Greenwood Soul Mates – Rebekah Arant
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.”
Some people arrive in Greenwood by chance. Others arrive by calling. For Rebekah Arant, home wasn’t about how she got there, it was about the people who made her stay.
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Rebekah’s journey included stints in Texas and Ohio before life led her to the Mississippi Delta. In January 2009, she and her husband moved to Greenwood for his work as a financial advisor. What began as a professional move quickly grew into something deeper. Seventeen years later, Greenwood isn’t just where Rebekah lives, it’s where her life has unfolded.
Of all the things that have surprised and enraptured Rebekah about Greenwood, the community stands out the most.
“It’s the people,” Rebekah says without hesitation. “That small-town atmosphere where you see familiar faces downtown or at the grocery store, where people look out for one another, that’s what makes Greenwood special.”
She has experienced that sense of care and connection time and again. Over the years, Greenwood has supported her and her family through life’s highest highs and deepest challenges.
“When my daughter was born, I didn’t have to cook for three months,” she laughs. “Meals just kept showing up. Eventually I thought, ‘Okay, I’m ready to cook again!’ But that’s Greenwood. People show up.”
Rebekah’s professional path reflects the same spirit of service. She spent ten years teaching in Greenwood Public Schools before moving to higher education, where she served as a recruiter and later as Assistant Director of Admissions at Delta State University. Today, she happily works with the First Presbyterian Church’s Kindergarten, a role she never expected to love as much as she does.
“I always saw myself as more of an elementary teacher,” she admits. “But I’ve absolutely fallen in love with preschool. Working with the kids, their parents, the other teachers, it’s all been such a joy.”
Her days revolve around guiding children through one of the most formative seasons of their lives. Rebekah focuses especially on social-emotional development, teaching children how to name their feelings, care for one another and grow into kind humans.
“You can see so much change in a single month at this age,” she says. “Watching a child come out of their shell, comfort a friend, or learn how to express emotion, it’s incredible. Those moments really matter.”
Outside work, Rebekah enjoys a full but quieter life. She’s raising a five-year-old, staying involved in her church, reading when she can and gathering monthly with her local mahjong group.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” she says.
As a visitor, Rebekah describes Greenwood as the perfect long weekend escape. “You can arrive on Friday, enjoy an incredible meal, relax at the spa, shop downtown, take a cooking class at Viking Cooking School and still feel rested, never rushed,” she says. “It’s relaxed, local and easy. Just enough to do without feeling overwhelmed.”
She also points out Greenwood’s role as a hub, both culturally and geographically. Visitors can stay in town while exploring nearby Delta communities, discovering blues history, local flavors and stories that ripple far beyond city limits. “There really is just so much to see and do in the Delta. You could visit again and again and find something new every time.”
Tourism, Rebekah believes, drives Greenwood’s economy. She has seen firsthand how busy weekends uplift downtown shops, restaurants and local businesses. “When people come for events, cooking classes or reunions, it makes a difference,” she says. “And when they leave and tell others about their experience, that’s powerful.”
Asked to describe Greenwood in one word, Rebekah doesn’t hesitate: friendly.
And when it comes to the heart and soul of Greenwood? “It’s the people.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by many Greenwood Soul Mates, and one Rebekah embodies fully. Through her work, her faith and her everyday presence, she helps shape not only the next generation but the spirit of the town itself.
Plan your Greenwood getaway! Follow Rebekah’s favorite spots and experiences to create your perfect Delta weekend. Start your itinerary today and discover the heart and soul of Greenwood.
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