Novella Parsons, second from left, stands with son Charlie, from left, husband Steve and daughter Claire. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – “I’ve always referred to Madison as a ‘modern-day Mayberry.’ It’s the perfect blend of all cultures and walks of life,” Novella Parsons said.

“Citizens here have pride in this community, understand what it’s like to be a neighbor and support each other. ‘Madisonites’ want to preserve history, but embrace the excitement of the future,” Parsons said.

A Decatur native, Parsons remembers the two-lane road into Huntsville. “You had to go through Mooresville to get Madison,” she said.

“In 1979, our family physician moved his practice from Decatur to Madison. Instead of finding another physician, we drove to Madison. I (thought), ‘Who would want to live here?’ The town was just fields with some houses dotted here and there,” Parsons said.

However, in 1997 Novella met future husband Steve, who already lived in Madison. “I told him this is not the Madison of my youth; he never fully believed me,” she said. “There was no question we would call Madison home.”

Novella earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/social science from Athens State University. She works as a recruiter with Alliance HR Services. “I work with the most amazing team of women,” she said. Steve is Territory Sales Manager for NES Rentals.

Their children, Claire and Charlie, attend James Clemens High School. Claire is a senior, and Charlie is a freshman.

In volunteering, Novella likes Madison Arts Council. “Madison is overwhelmed with amazing residents that can sing, perform and create.” Madison Gazebo Concerts make “Thursday the best day of the week.” She helps with the Hispanic ministry at Madison Church of Christ.

The Parsons volunteer “’under the radar.’ We just show up and we’re ready to get dirty,” Novella said.

Their pets are Lucy, a 10-year-old, “lap pooch” beagle and Jezebel the kitten.

Stuck in the middle of 1960s-1970s music, Novella does like ‘angry music’ by Pink, Katy Perry and Bruno Mars. When eating out, the Parsons family heads to Sam & Greg’s, Red Fish and Cricket’s.

For the future, Novella wants elected officials to make Madison stronger and smarter, the new library completed, Madison Ghost Walk reprised and better acknowledging elderly residents.