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Hannah Avenue officially renamed in honor of Bessie Dillard

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Bessie Richardson Dillard on Bessie Dillard Street. Photo by David Day
Bessie Richardson Dillard, 102, on Bessie Dillard Ave in Vicksburg. Photo by David Day

Hannah Avenue has officially been renamed Bessie Dillard Avenue.

Bessie Richardson Dillard, 102, headlined the ceremony held in her honor Wednesday by the City of Vicksburg. Also in attendance was Mayor George Flaggs, former Mayor Robert Walker and Alderman Michael Mayfield.

Linda Sweezer Rowster, the 10th born child of Dillard, was the master of ceremonies for the event.

Mayor Flaggs and Alerman Mayfield seek Mrs. Dillard favor. Photo by David Day

Mayor Flaggs and Alderman Mayfield seek Mrs. Dillard’s favor. Photo by David Day

Dillard was born October 1, 1919, in Issaquena County, the 7th of 13 children. She met and fell in love with Alfred Dillard and they married on Valentine’s Day, 1943. They raised 10 children and were blessed with 26 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Alfred went home to be with the Lord in 2002.

Bessie Richardson Dillard finished high school in Vicksburg in 1943. She then went on to Alcorn State where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. At age 40, while raising 10 children, she went back to school and got her Masters in Elementary Education from Jackson State University along with a Specialist’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading.

Bessie Dillar and former Mayor Robert Walker. Photo by David Day

Bessie Dillard and former Mayor Robert Walker. Photo by David Day

She served as an educator in the Vicksburg Warren School system for 23 more years.

“This day represents not just rename but enhance a name so young people can always understand that she was the one who went back to college and got her degree and taught children the importance of education,” said Mayor George Flaggs, Jr.

“I don’t think there’s a greater honor,” said daughter and Master of Ceremonies Linda Sweezer Rowster. “To see it realized today is everything to us. We are so extremely elated and I am just shocked at the number of people who came out.”

 

 

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