We are pleased to introduce you to Dela McBrayer and her son, Carson. They have enjoyed living in their home on Boardwalk here in The Waters for the past four years. For those of you who don’t already have the privilege of knowing the McBrayers, here’s a little more about them:

 

Dela was raised in metro Atlanta but had family in this area, so she “came home” to Alabama for many holidays, weekends, and summer visits. She graduated from Troy University at Montgomery and is the director of marketing for the eight dealerships that make up Jack Ingram Motors Inc.

 

Fueled by a desire to give back to the community, Dela is highly involved in the Pike Road Kiwanis Club. “Kiwanis is all about kids,” she says, “and although we are a young club, we have donated $4,000 to the libraries of Pike Road Schools and awarded $5,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors in the Pike Road community.” She is also an active member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

When she isn’t working or serving, Dela enjoys yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, roller-skating, and front porch swinging. She has a married daughter with children who lives in Ohio, so she enjoys spending time with them whenever she can. Like many of us, she also likes going to the beach.

 

Carson is 13 years old and is about to start eighth grade at Pike Road Jr. High School. He plays football for the school but also plays baseball and the guitar – very well, according to mom! He also enjoys neighborhood games of whiffle ball and football, as well as engaging in epic Nerf wars. Carson is very interested in aviation and loves going to air shows. He was particularly looking forward to the release of Top Gun: Maverick, which came out earlier this summer. Carson also had the opportunity to go to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, last summer and made memories that will last a lifetime.  

 

We asked Dela what she and Carson enjoy doing together, and she was quick to respond, “Picking and grinning! He picks at his guitar strings while I grin from ear to ear with pride.” They also enjoy eating sushi and hibachi, going to the Hole in Wall coffee shop, swimming, playing on the water, and watching sunsets. They are Montgomery Biscuits fans and often go to Chewacla State Park to hike. They also enjoy going to the family farm in Prattville, where Carson can ride his dirt bike.

 

Being true residents of The Waters, they attend most of our community events, such as Music in May at the square, the Patriots Crawfish Boil, and SummerFest. And because they like to stay active, they participate in many charity fun runs/walks.

 

When it comes to living here in The Waters, Dela couldn’t say enough good things. “Our neighbors are great,” she says, “and it’s a safe and wholesome place for kids. It’s simply perfect for us. Here’s an example of the caring community we live in: Carson had a bike wreck one day, so a neighbor passing by picked him and his bike up on their golf cart and brought them home. Carson came into the house full of gratitude for our neighbors and neighborhood. He hugged me and said, ‘Mama, I’m so glad we live in The Waters. Thank you!’ That meant the world to me and confirmed that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.” Dela went on to say, “Kindness is the norm here in The Waters – from simple things, such as waving and smiling at each other, to collective efforts to provide for those in need. These efforts exemplify who we are as a community, and it’s a privilege to play a small part.”