She may have proclaimed “I’m not your mama” during anti-littercampaign commercials over the last few years, but there’s no doubtthat former first lady Pat Fordice was the mother of theMississippi School of the Arts.

While visiting Brookhaven for an event in the late 1990s, it wasFordice who made an offhand comment about Whitworth College being agreat place for a state arts school. Her words set in motion theevents that would eventually lead to the opening of the school in2003.

As the school’s first year neared its end, Fordice was back oncampus in May 2004 for an Appreciation Day ceremony recognizingsupporters and others who helped make the school a reality. Sherecalled then that she had made a similar suggestion for an artsschool in Vicksburg, but the idea never took off.

“It was the right time and the right place,” Fordice said abouther comments that eventually bore fruit. “Brookhaven has beenabsolutely wonderful.”

Wonderful is one of many words that could describe Fordice, whopassed away Thursday at age 72, as she went about her life before,during and after her time as Mississippi’s first lady. Gracious,elegant, classy and dignity were among other fitting words used byfriends, colleagues and admirers when talking about Fordice lastweek.

Aside from her philanthropic work, Fordice loved the arts. Inaddition to her role in MSA’s creation, she was also instrumentalin attracting several international arts exhibits to the state.

Fordice understood the importance of arts in education and thepositive impact that the arts can have on society. Since MSA’sopening, several hundred students have gained valuable knowledgeand have been prepared to pursue careers in the arts.

Fordice’s legacy will live on in each student who walks acrossthe old college campus that she envisioned as an arts school. AndBrookhaven, Mississippi and society as a whole will be better offbecause of the vision of the gracious former first lady.