NATCHEZ — Thirty years had passed since the childhood friends had last seen each other, but as soon as Janice Means smiled, Annette Craig recognized it and invited her in.

When The Dart landed on Roselawn Drive Thursday, Means had driven down from South Carolina to visit friends she grew up with, including Craig, who was first on her list.

“When she knocked on the door and I opened it, I didn’t recognize her,” Craig said. “I asked her to take off her glasses and she smiled. Janice always had a beautiful smile.

“I still didn’t recognize her, but I knew that smile so I told her to come on in anyway.”

Once Means said who she was, Craig said she gave her a big bear hug.

“I’ve never had a surprise like that,” Craig said. “Thank God she came here. I’m going to be on cloud nine the rest of the day.”

Means, who lives in Spartanburg, S.C., left Natchez in 1988 and recently she connected with Craig’s brother on Facebook and the two conspired to surprise Craig.

“I used to be at their house all the time,” Means said. “And her brother almost lived at our house. Our families just got real close.”

Craig said she and Means were great friends growing up.

“We did all kinds of things together,” Craig said. “We just looked out for each other.”

Both also grew up Dallas Cowboys fans, and Craig was also surprised to see Means’ vehicle, which was decked out in Cowboys’ slogans and logos.

“I love them,” Means said. “I can’t wait for this season. I think they are Super Bowl bound.

“And I’m glad (quarterback Tony) Romo retired — I didn’t want to see him wearing another team’s jersey.”

Craig said she was excited to see what running back Ezekiel Elliot and quarterback Dak Prescott would do in year two.

“Zeke and Dak got all the awards,” Craig said. “But I’ve been liking the Cowboys all my life, ever since Roger Staubach was quarterback. I’ve been a loyal fan all my life.”

After three hours together, Craig had to go pick up her grandchild from school, Craig gave Means another big hug before leaving.

“I can’t believe she came down to see me and I was number one on her list,” Craig said. “We’re friends to the end.”