Longtime Center supporter G. Hite McLean died of heart failure on August 1, 1997 in Greenwood. He was active during the final weeks of his life, continuing his services as lawyer to those in Leflore County. McLean graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1939. In 1945, after serving as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, McLean began a law practice in Greenwood. His career included supervising the administration of Leflore County's 16th-section land leases.

His sharp mind, dry humor, and courteous manner are woven into the image people have of his life and his practice of law for over 52 years in Greenwood. He is survived by his wife, Keith Somerville Dockery McLean, who has been a member of the Center's State Advisory Committee since its founding.

On August 23, 1997, Lucy Somerville Howorth died at her home in Cleveland at 102. In 1932 Howorth was the first woman from Hinds County elected to the legislature. Prior to her legislative position, Howorth served as U.S. Commissioner of the Southern District. She graduated from the University of Mississippi Law School in 1922 at the top of her class.

One of her many accomplishments included editing a collection of her grandfather's Civil War letters that was published as My Dear Nellie. She spoke on a panel at the 1975 Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference about her experiences with Faulkner as founding members of the Marionettes acting club. Professors Martha Swain of Mississippi State University and Dorothy Shawhan of Delta State University are currently collaborating on a biography of Howorth's extraordinary life.

Hubert E. "Buddy" Bain, host with his wife, Kay, of WTVA's Mornin' Show, died May 25, 1997. His professional career began in 1945 on WJDX radio in Jackson. As a duo, the Bains appeared on Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry. They performed a variety of music but identified themselves as country musicians. Their friends included Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, and Johnny Cash. In 1993 the Mayor of Tupelo noted their extensive civic and charity work by proclaiming "Buddy and Kay Appreciation Day."

Bain spoke at Brown Bag Lectures and other programs at the Center during the past few years. He was often referred to as a goodwill ambassador for North Mississippi.

Marcia Marie Mullen Hadley, known as Dardanelle, died August 8, 1997, from complications that followed valve replacement surgery. Born in Avalon in 1917, Dardanelle made an impact in the Northeast singing jazz and playing the piano with what a critic once called "perfect execution." She sang with the greats during the jazz age in America, including performances with the Nat King Cole Trio.

Dardanelle graciously performed at the Center on a number of occasions. She served as artist in residence at the University from 1986 to 1988. In regard to Dardanelle's career, Bill Ferris said: "She recognized the power of black music that was all around her in the Mississippi Delta. She also recognized the importance of classical music. One felt in the presence of a real impresario when she played." Her final performance was at the Confederate Memorial Building in Greenwood on May 22 of this year. Public Radio Mississippi is currently broadcasting Dardanelle's "down home" vignettes Tuesday mornings at 7:30.