“A great smile is a wonderful asset, but a good heart is a pure gold” (Dolly Parton).
Onjira Scrimpshire has a heart of gold and is a blessing to everyone around her. She loves others and wants to do everything she can to help those in need.
Most people can easily recognize the authentic Thai cuisine that Onjira provides. While many people know her now, she wasn’t originally from the United States. In fact, she moved to Clarke County from Thailand in 1987. She began school in the Enterprise School District and eventually graduated from Enterprise High School in 1995.
Transitioning from another country wasn’t easy for her; however, the kindness shown to her by everyone made it much easier to adapt to the culture shock. According to Onjira, it was hard when she first moved to the area because she didn’t know all of the alphabet or how to really speak English. Despite learning a new language, she found it easy to make friends at Enterprise because of how friendly and welcoming everyone was.
She has maintained her friendships over the years.
“I’ve never known someone as selfless and giving as Onjira,” stated Heather Hatcher. “We have been friends since she first moved here from Thailand, and she still amazes me every day with how much she thinks of others before herself.”
Like with her friends, Onjira loves and cherishes her family. One of her happiest moments in life was when her daughter, Alexis, was born. She valued each moment she was able to spend with her daughter before Alexis tragically passed away in 2020. While she was devastated at the loss of her daughter, she has worked hard to take care of her grandchildren and keep her daughter’s memory alive. She spends as much time as she can with her husband, Brad;son, Daniel; her three grandbabies, AJ, Liam, and Kai; and her brothers and extended family.
“She’s the strongest person ever and carries on the memory of her beautiful daughter Alexis every day by constantly helping others, running a restaurant, managing all of the animals on their farm, and being the most extraordinary YaYa ever to her grandbabies,” proclaimed Heather.
Despite the struggles she’s faced, she is extremely giving.
“She unselfishly gives of her time and resources to the community, whether by collecting supplies for the volunteers during severe weather or cooking for events,” expressed her friend and employee at her restaurant Dee Dee Seale. “In one word, Onjira is magnanimous!”
She uses her restaurant business, Aie’s Taste of Thai to bless others as much as she possibly can. She consistently donates meals to law enforcement and military. Both of her brothers and one sister-in-law served in the military, so she is very supportive of the military.
Recently, she donated plate lunches to the employees at Enterprise Elementary School just to show her appreciation for what they do every day. She is known to contribute food in the community after large storms that knock out power and has taken donations states away just to help with hurricane relief. She participates in various community events and simply wants to show her support and love to others.
“It just makes me feel good,” declared Onjira, “especially helping others without expectations in return.”
With each day that passes by, Onjira will continue to maintain her humble spirit while making a difference in the lives of others.
If you would like to nominate someone for Person of the Week, contact Brittney Mangum at 601-776-3726.
