Bennie G. Thompson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Addie Carmichael Miller on her appointment as Superintendent of the North Bolivar Consolidated School District and to congratulate her as she begins this important new chapter of leadership.

Effective July 1, 2026, Dr. Miller assumed leadership of North Bolivar Consolidated School District, bringing years of educational experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence, student achievement, and continuous improvement. A native of Shelby, Mississippi, Dr. Miller is a proud 2000 graduate of Broad Street High School. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher in 2004 and later served as assistant principal at McEvans Elementary School, and principal of I.T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou. She most recently served as the district's Federal Programs Director.

Dr. Miller was recognized as the district's 2022 Administrator of the Year, reflecting her dedication and leadership in education. Her familiarity with North Bolivar's students, schools, families, and communities provides a strong foundation as she leads the district into its next phase of growth and development.

As Superintendent, Dr. Miller will oversee academic, operational, and strategic initiatives throughout C.E. Hall Elementary, I.T. Montgomery Elementary, and Northside High School. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing student outcomes, strengthening school operations, and ensuring that district priorities remain aligned with the needs of the community.

In her first official Board of Trustees meeting as Superintendent, Dr. Miller was described as leading with a shared commitment to purpose, progress, and lasting impact on every student. This aligns with a philosophy that values not only measurable academic results but also the long-term development and well-being of students.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Addie Miller on this well-deserved appointment and commend her for her continued service to the students, families, and communities of North Bolivar County. I am confident that her leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence will help create meaningful opportunities and lasting success for the scholars she serves.

I congratulate Dr. Miller and send her my best wishes for a successful tenure as Superintendent of the North Bolivar Consolidated School District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Helen M. Johnson, a trailblazing public servant, entrepreneur, community leader, devoted matriarch, and woman of faith from Hollandale, Mississippi, who passed away on August 22, 2026.

Helen was born on September 15, 1954, the thirteenth child of Leroy and Daisy Smith. She was educated at Simmons Elementary School and Simmons High School and later earned her GED. A lifelong learner, she continued her education through Draughons Business College, Delta State University, Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Helen's life was marked by perseverance. As a young woman, she struggled with a severe stutter that affected her confidence. Through speech therapy, determination, and faith, she overcame that challenge. The young woman who once struggled to speak confidently would later become a respected public official, trainer, mentor, and community leader.

Helen built a distinguished career in municipal government. She became the first Black radio dispatcher for the City of Hollandale, later served approximately fifteen years as Deputy City Clerk, and in 2001 became the first Black City Clerk of Hollandale, Mississippi. She faithfully served as City Clerk until 2021.

Her commitment to public service did not end with her retirement as City Clerk. Helen continued training and mentoring municipal clerks, established HMJ Consulting Services, LLC, and served as a Municipal Clerk Consultant Officer with HOPE Enterprise. She later continued her service to the citizens of Hollandale as an Alderwoman and Vice Mayor of the City of Hollandale, positions she faithfully held at the time of her passing.

Helen was also a successful entrepreneur. Alongside her husband, John Wesley Johnson, she began a jewelry business that eventually grew into Something Special Fashions, with locations in Hollandale, Leland, Sunflower, and Cleveland. A talented seamstress, she was well known for her creativity, elegance, professionalism, and sense of style.

Helen's commitment to service extended throughout her community. She served in leadership roles with the Hollandale Rotary Club, Mississippi Municipal Clerks Association, Community Foundation of Washington County, South Delta Planning & Development District, Hollandale Economic and Community Development Foundation, and Hollandale Community Volunteers for Progress.

Her faith remained the foundation of her life. Helen joined First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church at the age of twelve and remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime.

Above all, Helen was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend. She believed that family was defined not only by blood, but also by love, sacrifice, guidance, and care.

Mr. Speaker, Helen M. Johnson lived a life of faith, perseverance, service, and purpose. From breaking barriers in municipal government to serving as Vice Mayor and Alderwoman, she devoted her life to strengthening Hollandale and improving the lives of those around her.

The young girl who once struggled to find her voice ultimately used that voice to teach, lead, encourage, and serve.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Alderwoman Helen M. Johnson and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, church family, colleagues, and the entire Hollandale community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Shelly ``Shirley'' Frazier.

Shelly Frazier is a 1973 graduate of North Natchez High School. She continued her education at Meadow-Draughon Business College in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she earned a degree in business administration in 1974.

Shelly began her career with AT&T, where she worked for 32 years before retiring in 2010. During her career, her work took her to several locations, including Jackson, Mississippi; Pensacola, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Atlanta, Georgia. Her career reflected a strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Her commitment to service continued well beyond her professional career. Mrs. Frazier is currently serving her third term as the District 4 Election Commissioner for Adams County, where she continues to serve her community through the administration of local elections. She is also a lifetime member of the NAACP and has faithfully served as secretary for more than 15 years.

Shelly Frazier is married to Billie Joe Frazier, and together they have three daughters, Jarita Frazier-King, Courtney Frazier, and Skylar King-Frazier, and one son, Keimon B. Frazier. They also cherish four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, affectionately known as their ``chocolate drop.''

Mrs. Frazier has also played an important role in preserving her family's history, culture, and culinary traditions. Alongside her mother and daughters, she helped launch the Natchez Heritage School of Cooking, a family business dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich foodways and cultural heritage of Natchez and the surrounding region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shelly ``Shirley'' Frazier of Natchez, Mississippi, for her achievements and dedicated service to the Natchez-Adams County community.