Born and raised in Troup County, I am dedicated to a practical approach towards helping neighbors in our “neck of the woods”. My husband and I have prayed that God would use us in a mighty way, and we are committed to serving. My family is fortunate to live on the land my grandparents farmed amongst neighbors who upheld small town values. As a child, I remember sharing crops with friends and neighbors, so today I carry on their legacy with a servant’s heart that I hope to instill in my children. Together, my husband and I are focused on creating community that has meaning, love, and compassion.
About Ashley Johnson Adams
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are incredibly blessed. A graduate of Springwood School, Auburn University and Troy State University, Gene is the God fearing, hardworking, racquetball playing jokester who is also my best friend and husband. We have 4 boys, ranging from 12 to 20. Weston and Jonathan are both still in school, enrolled at LCS. The oldest two are living in Auburn. We are fortunate to live next door to my brother, Jay Johnson, and just a couple of miles away from my dad, Jerry Johnson and his wife Louise. A neat fact about my family is that I grew up within this same area on the west side of Troup County, living just a couple of miles away from my grandparents, Willard & Gwen Shortte and J.M. & Runell Johnson, who purchased the land I now live on.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I graduated from Troup High School, then pursued an undergraduate degree in education and taught school in Columbus for 10 years. I went on to earn a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and then a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Currently, I offer counseling and coaching through private practice as well as a local nonprofit. I love helping people see their potential and meet their goals.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Seek TRUTH – not “your truth”, but the truth. “Seek” means look, ask questions, do your research, and then cling to it because it will provide you with wisdom, direction, and meaning.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
So much will have changed, but so much will be the same. I will be 49/54, and plan to still be chasing after God and the bald-headed jokester I mentioned earlier. Hopefully, we will be empty nesters but hosting Sunday dinners each week with our children and their families. We both have careers we love, so I assume we will both be helping people meet their goals. We live in a community that we love, so I bet we will still be hosting small groups and giving away (chicken) eggs and blueberries, and attending church with neighbors.
Ashley Johnson Adams & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Gene and I like C’sons or SIP for a date night, RioGrande Taqueria for lunch, but the kids prefer Johnny’s Pizza or Your Pie. The reality is we eat at Waffle House and CFA more than I care to admit.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
The majority of my 44 years, with one stint working in Columbus, Georgia and one stint touring around Alabama with my husband’s work.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a tough question! Who holds my attention and makes me think the “most”? I think my answer has to be Mike Freeland. Mike and Michele are a dynamic couple who have poured into me and my family for the last decade. They inspire, offer support and consistent encouragement, and I will be forever grateful for them.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Charlie Joseph’s, the old Mansour’s property (now Country’s and Marriott) and the old CEA (now LaGrange College) building
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Without a doubt, it is the people!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Probably not the answer you are expecting, but maybe a local lady, a mother, grandmother… someone full of grace and kindness. Joy, Brenda, or Betty Sue are specifically names that come to mind. Taste of Lemon or Chicken Salad Chick would be perfect!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I haven’t watched much lately, but a series Gene and I really enjoyed not too long ago was Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t really like to order my own food, I prefer for the server and chef to decide. I started doing this about 15 or 16 years ago and it really is the most enjoyable dining experience!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Realizing that the creator of the entire universe knows every thought before you think it!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Those who walk before me, as well as those behind me. We all have a role to play. Some days it is a friend who has just been through what I am going through, other days it is a client who needs hope, still other days it is a child of my own trying to find his way.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safety. Security. Love