James L. Boykins, Jr. was an extraordinary educator and principal in the Hattiesburg Public School District, owner and president of Century Funeral Home and the first African American elected as Forrest County District 4 Supervisor. In the 2000’s, the legal name of Old Hwy 42 was changed to James Boykins Memorial Drive, in memory of the first African American elected official in Forrest County.
Grace and Mary Love, a mother and daughter pair, were both longtime educators in Hattiesburg Public Schools for several years. Grace Love taught elementary students for more than five decades. Mary Love followed in her mother’s footsteps and taught elementary school at Eureka School for most of her 40-year teaching career. Both educators were celebrated, and a Hattiesburg school was named in honor of Grace Love.
