MADISON – Madison is easy to love for many reasons, Renee Graham said, but its people are the no. 1 reason.

A Florence native, she moved here in 1988 and immediately felt right at home.

“Like most small towns in the South, people are just naturally friendly, helpful and generous. My daughters grew up here. We have so many wonderful memories of good times with good friends,” Renee said.

In addition, Renee likes Madison’s climate, parks, walking trails, shopping, restaurants and new movie theater.

“I love our school system. My daughters attended Madison schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade,” Renee said. She teaches second-graders at Columbia Elementary School.

Older daughter Leah Igo formerly taught in Madison; she and husband Craig Igo are parents of Darby and Myles. Daughter Abby Cobb works for The Dance Company; she and husband Jeremy Cobb are parents of Grace and John Allen. Both families are Madison residents. Renee has another grandchild due in November.

“The people who live in Madison love our community and support activities and organizations we are blessed to have access to,” Renee said. “They’re very supportive of our schools. I love attending things, like sporting events or dance recitals, and seeing so many folks supporting our young people.”

After graduating from Bradshaw High School in Florence, Renee received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University.

For 12 years, she has volunteered in Children’s Ministry at Mayfair Church of Christ and Mayfair’s summer mission trips. With Alpha Delta Kappa teacher sorority, she supports a children’s hospital and Huntsville Botanical Garden. “I devote time to these activities because they’re about helping children,” Renee said.

2017 marks her 25th year in education. She also works in Columbia’s after-school and summer programs and tutors elementary students.

Renee owns a Labradoodle named Shasha.

Music of all types appeals to Renee, especially country, pop, classical and Motown. Favorite artists include Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, The Beatles, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Adele, Chris Tomlin and Celtic Woman. 

When dining out, Renee enjoys Main Street Cafe, Old Black Bear, Cricket’s, Greenbrier Restaurant, Rick’s Barbecue and Mia’s Cafe.

“My favorite places to shop are CWS Interiors (inside Jaclyn’s Keepsakes), Daisy Lane, Pipers, Posh Mommy and Heritage Florist — all locally owned and operated,” Renee said.