When studying America’s history, we often refer to the nation’s Founding Fathers.

For Natchez, at least in modern times, however, referencing the Founding Mothers may be more appropriate as some of our community’s biggest events and biggest successes can trace their roots back to the hard work, creativity and ingenuity of women.

One of those great community-focused women recently announced her plans to retire from serving as head of an organization she nearly single-handedly founded some 26 years ago.

Carolyn Vance Smith, founder of the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, will leave a closetful of shoes to fill when she steps down from her post.

Smith not only founded the celebration, but she made it a grand event that brought world-renowned authors, poets and filmmakers to Natchez.

Each year the conference features a different theme that highlights Southern writing, film and music.

Her impact and drive has made the event truly impressive, and we hope and pray her successors the best of luck as following in her wake will not be easy, but the Natchez community was lucky to have her service for so many years.