NATCHEZ — For Marylyn Jones, the Stewpot is more than just a hot meal — it’s a nudge from God.

Jones, 52, has been eating lunch at the nonprofit on Franklin Street since it opened in 1985, she said.

The charity Jones receives at the Stewpot is a sign God will always find a way to take care of her, she said.

Johnnie Davis has worked as a cook at the Stewpot for 15 years, and of all those who come through every day, she said Jones is the most appreciative.

“She’s about the best one I have that comes out here and appreciates stuff — and she’ll tell you. And you can tell she really means it from her heart,” Davis said.

Jones said people receiving charity often have a difficult time showing appreciation because they are ashamed and regret having to take charity in the first place.

But Jones sees the Stewpot, for instance, as a blessing, and she appreciates anything anybody gives her.

In addition, Jones said she enjoys spending time at the Stewpot.

Jones said the food is good, and so is the hospitality.

“They welcome you with open arms,” she said.

Jones currently lives with a friend a short distance from the Stewpot, and she always runs into people she knows when she walks there for lunch each day.

A mother of six children, Jones said she struggled with drugs in the past and raised six children alone.

She was once at the top of her nursing class with a 4.0, but she lost her nursing assistant’s license after serving jail time, she said.

Nowadays, Jones is back on track and grateful for the way her life has improved.

Her oldest daughter is a recent Alcorn State University graduate who also lives in Natchez. Jones said her daughter does a good job of checking in on her often, especially when the Stewpot is not open.

Employees of the Stewpot also seem to treat Jones like family.

Jones said she appreciates everything Davis gives her, which includes clothes and shoes as well as meals from the kitchen.

“She’s a sweet person, and she always looks out for me” Jones said.

Jones can count on the Stewpot, and the Stewpot employees can count on her smiling face and gratitude.

Jones said she was raised in a church and had good parents, and looking back on her life she knows she made some bad choices.

“But God blessed us people to be able to be sitting here (at the Stewpot), mingling, enjoying ourselves.”

“It’s a God-sent place for people; we all thank God for it,” Jones said.

Jones said she has a spirit of gratitude for what she is given because she tries to look ahead and keep God in her life.

“It’s a long road, but things have been falling in place,” Jones said.

“I’m doing fine.”