Faye Gardner Byrum was born in Suffolk and has lived here for most of her life. However, at one time in her life, she resided in North Carolina, and graduated from Murfreesboro High School. She furthered her studies in business at Chowan College.

She, her husband Sam, and a daughter Robyn, reside on Turlington Road. Robyn is in college and commutes to the school. The Byrums also have two sons, Chris and James, and a granddaughter, Jamie, who Byrum says they just adore.

Byrum, who is the executive director of the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross, has been employed by the organization for 28 years. She said she enjoys her job and the opportunities that she has to interact with people. She is responsible for overseeing the staff and volunteers providing services.

The American Red Cross provides programs such as safety and health classes, babysitting sessions and many others and is responsible for improving the lives of many people.

&uot;It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I have helped someone in some way at the end of each day,&uot; said Byrum.

Name? Faye Gardner Byrum

Age? 40 something

Hometown? Suffolk

Family? Husband, Sam; three children, Robyn, Chris and James; and one granddaughter, Jamie

Education? I graduated from Murfreesboro High School and attended Chowan College with a major in business.

Career/Occupation? Executive Director of the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross

Why did you pursue your chosen career? I didn’t. It just happened because I was interested in the business profession.

Favorite thing about your job? Interacting with interesting people on a daily basis

Least favorite? Paperwork

What accomplishments are you proudest of? Raising my children to be responsible adults and good citizens

What legacy would you like to leave for future generations? My patience

What or who motivates and inspires you? Camping with my family

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others? A little kindness goes a long way.

What ingredients are in the recipe for a good life? Good health, love, honesty, patience, integrity, good manners and having fun

If you were on &uot;Survivor,&uot; what characteristic about you would your teammates find most valuable? Dependability

We all have our &uot;15 minutes of fame&uot; in this life. How would you spend yours in the spotlight? Bragging about my family

How has the recent tragedy in New York and Washington, D.C. impacted your life? Professionally, it has kept me very busy. Personally, it has brought my family even closer. We have come to value the more simple things in life.