this small town. We may not always agree with each other, but at the end of the day, everyone here wants the best for Greenwood.”
That sense of community spirit is something that keeps her grounded, as she believes the people in Greenwood truly care for each other.
“What embodies the Heart and Soul of Greenwood? It’s certainly the people,” she said. “We look after one another, and the trust we have in each other shows how our actions and efforts contribute to the betterment of Greenwood, which is truly powerful.”
Angelia has always been deeply involved in the community, serving on various boards and being active in local organizations. She’s been part of the Rotary Club, was previously on the United Way board, and is currently involved as a board member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. But her love for family and the way her life has come full circle truly defines her.
“My children and grandchildren, Angelia and Elliot, are such a huge part of my life,” she said. “They get the best of me because they are the best. I don’t know what else to do but to be there for them and spend time with them. I don’t know any other way.”
Her commitment to the community and her family is apparent in everything she does, even her love of music and the blues.
“When I first moved back Mississippi, I said to my dad, all they play down here is blues, and it’s so depressing,” she said. “Everybody’s talking about drinking and cheating. My dad told me, ‘You haven’t lived long enough.’ He was right. Over time, I came to appreciate the depth and emotion of the blues.”
Her evolution from a jazz lover in places like Detroit to a blues enthusiast mirrors her broader journey of growing into her special place of Greenwood.
Greenwood’s Unique Charm
What makes Greenwood such a special place for Angelia is the unique blend of culture, history and community.
“The brick streets downtown, the manicured yards, the quaint little places like the Delta Emporium—it all adds to the character of this town,” she said.
Angelia highlights some of her favorite spots, like Webster’s, a local hangout where she enjoys good company and great conversations, and the Emporium, where she regularly attends “Juke-Joint Fridays” to dance, have fun, and connect with friends.
“It’s a clean and safe environment, and I enjoy being involved there and hearing the music. I love to dance and sing karaoke. We have a good time because it’s small and intimate.” It’s not just about community events and connections. Being in Greenwood makes you appreciate the historical architecture and the stories that homes tell. There’s more than just beauty it’s also about the story behind the landmarks.
“The houses here are so beautiful, and the structures in the city are just outstanding,” Angelia said. “Greenwood’s charm is not just in its physical beauty, but also in the people who call it home. I lived in Toledo for years and never knew my neighbors. Greenwood is a town where everyone knows each other, and it’s uncommon not to be kind. I love that about this place.”
Soul and Strength: A Legacy of Family and Faith
Angelia credits much of her strength to the strong women in her family. She also feels like her work ethic and leadership abilities are rooted in those women in her life.
“My mother, grandmother and aunt were extremely God-fearing and very strong women,” she reflects. “They set an example for me, and now, I have a close-knit group of girlfriends with the same characteristics of holding each other accountable. Anything I’ve ever done in my career or personal life; I’ve always held myself accountable first.”
This philosophy of accountability extends to her professional life as well, where she has worked her way up in the business world.
“I was the first female manager hired at Cannon Motors,” she said. “I wanted them to know that I could do the job, not just because they liked me or wanted me to be the first female. But because I was capable and performed well.”
Angelia’s leadership style is rooted in honesty and dedication.
“In Greenwood, people push each other to be better,” she says. “We want the best for each other, and that’s what I’ve experienced here. When I walk into a room, I know my presence is felt because I have people rooting for me and those people know I’m rooting for them.”
For Angelia, life in Greenwood has been about much more than just work; it’s about relationships, community, and living with purpose.
“I want the world to see there’s so much more to life than just the bubble we live in,” she said. “Greenwood is full of different experiences—whether it’s furniture, food, music, or just the sense of belonging. There’s always something happening here.”
As Angelia continues to dance to her own tune, she remains a pillar of her community, balancing her professional life with her passion for family, faith and fun. And for anyone who’s curious about what makes Greenwood truly special, Angelia’s answer is clear: “Come to Greenwood. Relax, eat some good food and experience the heart and soul of this town and the Delta.”
Enjoy Angelia’s early rise and shine itinerary as you stay in Greenwood and plan your trip.
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