On March 3rd, 2024, our family lost a pillar of strength, our beloved grandmother, Johnnie Mae Evans McKey. A Southern woman through and through, she was a beacon of quiet leadership, a testament to resilience, and a paragon of grace. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the life lessons she imparted, lessons that have profound relevance not just in our personal lives but also in our professional roles at Vista. We are the proud daughters of Tim and Jodi McKey and the proud granddaughters of Johnnie Mae Evans McKey.
Johnnie Mae, born in 1926, was a stay-at-home mom who found herself unexpectedly transferred to Centreville, Mississippi, by a governmental agency. What she thought would be a brief stint turned into a lifetime of over 70 years, illustrating her adaptability and tenacity—qualities we strive to embody at Vista. She faced challenges head-on, never wavering in her commitment to her family and community.
Take it From a Southern Woman
Southern women, especially in the mid-20th century, could be described as sugar and spice with a hefty side of iron will. They were the embodiment of the phrase, ‘a steel magnolia’. Balancing impeccable Southern hospitality with the tenacity of a bulldog, these women managed households, navigated social complexities, and often played key roles in their communities, all while making it seem as effortless as whipping up a flawless batch of buttermilk biscuits. With a sweet, melodic “bless your heart,” they could either offer genuine sympathy or deliver a scathing critique, all without breaking a sweat. Johnnie Mae Evans McKey was no exception; she navigated life with an elegance and grit that made it clear—Southern women are not to be underestimated.
Southern women like Johnnie Mae carry a unique brand of leadership. It’s not loud or boastful; it doesn’t seek the limelight or demand recognition. Instead, it’s embedded in the everyday acts of courage, the quiet resolve in the face of adversity, the gentle guidance offered with a warm smile. It’s leadership that shoulders heavy loads with poise and dignity, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It’s a leadership style that is often overlooked or undervalued but one that holds immeasurable strength and power.
Lessons in Leadership
As we reflect on our grandmother’s life and legacy, there are several lessons in leadership that stand out. Johnnie Mae showed us the importance of adaptability. She never let unexpected circumstances or challenges bring her down. Instead, she rolled with the punches, adapted to new environments and situations, and always found a way to make the best of every circumstance. In our roles at Vista, we’ve always been inspired by this model of leadership. Our grandmother’s influence has shaped our approach, encouraging us to lead with empathy, patience, and respect. It’s a form of leadership that fosters a sense of community, promotes open dialogue, and cultivates an inclusive culture where every voice matters.
Leading with love, a principle deeply ingrained in us by our grandmother, emphasizes the critical importance of compassionate leadership. She believed that to truly lead is to care deeply, not just about the outcomes, but about the people who work together to achieve them. This type of leadership creates an atmosphere where individuals feel genuinely valued and understood, where their well-being is a priority, and where kindness drives actions and decisions. In a world often driven by efficiency and results, leading with love stands out as a powerful reminder that the heart of leadership lies in the relationships we build and the communities we nurture. It’s a testament to the belief that compassion and understanding can coexist with ambition and success, fostering a work environment where people are motivated not only by their tasks but by the care and respect they receive.
We exchanged letters back and forth throughout our time in college. We have letters from her that roughly all say the same things because life for her was slow and steady. Most of her letters focused on what happened at her weekly Joy Club meeting at church and what the weather was like. Yet, in every letter, we could feel her unwavering love and support, a constant reminder that no matter how far apart we were, she was always with us. Our grandmother taught us the power of consistent support and encouragement, even if it seems small or insignificant. This lesson has shaped our approach to leadership at Vista—always showing up for our team members and being a source of steadfast support and guidance.
One thing she always did was call everyone by their first name, no matter the occasion or the setting. It was her way of making each person feel seen and valued, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever she went. She always asked about everyone in our family. Her communication was personal, and she never left anyone out. That’s been an important leadership takeaway for us: Leaders are personal, and they forge deep, meaningful relationships. And in the end….that’s why we are all here – to be in relationships with each other. In our roles at Vista, we used this fundamental lesson from Johnnie Mae to create a work environment where everyone feels seen and valued. Just like our grandmother did with her communication style, we strive to make personal connections with each team member and client. Whether it’s asking about their families or simply checking in on how they’re doing, we believe that these small acts of personalization can make a significant impact on someone’s day and overall well-being.
In this modern era of business and social media, where communication is often reduced to sound bites and tweets, we find ourselves constantly going back to the lessons we learned from the matriarchal Southern way of leading. It’s a style that values substance over flash, connection over performance, and community over individualism. Our grandmother may have been a quiet leader, but her impact was immeasurable. It’s about taking the time to listen, to understand, to connect on a human level. And as we carry on her legacy in our own leadership roles, we are reminded never to underestimate the power of quiet determination and sturdiness. Because, in the end, it is often those who speak softly but lead strongly that leave the most lasting impact.
In Gratitude
As we enter this season of our lives and take time to remember our grandmother, we’re reminded of the importance of these values. We’re inspired to carry her legacy forward in our work at Vista, fostering a culture of quiet leadership, empathy, and respect. Johnnie Mae Evans McKey may no longer be with us, but her lessons live on.
Our fearless leader at Vista, Tim McKey, learned a thing or two from his mother as well, so her impact and values have shaped Vista as an organization and team. We are all part of Johnnie Mae’s influence. Through her example, we’ve learned that leadership is not about power but about empowering others. It’s not about standing above but standing alongside. And it’s not about making noise but making a difference. Here’s to the silent strength of Southern women like our grandmother, who led not with words but with actions. Their legacy continues to inspire us, and for that, we are forever grateful.On March 3rd, 2024, our family lost a pillar of strength, our beloved grandmother, Johnnie Mae Evans McKey. A Southern woman through and through, she was a beacon of quiet leadership, a testament to resilience, and a paragon of grace. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the life lessons she imparted, lessons that have profound relevance not just in our personal lives but also in our professional roles at Vista. We are the proud daughters of Tim and Jodi McKey and the proud granddaughters of Johnnie Mae Evans McKey.
Johnnie Mae, born in 1926, was a stay-at-home mom who found herself unexpectedly transferred to Centreville, Mississippi, by a governmental agency. What she thought would be a brief stint turned into a lifetime of over 70 years, illustrating her adaptability and tenacity—qualities we strive to embody at Vista. She faced challenges head-on, never wavering in her commitment to her family and community.
Take it From a Southern Woman
Southern women, especially in the mid-20th century, could be described as sugar and spice with a hefty side of iron will. They were the embodiment of the phrase, ‘a steel magnolia’. Balancing impeccable Southern hospitality with the tenacity of a bulldog, these women managed households, navigated social complexities, and often played key roles in their communities, all while making it seem as effortless as whipping up a flawless batch of buttermilk biscuits. With a sweet, melodic “bless your heart,” they could either offer genuine sympathy or deliver a scathing critique, all without breaking a sweat. Johnnie Mae Evans McKey was no exception; she navigated life with an elegance and grit that made it clear—Southern women are not to be underestimated.
Southern women like Johnnie Mae carry a unique brand of leadership. It’s not loud or boastful; it doesn’t seek the limelight or demand recognition. Instead, it’s embedded in the everyday acts of courage, the quiet resolve in the face of adversity, the gentle guidance offered with a warm smile. It’s leadership that shoulders heavy loads with poise and dignity, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It’s a leadership style that is often overlooked or undervalued but one that holds immeasurable strength and power.
Lessons in Leadership
As we reflect on our grandmother’s life and legacy, there are several lessons in leadership that stand out. Johnnie Mae showed us the importance of adaptability. She never let unexpected circumstances or challenges bring her down. Instead, she rolled with the punches, adapted to new environments and situations, and always found a way to make the best of every circumstance. In our roles at Vista, we’ve always been inspired by this model of leadership. Our grandmother’s influence has shaped our approach, encouraging us to lead with empathy, patience, and respect. It’s a form of leadership that fosters a sense of community, promotes open dialogue, and cultivates an inclusive culture where every voice matters.
Leading with love, a principle deeply ingrained in us by our grandmother, emphasizes the critical importance of compassionate leadership. She believed that to truly lead is to care deeply, not just about the outcomes, but about the people who work together to achieve them. This type of leadership creates an atmosphere where individuals feel genuinely valued and understood, where their well-being is a priority, and where kindness drives actions and decisions. In a world often driven by efficiency and results, leading with love stands out as a powerful reminder that the heart of leadership lies in the relationships we build and the communities we nurture. It’s a testament to the belief that compassion and understanding can coexist with ambition and success, fostering a work environment where people are motivated not only by their tasks but by the care and respect they receive.
We exchanged letters back and forth throughout our time in college. We have letters from her that roughly all say the same things because life for her was slow and steady. Most of her letters focused on what happened at her weekly Joy Club meeting at church and what the weather was like. Yet, in every letter, we could feel her unwavering love and support, a constant reminder that no matter how far apart we were, she was always with us. Our grandmother taught us the power of consistent support and encouragement, even if it seems small or insignificant. This lesson has shaped our approach to leadership at Vista—always showing up for our team members and being a source of steadfast support and guidance.
One thing she always did was call everyone by their first name, no matter the occasion or the setting. It was her way of making each person feel seen and valued, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever she went. She always asked about everyone in our family. Her communication was personal, and she never left anyone out. That’s been an important leadership takeaway for us: Leaders are personal, and they forge deep, meaningful relationships. And in the end….that’s why we are all here – to be in relationships with each other. In our roles at Vista, we used this fundamental lesson from Johnnie Mae to create a work environment where everyone feels seen and valued. Just like our grandmother did with her communication style, we strive to make personal connections with each team member and client. Whether it’s asking about their families or simply checking in on how they’re doing, we believe that these small acts of personalization can make a significant impact on someone’s day and overall well-being.
In this modern era of business and social media, where communication is often reduced to sound bites and tweets, we find ourselves constantly going back to the lessons we learned from the matriarchal Southern way of leading. It’s a style that values substance over flash, connection over performance, and community over individualism. Our grandmother may have been a quiet leader, but her impact was immeasurable. It’s about taking the time to listen, to understand, to connect on a human level. And as we carry on her legacy in our own leadership roles, we are reminded never to underestimate the power of quiet determination and sturdiness. Because, in the end, it is often those who speak softly but lead strongly that leave the most lasting impact.
In Gratitude
As we enter this season of our lives and take time to remember our grandmother, we’re reminded of the importance of these values. We’re inspired to carry her legacy forward in our work at Vista, fostering a culture of quiet leadership, empathy, and respect. Johnnie Mae Evans McKey may no longer be with us, but her lessons live on.
Our fearless leader at Vista, Tim McKey, learned a thing or two from his mother as well, so her impact and values have shaped Vista as an organization and team. We are all part of Johnnie Mae’s influence. Through her example, we’ve learned that leadership is not about power but about empowering others. It’s not about standing above but standing alongside. And it’s not about making noise but making a difference. Here’s to the silent strength of Southern women like our grandmother, who led not with words but with actions. Their legacy continues to inspire us, and for that, we are forever grateful.
