‘Women Of Distinction’ Honored During Awards Luncheon

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide. It’s a day set aside to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.

There was another event that honored local women who are making a big impact in Northeast Mississippi.

Patty Tucker has been known for her work with MDOT, the American Red Cross of North Mississippi and a host of non profit and volunteer organizations such as the Lee County 4 H Advisory Council and the Mississippi Volunteer Leaders Association.

“My motto is, to whom much is given, much is required, I’ve been so blessed and am so honored to be able to give back to the community,” Tucker said.

Tucker was one of five female leaders honored at the “Women of Distinction ” Luncheon.  The awards are a project of New Expectations for Women in Mississippi, or NEWMS, which was formed to improve the lives of women in the area. Every two years,  NEWMS, honors five women, and one organization.  This year the organization of distinction is the Good Samaritan Free Clinic.

All of the honorees do much of their work behind the scenes and with little or no fanfare.

“Women have that tendency to not brag on themselves,  none of the ladies we’ve ever honored are out there for that recognition, but because other people see the work they’re doing, and results of that work, they feel they are worthy to be recognized,” said Zell Long, of NEWMS.

Also honored with a Women of Distinction award were,  Kay Matthews, known for her work at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for nearly 30 years; Juanita Floyd, who has worked with the CREATE Foundation for 33 years;  Nettie Davis who was the first African American woman elected to serve on the Tupelo  city council; and Shawn Brevard, whose family has been active in education, business and volunteer work for years.

“When you look at the range of work each of the five honorees do, you get a sense of the diversity and depth of opportunities we have in this community, it’s all of us together, it takes a village,” Brevard said.

Every woman of distinction also pointed out that NEWMS is not just for women, men are also invited to join and take part, and help make the community a better place.

NEWMS offers a number of programs, seminars and classes to help women and men achieve success in all areas of life.