JACKSON, Miss. (AP/WJTV) — Mississippi leaders are remembering former Gov. William Winter as a champion for education, advocate for improving race relations and supporter of the state Department of Archives and History. A family spokesman said Saturday that Winter died Friday night at home. Some reaction:

“Elee and I are deeply saddened by the loss of former Gov. William Winter. He truly loved this state and his country. And the people of Mississippi loved him back. He will be missed by all of us.” — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican who took office in January.

“Mississippi has lost a great leader and statesman. Deborah and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Governor William Winter upon his passing.” — former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican who held the office from 2012 to early 2020.

“William Winter, best governor Mississippi ever had … & a beacon for equality, inclusion, ethics & education has died. Mississippi & USA so much better because of his life & service.” — former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus, a Democrat who held the office from 1988 to 1992 and who previously served on Winter’s gubernatorial staff.

“Few people have the distinction of the admiration by all of his fellow citizens, the vision and ability to lead them in matters of public policy, and the willingness to devote their own life to the betterment of others. We mourn the passing of former Governor William Winter.” – Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, R-Miss.

“Mississippi has lost a giant, and my family has lost a friend and neighbor. Another courageous member of the greatest generation joins the great cloud of witnesses.” — U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

“Today, Mississippi mourns the loss of former Gov. William Winter. He will be remembered for his dedicated service and commitment to Mississippi and our nation. Praying for his family.” – U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor William F. Winter. Mississippi has lost one of its greatest ambassadors. His work on earth speaks for itself. Rest in peace.” — U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.

“William Winter brings people of all walks of life together for honest discussion.” — Civil rights leader Myrlie Evers in a statement prepared on behalf of the Winter family before his death. Evers and Winter worked together on projects for the state Department of Archives and History, including the Museum of Mississippi History and the adjoining Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. They both spoke at the museums’ opening in December 2017.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History director Katie Blount said Winter helped secure public and private funding for the two history museums: “These museums stand at the intersection of William Winter’s greatest passions — history, education, and racial justice. Generations of young people will come here to experience the stories that have shaped our state and nation.”

Former Mississippi Supreme Court Justices Reuben V. Anderson, who is the current president of the Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees: “With his encouragement, MDAH strengthened its focus on African American history in Mississippi, acquiring significant collections of papers, mounting award-winning exhibits, and offering grants for the preservation of sites associated with African American history. Most notably, his close friendship with Myrlie Evers led to her decision to donate the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Collection to MDAH in 2002.”

“Today we honor the life of former Mississippi Gov. William Winter. A true statesman, Gov. Winter championed some of the greatest education reform the state of Mississippi has seen. We’re forever grateful for his service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Winter family.” — statement from the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus.

“Mississippi has lost her senior statesman with the passing of Gov. William Winter. He was a mentor to me and many and, without a doubt, Mississippi’s biggest cheerleader for public education. He represented decency, honesty and the best of Mississippi.” — northern district Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, a Democrat.

“Gov. William Winter … set the standard for all Mississippi public officials to follow. Mississippi’s greatest statesman.” — state Sen. David Blount, a Democrat from Jackson.

“What a remarkable life that Gov. William Winter lived! To borrow a quote from former (Mississippi House) Speaker Billy McCoy, ‘a mighty oak has fallen.’ I appreciate his great life and his always being ‘on the right side’ — even when he was on that side alone.” — former U.S. Rep. Travis Childers, D-Miss.

“Governor William Winter spent a lifetime serving the people of Mississippi. He will be remembered for his many significant policy decisions and his love for this State.” — Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, a Republican.

“Gov. Winter was a giant of Mississippi politics and an accomplished leader. I was honored to get to know him when I was a student at Ole Miss, and even more honored when he wrote a recommendation for my application for the Rhodes Scholarship. Mississippi has lost a statesman.” — state Auditor Shad White, a Republican.

“What a gift to have 97 years of William Winter. I am grateful that he remained open to new friendships in his 80s and 90s and I am thankful that his family shared him with us (not that anyone could stop him).” — former state Rep. Brandon Jones, a Democrat.

“Mississippi’s education community mourns the loss of former Gov. William Winter, whose work changed the course of public education in our state. He fought to bring equity to education through the Education Reform Act of 1982, which set high standards for students, teachers and schools and established free public kindergarten for all children. His work will live on in the generations of Mississippians whose lives were changed by the opportunities their education provided them.” – Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Education.

“Governor Winter was a visionary whose commitment to education and racial reconciliation positively changed the course of this state. He was a leader who stood by his moral convictions in the face of much adversity, and by so doing, provided an example of courageous leadership that is sorely lacking in today’s political environment. I am deeply saddened by his passing and consider myself honored to have known him. May God comfort and keep his family during these difficult times.” – Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba.

“My thoughts today go to my dear friend, former Gov. William Winter. Throughout his life, he fought to improve equality in education and to ensure that Mississippi’s position in history was more favorable. He was a statesman, a man with keen intellect, and a man of courage.” – Mike Espy, former United States Secretary of Agriculture.

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