The Rev. Carolyn Abrams stated that she and Robert, her husband, now live in Hattiesburg. They tried to teach their children how to make others’ lives better. Education, family and God were key. She stated that her daughter believes in the importance of education, family and God. After winning the nomination by a convincing 53 point margin, Stacey Abrams (44) has been the focus of national attention. If elected, she will be Georgia’s first woman governor. She is the first African American woman to win the nomination for governor by a major party. Carolyn Abrams stated that her daughter was in Gulfport from pre-school through 10th grade after her family returned to Mississippi from Wisconsin. Carolyn Abrams was on a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. Abrams stated that she and her husband participated in several ministries in Gulfport for the homeless, poor, and detained. Abrams said that their children were always involved in the ministry and even performed plays at juvenile detention centers. Carolyn said that Carolyn carries these memories with her. “The world could be more beautiful. “I know that she brings this with herself in politics.” In 1989, the Abramses moved from Mississippi to Atlanta where their parents completed graduate studies at Emory University. Later, the Abrams returned to Mississippi and served in the United Methodist Conference in South Mississippi. Stacey Abrams isn’t the only Abrams child to succeed. One sister is a Georgia federal judge, while the others are college professors. Abrams father said that his daughter was “the best thing that happened in Georgia since peanuts” and that he knew that Stacey would be a special person from a young age. As a child in Mississippi, I saw a young girl develop into a leader who was dedicated to service. Carolyn and I taught our children that it was important to do good by others every day. She is well-known by many members of the Mississippi Legislature. Rep. David Baria (D-Bay St. Louis), who is the minority leader of the Mississippi House, stated that he has met Abrams many times. Abrams will be “a powerful governor for Georgia’s people,” he said. “Of course, I’m proud to say that she is from Mississippi,” Sonya Williams-Barnes (D-Gulfport), said Abrams and her parents have been close friends for many years. RoseMary Hayes Williams, and Theodore Williams Jr. were mentors to her parents. They opted to be United Methodist ministers, like the Abramses. Williams-Barnes stated that Carolyn Abrams performed the eulogy at her mother’s funeral. Williams-Barnes stated that she called Stacey Abrams Wednesday afternoon to thank her for the primary win. Williams-Barnes stated that she is thrilled. Williams-Barnes stated that Abrams’ success is not surprising. “We have a lot to do before she is elected governor in Georgia.” Abrams is a politician as well as an author and lawyer. Williams-Barnes stated that Abrams is from a Christian family and has a strong belief in hard work. “Her success doesn’t surprise me at all.”