Church music and the organ - it's one and the same for Jackie Livesay, organist at Jackson’s First United Methodist Church for 16 years.
She's especially lucky to have one of the few full-time organist positions in town. In the 1960s and '70s, there were plenty of church jobs, she says. Now, it's different - there aren't so many church jobs, especially for the organ.
"It's what I do," Jackie says. "I'll do it for whoever shows up."
Church has always been a part of Jackie's life: growing up a Presbyterian in a little Virginia town, majoring in church music at Westminster Choir College, and moving to Jackson 40 years ago. She's directed choirs and youth programs along the way.
"I just always loved church music," she says.
With a musical life, Jackie says it's both a gift, and you have to work at it. So she practices a few hours a day, along with gardening, taking walks, and traveling.
"[First United Methodist Church pastor] Tim Meunier keeps us busy," Jackie says. "Music keeps me busy."