On a warm summer Saturday in Vicksburg, two students were celebrated not just for academic excellence, but for continuing the legacy of a woman who believed education could change everything.
The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship, created by sisters Adrienne A. Mosley and Fayedra Brown-Dear at the Community Foundation for Mississippi in honor of their mother, awarded its 2025 scholarships to Sarah Lauren Cooley and Kynnade Washington—two young women from Warren County with bright futures ahead.
Family, friends, and community leaders gathered in early July to celebrate the scholars and the impact of Bettye Smith Brown, whose legacy lives on through this annual award. Bettye, a lifelong advocate for education, raised her daughters in a “no-excuses” household where excellence and hard work were non-negotiable.
Sarah Lauren, a graduate of River City Early College at Warren Central High School, will attend the University of Southern Mississippi to study biomedical science. Kynnade, a graduate of Vicksburg High School, will attend Alcorn State University to study music education. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship to support their education.
“These young women represent everything our mother stood for—determination, resilience, and a passion for learning,” said Brown-Dear. “This scholarship is about making sure students like them have the support they need to go as far as their dreams will take them.”
Now endowed at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, the scholarship provides two annual awards to Warren County students with strong academic records and financial need. It continues Bettye’s mission of empowering others—especially in the community she called home.
“Mommy would be proud of these students and of the community for showing up to lift them up.” said Mosley.
Learn more about the Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation for Mississippi here. To support the fund, click here.