NATCHEZ — The residents of Adams County could have a new sheriff as early as Monday.

Supervisor Mike Lazarus said he believes the supervisors will use a portion of the meeting Monday to appoint an interim sheriff.

On Wednesday, former Sheriff Ronny Brown died from a heart attack at his home.

The supervisors are now charged with the task of appointing a new sheriff.

And while no official action has been taken yet, one name for the sheriff’s replacement came up regularly on Thursday — Angie Brown, Ronny Brown’s widow.

Supervisor Darryl Grennell said in situations where an elected official dies in the midst of a term, the official’s spouse is often named as their interim replacement.

Grennell said while he had not spoken to Brown yet, he would like to see her serve in her husband’s place until the special election in November.

Supervisor Mike Lazarus said while he was still considering voting for Brown, he would prefer to speak with her about the job before any decision was made.

“Most of the time it goes to the spouse,” Lazarus said. “I don’t even know if she would want it, she has a lot to deal with now, and we need to see what her feelings are. But she would sure have my consideration.”

Supervisor Thomas “Boo” Campbell said he has had requests from personnel at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to make Brown sheriff.

“There’s no reason not to,” Campbell said. “We can’t continue without a person in that position.”

Supervisor Henry Watts said he felt it was too soon to speculate on who would be the next sheriff.

Supervisor S.E. “Spanky” Felter said he will be looking for recommendations from the sheriff’s deputies before he votes.

But Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy Maj. Jody Waldrop said there’s a consensus among the administrative staff at the sheriff’s office — and they want Brown to take her husband’s position.

“We’re all for Angie being sheriff,” he said.

But Waldrop said while he fully supports Brown taking over as sheriff, right now, it’s just hard going into the office.

“It’s a very somber mood,” he said of the air in the jail. “And we’re dealing with grief. Now, we’re just trying to think of the better times. He wasn’t just a co-worker, he was close personal friend.”