Jana Calcote

I got my start over 30 years ago making copies and running names for my sister and various other abstractors in the record vault in Harrison County. From there, I went on to work for the city of Gulfport, Denbury Onshore Oil Company, and then after the crash of 2008, I became an

independent abstractor. I quickly discovered several things: the more complex a search was, the more I enjoyed it; I’m a sucker for a good map; and no matter how bad a search is there is nothing I would rather be doing. I ultimately found my way to First American Title where I stayed until opening LLC Abstracting in 2024.

Early on in my career, I made it my mission to learn at least one new thing a week about abstracting. Even now, after all these years, I still try to find something new to learn about. I will second Mrs. Sandra’s learning to plot is vital to what we do and the ladies in the clerk’s office hold a wealth of information, so be nice to them. I will add don’t forget to check for easements – everyone needs utilities and access to their property. Also, always run Chancery as part of your search – it can help you fill a gap or create one.

I have been blessed in my career to play a small part in the realization of other’s dreams, in being able to help move forward disaster relief, and in the improvement of my hometown. And, while it is true that the records hold the most accurate portrayal of any place’s history, it also holds the future. That is why it’s so important to carefully examine the record every time. Most people don’t ever know of the role an abstractor played in their lives, but it is really cool to drive past a new home being built or a groundbreaking ceremony and be able to say, “I did that search. I have a part in that.”

I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast before attending the University of Southern Mississippi. My family attends Riverside Baptist Church where I lead our youth group. My husband, Chad, and I have 3 beautiful daughters and 1 very doted on son. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, quilting, cooking and spending time with my family.