Addie Jean Colburn Scholarship Fund

Addie Jean Colburn was a God-fearing woman who dedicated her life to serving God, her family, and her community. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, strong woman, and someone who believed deeply in helping others and encouraging people to become the best they could be. Addie was a trailblazer in her community. She became the first Black director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Lee County, Mississippi, a position that reflected her determination, strength, and lifelong commitment to serving others. She worked hard throughout her life and understood the importance of education, opportunity, and having someone believe in you. Faith was at the center of Addie's life. She was a devoted minister's wife who faithfully served alongside her husband throughout their marriage until her passing. She was also deeply committed to nurturing and guiding young people through her work with the church's youth department. She organized spiritual trips and activities for the youth, creating meaningful experiences and encouraging them to grow in their faith and in their lives. After her passing on January 21, 2026, following her battle with stage four skin cancer (melanoma), I wanted to create something that would allow her legacy of faith, service, and encouragement to continue helping young people. This scholarship is being established in her memory to support a deserving high school senior as they pursue their educational goals and take the next step toward their future. My hope is that this scholarship will not only provide financial assistance, but also remind a young person that someone believes in them. Through this scholarship, my family and I want to keep Addie Jean Colburn's memory alive by investing in the future of another young person and carrying forward the values she held so deeply. Her life touched many people, and we pray that her legacy of faith, service, love, and encouragement will continue to touch lives for generations to come.