Bounds parade grand marshal
The Holly Springs Main Street Chamber has chosen JoAnn Buford Bounds, or “Meme” as her adoring grandchildren and greatgrandchildren refer to her, to be the grand marshal for this year’s Christmas parade December 4 at 5 p.m. Downtown.
Her name is synonymous with Buford Furniture and often customers still refer to her as “Mrs. Buford.” The furniture store was established in 1916 by Charles “C.C.” Buford. Bounds said she accepted the invitation to serve as grand marshal to honor her grandfather, whom she loved and looked up to as her role model and a Christian example.
She didn’t know the Bufords until her mother, Marieta, married one of C.C.’s sons, J.W. Buford, who later adopted her.
“My mother married him before I was 6,” Bounds said. “His is the family I was adopted into.” She was proud to be a part of the Buford family, but she also recognizes that she was raised by her maternal grandmother until age 6.
Bounds is a loyal member of the Holly Springs United Methodist Church.
“Grandfather Buford was the greatest influence on my life,” she said. “I went to Sunday school and church. He was a good influence on me to be a Christian. He’s the one who started me going to church.”
The late Willie Flemon, who worked at Buford’s 28 years, was also her caretaker, making sure she got safely to school and back. Her appreciation for him is also without measure.
The store burned in the 1951 fire on the east side of the square. It reopened in 1952 in the same spot, now known as the Courtroom B building. The store later moved to its present location at 125 North Market Street.
Bounds married Sonny Bounds in 1960 and their first child Leanne was born in the summer of 1962. After marriage, the couple moved around the state as Sonny Bounds served as sales representative for Hancock Fabrics. They moved back to the area in 1977, and Bounds worked 16 years for the Department of Human Services.
Her stepfather got sick and she was needed in the store.
“That’s why I left DHS (Department of Human Services),” she said.
After her stepdad died in November 1992, she started working at Buford’s in December that year.
Her son Ed works at the store assembling and delivering furniture as well as offering relocation services. Ed’s girlfriend, Julie Matlock, also plays a vital role in the daily operation of the furniture store. She retired from Belk department stores as a general manager. Her daughter, Leanne Greer, has been a special education teacher for over 18 years and is currently teaching at H.W. Byers School.
Bounds, along with many family members, has proudly operated Buford’s Furniture for many years. It’s a family operation, and she tries to treat her customers like they are part of the family.
Christmas is a favorite time of year. Buford’s has been chosen as best commercial window every year except one.
She uses the same decorations every year but changes the furniture in the window area. Chester Wiseman is a loyal employee to Buford’s and is part of the family as well.
He does most of the Christmas decorations, so they both take pride in their work together.
Bounds, 82, has four grandchildren and three great-grands with a fourth on the way. She said one of the grandchildren likely will ride with her in the parade. Her youngest granddaughter, Anne Greer, owns and operates the neighboring floral and gift shop, Regel and Company. So small town entrepreneurship runs in the family.
“I want to emphasize it’s such an honor for me, but it’s for my grandfather,” Bounds said. “He would be so proud. He’s the reason I’m here.
“I’m just doing this for my grandfather. I’m just blessed to be here.” Christy Owens, executive director of the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber, praised Bounds, in particular for her enthusiasm for Holly Springs activities and events.
“She is a champion for the business community as well,” Owens said. “She always encourages new growth and the arrival of new businesses in downtown Holly Springs.
“She is very community and business minded. She loves Holly Springs .”