Remembering long time legislator Mary Ann Stevens

WEST, Miss.–Someone who will never be replaced and and a void that will never be filled are a couple of the ways former state Rep. Mary Ann Stevens has been described since her death Feb. 14.

Stevens, of West, earned the nickname “Steeel Magnolia” during her time in the state legislature, where she was responsible notable changes in her three decades of service, including Workers Comp reform, and helping rural communities obtain fire trucks.

She was the first first female to serve on the General Bills subcommittee, and also served on the House Insurance Committee.

Stevens was also a prominent advocate for preservation of the state’s historic buildings.

During all that time she remained a life-long resident of West, serving her town as a banker, landowner and mayor before her time in the legislature.

Current Mississippi Speaker of the House Jason White knew Stevens very well, as she preceded him as representative of House District 48.

“Mary Ann was a great friend and mentor to me personally,” White told BreezyNews. “She was always there in the trenches fighting for ‘her people’ as she described her constituents. She will be missed by her entire community for the positive impact she made. She served House District 48 well for over 30 years, and if she believed in a cause, it was almost impossible to dissuade her. Her drive and compassion for serving others continued during retirement and her tenacity remained unmatched.”

Services for Stevens were held Tuesday, Feb. 18.