Lee Ann Gregory, of Bruce, will complete her reign as Mrs. Magnolia State when she crowns her successor at the state pageant in Vicksburg Nov. 24.
“This time last year, I was anxiously preparing to represent Calhoun County at the Mrs. Magnolia State pageant in Vicksburg, ranked the second best state pageant in the United States by Pageant Planet and celebrating its 20th 
Anniversary. I would be competing against 24 other women from all over our great state and boy was I nervous, but very excited to see what plans God had laid out for me.”
“My main goal was to do my very best, have fun, and hope to make my family and county proud,” Gregory said.
She earned the crown last November sparking a momentous year.
“It has been a phenomenal journey and I have been so blessed with some amazing opportunities, from meeting our First Lady Deborah Bryant and touring the governor’s mansion, throwing out the first pitch at a Mississippi Braves’ game, being a Disney princess at the Little Miss Magnolia State pageant in July, vacationing on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, and traveling the state making appearances,” Gregory said. “I prayed for God to use me as a vessel to encourage women and our youth to know your worth, never stop following your dreams, continue to set goals for yourself no matter your age, don’t ever give up or allow someone to say you’re not good enough, and most importantly, stay strong in your faith and trust in God’s plan.”
“I have had an incredible amount of encouragement, love, and support this year from my family and friends and for that, I am forever grateful,” Gregory said.
The fast-approaching moment in which Gregory will crown a new queen is bittersweet.
“As much as it saddens me to have to say goodbye, I am super excited to see what other plans God has in store for me and where the paths will take me,” she said.
LeeAnn Gregory, of Bruce, is the wife of Jason Gregory and they have three sons – Brock, Levi, and Jakob. They are members of Sarepta Baptist Church.