Former Mississippi Governor William Winter dies at 97

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Winter, a Democrat, served as governor from 1980 to 1984 and is best known for pushing the 1982 Education Reform Act, which revised the state’s public education system.

“Known as the governor of Mississippi’s education, Winter secured the approval of flagship educational initiatives in 1982, which brought kindergartens, compulsory school attendance, and a number of other key reforms to a state plagued by poverty and illiteracy, “said a statement from Dick Molpus, a family spokesman and former Mississippi secretary of state.

“(Winter) fought for equity in education through the Education Reform Act of 1982, which set high standards for students, teachers and schools, and established a free public kindergarten for all. the kids.

“Their work will continue to live on in the generations of Mississipians who changed their lives because of the opportunities their education provided them,” he said.

The alma mater of winter, the The University of Mississippi said on Twitter who had been “a pillar of racial reconciliation and champion of Mississippi.”

Threatened by the Klan

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Winter was elected to the Mississippi legislature in 1947 while a student at Ole Miss Law School, according to the family statement.

Winter’s family said it was opposed to the Klu Klux Klan and White citizen councils and its stance on strict racial segregation in the 1950s and 1960s, with which the KKK threatened his life when he ran in the first unsuccessful presidency in 1967.

The winter was part of an effort to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the Mississippi state flag through a state referendum in 2001. The flag was finally withdrawn earlier this year.
In the 1990s, President Bill Clinton appointed Winter to serve on the National Race Commission. Winter expanded this work for racial harmony with the creation of the Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, according to the family statement.
Clinton issued a statement Saturday expressing her gratitude for having had the opportunity to work and learn from Winter.

“With the death of Governor William F. Winter, Mississippi has lost one of its greatest advocates of equality, reconciliation, and progress; and I have lost a friend, an inspiration, and one of the best people I have ever known.” Clinton said.

“Bill had the gift of seeing his state as it was, of imagining what it could be and of taking the difficult but necessary steps to get there. His bold efforts to reform education, fight poverty and bringing people together in racial lines demonstrated the promise of a new Mississippi, ”he said.

“Hillary and I send our condolences to his wonderful 70-year-old wife, Elise; his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; to all those he empowered with his example and friendship, and to the countless people who know that their lives they are better today because of their service “.

Winter’s life and 75 years of public service were told in an Emmy-winning documentary film “The Toughest Job,” according to the statement, and his political courage was recognized when he received the John F Award. Kennedy Profiles in Courage in 2008.

The current governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves, has tweeted that he and his wife were deeply saddened by Winter’s death.

“He really loved this state and his country. And the people of Mississippi loved him again. We will all miss them.” Said Reeves publication.

Winter is survived by his 70-year-old wife, Elise Varner Winter; three daughters Anne Winter, Lele Gillespie and Eleanor Winter and five grandchildren, according to the statement.

“A memorial service will be held once the dangers of Covid-19 are lessened and it is safe to gather for a service,” he said.

The cause of Winter’s death has not yet been revealed.

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