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Your Trusted Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
William "Bill" Cruse
Attorney & Title Agent
🌟 Committed to Pearl River County
Bill Cruse is a lifelong resident of Pearl River County. He graduated from Picayune Memorial High School in 2001, attended Pearl River Community College in 2003, and then transferred to Mississippi College where he completed both his undergraduate degree and law school.
💼 A Career Built on Title Expertise
Bill began his career in real estate title work in 2007 as an abstractor, transitioning to an attorney role in 2009.
After training at Ferguson & Fike, Bill gained diverse experience:
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He practiced as a solo attorney in Clinton, MS.
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He worked with McDonald, Patch & Bryan, PLLC in Picayune.
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In 2015, Bill founded Picayune Law, PLLC, which later became Cruse Law Firm, and is now known as Assurance Title.
✅ Assurance Title: Accuracy and Protection
Bill is passionate about empowering clients. He believes that when you're buying property—especially your family home—you deserve the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Bill sets the Assurance Title standard by prioritizing accurate legal research and a client-centered closing process.
Bill's Core Belief: It is wrong for a title company to gamble on a title problem, leaving a client exposed to potential liability. Assurance Title will always candidly disclose and resolve title issues that others might ignore, ensuring your interests are advised and protected, regardless of the effort required.
👨👩👧👦 Family and Community
Bill lives in Carriere with his wife, Morgan, and their four children: Liam, Macie, Victor, and Claire.
Bill and Morgan are deeply dedicated to their community and are committed to helping the youth of Pearl River County thrive and reach their potential in academics, extracurriculars, and social development.
Terri Williams
Closing Manager
💼 A Career in Real Estate
Terri Williams is Assurance Title's Closing Manager. Terri is originally from the central east coast of Florida but moved to South Mississippi in 1995. Terri has been in the real estate business for over 25 years with a background in commercial real estate development and then as a residential mortgage lender. The transition to her joining Cruse Law Firm was a natural one. She prides herself on customer service both before, during and after the transaction.
👨👩👧👦 Family and Hobbies
Terri is married to the love of her life and they have 6 wonderful children. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, fishing and being outdoors.
Emily May
Closing Assistant
🌟 Education
Emily May is a dedicated professional with a strong foundation in business and a passion for serving clients throughout the closing process. A Hancock High School honors graduate, Emily went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University, graduating Cum Laude in 2025.
💼 A Strong Foundation in Business
During her time in college, Emily developed a broad understanding of accounting, marketing, and law, giving her a well-rounded background that supports her work in the title industry. Her education and hands-on experience allow her to approach each transaction with precision, clear communication, and excellent service.
✅ Committed to our Clients
Emily is passionate about contributing to her community and is committed to helping local families and businesses move confidently through significant real estate milestones. She believes that every closing is more than a transaction: it’s a life event. She strives to provide support, clarity, and professionalism every step of the way.
👩❤️👨 Family and Interests
Emily lives on the Gulf Coast with her fiancé, Vincent. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking delicious meals, browsing the unique antique shops around Picayune, and ending the day with a cozy movie night. On the weekends, Emily and Vincent love playing pickleball, visiting the local farmers market, and hosting dinner parties for their friends and loved ones.
Lisa Blackburn
Processor
💼 Career Background
With 30 years of background in banking and mortgages, Lisa offers a steady, reliable hand during the closing process. She knows that accuracy matters, and she takes great care in handling the crucial details. Her focus is always on delivering an efficient closing while remaining understanding of her clients' unique needs.
✅ Core Values
Lisa believes that good communication is key to a successful transaction, which is why she places such high value on her relationships with realtors and lenders. She takes pride in doing her job well and seeing her clients walk away happy.
👩❤️👨 Family
Lisa has called Picayune home since 2007. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, catching up with friends and family, and watching her favorite sports and movies.
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Sarah McDonald
Title Examiner
🌟 Education
Sarah McDonald is an experienced title professional with a strong academic foundation and a passion for accuracy in every transaction. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and later completed her Master’s Degree at William Carey University, equipping her with the knowledge and discipline that support her work in the title industry.
💼 A Firm Background in Real Estate & Building
Sarah began her career in 2009, gaining extensive hands-on experience in real estate and construction. This early exposure to property, development, and client needs provided her with a practical understanding of the industry long before she transitioned into title work. Since 2017, Sarah has worked in the title profession, where her detailed approach, industry insight, and commitment to precision make her an invaluable member of every closing team.
✅ Client-Centric Approach
Sarah is dedicated to helping clients navigate even the most complex real estate transactions with confidence and clarity. She believes every closing represents more than paperwork—it represents a milestone, a new beginning, or an important investment. Her goal is to provide consistent professionalism, transparency, and care throughout the process, ensuring that each client feels supported every step of the way.
👨👩👧👧 Family and Interests
Sarah is married to her husband, Kenny McDonald, and they share two daughters who keep life joyful and busy. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying connected to her community. Her background in real estate and building continues to inspire her personal interests, whether it’s home projects, exploring local developments, or learning more about the ever-changing property market.