Retiring lawmaker celebrated for advocacy, ‘motherly’ presence
Longtime state Rep. Frances Fredericks will retire at year’s end and many said she’ll be remembered for both her fierce advocacy on behalf of South Mississippi and her caring, motherly presence at the state Capitol.
As Fredericks, D-Gulfport, ends her 20-plus year legislative career, friends and fellow lawmakers said she’s likely to be most remembered for advocating causes benefitting children, the elderly and the underserved. Lawmakers also said she should be given credit for being a champion of South Mississippi issues this term as chair of the House of Representatives Marine Resources Committee, where many Coast-specific issues are decided.
For her work in Jackson and South Mississippi, she was honored at a banquet Saturday in Gulfport.
Fredericks — who grew up in Picayune and lives in Gulfport — said she’ll take some time to relax at home when her term expires in January 2012.
Sun Herald
1/23/11
Magnolia Tribune
