Latimer Lunch honors Jean Pittman Williams, recognizes Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars
In keeping with Mississippi College’s ongoing Bicentennial Celebration, the MC Women’s Council’s Latimer Lunch on Feb. 24 paid tribute to one of the University’s most accomplished female pioneers: Jean Pittman Williams.
Lesley Ratcliff, associate pastor for children and adults at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson and Latimer Lunch guest speaker, described how Williams’ contributions to MC have helped shape the institution.
“For more than 50 years, she has served Mississippi College through Board leadership and steady investment,” Ratcliff said. “That kind of faithfulness shapes an institution in ways that are impossible to measure.
“She and her husband have given their time and resources to places that they love, Mississippi College, Northminster, and countless others. (Williams) is a woman whose name graces a recital hall, whose story is woven into the history of Mississippi College, and whose generosity is now helping young women like you pursue your own callings.”
The Latimer Lunch series offers MC students the opportunity to hear from accomplished industry leaders and network with Council members. During the event, students engage with professionals across a variety of fields and build relationships that can serve as a pipeline to career opportunities.
The founding scholarship for the MC Women’s Council is the Jean Pittman Williams Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA and to also live a life of service to others during their college years.
A 1955 graduate of Mississippi College, Williams was named MC’s 2024 Alumna of the Year. As an undergraduate, she served in the Baptist Student Union, made MC’s cheerleading squad, became the second president of the Kissimee Social Tribe, and was elected Homecoming Queen. Upon earning her B.S. in music education, Williams taught music in the school systems of six different states and maintained close relationships with her alma mater. In 2000, she and her brothers, Jimmy, Bob and Milton, became the first group of siblings to receive MC’s Order of the Golden Arrow.
MC President Blake Thompson convened the Latimer Lunch and commended Williams for working hand-in-hand with Katrina Pace, chief executive officer of the MC Foundation, to create the Women’s Council at MC.
“Today is a thank you for your longstanding service on the Board of Trustees and on the Foundation Board,” Thompson said. “But what you’ll be known for is this Women’s Council. We’re so thankful for all you’ve done.
“This is the bicentennial year of this institution, and for the next 200 years, students will come to this campus, be awarded these scholarships, and continue to fill the shoes that you left.”
Thompson went on to announce that Williams, whose service on the Foundation Board has concluded, will become MC’s first Foundation Board Member Emerita.
“Emerita is an earned honor granted based on longstanding meritorious service,” Thompson said. “I cannot think of anybody better to do that for.
“Jean, thank you for the difference you’ve made in the lives of all these women here today.”
During the luncheon, Thompson recognized current recipients of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship. Named in honor of the first woman to be appointed to board of the Coca-Cola Company, a generous philanthropist and accomplished businesswoman, the scholarship is awarded to female students who reside in the Southeast and demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and overall character.
The luncheon guest speaker, Ratcliff, earned her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in secondary education from MC. She completed her Master of Divinity at the George W, Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.
Since joining Northminster, Ratcliff has helped lead ministries that nurture faith formation across generations, providing strategic and pastoral leadership for both children’s and adult ministries.
Ratcliff told the audience and the Williams family that MC is the place that “formed” her.
“My years here shaped my love for learning, my love for Scripture and my love for the church,” she said. “Those threads have never separated in my life. During my years at Mississippi College, what began as curiosity slowly became conviction. I sensed that my life would be given to the church.
“I’ve stood in rooms where faith felt fragile, and in rooms where faith was fierce. In all of those spaces, I've drawn from what was formed here. The discipline of thinking carefully, the discipline of living out of God's general calling on all of us and God's specific calling on each of us, the discipline of staying and of showing up.”
Ratcliff said success depends upon those who inspire others by demonstrating life-changing leadership, a quality exhibited by a charter member of her Northminster Baptist Church, Jean Pittman Williams.
“Jean, thank you. Your steadiness has shaped this college, your faithfulness has shaped the church, and your quiet influence has shaped more lives than you will ever know,” Ratcliff said.
Ratcliff’s message to the female students in attendance: follow Williams’ example and pay attention.
“Pay attention to what stirs your heart. Pay attention to what you cannot ‘not’ do. Pay attention to the places where your gifts meet the world. And know that there is room for you.”
The MC Women’s Council’s primary focus is growing MC’s endowment for scholarships for all MC students. An additional purpose is to provide leadership and mentorship programs for students through programs like the Latimer Lunch series.
For more information about the MC Women’s Council, visit www.mc.edu/offices/giving/womens-council.
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