Natchez and much of Southwest Mississippi mourn the loss of a truly good man, a man who dedicated his life to the education of others.

Norris Edney Sr. died Saturday at his residence in Natchez.

Edney spent literally decades working with Alcorn State University as an instructor, administrator and dean before retiring in 2000.

But Edney did not hang up his love and dedication to education. He was quickly tapped to join the Natchez-Adams School Board where he provided a steady and deeply knowledgeable hand on the board.

He came to the school board in a time at which his wisdom and demeanor was badly needed.

Edney eventually led the school board as its president before his beloved Alcorn called seeking his help.

Edney served as the interim president of Alcorn from February 2010 to January 2011 and a few years later was again Alcorn’s “go-to” leader when another leadership transition took place. Then he led the school from December 2013 to March 2014.

Our community will miss Edney’s leadership and dedication to education.

But his memory should serve as a model for the rest of us both in the work he did, but also in how he did that work and how he carried himself.