Leaders from across Mississippi are gathered in Jackson to celebrate the lives of former governor and first lady William and Elise Winter. Attendees remembered the bi-partisan contributions the Winters made to the state.
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Governor William Winter and Elise Winter discuss their lives on Mississippi Public Broadcasting's Conversations
Former Democratic Governor William Winter died on December 18th, 2020, and his wife Elise died just seven months later. Winter was an advocate for education reform and racial reconciliation. Before his death, he pushed for lawmakers to build the new civil rights museum where former Republican Governor Haley Barbour is one of several to share memories of the couple.
Barbour says “I’m a Republican, he’s a Democrat. We did a lot of things together, and I thought and think very well of him an Mrs. Winter. So I was glad to be asked to do this.”
Also speaking is former United States President Bill Clinton, who says Winter offered advice during his tenure as Governor of Arkansas.
“I am honored to be here in reverence and joy to honor two people who kept score in the right way and it left them off in a good place. That’s what we have to do,” says President Clinton.
And Reena Evers-Everette, Daughter of Medgar Wylie Evers, says the Winters helped to break down racial barriers in the state.
“The beautiful Mrs. Elise Winter was like truly family as soon as we met,” says Evers-Everette. “It was like we knew a purpose for meeting, it was not about business it was about love.”
Then Representative William Winter and his wife Elise Winter meet with other state lawmakers in the Capitol, 1951 (MDAH)
Former First Lady Elise Winter was recognized multiple times during her life for her volunteer service and the role she played in establishing Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area. Executive Director Merrill McKewen says in the 35 years since its founding, more than 650 homes have been built.
McKewen says “It hurts my heart a little bit all the folks that won’t know Elise Winter because she loved coming to dedications and she loved working on houses.”
Advocates say one of the Winters’ most significant contributions to the state was expanding access to quality public education.
