(Shreyl Robinson Holder) – The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jonesboro resident, Wilda Smith, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Parade.

Few names are as closely tied to the spirit of community and service as Wilda Smith. While many know her best from her 20 years of dedicated service as Chamber Director, Wilda’s impact reaches far beyond her professional role. Her tireless volunteer work and leadership have touched nearly every corner of Jackson Parish life.

Throughout the years, Wilda has served on numerous committees at First Baptist Church and continues to be a faithful volunteer at His Hands Ministry, where her compassion for others shines through in everything she does. Her commitment to the growth and beautification of our community was also evident through her service on the Downtown Development Committee, as well as in the many board positions she has held over the years.

Her civic involvement reads like a testament to her lifelong dedication: Truancy Board, Jackson Parish Museum Board, Jackson Parish Tourism, Lions Club, Jackson Parish Cancer Board, Jackson Parish Industrial District Board, Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame, Study Guild, the State Commerce & Industrial Board, and even a gubernatorial appointment to the State Public Defender Committee.

Wilda’s influence, leadership, and steadfast love for Jackson Parish have left an indelible mark on the community she calls home. Her generosity, kindness, and commitment to making Jackson Parish a better place continue to inspire all who know her.

This Christmas, as the lights twinkle and the streets of our hometown come alive with festive cheer, we’ll proudly celebrate Wilda Smith — a true example of service and hometown pride.

Please join the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce in giving heartfelt thanks to Wilda for all she has done and continues to do for our community. Make plans to attend a coffee held in her honor on the morning of the Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Parade and continue to look for additional details in the near future at the JPCC Facebook page and in the Jackson Parish Journal. 

Congratulations, Wilda, on this well-deserved honor!”