By Lyndy Berryhill

NATCHEZ — When she is not keeping up with her three children around the house, Lashanda Harris, 37, makes her way around to neighborhood families she knows are grieving.

When The Dart landed on Maple Street Friday afternoon, Harris was visiting a family whose son had recently died.

Her days consist of paying bills, doing chores and keeping the heart of Southern community beating in Natchez.

“(People) think that it’s not here,” Harris said.

But she knows otherwise and is doing her part in keeping it alive.

Harris’ personality is bright, and her smile is wide.

Sometimes she visits with friends or friends’  friends or family of friends who are having a “tough time.”

Increasingly, Harris said she reaches out to people through Facebook and sends strangers a message of encouragement.

Some people may avoid broken families or grieving people, but Harris actively seeks those who are hurting to comfort them the way she knows how.

“I don’t discriminate against anyone, whether they are black or white,” Harris said. “As long as they are grieving … there’s nothing like a hug or a helping hand.”

Harris said she does not tire of reaching out.

Harris said she stays motivated through the love she has for growing up in small town, Mississippi and her faith in God.

“We might be a small community, but we have such a big heart.”