Miss Mississippi 2024: Becky Williams takes crown during final competition

Williams wants to use platform to improve education opportunities

VICKSBURG — In her third year competing, Miss Capital City Becky Williams was crowned Miss Mississippi 2024 during Saturday night’s final competition held at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Williams, a Purvis native, proved to be the last woman standing in her sparkling red gown Saturday night, bursting with emotion as her name was called and 2023 Miss Mississippi Vivian O’Neal placed the winner’s crown upon her head.

Williams, who is in her first year at Mississippi State University studying K-12 education, said she was delighted to hear her name called, which left her in a bit of a shock. In 2023, Williams was O’Neal’s first runner up.

“I don’t know how to tell you how it feels,” she said. “This is a dream I’ve dreamt since I was a little girl and to hear my name called on this stage and this environment and to know that I put my heart and soul into everything I did on this stage and in life is just a dream come true.”

For the talent section of the competition, Williams performed a dance number to Queen’s 1974 popular song “Don’t stop me now.” Williams is also focusing her impact initiative on education and is even working with Hinds Country Democratic Rep. Fabian Nelson to draft legislation relating to scholarship opportunities in Jackson.

“(We’ve) been working on some legislation that will directly affect Jackson Public Schools and I’m excited to get started with him soon,” she said.

Day 1 of prelims: Miss Mississippi 2024: Two take awards during first night of preliminary competition

Day 2 of prelims: Three contestants take home Miss Mississippi awards during Thursday preliminary

Day 3 of prelims: Check out the talent and dresswear of the Miss Mississippi 2024 contestants on day three

During her question-and-answer section, she spoke about cancel culture, saying that kids in the classroom and adults alike should be more mindful about what they say online and how their words can impact other people.

The final competition Saturday night featured 11 contestants total vying in multiple categories such as evening wear, talent and question and answers. Besides Williams, another four contestants were chosen to be her runner-up’s. The top four were as follows:

• First runner-up: Jane Granberry — Miss University
• Second runner-up: Morgan Nelson — Miss Mississippi State University
• Third runner-up: Sarah Randolph — Miss Heart of the South
• Fourth runner-up: Anna Leah Jolly — Miss Rankin County

Williams will go on to compete in the Miss America contest.

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335