“I hope you win.” I said. “Oh,” said Miss Mississippi, “I’m gonna win. I know this is what our Lord has prepared for me.” It was a moment when I knew I was in the middle of something big. On the Miss America stage I met Miss Mississippi and she won the title of Miss America; but I won Miss America’s boyfriend.
Years ago, I met Cheryl Prewitt, Miss America 1980. Cheryl has always been a wonderful friend and support. When it came time to write my book, “Bury Me with my Pearls,” I asked Cheryl to write a testimonial. #pearlsbook. I was so touched by her words:
Jane (Jenkins) Herlong is one of the happiest, funniest most awe-inspiring people I have ever known. Even in the most stress filled occasions she has a way of turning it all into a nice funny, happy joke . . . called ‘life’. I met Jane at the Miss America 1980 pageant and we were instantly friends. This book, like Jane, is filled with those little stories, that help you ‘move along’ through this journey we call life. She has a heart of gold, words of pure silver, and a life filled with victories that only Jesus can give. She is the real deal . . I love her! I like her! And you will too! Thank you Jane, for your efforts to bring humor to all situations that life has to offer. Thank you for being a shining example of who Jesus is on this earth!
Cheryl is such an amazing person who has been a blessing to so many. The irony is that we not only shared the stage of Miss America, we also shared Thomas.
When Thomas and I met, I was dating hottie Astronaut, Jerry and Thomas was dating the beautiful Cheryl, Miss America. At the South Carolina Jaycee Banquet in Myrtle Beach, God was there again…just like on the stage at the Miss America Pageant. This was a different venue but as Miss South Carolina, I was asked to sing for this annual event. The person who booked me was, you guessed it, Thomas Herlong.
After only one date, Thomas popped the question at another venue…not as glamorous as Miss America or as fun as a banquet in Myrtle Beach. No, this time we were eating at…..ready? The Lizards’ Thicket. Yes, God was even at the Lizard’s Thicket and answered another prayer of mine: God, please send me a genuine, county-boy gentleman…..”
Enjoy this funny mp3 that is played on Sirius XM Radio….
