Corinth Preservationist Rosemary Williams Dies at 88

Corinth preservationist Rosemary Williams, whose work helped save the city’s Civil War landmarks and bring the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center to life, died Sunday, Oct. 25, at her home in Corinth. She was 88.

For decades, Williams was one of the best-known voices for history in Alcorn County. City leaders and longtime friends are remembering her as a tireless advocate who gave Corinth’s past a seat at the table as the community planned for its future.

Corinth Preservationist Rosemary Williams Led Civil War Site Efforts

Williams chaired the Siege and Battle of Corinth Commission, the group that worked to protect the battlefields, earthworks and other sites tied to the 1862 campaign for the railroad crossroads at Corinth. Under her leadership, the commission pushed for and secured funding for the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, now part of Shiloh National Military Park.

Her preservation work reached well beyond the battlefield. According to the Daily Corinthian, she:

• Helped protect the Corinth Contraband Camp, where formerly enslaved people found refuge during the war
• Worked to preserve the Corinth Coliseum Civic Center and other local landmarks
• Helped found the Corinth Symphony Orchestra
• Served two decades on the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
• Served on the board of the Civil War Trust and with many community groups

State and National Honors

The Mississippi Heritage Trust named Williams its Preservationist of the Year in 2006. Two years later, she accepted the Preserve America Presidential Award from First Lady Laura Bush on behalf of Corinth and Alcorn County. The national award recognized the community’s work to save and share its Civil War heritage.

She was also a longtime member of First Methodist Church in Corinth.

Community Leaders Remember Her Impact

Corinth Mayor Ralph Dance called Williams “absolutely a staple in the community for a long time” and said the city is better because of her dedication and service.

“We just can’t imagine Corinth without her influence,” Dance said. “People like her are rare.”

Friend and council president Brett Garrett said Williams had a kind spirit, a quick laugh and a true heart for preservation. “She was truly a champion for all that needed a voice to be a champion of them,” Garrett told the Daily Corinthian.

Visitors who tour the interpretive center, walk the Contraband Camp or attend a symphony concert are seeing part of what Williams helped build. Much of the history that draws tourists to Corinth today is still standing because she and the people she worked with fought to keep it.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral services for Rosemary Williams are set for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at First Methodist Church in Corinth. Visitation will begin at noon at the church.

More Alcorn County community news: Barnett makes history as Mississippi American Legion commander and Corinth Freedom Center campus adds chapel, cottages.

Source: Daily Corinthian