Reverend Elijah Jones was a religious and community leader. He devoted his life to ministerial work, pastoring sixteen churches, including the building of five of them. His life focused on civic and faith-based work throughout the city.
Lucille Trotter Smith was a community leader and advocate. She was a lifelong member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church and was active in a number of community organizations.
Charlie H. “C.H.” Watts was a community advocate and civil servant. He worked 40 years in the public works division of the City of Hattiesburg while also founding and leading the Bethlehem Travelers, a Christian singing group. He also organized the first girls youth softball program in Hattiesburg.