Mississippi’s First Lady Elee Reeves was guest speaker at the March 5 meeting of the Republican Women of Simpson County. Approximately 40 members, associate members and guests attended.
Mrs. Reeves kept her comments brief, reviewing what she has done as First Lady since husband Tate Reeves became governor. During the Covid pandemic she realized the Governor’s Mansion was in need of renovation and rehabilitation. Mrs. Reeves enlisted the aid of Katie Blount with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to develop a plan for appropriate fundraising, bringing in just over $180,000 spent on the revitalization.
In 2021/2022 Mrs. Reeves worked the Casey Foundation, which assists governor’s wives with projects. “One of the things obviously I’m passionate about is kids and education. I partnered with them and we created a kids’ coloring book called ‘Fred the Turtle.’ That has been probably my most favorite thing I've gotten to do because we traveled the state. Ann (Mrs. Reeves’ Chief of Staff) was just so excited about this because she had to call every single school district and say, ‘Can we come give you books?’” The First Lady gave out 32,000 books to fourth graders.
Mrs. Reeves closed her comments with the mention of an upcoming event on Saturday, June 20 called “United in Song.”
“We are working on the Mississippi America 250 Commission. As you know, America turns 250 this year on July 4th. We are doing one big signature event this summer.” Grammy and Dove award winner David T. Clydesdale has composed original arrangements just for the free event that will be held at the Mississippi Coliseum. It will feature a 1,000 member choir, children’s choir, live orchestra and special guests.
Anyone can sign up to sing by going to the website America250.ms, she added. The commission is comprised of Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Lynn Hosemann and Mrs. JoLynn White.
“Serving as Mississippi's First Lady is truly the honor of a lifetime. This has been such a joy to give back to Mississippi and to also explore Mississippi and to see all that we have. It is just amazing!”
