Women of Distinction

This tribute to these ten (10) Women of Distinction showcases how they have chosen to make a difference. They have made impossible things happen. They possess an abundance of staying power and nerves of steel. The lessons they have taught, large and small, span across generations. These ten (10) women exhibit the noble characteristics that are the essence of NEWMS.

2005

Sister Elizabeth Brown. Role Model. After relocating to Okolona, MS in 1985  as the new pastoral associate of Glenmary's St. Theresa Church, Sister Liz began to listen to the people living in the community to discover the needs of the community.  In 1988, Sis Liz partnered with community leaders to form a non-profit community service organization that crossed boundaries of race, religion, age, and income known as Excel.  Excel's mission is to further education, promote community building, encourage community service, and foster healthy lives for families and individuals.

Bernice Wade Gambrel. Virtuous. Born eight of ten children, Bernice Wade Gambrel is a living example of a virtuous woman.  Ms. Gambrel worked  in private homes, Hardin Bakery, several sewing factories and Mid-South Packers to provide her children a better life.  This mother of seven children reared not only her own children, but also a niece, nephew and three grandchildren.  She is a surrogate mother and grandmother to many in the Red Hill community.   

Betty Lou Haynes Rutledge. Faith. Through faith, perseverance, inspiration and compassion Mrs. Rutledge became an advocate for special education and worked hard to down play the stereotype of children who were in special ed classes.  Known for her thoughtfulness and generosity to children, all students were treated with dignity at school.  While at Tupelo High, Mrs. Rutledge started the chapter of Future Educators of America  which became nationally chartered in 2005.  Mrs. Rutledge was honored as a 2001 Teacher of Distinction.  
 

Mary Werner. Leadership. Mary Werner cultivates the skills that characterize a good leader.   Originally from Milton, MA, Ms. Werner has taken ownership of the Tupelo community.  She has been involved with several non-profit organizations and also the local community development foundation.  Now serving as the first vice-president of CDF, Ms. Werner is on track to become the first woman chair in CDF's 59 year history.  Mrs. Werner is a founding member of NEWMS.

2004

Dona Floyd, Okolona. Counselor. She has been a confidant and Counselor for many teachers who lived in her home during the summers while attending nearby Okolona College. Today, teenagers, senior citizens, and those in between still come to seek her advice and just enjoy her company.

Alliene Gibens, Tupelo. Hero. As an educator, counselor and champion of youth, her door was always open to all students who knew they would be treated with dignity. When her children came to CREATE Foundation to establish a scholarship to honor their mother, it was named the Alliene Gibens “Be a Hero” Scholarship.

Willa Raspberry, Okolona. Courage. She wrote a poem in high school that underscored her ambition: “For loved ones who have hoped/These heights I might attain.” Her fierce determination was in evidence when, in 1964, she became the first black woman to register to vote in Okolona.

Eloise Scott, Tupelo. Pioneer. In 1988, she became one of the first women to serve in the State House of Representatives where she was a voice for education and took special interest in issues affecting youth, families and the underprivileged.

Ruvene Senter, Fulton. Leadership. In 1987, she became President of BancorpSouth in Fulton—the first woman president in its more than 100 year history. According to Aubrey Patterson, CEO and Chairman of BancorpSouth, “Ruvene is one of the most effective bank Presidents in the organization!”

Anne Stephens, New Albany. Nurturer. In her career as wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, she has devoted her life to leading and guiding her children and volunteering in organizations such as PTA and Girl Scouts. She has nurtured not only her own family, but her extended family, the community, through her work with Friends of the Library, Mother’s Club, The Good Samaritan Food Pantry and UNITE Community Foundation.