Ms. Oralee Davis McManus, a well-known figure in the Iuka community, will have the honor of lighting the Christmas Tree in Downtown Iuka on Thursday evening (tonight). The annual event will take place at 6:30 in the Gazebo and everyone is invited to come join the excitement.

She is well known for being one of the student’s favorite bus drivers. She worked with the Tishomingo County School District for 33 years driving a bus and substituted for 12 additional years after her retirement. During the 33 years of her service, she drove the children she loved all across the state for various competitions. Ms. Oralee drove many trips which included band, basketball, and band trips. She always made the trips enjoyable for the children by playing their favorite music on the bus radio.

Before Oralee was known as a great bus driver she was known as a great basketball player. She played basketball for the Lady Chieftains at Iuka High School. During her 10th grade year, the Lady Chieftains won the North Half and advanced to the state tournament. Ms. Oralee was chosen as an All-State player and was the high scorer in the state tournament. She scored 48 points in the final game for the Lady Chieftains and helped lead her team to the semifinals in the state tournament. Afterward, she was offered to play with a women’s professional basketball team known as the Red Heads. She turned down this offer to stay in her hometown and live a modest life. She is a member of Oakland Baptist Church and enjoys being an active part of our community.

Ms. Oralee is truly one of our town’s favorite “bus drivers” as well as our town’s star basketball player, and is beloved by all who know her.