Mary Ann Stevens

Mary Ann Stevens from West, Mississippi, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, in Ridgeland, surrounded by her family.
Mary Ann was born March 16, 1936, and was a lifelong resident of West, Mississippi. She was a landowner, former banker, mayor and state legislator.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John L. and Mildred Mason; her brother, Johnny Mason; and her husband, A. J. Stevens, III.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Liz Welch and husband Paul of Madison; grandson Matthew Stevens Majure and his wife, Cassidy; and her great-granddaughter, Lillian Mills Majure; nephew, Mike Mason (Tracy); nieces, Melissa Lowery (Mack); Millie Molpus (Ronnie). Cousins, Sarah Scruggs (Skipper) and Alvin Loewenberg. She set a wonderful example for her family as she lived by the golden rule – Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.
She took every opportunity to make a positive impact on her hometown; her constituents in Mississippi House of Representatives, District 48; and the state of Mississippi. If she believed in a cause, issue, etc., it was almost impossible to dissuade her. Her drive and her compassion for serving others continued during retirement and her tenacity remained unmatched.
While serving in the Mississippi House of Representatives for 30 years, Mary Ann was appointed to numerous legislative and special committee earning the name "Steel Magnolia". As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Mary Ann has the distinct honor of being the first female to ever serve on the General Bill subcommittee – then a subcommittee with only seven members that managed general bills that required revenue. She served on committees overseeing judiciary and municipal matters, and served as chairperson of the Legislative PEER committee, an investigative committee of state and local government.
Mary Ann served several terms as chairwoman of the House of Representatives Insurance Committee, where she worked with the Commissioner of Insurance in sponsoring legislation to maintain a viable insurance market in Mississippi.
She helped pass Workers'Compensation reform and the Comprehensive Health Insurance Risk Pool Association for people who have been denied health insurance because they were high risk. Her legislative accomplishments include the creation of a low-interest loan program for counties and municipalities and the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program, which helps rural areas purchase fire trucks and reduces insurance rates in rural Mississippi.
She pushed for the creation of the Capitol Curator position at the Mississippi State Capitol to preserve the historic building's architecture and features. She also served as a member of the Health Insurance Management board where she worked to provide stable health care coverage for state employees and schoolteachers.
She was recognized by many different groups for her contributions, including Holmes County Citizen of the Year 1994-95 by the Chamber of Commerce. She was a lifelong member of the West Methodist Church and served as treasurer; the West Civic Club; and served as an incorporator of the Town of West Historical and Preservation Society. She served on the North Central Planning and Development Board, Mississippi Women's Club, Mississippi Municipal Association, West Garden Club and the West Primary Clinic.
She will be missed by her family and friends – a void that can never be filled. Tough as nails and a heart of gold. We love you.
The family would like to thank Barbara Young and Walter Johnson, both of the West, MS, for their long-time care, concern and support. The family would also like to express our appreciation for the staff at The Blake in Ridgeland.
The visitation for Mary Ann will be held on Monday, February 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi. A graveside service will be on Tuesday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. in West, Mississippi at the West Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the West Historical Society, P. O. Box 241, West, Mississippi 39192, or the charity of your choice.