by Tom Chillemi –
Nineteen years ago, this month, Serita Lockley graduated from Middlesex High School. Graduation featured speakers often tell graduates they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to do.
Lockley echoes that message.
Lockley, who now makes her home in Newport News, will celebrate her 10-year anniversary next month of doing business as Lady Lockley’s Trucking. Lockley currently has eight dump trucks and one box truck.
It’s Lockley’s box truck that’s been in heavy use during the COVID-19 pandemic delivering essential goods, such as medicine, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. to nursing facilities, doctors’ offices, jails, hospitals and other essential businesses.
A producer from Roc Nation and Big Fish Entertainment had seen Lockley on Instagram and contacted Lockley about being featured on the Amazon Prime video series, “Regular Heroes.” The show is an eight-episode docuseries that highlights the contributions and personal sacrifices of just some of today’s heroes as they go above and beyond to support their communities during the COVID-19 crisis. “It’s crazy how they picked me,” said Lockley. “I never in a million years would’ve thought little ol’ me from Middlesex County, Virginia, would be presented with the opportunity to tell my story on national TV.”
Driving is Serita’s heritage, her father also was a truck driver. Part of the documentary was recorded in Middlesex County at the home of Lockley’s father, David Lockley.
“It helps”
Winter is a slow time for construction and it’s hard to keep eight dump trucks working, said Lockley. She was worried how she would make her monthly $15,000 payments on five new dump trucks and pay for insurance and expenses. “I was like, ‘Oh Lord, what’s going to happen?”
Then COVID 19 slowed things further.
Nick Jonas, of the pop rock band Jonas Brothers, makes a guest appearance on the episode Lockley is featured in. Lockley felt blessed and surprised when Nick Jonas and the cast of regular heroes decided to help Lockley by making one month’s loan payments. “It helps!” she said.
“The most gratifying part of this experience is being able to share my story, motivate people and inspire people to be whatever they choose to be,” said Lockley. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, anything is possible.”
