From left, Ann Abadie, Charles Reagan Wilson and Ted Ownby talk with the crowd about the final editing process and the hiccups they had along the way finishing the Mississippi Encyclopedia Thursday at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Joseph Stone reads a copy of the Mississippi Encyclopedia while holding his dog, Precious Stone, on a leash during the book signing. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Carolyn Vance Smith was honored as part of the Co-Lin debut of the book. Smith’s portrait was unveiled and the library officially dedicated the Carolyn Vance Smith Natchez Literary Research Center. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)