From staff reports

The Mystique Krewe of Natchez Grand Ball will be held on Jan. 13, 2024, at 8 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center, by invitation only.  Mystique Krewe was founded in 2017 by Monica Smith, Delvie Gales, Nedra Hackett and Shawanda Robinson. Since 2017 Mystique has been on a mission.

The krewe regularly performs community service and outreach in the Miss-Lou, offers scholarships to graduating seniors, provides entertainment for kids and adults as well as volunteers and assists the elderly.

The royalty for 2023-2024 includes:

Queen Tanya Carroll

Tanya Carroll was born and raised in Natchez. She is a 1989 graduate of the mighty North Natchez High School and pursued higher learning at Texas Southern University.

Tanya has been blessed with five children: Anthony Jr., Ashlee, Antione , Travonta and Asonta. She is also the stepmother to three beautiful bonus souls and immensely blessed with 13 grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Tanya has been and is active in various organizations. She is currently the president of the Grieving Mothers and Others, where she provides solace and support to those who have experienced the loss of a child. Additionally, she is a sister and member of the Lucinda Robinson Chapter No. 6 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Professionally, Tanya is the owner and chief creative manager of Tweezy’s Creations LLC, a premier southern event planning organization. The venture is named in honor of her late son, Antoine, affectionately known as Tweezy.

Tanya’s motto is ”my journey has been filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I have kept the faith knowing I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.”

King Willie Seals

Willie Seals currently resides in Natchez. He is the son of Maxine Seals Wright and the late Willie Brown Jr and the bonus son of Willie Wright.

Willie is a high school graduate of Natchez High Class of 2000 and is a member of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Melvin White. Willie is currently employed with Sonic Drive-In in Natchez.

Willie enjoys watching football and he is a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Willie is a fun person to be around and will keep a smile on your face. He has a heart of gold and is always willing to help anyone.

Captain Kimberly Rena Bingham

Captain Kimberly Rena Bingham hails from Natchez and is a current resident of Brookhaven. Kimberly is the proud mother of Kynslee and Kaylee Franklin. She is engaged to Mr. Lucious Franklin.

Kimberly is the daughter of Ms. Carrie Bingham and Mr. Johnnie Evans. She is the youngest of her amazing blended sibling group.

Kimberly is a 2002 graduate of Natchez High School, 2006 graduate of Alcorn State University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a 2014 Educational Leadership Bridge Recipient from the University of West Alabama. She is a member of Mercy Seat Baptist Church.

Kimberly is employed with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and actively serves as a Health Program Specialist for Boswell Regional Center. In this capacity she constructs and implements programming for adult residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

Kimberly is the owner of Pink Tie Event Planning, LLC and Anchor Enterprises, LLC (Residential Remodeling) and the founder and chairwoman of the Pushed for Purpose non-profit. She maintains active memberships with the National Council of Negro Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Divine Fabulosity Social Club (Vice President), Just-N-Time Riding Club (Houston, Texas). Kimberly also proudly serves as the Secretary of Mystique Krewe.

Kimberly lives by Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much will be required. We are all responsible for being good stewards of our talents, wealth, time and knowledge. We are also required to share these blessings and make them beneficial to others in good faith.

Duchess Krystal Hutchins-Thomas

Krystal Hutchins-Thomas is a native of Natchez and is married to Raymond Thomas. They have children, Dayton, Dilon, and Bailey. She is the daughter of Julia (Charlie) Clark and Francis Hutchins, with two sisters, Shatorrie and Wende Hutchins. Krystal is a Natchez High School graduate class of 2000 The Golden Class. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Alcorn State University, a Master’s in Psychology, and her Nationally Certified Medical Assistant License. Krystal currently works with Medcentris Wound Care Facility in Natchez and Ferriday, Louisiana, as a wound care specialist.

She loves cooking, throwing her boots on for horseback riding, four-wheeler riding and spending time with family and friends. Krystal is a firm believer in treating people with respect and always lending a helping hand where needed.

 

Duchess Tameka Wilson

Tameka Wilson was born in Natchez to Patricia Marvel and Bishop Stanley Searcy and her bonus father who raised her, Lynn Marvel. Tameka has four amazing children Tytiana Davis, Semaj Calhoun, Alexia Calhoun and the late Eric Davis Jr whom she misses so much. Tameka has five beautiful grandchildren whom she cherishes daily.

Tameka is the wife of her best friend, business partner, and the king of their castle Duran Wilson. Tameka attended Baton Rouge Community College where she majored in Medical Assistant. Tameka is employed by Natchez Ford as a senior sales rep under the leadership of Randy Johnson.

Tameka is a Member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her father and brother Stanley Searcy Sr and Stanley Searcy Jr. Tameka loves to give back to her community, shop, sing, cook and be about Mystiques business when duty calls. She’s a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan.

Tameka’s motto is “You can’t fix stupid.” Her favorite scripture is Psalms 121.

Duke Duran Wilson

Duran Wilson was born and raised in Brookhaven but now resides in Natchez. Duran is the son of Cynthia Keys and Herman Quarles and the bonus son of Curtis Keys Sr. Duran has 4 bonus children Tytiana Davis, Semaj Calhoun, Alexia Calhoun, and the late Eric Davis. He is also the grandfather of five wonderful grandchildren whom he adores so much. Duran is married to his beautiful wife and best friend Tameka Wilson.

Duran is a 2003 graduate of Brookhaven High School. Duran is also a graduate of Alcorn State University and received his Bachelor’s in Agriculture and Science. Duran is a long-time employee of Mississippi Auto Direct where he is currently the truck manager and under the leadership of Sean Waggoner.

Duran is a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where his pastors are his father-in-law Bishop Stanley Searcy Sr. and brother-in-law Pastor Stanley Searcy Jr. Duran loves the Dallas Cowboys and his moto is “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”

Duchess Chinta Wilson-Jones

Chinta Wilson-Jones, a native of Natchez, is the daughter of the late Arthur Wilson and the late Annie Jones-Wilson. She has two sons, Omari and Emanuel Jr.

She is a 1997 honors graduate of Natchez High School. Chinta furthered her education at both Hinds Community College and Alcorn State University,  receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting. Chinta is currently employed by Delta Fuel Company, LLC as an Accounting Specialist; she is also a part-time plus sized model/influencer for various full figured clothing boutiques and social media platforms.

She is also a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Her hobbies include, helping people in need, traveling, shopping, cooking, watching football (especially the Dallas Cowboys), and enjoying quality time with family and friends.

Chinta lives by her favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Live each day as if it were your last. Learn as if you would live forever.”

Duke Brenton “Kris” Ross

Brenton “Kris” Ross  is a true Natchezian.  He never meets a stranger and has always been known for his charismatic personality. Kris attended Natchez High School, and following completion he went on to receive his certificate in forklift operations and trucking. Kris is the son of Cordelia “Cookie” Ross and the late Wilbert “Booker T” Washington. His pride and joy are his two children, Ashton and Brooklynn Ross. Kris enjoys traveling, concerts, sport, and pride his self on being a great father. His favorite Bible verse is Psalms 27: “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I be afraid?”

Duchess Acacia Claiborne

Acacia Claiborne is a lifelong Natchez resident. She is the proud mother of sweet Jadyn, charming Derrick, and charismatic Samuel, don’t forget the third.  She is the daughter of Jessie and Jerry Martin and has four sisters she adores. She is a Natchez High graduate of the Class of 2007 and she’s currently a student at Alcorn State University.  She works full time as a cosmetologist after earning her license 15 years ago.

Acacia is also known as a “Jill of all Trades” as she has had her hands in a host of hobbies, crafts, and creativity. Her favorite hobby is hitting the gym and learning more about fitness, health and wellness.  Acacia believes that self-love and peace are essential to a healthy and happy life.  One of the first steps to happiness is deciding that you want to be happy and knowing what it truly means. It is all within self and your way of thinking; find a reason to smile daily… remember it could be worse, she said. Her motto is “I may be flawed, but I know I’m still worthy.”

Duke Jarvis Tukyi Tenner

Jarvis Tukyi Tenner currently resides in Natchez. He is the father of one daughter, the beautiful Jacaylin Renee’ Williams, and one handsome son, Jarquryvis Tenner. The son of Martha Lee Tenner and Adam Anderson, Jarvis is a graduate of Jefferson County High School Tigers Class of 1998 and is currently employed at Jones Lumber Company.

Being the life of the party is just one of many traits of Jarvis’ personality. In his spare time he enjoys tailgating with the mighty Alcorn Braves, spending time with his two children, and traveling with family and friends. A hard-working man, Jarvis, is willing to help anyone, especially if they are trying to help themselves. “Believing that God can bring you through anything, no matter what you’re going through,” is one of his many beliefs.