Why I’ll Never Change My 928 Phone Number: A Story of Stability
For over 20 years, my phone number—928-699-8883—has been a steadfast cornerstone, a rare constant in a life shaped by change. It’s the number my grandmother, family, and friends have always used to reach me, and it’s a vital part of my identity as a realtor with Joy Watson Real Estate in Greensboro, North Carolina. With 24 moves and nearly ten schools across states and countries, including Dover Court Preparatory School in Singapore, this 928 phone number is more than a contact detail; it’s a symbol of authenticity and stability.
My childhood was a whirlwind of relocations. In Birmingham, Alabama, I attended Ramsay High School, Putnam Middle School, St. Barnabas, and Rocky Ridge and Comer Elementary Schools. I spent time at Garden Elementary in Sarasota, Florida, and Dover Court Preparatory School in Singapore, reflecting the global scope of my early years. Later, I graduated from West Henderson High School in North Carolina. This constant movement fueled my determination to provide stability for my daughters. As an adult, I pursued education through a college transfer program with Northern Arizona University, tied to Coconino Community College, while living in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a decade. I loved my time in Flagstaff, where the 928 area code became part of who I am, but I’m thrilled to be back in the South, where I feel truly at home.
After moving to Greensboro with my ex-husband, Jay, for a job opportunity that didn’t pan out, I studied at Guilford College and Greensboro College, earning a Special Education degree summa cum laude in 2015, in my mid-40s—a milestone achieved a year after my older daughter graduated from Grimsley High School. Greensboro, with its perfect-sized city vibe, has become my haven. Here, I met my partner, Eric Hunsucker, and countless wonderful friends who’ve rooted me in this vibrant community. Though both of my daughters have moved away from Greensboro, they’re close enough for driving visits. My daughter Ivy lives just outside Charlotte, and I love taking the train to visit her, soaking in the scenic ride. Eric’s three sons are nearby too—one lives locally in Greensboro, another is in college at UNC Charlotte, and the third is working in Raleigh, NC—keeping our blended family connected across the region.
Eric and I share a passion for riding our e-bikes on Greensboro’s urban trails, like the Downtown Greenway, weaving through the city’s neighborhoods. We’re eager to explore the urban trails in Raleigh and Charlotte, but Eric’s current bike is too heavy with oversized tires to fit Amtrak’s bike holder requirements. Once he has a compatible bike, we’ll hop on the train with our bikes to pedal through those cities, blending our love for adventure with family visits. These outings keep us grounded in the South, where I’ve built a life I cherish.
When I started as a new realtor at Coldwell Banker, I faced a choice: should I switch to a local 336 phone number to align with Greensboro’s area code? My colleagues advised that it wasn’t mandatory and encouraged me to decide what was best for me and my business. I chose to keep my 928 number, as it felt like the most authentic choice, reflecting my unique journey and standing out in Greensboro’s real estate market. My 928 number has become a recognizable part of my brand at Joy Watson Real Estate, connecting me to clients who value my personal story and commitment to service.
The move to Greensboro was initially for Jay’s career, but my focus on giving our daughters a rooted childhood kept me here. I wanted them to grow up in one community, with consistent friends and schools—something I never had, with nearly ten schools across Alabama, Florida, Singapore, and North Carolina. My daughters, born in Asheville and Mountain Home in Western North Carolina, were part of Greensboro’s community during their school years, and I worked to provide the stability I missed.
My North Carolina journey spans Hendersonville, Asheville, Arden, Mills River, Franklin, and now Greensboro, yet my 928 phone number has remained unchanged. It’s a deliberate choice to hold onto something permanent. Eric, born and raised in Asheboro in the home his parents still own, has a local 336-254-3113 number. His roots are tied to one place, while mine stretch across states and continents, with my phone number bridging those experiences.
Sometimes, I consider adding a 336 number to delegate business calls and messages from clients and guests, freeing me to focus on other aspects of my work. But I haven’t found the right person yet—someone who can respond with both accuracy and the kindness that defines my business. Until then, my 928 number remains my primary point of contact, a direct line to me that reflects my dedication to personal, authentic service.
Keeping my 928 number isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about continuity for those who’ve known me through every chapter and for the clients who trust me to guide them in Greensboro’s real estate market. It represents my cherished time in Flagstaff, the resilience I’ve built through every move and classroom, and the pride of graduating summa cum laude after years of perseverance. While I might one day add a 336 number for practical reasons, I’ll never abandon 928-699-8883. It’s my touchstone, a piece of my story that no change of address or career milestone can erase.
