Mildred Frances Tucker Dearman epitomized the ideals of community and community journalism.
For nearly half a century, Dearman devoted her professional life to The Carthaginian and the people of Carthage and Leake County. Beginning as a reporter in 1960, she worked in virtually every phase of the newspaper business and rose through the ranks to become executive editor, serving under three generations of the Keith family.
Dearman’s career spanned a transformative period in Mississippi history. During the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, she played a key role in The Carthaginian’s coverage of events that placed Mississippi, and particularly that area of the state, under national scrutiny. Fellow Mississippi Press Association Hall of Fame member W.C. “Dub” Shoemaker praised the newspaper and Dearman for carrying out their responsibility to the entire community, reporting “without fear or favor” despite pressure from powerful political figures and others.
But Dearman’s journalism extended far beyond the major events of her time. Inspired by a desire to serve her community with truth and fairness, she chronicled the lives of generations of Leake Countians through countless news and feature stories. She brought national and international events home to her readers by telling the stories of local people involved in them and was a steadfast supporter of the community’s National Guard unit and its members.
Her skill as a writer, editor, photographer and advertising professional earned Dearman more than 125 state and national awards during her career. She received the University of Southern Mississippi’s Medalist Award in Journalism in 1973 and was named Mississippi Press Women’s Woman of Achievement in 1974. She served on the Mississippi Press Association Board of Directors, including service as vice president, and for a decade headed the association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Dearman’s devotion to community service was every bit as remarkable as her journalism career.
She served two terms as president of the Leake County Chamber of Commerce, in 1964-65 and again in 1981-82, becoming one of the first women to hold the position. She was named Leake County Woman of the Year in 1982.
Dearman helped establish Carthage’s Avenue of American Flags, a display that became a cherished community tradition, and helped organize the Dogwood Trail, which included the planting of thousands of dogwood trees along entrances to the city. Her advocacy for the Carthage-Leake County Library also helped secure funding for an expanded and improved facility.
Her civic involvement extended to service as president of the Carthage PTA and the 20th Century Civic Club, and she was an active member of Carthage United Methodist Church. The Old Robinson Road Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored her with its Woman in American History Award.
Born in Carthage in 1923, Dearman graduated with honors from Carthage High School, attended East Central Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. She remained devoted throughout her life to the community that raised her and the newspaper that gave her the opportunity to tell its stories.
Mildred Dearman understood that a community newspaper does more than record history. At its best, it strengthens the bonds among people, champions the places it serves and holds fast to the principles of truth and fairness.
For nearly 50 years, that was the work of Mildred Dearman — journalist, community servant and tireless champion of Carthage and Leake County.
