Lewis County Person Of The Week: Crystal Nash

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) My name is Crystal Nash, and I am 44 years old. My parents are Joe and the late Patricia Smith, and my grandparents are the late Clayburn and Robbie Smith. I have an older brother named Joe. I am happily married to Gary Nash, who is the local airport manager, a combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq, and a dedicated father and husband. We have one son named Jesse who was born with a rare genetic condition. I have two sweet little cuddle dogs named Buster and Biscuit. I'm active in our community and belong to a number of organizations like the Lewis County Historical Society and the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. I also serve on the Lewis County Imagination Library board.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) Hohenwald is my hometown. I'm proud to have deep roots in this community. My Smith Family moved here in the late 1890s. My paternal great-grandmother Jennie was a Spears before she married into the Smiths. The Spears pre-date the existence of Lewis County. They were living in what was Lawrence County until the State of Tennessee created Lewis County in 1843 to honor Meriwether Lewis and suddenly found themselves residents of this great new county.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood, but the ones that really stand out are the ones when the entire family would come together, like during holidays. I remember the Memorial Day when the monument honoring combat casualties was rededicated after being moved from the library to the courthouse. It was exciting to spend the night before at my grandparents' house and witness everyone getting ready for the ceremony that next morning. I can still picture my dad and his brothers, Carl and Harold, all dressed up in their military uniforms, marching proudly in the parade alongside my grandpa and other veterans. It was such a special day filled with love and patriotism.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) As a kid, I used to dream about all the different things I could be when I grew up. One day I wanted to be a nurse, the next day I fantasized about being Wonder Woman, and the day after that I saw myself as a teacher. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to help people in any way I could, using my skills and knowledge to bring joy and make lives better. I've been working at the public library for 21 years, with nearly 14 years in the role of Director. I like to think that I've been able to use my talents and knowledge and role at the library to make a positive impact in my community.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) Growing up, my daddy and Jesus were significant influences in my life. As I have matured, my role models have grown to include my husband and Meriwether Lewis. I admire their kindness, honesty, perseverance, courage, and altruism.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I really love doing a lot of different things, but wish I had more time for them! I enjoy genealogy, listening to music, visiting antique stores, trying out new recipes, hosting game nights, going on trips to historical places, playing music on my guitar and dulcimer, reading, drawing, riding around on the farm, hanging out with my dogs, and watching movies and binge watching Netflix with my family and close friends. It's a lot to fit in, but it brings me joy!

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) In September of last year, my amazing husband surprised me and my best friend with a trip to England, fulfilling a dream I had since I was a teenager! We had such a wonderful time exploring the beautiful countryside, chatting with friendly locals, indulging in delicious local food, and visiting fascinating historical sites. I even had the opportunity to research my grandfather's WWII convoy trips to Liverpool! If I had the chance to travel anywhere again, I would choose to return to England without a doubt, this time with my husband, son, and my friend by my side. Eight days was not enough to see everything!

Q.) What is "your" song?

A.) There is not one single song that I consider to be "my song." I have a preference for rock and pop music from the 1960s, but I listen to a variety of music. If you were to go on a road trip with me, you would be listening to the Beatles or whatever I am captivated with at the time.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) Hohenwald and Lewis County are steeped in a rich history. From Meriwether Lewis to the Swiss and German immigrants, there is so much that sets our county's culture apart from surrounding communities. Did you know that the old timers use to have a saying about our town? If you stay in Hohenwald long enough to wear out a pair of shoes, no matter where you go or what you do with your life-you will always come back, even if only for a visit. Isn't that a nice thought?

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) I am rather fond of spring. After a harsh winter, it is always refreshing to see the vivid colors of spring emerge. The temperature begins to rise and the whole world is bursting forth with renewal and hope. It's a great reminder that even after tough times, there's always something brighter ahead.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) I love my job at the Lewis County Public Library and Archives because I get to do so many different things to help our community! From teaching pre-literacy skills to speaking with local groups about our county's history, every day is full of exciting opportunities. I also love assisting seniors with computer skills, processing new items for the archives, and helping people find information so they can be more self-sufficient. And the best part? Being able to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it's finding shelter for a homeless person or connecting them with essential services. It truly is a rewarding experience.

Q.) Do you have a nick name?

A.) I've never really had a nickname stick with me, but growing up I was a bit of a tomboy. I loved playing with Army tanks and toy soldiers just as much as Barbie dolls and tea sets. I even had my own set of child-sized Army fatigues and combat boots. My dad started calling me "General Lee" because of my love for those clothes and my middle name being Lee. He still calls me that on occasion.

Q.) If you could spend one day as a TV character, who would it be?

A.) Samantha Stevens. She was loyal, intelligent, charming, compassionate, and wholesome-a wonderful mother and devoted wife. Samantha not only inspired people to be better versions of themselves, but she also could time travel and bring people from the past to the present... which would be such a fun thing to do!

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

Non Nobis Solum Sed Toti Mundo Nati (which is Latin for "Not for ourselves, but for the whole world were we born.") It is important for us to support and contribute to the betterment of society, whether as a whole or by helping one person at a time. This involves prioritizing humility, putting aside personal ego, and being as resilient as possible. It saddens me when I see people place excessive importance on their job title, income, educational level, elected status, social standing, and so on to the point that they act superior and ugly to others. We were all created equal. We all have struggles, and it takes perseverance and a little help to survive this world. Ultimately, when we die, what will be the impact we have left behind? Did we treat others justly? Did we make an effort to assist or improve the succeeding generations? Did we forgive and show compassion? Will we be remembered for our efforts to make a positive difference in our community?