When the news came last Friday that former State Representative Mary Ann Stevens passed away in Ridgeland, I couldn’t help but think about she was a part of a great generation of public servants here in Carroll County. Steven’s District 48 house seat covered part of Carroll County. Throughout her life she was dedicated to serving and bringing results on the local level here, across her district, and the state.
The former alderwoman and mayor of her hometown of West, she knew the importance of grassroots politics, and getting results for her constituents. From my earliest years I remember her speaking at the Old Fashion Political Rally here in Carroll County at Black Hawk. Back then Charles Ellis was the court clerk, Ralph Self was the chancery clerk, and C.D. Whitfield was the sheriff during the early years of Representative Stevens service in the legislature. I learned a lot in my early years from watching those servants and being a part of those many campaigns. I take that with me today through my years in public service.
Representative Stevens had served on the Appropriations Committee, and served as chairwoman of the Insurance Committee in the House of Representatives where she worked with the Commissioner of Insurance in sponsoring legislation to maintain a viable insurance market in Mississippi. Through her leadership she worked tirelessly to help fire services here with equipment and fire trucks. She knew the importance of these initiatives from her years as a municipal official. Back in November 2023 when Carrollton Mayor Pam Lee and I were planning the opening of the new Big Sand Creek Bridge we knew this would be a significant occasion for the two towns and Carroll County. Representative Stevens attended the ribbon cutting at the bridge. A mutual friend of mine and hers, David Putman, brought her. I’m glad she was a part of that landmark occasion.
Representative Stevens picture is hanging on the wall of the Carroll County Courthouse in Vaiden along with others including judges. This is a reminder of her distinguished service to this area. She was from a great era of political service in this area that did great work for generations to come.
Last Thursday I was attending the Winona Rotary Club meeting where State Auditor Shad White was the guest speaker, and I talked to David Putman at the Rotary meeting and asked him about Representative Stevens. Thinking back to how it was so good she got to attend the ribbon cutting in 2023 at Big Sand Bridge.
The next morning, last Friday, I got word from David that Representative Stevens had passed away earlier that morning. At that moment I thought back about her dedicated life of public service and couldn’t help but think, “well done good and faithful servant.”
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors and is a member of the of the MML education committee.
