Kendall Tyner, of the Rosebloom community, is the first person ever to hold the title of Miss Tallahatchie County Magnolia State.
She now advances to compete for the Miss Magnolia State crown.
The 18-year-old Tyner, a freshman nursing major at Holmes Community College Grenada, earned the local honor at a preliminary pageant that serves as an official feeder event for the Miss Magnolia State Pageant.
Tyner, the daughter of Valarie Williamson and the granddaughter of Stanley and Kathy Williamson, all of Rosebloom, advocates for a very specific, personal platform: “Smile like Bella.”
It is a tribute to her best friend, Isabella “Bella” Renee Ford, a 17-year-old Spring Hill community resident who died in a single-car accident in May 2025.
Ford was known for her infectious smile and upbeat personality, and her death took a toll on many — especially her fellow students at Grenada High School, where Ford had just completed her junior year.
“My platform focuses on mental health and grief in teens, and teen driving,” Tyner explained, noting that teenagers face many unique emotional pressures, challenges and influences.
Miss Tallahatchie County Kendall Tyner poses in the Charleston City Hall courtyard. (Sun-Sentinel photo by Clay McFerrin)
Tyner will be spreading word of her mission at every opportunity. To that end, she is available to appear at any event in Tallahatchie County as a community service.
To request her for a local function, drop an email to kendalltyner2007@gmail.com.
Tyner will be competing at the Miss Magnolia State Pageant Nov. 20-22 in Vicksburg, a standalone final level of competition rather than a feeder into national pageants.
As a result of the costs associated with the pageant, Tyner is also engaged in fundraising efforts.
There will be raffles and other public events, but anyone who would like to contribute to Tyner's state pageant journey more directly may also contact her at the aforementioned email address.
