Mary Ellen Alexander Was Noted
Historian and Devoted Presbyterian

Funeral services were held on November 29, 2004 at First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, MS, for Presbyterian Elder Mary Ellen Alexander, widow of Mississippi Chancery Judge Frank Alexander.

As the foremost historian for the Mississippi Gulf Coast area surrounding Long Beach, she inspired and organized the entire community to form the Long Beach Historical Society, serving as its first president. The Society established the Mary Ellen Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award in her honor. Her book, Rosalie and Radishes, a history of Long Beach and her pioneer ancestors, was twice updated and reprinted. In 1997 Mary Ellen was honored by Long Beach as its Citizen of the Year. She left many creative legacies and ideas that will continue to support the Historical Society and the community for many years to come.

At the historic Synod meeting in l988, Mary Ellen Alexander
chaired the standing committee that changed the name from
the Synod of the Mid-South to the Synod of Living Waters,
signifying the reunion of two Presbyterian denominations.

Mary Ellen was a lifetime member of Long Beach Presbyterian Church and served as pianist and organist for nearly 45 years. She was President of the Women of the Church in both the Presbytery and the Synod of Mississippi. In 1964 she represented the denomination at the World Presbyterian Alliance in Frankfurt, Germany. She was the first woman Moderator of the South Mississippi Presbytery in 1982. She served on the Presbyterian Board of World Missions, on the Board of Directors of Columbia Theological Seminary, and on the Synod of the Mid-South Institutions Committee. For 12 years, she was Clerk of the Session of the Long Beach Presbyterian Church and later was honored as Elder Emeritus.

She is survived by her brother, William F. Watrous of Long Beach; her son William James Alexander, MD; daughter Janet Griffin; grandchildren Alyssa Alexander, Brian Alexander and Deirdre Griffin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Long Beach Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Second Street, Long Beach. MS 39560; or to the Long Beach Historical Society, PO Box 244, Long Beach, MS 39560; or to the Mississippi University for Women Foundation, 1100 College Street, Columbus, MS 39701.