It was nice meeting with you, Queen!

For over a year now, I have consistently seen a young lady, who appeared to be a mom with a young daughter walking to her job. I admired her and was inquisitive to see what her story was. I loved how she was always dressed so nicely in her uniform and how the daughter looked so cute carrying her backpack as they held hands. My teacher heart strings were definitely pulled as I knew in that backpack was work for her to do while her mom was busy making a living for them.

Fast forward to this opinion column and time for me to write my second story - I knew exactly who I wanted that to be, the only problem was finding her. But most who know me know that I’m “curious”, NOT nosey as some would describe me! Luckily, she was easy to find at the Stripes store across from Wal-Mart. I was so excited to finally meet Queenette “Queen” Woodley.

Queen grew up in Houston. Having had family in Navasota and having visited here as a child, she and her daughter Madison moved to town a couple of years ago. She has brothers who live in Dallas and Baytown and her mom lives in Conroe.

She could have chosen to live other places, but Queen chose Navasota because the cost of living is good.

Queen is most proud of being a mom to Madison, who attends John C. Webb Elementary. She says her greatest strength is making sure she is stable for her and her daughter.

One of the adventures she has taken was going to Disney World last year with family. She has also enjoyed a cruise to Mexico in the past.

Her greatest weakness, like most of us is FOOD! Queen likes to cook, and Madison likes to help at times. Her favorites are shrimp recipes, as her food of choice is seafood, especially crawfish.

When asked what her favorite thing about Navasota is - she said it’s having things within arms reach. She loves how things are close and convenient and how it’s a peaceful place to live.

Her favorite restaurant in town is Herrera’s, where she frequents weekly. She also enjoys going to Martin’s Sweet Shop in downtown Navasota to get ice cream.

Queen’s favorite people are her coworkers, especially Stacy who has become a close friend of hers.

One of the mistakes she admits she’s made is losing contact with some of her family, but she realizes that and is trying to reconnect with them.

A regret Queen has is not finishing college. In January of her high school senior year, her dad passed away. She promised her dad she would go to college; she still thinks she has a chance to go and may do so. She wants to make sure she is around to see Madison graduate.

Her hero is her mother, who has overcome a lot and has always had Queen’s back - through everything she’s been through in her life. When she moved to Navasota, her mom made sure she was comfortable and safe.

She is so proud to have made the move here because it’s the first place she has lived besides Houston and making the move was a huge step. Queen sees herself living in Navasota indefinitely. Her future goals include buying some land and building a house.

Queen - I am so proud to have met you. I applaud you for taking such great care of your daughter and I am so glad to have you as my Navasota Neighbor.

The column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jennifer Ramirez. Opinion columns are NOT the opinion of the Navasota Examiner.

Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Navasota. She is passionate about her community and supports all things local.