Ridgeland's Friendliest Bank Teller?

Ms. Oral Lovett Of Regions Says She "Loves" Her Customers

Ms. Oral Lovett couldn't stay away from the banking industry for long.

Having been a high-ranking executive in the banking industry here in the Metro since 1977, Ms. Lovett retired to home school her grandchildren for four years.

The retirement didn't last, though. And Regions Bank on Hwy. 51--and Ridgeland customers--are all the better for it.

"This December it will be two years since I returned to banking here at Regions as a teller," Ms. Lovett says. "I was told I was entirely too overqualified but I didn't mind at all--I wanted to work again and I missed doing what I love. I simply wanted to get back to the role in which I had started in banking, enjoy myself and my customers and not have all the added pressures of management."

The Clinton native and resident started off her professional life as a gymnastics instructor and the Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs after receiving a degree in education from Jackson State University.

"I enjoyed my work at the time but didn't feel like it was truly a passion," Ms. Lovett explains her forthcoming dramatic career change. "I attribute my love of banking and finance to my father, who was a farmer," she says. "He used to take me to the bank with him all the time as a little girl and I was so impressed by the way the employees carried themselves, how they dressed, their attitudes. It left a lasting impression.

"Plus, my father used to always tell me this: 'Baby, there are two things in life you must always carry with you and keep straight--your name and your credit.' The lesson just stuck with me and is what eventually led me to banking."

One of thirteen children raised on her parent's farm in Clinton, Ms. Lovett says the work was hard--toiling in the fields and long hours. Oftentimes she and her siblings could only attend school if it was raining or other circumstances prohibited farm work.

"When with the weather was good, we worked--and we worked hard!" she laughs.

Ms. Lovett chose to join Regions, from among many other offers, because the hours were flexible and she liked the people she met and would be working with at the bank.

"Mr. Soli Norwood is our Branch Manager here on Hwy. 51 and he is a pleasure to work for and with," she says. "I rise every morning between 5 and 5:30 and spend the morning in meditation and prayer and then a couple of hours of exercise before I drive here to Ridgeland," Ms. Lovett says. "And I always look forward to walking in through those doors to get to work.

"I think my gift from God is listening to and helping my customers," Ms. Lovett continues. "I can't tell you how much I enjoy being a teller, being able to meet, greet and help people during my workday. Sometimes a customer simply needs someone to actually listen to and care for them which I like to do--I always try to put myself in their position, you know? That's my passion and joy and what led me back to banking."

Regions--and Ridgeland--are both very fortunate to have such a positive and lovely person like Oral Lovett working in the community.