Greenwood Soul Mates – Paul Brown
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.”
Longtime Greenwood resident and newest Soul Mate, Paul Brown, proudly calls Greenwood home in every sense of the word. Having spent most of his life from the Heart of the Delta, he has a deep appreciation for the community, its history and the connections he’s built over the years.
A Lifelong Connection to Greenwood
“I’m a Greenwood native,” he said. “Aside from seven years living in Oxford and Baltimore, I’ve lived in Greenwood most of my life.”
By day, Paul is a dedicated registered nurse, but his impact on Greenwood extends far beyond his profession. Deeply involved in the community, he cherishes the town’s down-home charm, with family at the heart of his lifelong journey. Greenwood isn’t just where he lives – it’s where his story was written.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Dedication
“My mother is a nurse, and she spent most of my childhood working in the operating room at Greenwood Leflore Hospital before she transitioned to teaching nursing at Mississippi Delta Community College,” he said.
That same sense of duty ran deep in his father as well. “My father was a deputy sheriff in Leflore County. He was killed in the line of duty in 1994 when I was 10.”
For Paul, the loss of his father feels even more profound today, as the Greenwood community continues to honor his father’s legacy with love and respect.
“It’s strange because I was so young when he passed and never knew him as an adult, yet his life is so highly regarded by everyone who did know him,” he said, noting there’s a memorial on the highway for his father as you leave town.
“I’m in my 40s now, so I keep learning about his life as I’ve grown into adulthood. In a small community like Greenwood, everyone knows you when you’re in law enforcement. The community has always been incredibly supportive.”
From Music to Medicine: A Journey of Passion
Despite the hardship of his father’s passing, Paul thrived. He graduated from Pillow Academy and pursued his passion for music at the University of Mississippi. His studies then led him to the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where he was on track to build a career in the performing arts.
But just as he was finding his rhythm, the 2008 economic recession hit, dealing a severe blow to the industry.
“The opera company I worked for closed its doors,” Paul said. “It was overwhelming trying to make ends meet in a big city while also devoting enough time to school. So, I moved back to Greenwood and enrolled in nursing school. I’m still here 15 years later because I fell in love with my hometown all over again.”
Falling in Love with Greenwood All Over Again
This love for Greenwood is evident in the way Paul describes it.
“There’s something truly special about Greenwood,” he said. “When you give a part of yourself to it, you receive so much in return. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what church you go to, what you do for a living, or, in my case, who you love. My husband, Forrest, and I feel incredibly loved and supported here. I believe it’s because we engage with the community, consistently giving a little bit of ourselves to it. We’ve enjoyed a wonderful life in this beautiful little town filled with warm, amazing people.”
Community, Culture and the Arts
Paul takes great pleasure in the small attractions in Greenwood.
“Our locally owned restaurants can compete with any out there,” he said. “The area is rich in cultural significance, from the blues and civil rights to films. The experiences — Viking Cooking School, the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, Greenwood Little Theatre productions, and the numerous festivals and events — make Greenwood a fantastic place to visit.”
Paul’s nursing career has taken him from the fast-paced environment of the emergency room to the compassionate field of home health. He has also trained nurses and therapists at VitalCaring Home Health & Hospice. However, despite his dedication to healthcare, his heart remains deeply connected to music and other community-related work.
A Life Filled with Purpose
He is deeply involved in the arts, sharing his musical talents as the organist and choir director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he leads congregational music and cultivates a rich tradition of sacred choral performance. Beyond the church, he plays an active role in the local theatre community as a dedicated board member for Greenwood Little Theatre, helping to shape its productions, support artistic initiatives, and foster a vibrant cultural scene.
“We are very fortunate to have a community that strongly supports the performing arts,” he said. “I also teach cooking at the Viking Cooking School.”
Balancing a full schedule is never easy, but for Paul, each commitment is tied to something he loves. Whether he’s fulfilling responsibilities at his full time-job, lending his voice to the choir, serving his church community, or sharing his passion for food at the cooking school, his days are filled with purpose. Still, even in the busiest moments, he never loses sight of what matters most.
“I keep a pretty busy schedule between my full-time job, the church, the choir, and the cooking school,” he said. “But as any true Greenwood native will tell you, there’s always time for friends and family.”
When Paul has time to himself, he continues to gravitate towards creative outlets. Whether he’s playing the piano or flute, revisiting old favorites that feel like familiar friends, or immersing himself in crocheting, he finds comfort in these activities. For him, they’re not just hobbies but meaningful ways to unwind, reflect and stay connected to the things that matter most.
“I owe this to all the summers I spent with my grandmother as a child,” he said. “I’m always working on a project, and I love the added benefit it provides to help keep my screen time in check.”
Embracing Leadership
Leadership plays a significant role in his life, influenced by a powerful mentor. “Being a leader isn’t just about being in charge,” he said. “It’s about being accountable for nurturing both the individual and collective success of your team.”
And when Paul discusses how he would convince someone to come to Greenwood, he mentions everything the beautiful Delta town has to offer.
“Greenwood has something for everyone,” he said. “Whether you’re an outdoorsman, theatre lover, foodie, history buff, shopper, athlete, or music aficionado, Greenwood has something for you.”
A lot of Paul’s involvement is a contribution to Greenwood, especially in the arts. “The arts have the power to influence the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting our hotels, restaurants and shops.”
When asked to describe Greenwood in one word, Paul immediately responded: “Alive.”
“There’s always something going on, and there’s always an upcoming event, festival, or some kind of grand opening,” he said. “I think it kind of ties back into how active and alive the community is and how much everybody is involved in everything.”
Paul describes the meaning of the word, ‘soul’ as something deep.
“To me, ‘soul’ is that intangible core that defines a person or a place,” he said. “It’s made up of what’s been poured into it and spills back out onto everyone it touches.”
Why Greenwood Should Be Your Next Destination
When asked what makes the heart and soul of Greenwood, Paul’s answer comes without hesitation, steeped in a deep love for the community. His words aren’t just a sentiment – they’re a testament to the spirit that fuels the town. He continues that inspirational train of thought.
“It’s the people,” he said. “The people of Greenwood pour themselves into its heart and soul, and that is what makes it such a special place to live and visit.”
Check out Paul’s itinerary as you stay in Greenwood and plan your trip.
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