Deborah Metcalf Jones

Deborah Metcalf Jones is doing more than running a community-based grocery store: she's serving as a missionary to the community.

Last September, Jones opened DJ's Mini-Mart at 1301 S. Eighth St. in Blytheville. It wasn't an easy process.

Once Jones found the location for the store, she had to get permission from the city's Code Enforcement and Building departments to re-open a business there.

She chose the location because there are no other retail outlets within walking distance of the neighborhood. With several elderly and handicapped residents in the area, having a store that can provide the basics of milk, bread, etc. would be welcome in the area.

The nearest retail outlet is a dollar store several miles away. If residents don't have a vehicle or someone to drive them, they might go without.

"I wanted to meet the needs of the community," Jones said. "I decided to just give back to the area that needed me."

While the store does not carry a large inventory, it does have an excellent selection of products, ranging from food to basic over-the-counter medications.

"I try to have a little bit of everything," Jones said of the inventory. "I let the customers tell me what they want to buy and I try to stock it for them."

While business hasn't exactly been booming, Jones is confident that it will pick up as the weather warms. She is determined to make the business a success.

"It must be OK," she said. "I'm still standing here by the grace of God."

She has a variety of items to attract the residents of the neighborhood, including items for children and school students.

"I have candy, pickles, cookies, all right here for them," she said, waving her hands across the counter top.

Jones loves to visit with children, to ask about their day at school and encourage them to get their educations. "I might be the only one who ever asks them about their day," Jones said.

The store also provides deli-sliced meats, homemade cakes and pies including cheesecakes and has a full menu of breakfast and lunch items that are prepared in the adjoining kitchen.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Jones' father moved the family to Blytheville when he retired in 1989. She worked for the Department of Community Correction for many years as a probation and parole supervisor. She left that position to work full-time in the store.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to serve the community," Jones said. "I truly enjoy it."

She hopes to add products and services to the store as time and money allows.

"Every space in here I'm trying to fill it up with something," she said.

Jones looks at the business as her calling to help serve her neighbors.

"God gave me a vision, and I didn't believe it at first," she said. "But now I know I am where I am supposed to be. I have been able to share the Lord with so many people over the last four months. I hope it continues for a long, long time."

dhilton@blythevillecourier.com