Monday Profile: Tamala Jones

Residence: Ypsilanti What is your idea of perfect happiness? As it now: having a family that loves me, friends to laugh with and my religious faith to confirm all that I will. Which living person do you most admire? My sister, Dr. Julia Hunter. What is the trait you hate most in others? Being pretentious. What is your most treasured possession? My children. It's 7 a.m. Monday. How are you feeling? Rushed because I'm 15 minutes behind schedule. What's your greatest achievement: Marriage and motherhood. What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Life will be all that you hope it to be BUT you must go through difficult challenges because they are going to allow you to live the dream. What one thing do you wish people knew about your work? It's performed in love. What one habit do you wish you could break? My addiction to potato chips--especially Lay's Sweet Barbecue and Sour Cream and Onion. What is something most people don't know about you? That I am No. 11 of 14 siblings--all from the same parents, the late Rev. Ezell Sr. and Geraldine Hunter. And that I will be celebrating my 28th wedding anniversary. What do you wish more people understood? Laughter truly comforts. If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? My Mother--Geraldine Hunter (now deceased), Oprah Whinfrey, and Michelle Obama. Favorite words: Love, smile, joy, peace. What's one thing you can do now that you couldn't do Favorite place to spend money: Nowhere specific. I just love to spend. What is your motto? Live each day as if it was your last for tomorrow is not promised. Where would you like to be when you're 90? In the land of the living. Published: Mon, Apr 30, 2012