Clay County Detention Center inmates were served a Thanksgiving dinner

Pearlie Mae Westbrooks began the tradition, hoping to bring them the joy of the holiday season.

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Clay County Detention Center inmates were served a homemade Thanksgiving dinner Saturday afternoon.

Pearlie Mae Westbrooks began the tradition, hoping to bring them the joy of the holiday season.

Her daughter Terrilyn Murray said she was committed to serving them.

“My mother has been having this dinner for like thirty-plus years and she was dedicated to it. Even though it’s a lot of work she was very dedicated to this. She thought of this as her ministry,” Murray said.

Around two months ago, Westbrooks passed away, leaving her family to continue her legacy.

“This is the first year without her. Unfortunately, she unexpectedly passed away. With her not being here, we are going to keep this going. That’s what she would have wanted,” Murray said.

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said this annual dinner provides a bright spot for the inmates, specifically during the holiday season.

“We are very fortunate here that we have a lot of organizations that come in and feed the inmates. For the inmates, it kind of gives them that touch of home. It makes them feel that there are people out there who care about them,” Scott said.

This year, they had a cake and released balloons in memory of Westbrooks.

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