The Krewe of Natchez Indians has announced its royal court for its 10th annual Mardi Gras ball set for 8 p.m. Saturday.

This year’s theme is “Cruising the Nile.” The event is invitation-only, and will be at the Natchez Convention Center.

Big Chief X Jerry Ford

Jerry Lee Ford is the Krewe of Natchez Indians big chief for 2016.

Jerry is the son of the Rev. Ernest Ford Sr. and Mary Ford. He is married to this year’s majestic queen, Shuwanda Phipps Ford.

Together they have five children, Kimberly, Jerrica, Trevon, Cortez and Kiana. They are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren, Kiari, Johntrell, Clarence “AJ” Jr. and Trinity.

Jerry is employed by the City of Natchez as a police detective and public relations officer. He received both his bachelor of science in education and his master’s in school counseling from Alcorn State University.

Jerry is currently the president of the Fraternal Order of Police and the coordinator of the Miss-Lou Crime Stoppers, where he serves as chairman of the board.

He also, serves as chairman of the deacon board at Smithland Baptist Church where he strives to teach the youth, wisdom and values in Christianity.

His hobbies include, spending time with family, Dallas Cowboys football, basketball and hunting.

Majestic Queen X Shuwanda Phipps Ford

Shuwanda Tremice Phipps Ford is the Krewe of Natchez Indians majestic queen for 2016.

Shuwanda is the daughter of Georgia and Raiford Granger and the late Herman B. Smith.

She is married to Big Chief Jerry Ford and together they have five children, Kimberly, Jerrica, Trevon, Cortez and Kiana. They also have four grandchildren, Kiari, Johntrell, Clarence “AJ” Jr. and Trinity.

Shuwanda is currently employed as an administrative assistant at Alcorn State University. She received her bachelor of science and master’s in business administration from Alcorn State University. She is currently pursuing her executive master of business administration degree.

She is the founder of the Mentor Me program.

Shuwanda attends Smithland Baptist church where she sings in the choir and is a member of the Pastor Aid and Willing Workers club.

Her hobbies include spending time with family, Philadelphia Eagles football, traveling, shopping and reading. 

Duke David Myles

Duke David Myles is the son of Robert and Johnette Myles. He has one daughter, Ashley Renee Myles, and one grandson, Braylon Myles. He also has three sisters and three brothers.

David has been employed by International Paper Company of Vicksburg for 23 years.

He is a member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and John G. John No. 3 Masonic Lodge.

David is a graduate of South Natchez-Adams High School.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially his grandson, and life itself.

Duchess Angela Starks Mosby

Duchess Angela Starks Mosby is a native of Fayette. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Starks Sr. Angela has been married to Waldron A. Mosby Sr. for 25 years. They are the parents of Quiosha Tenner, Ka’Tangela Kingsberry, Terryon Scott, Renada Mosby and Waldron Mosby II. The couple has nine grandchildren.

Angela has been employed by Entergy Operations for 30 years and she currently is the supervisor of document control and records management. Angela is a member of the Nuclear Information and Records Management Association.

She is the owner of Ann’s Creations floral business.

Angela received her bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Angela’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, traveling and shopping.

Angela lives by the motto, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Duke Waldron A. Mosby Sr.

Duke Waldron A. Mosby Sr. is a Natchez native. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman Mosby Sr. Waldron has been married to Angela Starks Mosby for 25 years. They are the parents of Quiosha Tenner, Ka’Tangela Kingsberry, Terryon Scott, Renada Mosby and Waldron Mosby II. The couple has nine grandchildren.

Waldron has been employed by Entergy Operations for 30 years and he currently is the senior staff investigator.

Waldron received his bachelor of science degree, with honors, in mechanical engineering technology, from Southern University in Baton Rouge. Waldron is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Tau Alpha Pi Honor Fraternity. Waldron’s hobbies include reading, spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, playing golf and driving exotic cars.