Marie Blalock was a dedicated civil rights worker and advocate. She was instrumental in the success of the Freedom Summer events of 1964, as well as contributions to the NAACP.
Jeanette Smith was a civil rights activist and served two terms as President of the Forrest County NAACP (1977-79 and 1992-94). She was also a local business woman and was known for her tenacious commitment to civil equality and rights.