Patsy Brewer was given the Award of Meritorious Leadership in Mississippi History and Genealogy for 2016 during a recent event.

Brewer was honored during the June 11 Spring General Assembly of the Order of the First Families of Mississippi (OFFM), which was held in Natchez.  The morning welcome party was held at one of the well-known historic homes of Natchez, The Elms.  A luncheon, program and business meeting followed at the Carriage House, with Governor General Barbara Gilbert Haigh presiding.  Brewer was nominated for the award by OFFM member and Waynesboro resident Becky Rhinehart.  She described Brewer as a visionary who is always willing to give of her time and talents.  The presentation was made by OFFM Registrar General and 2013 award recipient Virginia Brickell of Indianola.

Brewer is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. She currently serves as the Director of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library and served in 2015 as the state president of the Mississippi Library Association.

Under her leadership, a Genealogy Room was planned to house research materials, family histories and displays of historical items at the library.  As a member of the Wayne County Genealogy Organization, Brewer realized that there was only one small book written on the history of Wayne County. She worked with this organization to compile information and publish three books — History of Wayne County 1809-1909, History of Wayne County Volume 2 and a Pictorial History of Wayne County. She is working with the Wayne County Genealogy Organization to identify and record forgotten cemeteries in the county, working to clean and preserve them.

Under Brewer’s leadership, a Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker was dedicated to Jimmie Roger’s cousin Jesse Rogers.  The Wayne County Genealogy Organization worked with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to complete this project.

Brewer also serves as Treasurer for the Wayne County 4-H Advisory Council and is a member of other civic organizations, as well as a lifetime member of the USM Alumni Association and a member of the JCJC Alumni Association.  She currently serves as the Chairman of the Wayne County Relay for Life committee.  She shares her musical talent playing the piano at her church.

Brewer has had a life-long interest in history.  She is member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Cameo Society.  She is also active in the Fine Arts Club of Wayne County and TEAM W, which stands for Together Energizing and Motivating Waynesboro.  TEAM W sponsors the Whistle Stop Festival each year in April.

The Award of Meritorious Leadership in Mississippi History and Genealogy was established by the Order of the First Families of Mississippi in 1994 to honor persons who have made significant contributions to the preservation of Mississippi history.  Members of the organization have the opportunity each year in March to nominate persons who have been leaders in preserving Mississippi history.

Past recipients of the award who are also members of the organization comprise the selection committee.